It was a memorable game — no question about it — but now West Orange High School's football team has to prepare for another.
The Mountaineers scored an epic 47-46 overtime win over West Morris Saturday afternoon in West Orange in the season opening game for both teams. The Mountaineers play at Union City Friday night.
West Orange coach John Jacob acknowledged the emotional end of the season opener, but added that his team needed to correct some things.
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The game wasn't complete until junior cornerback Anfernee Larue broke up quarterback John Gutkowski's pass intended for Tom Cabarle. West Morris had scored on its one possession in overtime to tie the game and a completed pass would have given them the two-point conversion and a 48-47 victory.
"I felt so good for the kid (Larue) because they had picked on him a couple of times,'' said Jacob. "The kids were so happy for him."
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"It was a tremendous play, a tremendous play,'' the coach added. "It's a good story. He's a smaller corner(back) and it's his first year playing the position.''
West Orange quarterback Christian Smith had thrown a 24-yard to Lance Smith (no relation) that tied the game in overtime. Christian Smith then added the conversion kick at the Mountaineers had their lead. West Morris then had its chance with the ball.
Jacob praised Smith's leadership and performance. He threw the ball 21 times, completing 15 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns. Lance Smith caught six passes for 110 yards and the touchdown.
West Orange didn't lead until Christian Smith hit Troy McNeil on a 34-yard screen with 2:26 left in regulation with McNeil making good on the two-point conversion run for a 40-34 lead. But West Morris scored with 1:25 left to tie the game at 40.
"It was fun for the fans, but for the teams ...," Jacob said. "We have to be more assignment sound. Once we do that we can be a very good team. Anybody around football knows you can't expect to win these kinds of games all the time.''
West Orange now prepares for a dangerous Union City team. The coach described Union City as "fast, physical'' and "tough.''
"We have to take a different approach,'' than the last game, Jacob said. "We have to manage the game better.''
