By Tom Szieber
Posted: Monday, September 18, 2017 7:30 am
Seton Hall Prep showed that it is much closer than many might have assumed to being able to compete with the NJSFC’s Big Six, leading in overtime before falling to Paramus Catholic, 33-30. Kicker Zach Hoban had given the Pirates the lead on a 36-yard field goal in OT, but the Paladins ended the game on the very next play, when quarterback Shelton Applewhite hit wide receiver Mohammed Toure with a 25-yard touchdown pass.
Running back David Usewick was the difference in Bridgewater-Raritan's exciting 31-30 victory over Hillsborough, though it was a defensive play in the waning seconds that sealed the Panther victory. Usewick was a workhorse, carrying the ball 30 times for 124 yards and three touchdowns, including both of BR’s second half scores. Hillsborough quarterback Matt Moore found receiver Justin Brown on a 24-yard scoring pass with just seconds to play, but the Red Raiders’ ensuing two-point attempt fell short, preserving the Panthers’ win.
Even without running back Chase Cramer for the better part of three quarters, Newton earned a huge win over Sussex County rival Lenape Valley, 20-7. Running back Will Larsen was a key part of the winning effort, carrying the ball 17 times for 142 yards and a touchdown, and was all over the field on defense, as well. He iced the game for Newton with a 79-yard sprint to pay dirt, allowing the Braves to take an early lead in the NJSFC American Red Division race.
Running back Jerome Gibson was practically unstoppable for Timber Creek, who rushed for 168 yards and a touchdown as the Chargers defeated Cherokee, 35-28. Cherokee led at both halftime and the end of the third, but the Chiefs could never quite pull away, and Gibson’s work on the ground set Timber Creek up for a chance to win the game. They did that on an eight-yard slant from Devin Leary to receiver Jordan Nash with just over five minutes to play.
A week after an overtime loss, defending Central, Group 1 champion Asbury Park has gotten in the win column against the same Keyport squad they beat last December for the sectional title. Senior running back Quadir Lawson (99 rushing yards) scored a one-yard touchdown in the extra period to give Asbury the 20-14, overtime victory. The win was uplifting following a 12-6 overtime loss just a week earlier against Shore, and with three straight road games beginning Saturday against undefeated Point Pleasant Beach.
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.