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By Tom Szieber
Posted: Monday, October 13, 2014 6:30 pm
After back-to-back losses to CAL parochials, Millville needed a spark. And a spark they got thanks to running back Ryquell Armstead, who broke a school rushing record at the expense of Absegami. The Thunderbolts rode 27 carries by Armstead—which he turned into a Millville-best 337 yards—to a 48-13 victory, just three games after former back Rob Ennis set the previous mark at 315. Of course, Ennis’ departure from the team following an off-the-field incident several weeks ago was a low point for the Thunderbolts, but Armstead’s performance pumped life back into the season, and kept his team within three power points of the eighth playoff spot in South, Group 5.
Wall earned one of the biggest upsets of the weekend -- and the season -- by picking up a 28-27 victory over previously undefeated Brick Township for its first victory of the year. It took two overtimes, but the Crimson Knights triumphed when quarterback Matt Cluley found wide receiver Liam Ferguson for a 22-yard touchdown and kicker Nick Maciejewski coverted the ensuing extra point. The Green Dragons still lead the power point race in Central, Group 4, but the loss will drop them out of the Gridiron New Jersey Top 20.
There was a ton of trash talk, including some words from former Paladin and current University of Michigan Wolverine Jabrill Peppers, but when the dust settled on the field Paramus Catholic emerged as a 21-14 winner over Don Bosco Prep. Running back Ahmad Thomas scored twice early in the game to put PC up, 13-0, but the Ironmen managed to retake the lead by one early in the fourth. Paladins quarterback Willy Hansen hit wide receiver Marquise Spence for the game-winning 19-yard score late, and gave PC the bragging rights in round one of what could be a two-game series this year.
Hillsborough is putting together one heck of an early 2014. After already defeating some traditionally-strong-yet-currently-struggling Mid-State 38 opposition, the Raiders put an exclamation mark on their huge start by downing Phillipsburg, 14-13, for the first time since 2002. The big play in the win came on a blocked extra point that would have allowed the Stateliners to knot the game in the third. The Raider stop was followed up by several outstanding defensive stands that ultimately resulted in the huge win.
We’ve talked about Buena quite a bit over the past several weeks, but their 2014 just keeps getting more and more impressive. Holy Spirit may not be its dominant self this season, but it’s still a big deal for the undefeated Chiefs to have beaten a Spartans squad that is a traditional regional power. Buena scored on its first six possessions, and rushed for 370 yards on the night.
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.