By Tom Szieber
Posted: Monday, October 17, 2016 12:30 am
Without question, St. Peter’s Prep and Bergen Catholic had one of the more exciting games in the state this past weekend, with the Marauders emerging victorious, 48-42. But to do so, St. Peter’s had to withstand a furious rally by BC -- not to mention four fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Crusaders QB Johnny Langan. The senior signal-caller went 30-of-59 for 344 yards and six touchdowns on the day, the final being a five-yarder to wide out Dylan Classi to get the Crusaders to within 48-42. It was the culmination of a near-comeback that seemed unlikely when they trailed 34-6 at the half. BC couldn’t manage to recover the ensuing onside kick, and the Marauders hung on to win on a day when their own QB, Johnathan Lewis, threw five touchdowns of his own (and also rushed for a score).
Bloomfield may not be getting enough credit for its 5-0 start, most likely because it has yet to beat a team with a current above-.500 record, but there is no doubt the Bengals are playing outstanding football. They kept rolling against Livingston, with running back Brandon Fernandes rushing for 119 yards and three touchdowns. The senior has been outstanding on defense, as well, and tallied five tackles in the win over the Lancers. Looking ahead, Bloomfield looks very capable of an 8-0 start that could help it secure a home playoff game.
Similarly, Vineland may have been suffering from a credibility problem in its early season start, but it looks as if eyes may be opening thanks to a 61-29 victory over Clearview. The Fighting Clan isn’t perennially strong, but it beat a good Pioneers team with relative ease and showed that it is ready to make a run. Running back Daivon Seymore carried the ball 15 times against Clearview, picking up 185 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Isiah Pacheco rushed for three scores and threw for two others.
On the theme of good teams proving their worth, Irvington earned a signature victory in dominant fashion, downing Wayne Valley, 52-25. It will be interesting to see what the victory ends up meaning for both teams. For the Blue Knights, a microscope will now be on a squad that has now beaten a second top-tier opponent impressively (we have to give respect to 4-2 Lincoln). The Indians, meanwhile, have already shown the ability to beat good teams, and are still way ahead in the power point chase in North 1, Group 4, but will have to turn this imposing loss into a wake-up call rather than a derailer. It is worth noting that the Indians have faced only one team that is currently sub-.500 -- Downington West (PA).
Quarterback Kyle Jones and Paulsboro likely weren’t seen as favorites against Haddonfield, but the Red Raiders pulled out a big 36-22 victory over the rival Bulldawgs to help their playoff positioning. Jones led the way by generating 266 total offensive yards (180 passing) five total touchdowns (4 passing). Three of his touchdown passes ended up in the hands of receiver Emmanuel Simon.
And in the Mid-State 38, perhaps some dismissed Cranford a bit prematurely after a 1-2 start. In hindsight, it seems those losses weren’t anything to sneer at the Cougars for, as they came at the hands of two of the league’s best in Somerville and Rahway. And this past week, the Cougars got right back in the Central, Group 3 conversation by beating rival Summit, 37-7. Running back Brian Oblachinski rushed 23 times for 241 yards and scored a 67-yard touchdown, pushing the Cougars to a third-consecutive victory.
And in the race for the NJIC Liberty Division title, Pompton Lakes got one of the league’s biggest victories of the season by beating previously undefeated Harrison. The win secured not only a division title for the Cardinals, but a spot in the league's 2-week playoff format, which features all four division winners. And the Cardinals did it against a Blue Tide squad that not only had been without a loss, but also one that had allowed just 18 total points on the year.
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.