WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange High School football team defeated Montclair, 35-21, in a hotly contested match under the lights at Suriano Stadium on Friday, Oct. 15. The win was a critical one for West Orange as the Mountaineers continue their charge in the Super Football Conference–Freedom Red Division.
The win was the Mountaineers’ third straight and improved their record to 5-2 overall and 4-1 in the division. They are in second place in the division behind East Orange Campus.
The touchdown of the night belonged to senior Makhi Green, who opened the third quarter with a 99-yard touchdown run on a kickoff return. He turned around to score another TD on an 88-yard run in the third quarter. Green ended the game with 389 yards, which includes 93 yards rushing, 78 yards receiving, and 218 yards returning.
Saboor Karriem, a junior, brought in the first touchdown of the night on an 18-yard pass from senior quarterback Zander Lipsey in the first quarter. Karriem scored another TD in the second quarter on a 35-yard Lipsey pass. Jehki Williams, a junior, rounded out the win with a 9-yard TD run in the fourth. Lipsey had a successful night with 145 yards passing. Gavin Rembert led the defense with 15 tackles and Tyree Ware had an interception.
Montclair scored in the second and followed up with two in the third, but it was not enough to slow the Mountaineer momentum.
It was a big night at Suriano Stadium. In addition to the game, Homecoming, District Band Night, Wear Pink Breast Cancer Awareness month, and a performance by the WOHS varsity and PAL cheerleaders added to the excitement. Recently inducted West Orange Athletic Hall of Fame players Anthony Casalino (Class of 2009) and Peter Feinblatt (Class of 1982) stopped by to support the evening.
The Mountaineers take on Bloomfield during senior night in a home game on Oct. 22 beginning at 7 pm.
Photos Courtesy of Cynthia Cumming