By Tom Szieber
Posted: Sunday, October 19, 2014 9:15 pm
For the first time since 2007, Lenape is celebrating a victory over Cherokee. The Indians picked up an important 24-16 victory, thanks largely to running back Ben Hunt’s two fourth quarter interceptions. The second of Hunt’s picks went from 64 yards out and went all the way to the house, allowing the Indians to stay undefeated on the year. Lenape’s defense was on its game against the Chiefs, as well, allowing just one first down in the entire second half.
Lenape Valley won its fourth straight game in the form of a 24-8 victory over North Warren to improve to 5-1, though the win had even greater historical meaning. Patriots head coach Don Smolyn earned his 300th career victory in the win, which was made possible by two scores by quarterback Rylan Pangborn.
Pequannock and Kinnelon engaged in what was the shootout of the year so far, and the Panthers edged out their NJAC Independence Division rivals, 55-54. Despite the offensive game, defense and special teams were the difference, beginning with the Colts’ the missed extra point and two-point conversion. Defensively, the game was decided on an interception with :11 on the clock when defensive back John Tachon sniffed out a Kinnelon passing attempt.
It took two overtimes, but Bergen Catholic managed to rebound from a seven-point deficit with just over two minutes to play to earn a 37-34 victory over rival St. Joseph (Mont.). The game-winning touchdown came by way of a Corey Russo 25-yard run, but the unexpected star was wide receiver Corey Gaarn, who came in for an injured Jarrett Guarantano at quarterback. Gaarn hit Gene Coleman for a 33-yard touchdown on a fourth-and-long for a game-tying score in the final minutes of regulation, preventing what would have been a tough loss for BC heading into its meeting with Don Bosco Prep.
Thanks to some big wins by a few Shore Conference and NJAC powers, there are some big clashes on tap for the week ahead. Quarterback Eddie Hahn’s three touchdowns led Red Bank Catholic to a 38th consecutive Shore Conference victory, a 53-0 trouncing of Red Bank. Meanwhile, Manalapan’s 21-3 victory over Middletown South -- their 30th in a row against Shore Conference opponents -- sets up a huge battle this weekend for best Kings of the Shore. While up in Morris County, Delbarton picked up a big 37-0 win over Mendham, and Roxbury defeated Mount Olive, 35-13. Both squads are now 6-0, and will meet in a de facto NJAC National Division title game Saturday.
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.