Defense keys impressive win over Edison
By: Ken Weingartner
In the days leading up to South Brunswick High’s football game against Edison, the Vikings’ defense was told by coaches it was not ready for action.
On Saturday night against the Eagles, the SB defense proved otherwise.
The Vikings created eight turnovers including a school-record six interceptions as they rolled to a 38-16 victory over Edison. In addition, SB defenders put 14 points on the board via an interception return, fumble return and safety.
"Coach was telling us no one thought our defense was ready," said senior Bob Alessi, a team captain who had one of the Vikings’ interceptions. "We knew we were ready to prove everyone wrong. We worked hard. It all just came out. We just came out and did our best."
Steve Ferrara, who had his share of excitement on offense and special teams, also chipped in defensively with a safety on the first play of the second quarter that gave SB an 8-7 lead it would never give up.
Shariyf Holligan scored on a 29-yard interception return to give the Vikings a 31-16 lead with 12 seconds left in the third period and Chadd Wood had a 31-yard fumble return to complete the scoring with 8:29 to play.
Bryan Turner had an interception and fumble recovery while Wood, Sean Papp and Tyrell Thompson also had interceptions. Defensive end Joe Heiser was a terror in the backfield, deflecting passes (one was intercepted) and putting pressure on Edison’s quarterbacks (forcing an interception).
"Our defense was able to control the game," Vikings coach John Coppola said in understated fashion.
The Vikings are 2-0, and the defense has been very strong in both outings. Against Edison, SB held its opponent to 171 yards offense from scrimmage, and most of that was yielded after the contest was no longer in doubt. In the first half, the Vikes gave up just 32 yards on 22 plays.
Edison’s touchdowns came against the Vikings’ special teams (a 91-yard kickoff return) and offense (a 51-yard interception return). In addition, SB held Eagles running back Antonio Ellis to 13 yards on 12 carries.
"If he gets in the open space, he’s a threat," Coppola said about Ellis. "We got people to the ball and tackled well."
The previous week, the Vikings gave up just 25 second-half yards to Woodbridge en route to a 17-13 win.
Against Edison, Ferrara was a scoring machine. He had touchdown runs of 61 and 1 yards, plus an 87-yard kickoff return for a score. He registered the Vikings’ safety and also kicked a 27-yard field goal and three extra points. Game total: 20 points.
"It was a dogfight, but our defense stepped up," said Ferrara, who finished with 87 yards on 12 carries. "On special teams, we knew we would break one. All around, everyone did great. We did what we had to do."
Coppola said it has been four or five years since SB opened 2-0. He’s happy with the victories, but not ready to declare too much, too soon.
"I feel we can be a good football team, but I’m still a little cautious until we get deeper into the schedule," he said. "But getting off to the good start is extremely important to us."
Ferrara was less guarded about the team’s chances.
"If we play to our best potential, we can play against any team," he said.
The defense rests. Until the next game.

