A fter its impressive performance in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV semifinals, the Sayreville War Memorial High School football team will look for its third successive state sectional title on Dec. 8 when it meets seventh-seeded Middletown High School South at Rutgers University’s High Point Solutions Stadium.
At Sayreville on Nov. 30, Colonia High School won the coin toss and opted to kick off. That turned out to be the high point for the visitors, as it was all downhill from there. In less than two minutes, the Bombers had the crowd in a frenzy, as Myles Hartsfield capped a five-play drive with a 27- yard touchdown run. Sayreville averaged 13.6 yards per play in the drive.
After three plays, Colonia punted. Just seven plays later, Sayreville doubled its lead to 14-0 when Zeke Perkinson, who ran for 120 yards on the night, scored on an 8- yard run just past the midway point in the first quarter.
Before the quarter was over, Hartsfield scored again and the stunned Patriots were looking at a 21-point deficit. On its first possession in the second quarter, the visitors punt attempt was foiled by Thomas Spiecker, who burst through to block the kick. Spiecker had the wherewithal to pick up the loose pigskin and race 38 yards for another blue and gray touchdown.
Afterward, Colonia appeared to regain some of its composure, taking the ball to the Bombers’ 25-yard line early in the second quarter before the Sayreville defense held. Quarterback Isaiah Cureton marched his team downfield, aided by a 31-yard Perkinson run, before scoring himself from 2 yards out. Deion Miller’s 20-yard run closed out the scoring in the second half.
The multi-talented Bombers offense has been piling up the points — 359 on the season. It’s almost like voting in Chicago. Sayreville tends to score early and often and then let its superb defense stifle opponents who are forced to play catchup.
Like Sayreville, Middletown South is a team that can put up the points. The Eagles are coming off a wild 45-35 triumph over Colts Neck High School that saw their pistol attack post nearly 600 yards in total offense during the semifinal matchup. The victory reversed a regular season defeat just three weeks ago when Colts Neck prevailed 28-9.
Kyle Brey came out throwing, accumulating 302 yards and four touchdowns, and he has now thrown for well over 1,000 yards on the year. Eli Smith ran for more than 200 yards.
The Bombers will have to pay attention to running back Jake Ripnick, as well, as he has rushed for over 1,000 yards this fall.