HUNTERDON, NJ – In a game that showcased grit and tenacity, Hunterdon Central football extended their undefeated streak, besting Elizabeth 21-14 in Big Central competition.
RJ Hart, the quarterback for Hunterdon Central, led his team both in passing and rushing yards, clocking in 88 yards for each category. He threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Jakob Saus in the first quarter and scored a rushing touchdown in the third. Hart also clinched the game with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Connor Gray in the fourth quarter, followed by a successful two-point conversion run.
Despite their loss, Elizabeth showed moments of brilliance. Nireese McDougald led in rushing yardage with 113 yards and scored a 65-yard touchdown in the first quarter. In addition, Jamad Lyles added a 1-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter, keeping the match competitive. Isaiah DeRosa also made his presence felt defensively with a sack.
Elizabeth’s passing game struggled throughout the match, with quarterback Arique Flemming only completing 4 of 15 passes for a total of 21 yards. Interceptions were made by both teams: Xavier Arteaga for Hunterdon Central and Ibn McDaniels for Elizabeth.
Jakob Saus not only contributed offensively for Hunterdon Central but also led the team in total tackles with 7. His performance was complemented by Arteaga’s crucial interception.
The game unfolded with both teams scoring in the first quarter but remaining scoreless in the second. In the third quarter, each team added another touchdown to the scoreboard. Hunterdon Central secured their win in the fourth quarter with Hart’s touchdown pass to Gray and the subsequent two-point conversion.
With this win, Hunterdon Central advances to a 3-0 record for the season, while Elizabeth falls to 0-3. Both teams are set to face their next Big Central opponents in the coming weeks.