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By Tom Szieber
Posted: Sunday, September 21, 2014 11:25pm
Three weeks, three dominant victories for DePaul. This one may have been the most impressive yet, as the 5th ranked Spartans rolled past one of the state’s best public school teams in #8 Pascack Valley, 35-14. There have been a lot of heroes, but running back Kareem Walker has undoubtedly been the engine behind DePaul’s success. Against the Indians, he rushed for 251 yards and four scores, bringing his season totals to 447 and six, respectively.
Meanwhile, another of the state’s best publics got on track after a tough opening loss. Behind talented quarterback Elijah Robinson, #18 Montclair bounced back from a loss to Pascack Valley with a big victory over 17th ranked Union City, 28-7. Robinson totaled 335 offensive yards (187 rushing, 145 passing) and three touchdowns (two rushing, one passing), and proved that despite the Soaring Eagles’ many assets, the Mounties are still a cut above in North 1, Group 5. Union City didn’t help its own cause at all, accruing 10 penalties that stalled several offensive drives.
South Jersey’s most surprising undefeated squad may be none other than Jonathan Caputo’s Buena Chiefs. They haven’t finished a season above .500 since 2008, and were expected to be in a bit of a rebuild, but are playing some outstanding football over the first several weeks of this year. Defensively, they’ve allowed just six total points against a Bridgeton team that beat Holy Spirit this week and a very good Cedar Creek squad. This week’s victory, 16-6 over the Pirates, saw junior fullback Sammy Crouch play the role of old school workhorse, carrying the ball 18 times for 136 yards.
Paul VI and Clearview played one of the crazier games you’ll see, ending 60-55 in favor of the Eagles. Running back Stefon Moore-Green had a monster outing, scoring four touchdowns, with two of them coming via kick returns. The Eagles had a tight 35-34 halftime lead, but broke away by outscoring Clearview, 18-7, in the third. They capped that run with a 39-yard fumble return to the house by defensive lineman James Weathers.
After a close loss to Brearley in its first game, Belvidere picked up its first win of the season in an uncharacteristic manner—with four field goals, to beat New Providence, 12-10. County Seaters placekicker Kenny Kane had about as good a day as you can as a specialist, and capped off his day with a 32-yard kick that gave Belvidere the win as the clock hit :00.
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.