The Devils Dogs ran past the Leathernecks in the second half for a 44-24 win in the 2015 Basilone Bowl on Thursday in Somerville. Here are the selections for Most Valuable Player, with an overall, offensive and defensive MVP picked for each team.
DEVIL DOGS
OVERALL - Ed Trimpert, Hillsborough
The Hillsborough quarterback headlined a dominant offensive performance by the winning side, anchoring the team during a game-record 44-point performance. Trimpert finished 2-for-4 passing, including a third-quarter touchdown that helped extend the Devil Dog lead to 14 points. Trimpert went 5-for-6 on extra points while also adding a 22-yard field goal in the first half,
OFFENSIVE - Corey Brennen, Bridgewater-Raritan
Brennan made one of the game's most spectacular plays, breaking free for a 70-yard touchdown catch to open the second half. He caught the ball near midfield, eluded a pair of defenders and broke free. The long touchdown catch broke a 17-17 halftime tie and put the Devil Dogs up for good. He finished with three catches for 95 yards and one touchdown.
DEFENSIVE - Colin Roach, Bound Brook
The Devil Dogs had a few players stand out on defense, picking off three passes as a team, but Roach had the biggest impact with his play on the line. The defensive lineman broke through on multiple occasions to stop plays in the backfield, and he helped for several scrambles on Leatherneck passing plays. Roach finished with two sacks.
LEATHERNECKS
OVERALL - Ryan Cunningham, Watchung Hills
Cunningham started off the game with a bang, running the opening kickoff back 92 yards to put his team up 7-0. Cunningham also made plenty of contributions on the ground, racking up 60 yards on 11 carries, including a 1-yard touchdown plunge in the fourth quarter that pulled the Leathernecks within 31-24.
OFFENSIVE - Joe Giacomo, Watchung Hills
Cunningham's Warrior teammate also had a big impact on the offensive end, splitting time at quarterback to pace the 24-point game, which is the second most in Basilone Bowl history, despite it coming in a losing effort. Giacomo created the Leathernecks' biggest play from scrimmage, hitting Joe Petrone of Somerville in stride for a 73-yard touchdown near the end of the first half, tying the game at 17-17.
DEFENSIVE - Ferrell Tamke, Bernards
Tamke helped create some consistent pressure for the Leatherneck defensive line, and it kept a potent Devil Dog rushing attack from gaining too much steam, despite some big runs later in the game. That pressure also helped force a pair of interceptions late in the first half.