Mendham Football Scores Homecoming Victory

In the storybooks, the homecoming victory goes to the home team. But in a season of frustrating losses, no one knew how this homecoming story would end.

But on an unseasonably warm afternoon, the Mendham Minutemen earned their first win of the season over the visiting Chatham Cougars, 12-7.

Neither team was able to do much offensively in the first half, which ended in a scoreless tie. Mistakes on offense hurt the Minutemen in the first half as two drives were thwarted by offensive penalties rather than defensive resistance.

Early in the third quarter, Mendham defensive back Joe Beneducci recovered a Vincent Ziccolella fumble and returned it 45-yards for a touchdown. Ziccolella was injured on the play and did not return. The point after attempt failed and Mendham lead 6-0.

The quick turn of events gave the Minutemen some confidence as they were able to score on their next possession as Cole Perkins added to the lead with a 16-yard touchdown run. The 2-point conversion attempt was stopped just short of the goal line and Mendham had a 12-0 lead.

On the ensuing kickoff, Chatham got a big return from Thomas Guida to the Mendham 45 and the Cougars were able to put together an 11-play, 45-yard drive capped off by a 5-yard touchdown pass from Thomas Guida to Chris Peters.

With the score 12-7 Chatham had one more chance but the Minutemen defense was able to stop the Cougars and the Mendham offense ran out the clock.

Were you at the homecoming game? Did you share in the Mendham victory? Check for our gallery of the other festivities coming Sunday and share your thoughts in our comments and your photos on this story.