By Warren Rappleyea
Sayreville War Memorial High School’s football team advanced to the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section II, Group IV semifinals Nov. 18 with a solid 21-7 victory against fourth-seeded Phillipsburg High School Nov. 11.
After thwarting Old Bridge High School’s potent offense Nov. 4 in a 37-17 win, the Bombers defense came up big again. The Stateliners (5-4) mustered just 61 yards on the ground and 104 total yards and were only able to avoid a shutout with just seconds remaining on the clock.
Prior to the game, Sayreville coach Chris Beagan said his team knew their hosts would be running the ball, and he was looking for some quick points to get Phillipsburg off its usual game. Jahsim Floyd and Michael Liberti led the way with six tackles apiece, while Mike Germann and Antwan Golson had five tackles each.
Fifth-seeded Sayreville jumped ahead, 14-0, in the first half, and the Stateliners did indeed alter their game plan. With the Bombers shutting down the run, Phillipsburg went to the air with limited success. Quarterback Danny Fisher completed 13 of 27 passes for 84 yards, but he spent most of the night surrounded by blue and gray jerseys and was sacked six times.
“Our defense did a great job,” Beagan said. “They worked hard to prepare for this game and it showed. They pretty much stopped the run, and Phillipsburg was never really able to get going.”
Sayreville quarterback Jayson DeMild, meanwhile, turned in another strong performance. The senior was 9-of-16 for 156 yards and two touchdowns. The first went right up the middle of the field to 6-foot-6 tight end Floyd, who snared the ball and outraced three defenders to complete a 69-yard scoring play. Floyd ended up with four catches on the night for 95 yards.
The Bombers doubled their lead in the second quarter when DeMild hooked up with Connor Holmes for a 16-yard touchdown pass. The score remained 14-0 as the teams left the field for halftime.
“Even though we didn’t score right away we were able to flip the field and keep them deep in their territory,” Beagan said. “Our guys pretty much settled in after that. Once we got the lead, we were able to control the ball and use the clock.”
After a scoreless third quarter, Sayreville put the game away when DeMild, who ran for 56 yards on eight carries, scored on a short keeper in the fourth quarter. Sayreville was uncharacteristically penalized for 135 yards, but in the end, it did not cost the Bombers.
The win improved the Bombers’ record to 8-2 and set up a meeting at Middletown High School South (7-2) Nov. 18. The top-seeded Eagles dominated eighth-seeded John F. Kennedy Memorial High School, 56-7, in their opening-round triumph.
“It’s going to be a tough game with two explosive offenses and two proud defenses, and it will be played in a great atmosphere,” Beagan said, noting the Eagles’ home field known as “The Swamp.”
“They’re a well-coached team, and they don’t beat themselves. We knew going in that as a fifth seed, we’d have to win on the road, so we’ve embraced the roles of underdogs and road warriors. It’s playoff football, and we’re still playing.”