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Home Care In Manchester Township, NJ

Home Care Manchester Township, NJ

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Brooksbrae Brick Factory gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Manchester Township, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Manchester Township, NJ

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from the agency were fantastic This situation is new for myself and my dad For having no complaints from my dad is a plus So ty again for such an easy transition for my dad Much appreciated Susan”

susan A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they take care of. Caretakers are top notch and customer service is great and they are available whenever you need them.”

Josie J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care. Not only have they placed the perfect caregiver with my mother they also take care of the billing and when I need to speak to a receptionist they are always available. Thank you!!”

Pamgoldberg
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TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living Facility for my mother. We moved to the city a month ago and had little idea about the local senior living communities. I’d like to thank the highly experienced and knowledgeable caregivers of Always Best Care for helping our family during the difficult time.”

Theodore S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”

Leta J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.”

Carla500226
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now. My mother practically does everything herself, but sometimes they might fix her her lunch, there might be a little bit of shopping, and they take her to her appointment. My mother is fine. The hours are fine. She got the hours that she requested. I know she is being billed on her credit card. They have been very helpful and very cooperative. The women always call back.”

Judy367738
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in three days a week to assist my mother with doing the wash, keeping the house picked up, and just talking to her. She’s wonderful. We interviewed several people, and there was just something about the way they were organized in their presentation and their follow up. that impressed us. They were a level above the other ones that we spoke to. They really listen to you about your needs and work very hard to match the caregiver up with what you’re looking for. We were very impressed with them.”

Nancy176801

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Manchester Township, NJ?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Manchester Township, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Manchester Township, NJ

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Manchester Township, NJ
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Manchester Township, NJ
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting SUMMIT PARK, MANCHESTER TWP PARK with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Manchester Township, NJ
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Cafe Napoli or visit Lakehurst Hangar 1, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Manchester Township, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Manchester Township, NJ

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Manchester Township, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Manchester Township, NJ

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NJ's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Manchester Township, NJ

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Manchester Township, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Manchester Township, NJ

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Manchester Township, NJ

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • AristaCare at Manchester
  • Pines Village
  • Leisure Knoll at Manchester
  • Whiting Healthcare Center
  • Crestwood Manor
  • Spring Oak at Toms River
Home Care Manchester Township, NJ

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Manchester Township, NJ

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Manchester Township, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Manchester Township, NJ

Latest News in Manchester Township, NJ

Holiday Flea Market this Saturday 12/21/24

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Manchester|Local EventDec21Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 8:30 AMCrestwood Village Five, 325 Schoolhouse Rd, Manchester Township, NJ, 08759Get ready for our Holiday Flea Market this Saturday 12/21/24 at 8:30 to 1:00 at ...

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Manchester|Local Event

Dec21

Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 8:30 AM
Crestwood Village Five, 325 Schoolhouse Rd, Manchester Township, NJ, 08759

Get ready for our Holiday Flea Market this Saturday 12/21/24 at 8:30 to 1:00 at 325 Schoolhouse Rd Village 5 Clubhouse. Great for those last minute gifts or perhaps, a gift for yourself! A full service kitchen with great food! Come by and visit my Weichert Realtors booth, I have a new 2025 Calendar for you!!!#TeamAmelia #weichertrealtors #njrealestate #justlisted #JustReduced #JustSOLD #NJ #njrealtor #topproducers #topproducerrealtor #topproducingagent

More Upcoming Events

Featured Event

Dec31

T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week

Tuesday, 8:30 amManchester, NJ

Local Event

Dec31

New Year's Eve Dinner Dance

Tuesday, 7:00 pmManchester, NJ

Local Event

Jan4

Art Exhibit by local artists

Saturday, 2:00 pmManchester, NJ

Local Event

Jan5

Ocean County Historical Society Hindenburg Experience Talk!

Sunday, 2:00 pmManchester, NJ

Featured Event

Jan8

New Year's Victorian Afternoon Tea

Wednesday, 11:00 amToms River, NJ

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Jan25

Soup-R-Bowl of Chili Challenge Looking for Organizations to Participate

Saturday, 3:00 pmManchester, NJ

Neptune defeats Manchester Township - Boys basketball recap

Boys Basketball New Jersey's Fastest Growing University Manchester Township 1-5 • 0-0 Shore - A South35FINAL 41Share...

