Historic Championship Win For West Orange High School Football

WEST ORANGE, NJ -- The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange Public School District. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

West Orange High School Football achieved its first-ever in program history North Jersey, Section 2, Group 5 championship in the NJSIAA/Rothman Orthopaedics state sectional, beating Phillipsburg 28-7 on Nov. 10.

Sixth seed West Orange toppled unbeaten Phillipsburg to gain the sectional title and move on to play the winner of the North 1, Group 5 final between Passaic Tech and Union City, set for Nov. 12. They had already made history by moving into the finals, beating Ridgewood 34-31 in overtime on Nov. 4.

“As a coaching staff we felt really confident going into the game,” began WOHS Head Coach Darnell Grant.

“We knew we played a really tough regular season schedule and were battle-tested going into the playoffs. We looked at Phillipsburg’s schedule and saw that they played no teams who were similar to us, so we had an edge,” he explained.

The Skyliners were unable to get the control over the game that they wanted, with the Mountaineers executing a strong defense. Saboor Karriem scored on the third play and set the tone for the remainder of the game. With two touchdowns by Amit Stewart and one by Adonis White, and the lone touchdown for Phillipsburg by Xavier Moore, West Orange was in the lead 28-7 at the half. Jarvis Jones added to the score in the fourth for the Mountaineer win. Mountaineer Sam Godinez made good on all PATs.

“I just told them all week if they gave their best effort for 48 minutes that they would leave Phillipsburg with a championship,” said Grant.

“We watched the film and saw that they would have trouble dealing with our speed and athleticism, so we attacked them at their weakest points,” he remarked.

“When I was hired four years ago, they asked how long it would take to get West Orange to a Championship level,” Grant continued.

“I said if we did everything the right way, we could get there in four years. I guess we did things the right way and now we’re here. I’m so happy for everyone involved and all the people who helped us come to the West Orange Public Schools,” he stated.

So what is the game plan until the Mountaineers play the North 1, Group 1 champions on Nov. 19 (time and place TBD.)

“The most important thing is getting healthy again,” Grant went on to say.

“We have had a long and grueling season and we have many of the boys with nagging injuries. I have confidence in our training staff that they will work hard this week and get us back on the field,” he noted.

Juniors Adonis White and Rayel Hunter stood in the gap for senior Jekhi Williams, injured in the Ridgewood game.

Grant concluded his remarks by saying, “Finally, I just want to state how proud I am of all of my players, their families, and the township as well. I’d like to see us come out in force and support the boys in the next round.”

Check out the scoring and plays HERE.

SEE PHOTOS FROM THE GAME BY WOHS Sports Media Team HERE.

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