SCHALICK, NJ – In a dramatic turn of events, Schalick High School clinched a nail-biting victory over Shore Regional High School in the NJSIAA Tournament, Semifinal Round, Central Jersey, Group 1 on Friday night. The final score stood at 16-14 in favor of Schalick, who now advances to the Central Jersey Group 1 final with a remarkable season record of 10-1.
The home crowd witnessed a thrilling start as Schalick took an early lead in the first quarter. Hunter Dragotta drilled a 26-yard field goal, followed by a 26-yard touchdown pass from Kenai Simmons to Jake Siedlecki, pushing Schalick ahead with a score of 10-0.
Shore came back strong in the second quarter as Lucas White found the end zone with a 5-yard run, narrowing the gap to 10-7 after a successful kick by Cyrus Unangst. The momentum carried into the third quarter where Shore’s Josh Moeller connected a 16-yard pass to CJ Sears for a touchdown, putting Shore ahead 14-10.
However, it was Kenai Simmons’ night to shine. In a display of sheer athleticism and determination, Simmons broke free for a staggering 63-yard run in the fourth quarter, restoring Schalick’s lead at 16-14. The subsequent two-point conversion attempt failed, but Schalick’s defense held firm, preserving the slim lead until the final whistle.
Simmons was the star of the game with 122 passing yards, a passing touchdown, and 105 rushing yards with a crucial rushing touchdown. His counterpart, Josh Moeller of Shore, put up a fight with 112 passing yards and a touchdown.
As Schalick celebrates their hard-fought victory and a ticket to the Central Jersey Group 1 final, Shore, ending the season with a 6-4 record, bows of the tournament with heads held high after an intense and competitive semifinal matchup.