Boys Basketball

New Jersey's Fastest Growing University

Manchester Township

1-5 • 0-0 Shore - A South

35

FINAL

41

Share: Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

Game Leaders

Points

Aidan Lunn #3

Manchester Township

20

#24 Jay'Vion Rogers

Neptune

18

Rebounds

Aidan Lunn #3

Manchester Township

10

Cam Stukes

Neptune

0

Steals

Marquis Goins #22

Manchester Township

3

Cam Stukes

Neptune

0

Tue, December 17, 2024, 5:15pm

1 2 3 4 Final

Manchester Township (1-5)

0 0 0 0 35

Neptune (4-1)

0 0 0 0 41

Player Stats

Manchester Township

2PT 3PT FTM FTA PTS REB AST BLK STL GP
Aidan Lunn 5 0 10 14 20 10 3 0 0 1
Ny'Zyr Battle 1 1 2 3 7 7 0 2 1 1
Marquis Goins 3 0 0 0 6 3 1 0 3 1
Justin Roberts 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 1
Alex Vasylatiy 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
Totals: 10 1 12 17 35 21 6 2 4 5

Neptune

2PT 3PT FTM FTA PTS REB AST BLK STL GP
Cam Stukes 0 1 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 1
Donnie Stevenson 5 1 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 1
Jay'Vion Rogers 4 2 4 6 18 0 0 0 0 1
Jayden Myrthil 1 1 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 1
Darren Fonrose 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
David Boone 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Dion Burton 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1
Max Kifner 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Jarren Reid 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Dominic Oneil 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Marc Alston 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Totals: 10 5 6 11 41 0 0 0 0 11
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Point Pleasant Boro football cruises to 2nd straight section final: 'We go hard.'

POINT PLEASANT -- Point Pleasant Borough football is back where it always seems to be: dominating opponents on their way to the section final. The Panthers cruised to a 49-14 victory over Manchester on Friday night, giving the team their third appearance in South Group 2 section championship game in the past four seasons.But to go even farther, they will rely on a class of seniors that were freshman when the team last took home the section title in 2021. Nobody exemplifies the journey back to the pinnacle more than the ...

POINT PLEASANT -- Point Pleasant Borough football is back where it always seems to be: dominating opponents on their way to the section final. The Panthers cruised to a 49-14 victory over Manchester on Friday night, giving the team their third appearance in South Group 2 section championship game in the past four seasons.

But to go even farther, they will rely on a class of seniors that were freshman when the team last took home the section title in 2021. Nobody exemplifies the journey back to the pinnacle more than the star of Friday night's victory, Dylan Reitmeyer.

"The coaches really built this program from the ground up," Reitmeyer said. "And we have tough kids from Point Pleasant, and we've all been playing together for a long time. We just kind of come together and win games."

Reitmeyer battled injuries that hampered him in past seasons, but has been a revelation as a senior as he leads the team in rushing yards and is tied for the lead in touchdowns after scoring three against Manchester. His grit and determination is mirrored across a strong senior class of Panthers that was determined in the offseason to make this the breakthrough year for Point Boro.

"It starts in the weight room," said senior lineman Tanner Hynes. "We work our butts off every week. That's why it showed on the field today — we were pushing them back 5 to 10 yards every play."

The opposite sentiment, reminding players why that work was needed, was conversely echoed on the Manchester sideline as Point Boro was simply unstoppable getting a push on the interior within the team's flexbone triple option scheme. Even outside runs turned back inside to get behind the parade of powerful Panther blockers.

That raw strength combined with superb execution is why Point Boro came within three points of upsetting Toms River North, No. 1 in the Asbury Park Press rankings, earlier in the season. And it will be put to the ultimate test on the road next week as the Panthers face Camden in the section final.

"This team's done an outstanding job every single week with the preparation consistency," said head coach Brian Staub. "It starts Monday in the weight room and then it carries over to Tuesday and Wednesday — we go hard."

The formula hasn't changed and neither has the results, thanks to players like Reitmeyer who set the tone for the entire group.

"Each and every day of practice has to be great," said Reitmeyer. "And it has been so far, and we're just looking to take it week by week and go in there and beat 'em."

More:NJSIAA football playoffs Week 2: Shore Conference schedule, scoreboard, highlights

Point Boro overwhelms Manchester team that was plagued by errors

For the upstart Manchester Hawks to pull off the road upset against powerful Point Boro, they needed to be perfect Friday night. Instead, they were beset by an unprecedented amount of self-inflicted wounds from the first possession to the last.

