By Tom Szieber
Posted: Sunday, September 24, 2017 7:40 pm
Check out LaRon Hall's photo gallery from Millville's win over St. Augustine Prep.
DePaul made another big statement in Week 3 by not just beating Don Bosco Prep, but dominating the Ironmen in the fourth quarter to complete a 42-17 route. Defensive back Ron Hickman was among the game changers for the Spartans, snagging a pick off a tipped ball and taking it 84 yards to pay dirt to extend what had been a less comfortable 12-point lead. DePaul led at halftime, 20-7, but never by enough to make it seem that Bosco was buried, until Hickman’s big play made the likelihood of a Bosco comeback less likely.
Newark East Side’s struggles have been well-documented, but the Red Raiders got a long-existing monkey off their back by defeating Belleville, 32-30, to snap a 55-game skid that began in 2011. Prior to this past weekend, East Side’s last victory was over Brick City rival Newark West Side on Oct. 1, 2011, but it pulled off the victory with just 16 seconds on the clock. Quarterback Carlos Martinez showed that he had ice water in his veins, hitting fullback Romaine Johnson with a game-tying 20-yard scoring pass, and then WR/TE DeAndre Speight on the go-ahead two-point conversion.
In a week of personal tragedy, Vineland quarterback Isaih Pacheco showed resiliency, strength and leadership to lead the Fighting Clan to a 42-6 victory over Egg Harbor. After losing his sister in a shooting that is currently under investigation, the talented Pacheco rushed for 222 yards and a touchdown, and also hit wide receiver Javier Santana with a six-yard touchdown pass. Vineland seemed to feed off Pacheco’s emotion, rolling to a victory and continuing their outstanding start.
Millville defeated a very good St. Augustine Prep squad thanks to a clutch late-game drive by the Thunderbolts. Trailing by 4, and forced to start their possession from their own 8 due to a penalty, they drove down the field and scored on a 10-yard touchdown strike from quarterback E.J. Nichols to running back Clayton Scott. Nichols had a big day, going 14-of-20 for 149 yards and four touchdowns. With it, he put the defending South, Group 5 champions to stay in contention for the top seed in the sectional power point standings in what looks to be one of the more competitive sections in New Jersey this year.
A big rushing day for Somerville was key in the Pioneers’ comeback victory over Voorhees. Running back Robbie Fiorentino totaled 23 carries against the Vikings for 141 yards and a score, leading the charge in a 34-20 win. The Pioneers had to rally from a 17-6 deficit, but Somerville ran for 335 yards as a team, and its defense -- behind defensive end Hamza Akel -- shut out Voorhees in the second half.
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridirionnewjersey.com.