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GNJAYF 2018 Week 3 Game of the Week

11U Raritan Gold Division matchup:

Hillsborough Jr Raiders Gold (13) at Hunterdon Central Jr Red Devils Gold  (6)


On what would be a beautiful first day of fall evening, the Hillsborough Jr. Raiders 11U Gold traveled to Flemington for a 'Saturday Night Lights' battle against the Hunterdon Central Jr Red Devils.  After multiple weeks on the road, the new turf at Hunterdon Central High School was complete and Central's JRD team was able to play their home opener.  Both cheer squads livened the crowd and the stage was set for what would be a heart pounding match-up.    On the opening possession, Hunterdon Central would put together a sustained drive, march into Jr. Raiders territory to the 38 yard line and chew up most of the 1st quarter clock.  But the defense would stiffen, led by linebackers ## Alex Reiling, #22 Matteo Del Toro and #66 Chimmy Ozokpor.    A 4th down pass was batted down  and the ball would turn over on downs.  

The Jr Raider's offensive line, lead by #23
 Joey Battoglia, #69 Jack Falk, #56 Matt Bleemer and #4 Garrett Meyer, would set the tempo of the game as they blew open holes and the boys from Boro were able to establish a solid rushing attack.   The successful offensive line play paved the way for RBs #32 Ben Wolen and #54 Jackson Jankowicz to knife through the defense for chunks of yardage.  Ozokpor got his first start at fullback and made his debut count.  He took advantage of holes in the defense as he bulldozed his way down the field, gashing the defense for significant yardage.  The Jr. Raiders were able to sustain a methodical drive in the 2nd quarter and punch it in for a tough 5 yard TD run by Ozokpor.  The play was run off tackle to the left, where he was met by 2 defenders but was able to power his way across the goal line.  The Jr. Raiders lined up to kick the extra point but an errant snap and fierce rush up the middle, forced holder #10 Jack Minetti to alertly take the rock to the outside and ran in the extra point.    

Hunterdon Central would take possession and attempt to score before the first half, moving into Jr. Raiders territory to the 40 yard line. However, the staunch defense would stifle the rushing game, as CBs #50 Corey Iannucci and #88 Jason Williams shut down the edges and the D line lead by #90 Xander Borowski and ## Gavin Bailey plugged up the inside.  As a result,  the Red Devils were forced to take to  the air and on their first attempt, OLB #7 Andrew Schwarz stepped in front and made a dynamic interception.   The first half would end 7-0.

In the second half,  the Red Devils were able to put together a sustained drive and eventually punch it in on a 3 yard run up the middle by #66 Joe Rawlins.  The extra point attempt would fail,  leaving the score at 7-6.  On the ensuing drive, the Jr. Raiders would find success with pounding runs up the middle to advance to their own 46 yard line. Then, QB Jack Minetti would take to the air, in what would be the play of the game.  With Jankowicz lined up in the slot, Minetti gunned a perfect pass on a slant pattern and connected for an amazing 54 yard TD reception!  Minetti played well all day at QB, and on this play, managed to sling the rock between 2 defenders to make the play happen.  Once in the open, no one could catch Jankowicz as he sprinted for the goal line, putting the Jr. Raiders up 13-6.   The defense once again rose to the occasion and shut down the Red Devils for the remainder of the game,  sealing the hard fought victory 13-6.  



Box Score








0 7 0 6 13

Hunterdon Central 


0 6 0 6



2Q  Hillsboro TD:  #66 Ozokpor 5 Yd run (#10 Minetti PAT Run )

3Q  Central TD: #66 Rawlins 3 yd run (PAT failed)

4Q  Hillsboro TD:  #10 Minetti 54 pass to #54 Janlowicz (PAT failed )