The opening possession of the game looked promising through the first few plays, but a slant pass from Aidan Lunn went through the receiver's hands and it was intercepted by Jake Clayton, setting up the first of five straight Point Boro possessions that began in opposing territory. As usual, the Panthers seized on every opportunity.

Those kinds of mistakes by Manchester were compounded by the fact that the Panthers nearly always won the pivotal moments. The Hawks forced a 4th-and-3 as they tried to hold strong defensively, by Reitmeyer punched in a 6-yard touchdown for the game's first score. The following Manchester possession also ended in disaster as Point Boro's Calvin Videon-Perino blocked a punt to set up the Panthers inside the Hawks' red zone. Clayton finished it off with a quarterback sneak for a second touchdown.

On top of the mistakes, Manchester faced an early fatal setback on a controversial call on 4th-and-1 as the Hawks were driving and trying to keep alive hope for a comeback. A Point Boro player appeared to blatantly jump offsides twice without any flag, and the subsequent spot of the ball also appeared to be incorrect.

But the Hawks were also not resilient enough in the wake of such setbacks, and the Panthers' execution was nearly perfect throughout the night. Just a few plays later, Clayton darted down the sideline for a 35-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 21-0.

Manchester answered by marching down the field and Lunn finished it off with a 6-yard touchdown run, but the deficit was too much as the Hawks' defense had no answers for the Point Boro offense. Brady Kirk had a huge kickoff return to set up another Reitmeyer touchdown. The Panthers kept their foot on the gas pedal as they executed a surprise onside kick to get yet another possession in opposing territory.

The first play that followed was a rare showing of the aerial attack, as Clayton hit Videon-Perino for a 45-yard touchdown that essentially put the game away in the first half as Point Boro had a 35-7 lead.

The Hawks answered before the half on a creative double pass from Lunn to Dom Rekus to M.J. Goins for the touchdown. But even in the second half as Manchester drove for pride and points, their ability to move the ball was eventually undermined by fumbles.

By contrast, the Panthers kept pressing even with backup quarterback Michael Ollendorf producing several great runs and finishing off the victory with the final touchdown. Point Boro was determined to roll right into the section final.

Hawks' historic season comes to close

Although the final result is heartbreaking for a Manchester team that had hopes of continuing the best season in school history, it was a breakthrough season for a program that had been downtrodden for nearly half a century. The team matched the highest win total in school history after setting that record last year, and won the first playoff game in football program history last week.

"They laid the foundation for the future of this town," said Manchester head coach Tommy Farrell. "It's emotional because these seniors did so much for this program, but they won't know until weeks and years ahead. It's just an honor. It hurts because we're not really in it for moral victories, but yeah they it. They did things that nobody thought could be done."

With so many losses from that senior class, it could be a challenging rebuild for the Hawks. But this year's group set a new standard and cemented its place in the history books.

What's next: Point Boro sets sights on Camden

For the Panthers, this season is another great chapter in a multi-year restoration of Point Pleasant Boro to its historic glory. But the final differentiating step is still to come.

In past years, the Panthers contended with Willingboro as the two teams had ended one another's season in some form each of the past three years. Two of those came in section finals, including last year when Willingboro held on for a victory in the final minutes.

This year's Camden squad (8-2) might be a different beast entirely after they walloped Willingboro 41-6 in their semifinal. It will be a matchup of two very different types of Panthers in the South Group 2 section final next week. As Point Boro's physicality will have to overpower the elite athleticism and speed of Camden. It will be the ultimate matchup of styles between two teams hungry to take home a championship.

Point Pleasant Boro 49, Manchester 14

Manchester 0 14 0 0 - 14

Point Pleasant Boro 14 21 14 0 - 49

1st quarter

Point Boro: Dylan Reitmeyer 6-yard touchdown run (Jack Sullivan kick). Jake Clayton 1-yard touchdown run (Sullivan kick).

2nd quarter

Manchester: 6-yard touchdown run by Lunn (Ian Spicer kick). 7-yard touchdown pass from Dom Rekus to M.J. Goins (Spicer kick).

Point Boro: Clayton 35-yard touchdown run (Sullivan kick). Reitmeyer 2-yard touchdown run (Sullivan kick). Clayton 45-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Videon-Perino (Sullivan kick).

3rd quarter

Point Boro: Reitmeyer 9-yard touchdown run (Sullivan kick). Michael Ollendorf 5-yard touchdown run (Sullivan kick).

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