Quarterback Jake Long led West Essex to a massive win against their rivals, Caldwell, in a thrilling overtime game Friday, Sept. 13. Long ran into the endzone for his second 1-yard rushing touchdown, securing the game for the Knights. The Knights were the first on the scoreboard with a touchdown from Long on their opening drive, followed by an extra point by sophomore Bobby Warmington to give them a 7-0 lead. They held the Chiefs back from earning any points in the first quarter due to their impressive defense lineup. With only four minutes left in the second quarter, the Chiefs were able to fight back and score two touchdowns to steal the lead.
Going into halftime, the Chiefs led 14-7, but that did not stop the Knights from coming out of halftime strong. In the third quarter, Max Garcia caught a 58-yard pass to score a touchdown and tie the game. Throughout the fourth quarter, both defenses held strong and kept the game tied, leading the game into overtime.
Caldwell started with the ball on West Essex’s 25, but the Knight’s defense held them back to just four plays, allowing West Essex to get the ball back and drive down the field. Justin Perini and Garcia both caught passes, allowing them to be just 1-yard away from winning the game. On third and one, Long carried the ball into the end zone, scoring the winning touchdown and giving the Knights their second win of the season.
The West Essex football team is looking to continue their winning streak on Friday, Sept. 20 when they take on Lakeland on West Essex turf at 6:30.
