Absegami Football Back on Right Track

The Absegami High School football team needed to get back in the win column for its own sake.

A win was needed Friday night for the Braves' confidence, team morale and to grab every possible power point they can.

Absegami dominated host Vineland, 42-6, in what was a "must-win game" after losing two straight and a bye week coming up.

"It feels great to get this week," Absegami's David Hood said. "We want to make the playoffs and be state champions."

That probably wouldn't have happened if the Braves lost and fell to 1-3. Vineland, also a Group IV school, entered the contest with a 2-1 record.

However, the Braves were clearly the better team from start to finish.

The defense rebounded in a huge way, recording six turnovers in the game, and eight tackles for losses in the first half.

“That gives us a boost when the defense shuts them down and gets a stop," Hood said. "That gets (the offense) hyped up. We run on the field ready to go and push the ball down the field."

The Braves did that too. Four different players scored rushing touchdowns in the game. Tyler Bing, who carried just five times for 38 yards, scored twice. Quarterback Rashad Kinlaw, who rushed for 60 yards, and Hood, who gained 95, also found pay dirt. Demond Cottman also scored on the ground for the Braves.

"This was huge," Absegami coach Dennis Scuderi Jr. said. "They have two wins and a lot of power points. “For us we needed some confidence and we needed to come out here and play one of our best games. If we do that week in and week out we should be good."

No Love

The Absegami defense made life difficult for the Vineland offense.

The Braves were challenged by the coaching staff during the week and they clearly answered the call.

The biggest hit of the night came from Darryl Loveland, who stopped Mykeiti Rankin in his tracks late in the second quarter. It was a violent collision.

The sound of the hit traveled throughout Gittone Stadium, even getting the Vineland faithful to appreciate the play.

Bye Week

Absegami gets next Friday off, but it will get an extra week to prepare for Millville.

The Thunderbolts are among the best teams in the Cape-Atlantic League, and the winner of the game will get a big boost to their playoff chances.