After getting thrashed by defending NJSIAA Group 5 champion Toms River North in late September, the Southern Regional football team knew trying to get through the Mariners in the first round of the Central Jersey Group 5 state playoffs on Oct. 27 was going to be a challenge.

Never mind the fact North had more weapons at its disposal, the Rams were banged up, with a significant portion of their starters on the sidelines.

“We were down a bunch of guys with injuries and head things, and that’s a great football team,” said head coach Chuck…