Owls fall to Middlesex in a naval engagement

After a big win against Metuchen, the Owls faced undefeated Middlesex High School in a near-monsoon Saturday night in Middlesex. Who would prevail in the struggle for survival of the fittest?

A wind-swept rain kept the contest unpredicatable and uneven for both teams. After letting the second-half kickoff go through his legs, Middlesex sophomore Kyle Brady ran down the loose ball and returned it 91 soggy yards for the only score of the contest, lifting the Blue Jays to a 6-0 home victory.

On the second series of the opening quarter, Owls running back Tyler Rios ran for a 45-yard gain to the Middlesex 45, but the drive was stymied after a couple of false start penalties and a sack on senior quarterback John Buck.

The Blue Jays were stymied on their first drive after a 54-yard run from Sean Gilbert down to the Owls 16-yard line. A 15-yard touchdown run by Gilbert was nullified by a holding penalty, and Middlesex was stopped on downs after an incomplete pass.

In the second quarter, the Owls first drive started at their own 30. Rios ran for two yards to the 32. After a false start penalty, Buck threw to senior Quawi Bachelor for a 58-yard gain down to the Blue Jays 15-yard line. A completed pass to senior fullback Manny McClain gained the touchdown, but that score was nullified by another holding penalty.

Neither team could muster much offense in their ensuing series and the half ended in a scoreless deadlock. Rios finished overall with 54 yards on four carries to lead Highland Park.

Right after intermission, George Chiavarria's kickoff squirted through the legs of Middlesex's Brady, who reclaimed the pigskin at his own nine. Undaunted by the mishap, Brady scooted down the sideline untouched 91 yards for the touchdown. Chris Petiya's extra point failed and Middlesex held a slim 6-0 lead.

On the ensuing kickoff, Highland Park fumbled the ball at their own 40. Tyler Reilly of Middlesex recovered the fumble. The Blue Jays moved the ball down to the Highland Park 13 but were again stopped on downs. The Owls were limited to just four plays in the third period as Middlesex dominated time of possession.

With their ground game in a funk, the Owls tried to go to the air against the Middlesex defense. But Buck found his mark on just 3-of-9 passes, for 74 yards, and was sacked four times.

Middlesex used the three-headed rushing attack of junior safety Al-Tarik Rushing, senior William Roach, and Gilbert to control the clock and secure their fourth victory. Gilbert led the way with 76 yards on 15 carries, Roach added 60 yards on 12 carries, and Rushing contributed 16 yards on six carries.

Middlesex outgained Highland Park 163-107 in total yards. The Owls registered minus 2 total yards in the second half, and 35 yards rushing for the game.

Injuries limited the strength of top players on the Owls which included Bachelor, Qatay Nesmith and Casey Horne. Strong defensive performances were turned in by McClain, who had a number of ferocious hits, as well as Rios, Jack Karragan, Jordan Long, and Gavi Reichman.

The Owls host Spotswood this Thursday evening at 7 p.m. in a bid to improve to 3-1 in the GMC Blue Division.