IRVINGTON, NJ – The Irvington High School varsity football team engaged in a high-scoring, tight game with Wayne Valley.
But the Blue Knights turned back Wayne Valley’s challenge and won, 30-27, Friday night, Oct. 13, in Wayne.
Senior running back Nim Salam rushed for two touchdowns, both in the second quarter, while sophomore Zahir Swann caught a TD pass and scored on a run in the third quarter, to lift the Blue Knights, who won their second straight game and improved to a 4-2 record.
After a scoreless first quarter, Wayne Valley scored on a long touchdown pass to take a 7-0 lead in the second quarter. The Blue Knights answered on Salaam’s TD, followed by the successful two-point conversion, to grab an 8-7 lead. Salaam’s second TD came with 1:47 left n the half to extend it to 14-7.
Early in the third quarter, Wayne Valley recovered a fumble and scored on the ensuing possession to cut it to 14-13 with 9:13 left in the period.
The Blue Knights increased the lead to 22-13 on senior quarterback Brandon Robinson’s TD pass to Swann and the ensuing two-point conversion with 4:18 left in the third quarter.
Wayne Valley responded on a long TD pass to cut it to 22-20 with 2:43 left in the third quarter.
But the Blue Knights immediately answered on Swann’s TD run, followed by the two-point conversion, to extend the lead to 30-20 with 2:11 left in the third quarter. Swan’s TD was set up by a Salaam’s long run.
After a blocked punt, Wayne Valley scored on a short run to make it 30-27 with 8:06 left in the fourth quarter.
The Blue Knights stopped Wayne Valley on fourth down with 27 seconds left to seal the win.
Irvington, under head coach “Smoke” Pierre, will host Belleville on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 1 p.m. Belleville is 1-5.
Irvington (4-2)
Sept. 8, Won, Lincoln, of Jersey City, 38-0
Sept. 15, Won, at West Orange, 28-7
Sept. 22, Loss, at Smyrna, Del., 30-18
Sept. 30, Loss, at Nutley, 34-12
Oct. 6, Won, Millburn, 46-12
Oct. 13, Won, at Wayne Valley, 30-27
Oct. 21, Belleville, 1 p.m.
Oct. 28, at Passaic Valley, 1 p.m.
Nov. 3, Wayne Hills, 7 p.m.
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