In a tale of two halves, Long Branch came back from a 17-0 deficit and scored 20 unanswered points to beat Long Branch, 20-17, to win the South Jersey Group 4 bowl game.
First Quarter: Joe Dalsey scored on a 17-yard touchdown run to put Shawnee up, 7-0, on their second drive and the Renegades struck again on their next possession when Dalsey caught a 16-yard touchdown from Matt Welsey with one minute left in the quarter.
Second Quarter: Shawnee added to the lead when Dalsey kicked a 31-yard field goal with two minutes left in the half. Long Branch showed signs of life when Jayon Farrar returned a kickoff to the Long Branch 43 and scored on a 6-yard run by Jermaine Corbett with 1:10 left.
Third Quarter: Long Branch came out with the ball and Marc Dennis connected with Zahdierr Blueford for 30 yards, putting the Green Wave at the 1-yard line and Corbett scored right after that. The ensuing kickoff was fumbled by Shawnee, with Luke Arnold recovering for Long Branch on the 27 and the Green Wave took advantage when Dennis found Matthew Clarke in the end zone for a 20-yard score. The extra point was blocked, but Long Branch was in front, 20-17. Shawnee came down the field on the following drive, but Dalsey’s pass was intercepted in the end zone by William Levy.
Fourth Quarter: A Shawnee drive was intercepted by Devyn Blount on the 10 and returned to the 50-yard line. Long Branch made it to the 30, but a penalty brought the ball back and Dennis pooch punted to the 9-yard line with 1:39 left. A pass interference gave Shawnee a first down the 24 and Welsey found Dawsey for 16 yards. A sack by Jayson Glasper put the Renegades back at the 29, only Welsey found Nate Summerville for 28 yards on fourth-and-23 to the Long Branch 45 and a quarterback spike gave them a second-and-ten with 31 seconds left. Two incomplete passes and a sack by Glasper ended the game.
Long Branch Review: The Green Wave showed great resilience in coming back from a 17-0 deficit. Corbett is a top back and cracked the 2,000 yard rushing barrier during the game. Dennis threw some beautiful passes during their comeback and their defense made key plays in the second half to turn the game around.
Shawnee Review: After qualifying for the playoffs with a 2-6 record, the Renegades proved they belonged with a sectional title and a solid performance in this bowl game. Dalsey is a man who contributes on offense, defense, and as a kicker. Welsey showed good poise for a freshman and his scrambling bought time.