Despite Frank Urso's third touchdown reception of the season and another stellar performance by its defense, the Watchung Hills High football team lost, 13-7, to Linden in overtime in a rare Thursday afternoon game. Urso's catch of a 14-yard pass from fellow junior Tommy Giaimo gave the Warriors a lead they would hold for most of the second half. But Linden scored late in the second half to tie the game before scoring the winning touchdown on its first possession in overtime and sending a large WHRHS crowd home unhappy.
IN SHORT
Urso's touchdown gave Watchung Hills its first lead of the season and its best shot at its first regular season win since 2009. But the Warriors' offense could not move the ball consistently in the second half and their defense finally broke late in the second half when Linden running back Ruhann Peele raced into the end zone untouched from 21 yards out. Watchung Hills also failed to move the ball on its first possession of overtime and Linden ended the game when four running plays by Peele gained 24 yards and quarterback Dazzmen Johnson sneaked in for the final yard.
Find out what's happening in Warrenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
WARRIOR OF THE GAME
Urso had another standout game on defense, in addition to catching the touchdown pass. Not bad for someone who has played with turf toe for much of the season.
Find out what's happening in Warrenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
TOP PERFORMANCES
Offense - In addition to the touchdown pass to Urso, the Warriors also had a 56-yard swing pass from Giaimo to junior running Anthony Prus and a 24-completion off a deflection from Giaimo to junior wideout Andrew Gildenberg. Giaimo finished 7-for-12 for 122 yards and the touchdown.
Defense - Playing against a Linden team that had scored 50 points on them last year and nine touchdowns in its first three games this season, the Warriors held the Tigers to just seven points in regulation. Junior defensive back Madison Brown had an interception that set up the Warriors' touchdown. Marc LaDrappier also had an interception.
TOUGH OPPONENT
Peele, a senior who is headed to Rutgers next year, had 24 carries for 154 yards including the tying touchdown.
THEY SAID IT
"It sounds like a broken record, we play well but we can't put the other team away. Our defense has done a great job all season. You have to give Coach (Don) Duyon credit." - Watchung Hills coach Marc Crisafi.
Up next - at Hillsborough, Friday, October 14, 7 p.m.
