Greyhounds overcome turnovers, mistakes
By Bob Nuse, The Packet Group
PRINCETON — As opening games go, the Northern Burlington High football team got a little taste of everything in its 28-7 win over Princeton on Saturday.
On the positive side was junior running Tosin Adeyemo, who rushed for 247 yards and three touchdowns. There was also an exciting 87-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Melvin Moore which came right after Princeton’s first score.
But there were also mistakes that the Greyhounds need to correct before today’s game against Hopewell Valley. Northern Burlington committed four penalties and turned the ball over four times in the win.
”It was our opening game and I think it takes a while to get into the rhythm of the game,” said Northern Burlington coach Jon Reising. “I thought our defense stopped it up as the game got going. We were sloppy with turnovers and penalties. We need to improve on that before next week’s game.
”We need to cut down on the mental mistakes. That comes from practicing harder and doing a better job.”
Princeton had jumped out to a 7-0 lead on its first drive of the game, but the Greyhounds responded with Moore’s kick return to even the score. The lead grew to 14-7 in the second quarter when Adeyemo scored the first of his three touchdowns on a 40-yard run.
On the opening drive of the second half, Adeyemo carried the ball eight straight times, eventually scoring on a two-yard run as the lead grew to 21-7. His 27-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter was set up by Frankie Palermo’s second interception of the game.
”Tosin had a good game and we were able to move the ball on offense, which was great,” Reising said. “We hurt ourselves with the turnovers and that’s something we’ll work on correcting.”
Northern Burlington fumbled the ball away four times in the game, but was aided by Princeton turning the ball over four times as well. Palermo had a pair of interceptions, while Moore also intercepted a pass. Kevin Carter had a pair of sacks on defense and Hank Harvey also had a sack.
”Our defense picked us up today,” Reising said. “We made some big plays on defense and were able to stop them when we needed to. It’s nice to get a win in the first game but there is still work to do.”