PATERSON, NJ – The Passaic County Technical Institute varsity football team showcased their prowess in a decisive victory over Union High School during the semifinal round of the NJSIAA Tournament, North Jersey, Section 1, Group 5, on Friday evening. The final whistle saw Passaic Tech leading with a score of 35 to Union’s 8, marking a seamless advancement to the North 1, Group 5 final.
The initial quarter set the tone for the rest of the match, with Passaic Tech’s Trashon Dye making an 11-yard run to the end zone followed by a successful kick by Efrain Sanchez. Before the quarter concluded, Ma’Kao Taylor connected a 47-yard pass to Cashmere Jones, extending their lead, though the following kick failed to add to their tally.
As the match progressed into the second quarter, Dye again displayed his running capabilities with a 47-yard dash to the end zone, with an ensuing two-point conversion run by Jones. However, Union made their presence felt with a 60-yard run, putting their first and only points on the board. Not to be outdone, Taylor found his way through Union’s defense for a 13-yard run, further widening the gap as Sanchez nailed the extra point.
Despite the heated exchanges on the field, the third quarter saw no alterations to the score. The final quarter witnessed Yankel Ortiz making a 7-yard run to wrap up the scoring for Passaic Tech, with another successful kick by Sanchez.
Passaic Tech’s defense also shone bright, with notable contributions from Owen Wescott who landed two sacks, and Ahmire Foster who secured an interception.