West Orange jumped to an early lead and were in control the whole way, beating Montclair, 35-6.
First Quarter: One the game’s second drive, Pharrele Brun intercepted for West Orange and returned the ball to Montclair’s 39. After passes to Jared Massay and Amiyn Hanks brought the ball to the 1-yard line, Jehki Williams scored to put the Mountaineers ahead, 7-0. The West Orange defense forced a three-and-out and then moved the ball, scoring on a 38-yard pass to Shakhi Carson. This made it 14-0 with 1:30 left in the quarter.
Second Quarter: Not much happened in this quarter, as the game bogged down and became boring for stretches. Until late in the quarter, the most memorable plays were a West Orange touchdown pass that was called back and a sure Montclair touchdown pass that was dropped by the receiver. Late in the quarter, things picked up, West Orange extended their lead Mason Murdock connected with Hanks for an 18-yard touchdown pass. On the half’s last play, Montclair’s Michael Robinson found John Sullivan for a 44-yard touchdown to make it 21-6.
Third Quarter: After defensive lineman Aquan Robinson intercepted for West Orange on their 30, the Mountaineers worked their way down the field. Passes to Makhi Green and Massay gave West Orange a first-and-goal on the 9. Green scored on a toss from one yard out to make it 28-6 late in the quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Montclair had a chance to narrow their deficit with a drive into West Orange territory, but Hanks intercepted on the 1 and returned it 27 yards. The Mountaineers closed the scoring when Carson went 38 yards.
Conclusion: At no point was West Orange threatened in the game. They jumped out to an early lead and could have beaten Montclair by more than they did. The Mountaineers were without star wide receiver Jayson Raines, but others made plays. They’re 3-0 and head into East Orange next week in a battle of 3-0 teams. Montclair has been battling injuries and this is not a vintage Mountie team. West Orange is the better team.