Eagles hope
to learn from
lopsided loss
BY SHAWN LAYTON
Staff Writer
EDISON — The Edison High School football team suffered its 21st consecutive loss in a 35-7 defeat to J.P. Stevens High School on Thanksgiving Day.
With the victory, Stevens continued its dominance in the holiday matchup, improving its record to 21-12-4.
Stevens was led by sophomore running back Tamar Robinson, who had a breakout game with 200 yards rushing and four touchdowns. In his first year playing at the varsity level, Robinson looked like a veteran, running the Stevens sweep to perfection. Each of his scores came on runs of greater than 20 yards.
"The score was an example of the same problems we’ve had all year," Edison head coach Vin Gioffre said.
"After three long runs, the score was 21-0. And although we fought to get back in the game at 21-7 in the third, when they added the final touchdown, it was simply out of reach."
Applying pressure on the ball, the Stevens defense seemed to be a step ahead all day. With a variety of stunts and blitzes, the Hawks’ defense held the Edison running game to negative yards.
"They pressured every play," Gioffre said.
"We were unable to pick up on their defense and move the ball."
Edison’s rushing leader, junior Ed Kidney, collected just 7 yards.
"Kidney was stopped cold and that is what hurt us," Gioffre said. "Unfortunately, no one had an outstanding game, and I’m not blaming the running backs. It’s been a struggle for the line this year, and we need to do a better job for the backs."
On the other side of the ball, the Eagle defense could not come up with an answer to the Stevens sweep. Much of Robinson’s yardage came off blocks from Division I prospect Jeremy Zuttah. The senior tackle kept the Eagles on their heels and the chains moving.
"There is no doubt that their sweep hurt us," Gioffre said. "They were able to run the ball and we couldn’t."
Despite his second consecutive winless season, Gioffre believes the program is making strides.
"At the end of the game, the majority of the players were sophomores and juniors," Gioffre said. "Next year, many players are returning with experience. We want to make sure they do the needed work in the off-season and see if they follow through."
Many of Gioffre’s seniors finished their Edison football careers without tasting victory.
"At the end of the game, I thanked the seniors for sticking in there and being patient," Gioffre said. "In the short time I’ve been the head coach, I’ve seen the work habits of the seniors change. We will miss what seniors Brian Fudacz and Barry James brought to this program."
The Eagles should feel confident that the dark days of winless seasons are behind them. The experience the young team gained this year will only make next year’s team stronger.
"The team laid a bit of a foundation this year with some solid performances," said Gioffre. "We want to build on the positives for next season."