WEST ORANGE, NJ – Despite losing 47-20, the West Orange High School varsity football team held its own against Don Bosco Prep, one of the top teams in the state, in a home game on Sept. 14.
Don Bosco and its heavily- recruited running back Jalen Berger led 33-0 by halftime, but the Mountaineers fought back in the second half, even though the comeback fell short.
“Overall the Mountaineers never quit on the evening, playing until the final whistle of the game,” said WOHS head coach Jim Matsakis. “And though we were overmatched on the line of scrimmage, there were several individuals that proved they could compete against Don Bosco.”
In fact, the Mountaineers outscored Don Bosco in the second half, garnering touchdowns by Tayo Akinboade, Dorian Rawls, and Chris Parsons.
“Defensively Kevan McLaughlin led the Mountaineers with 16 tackles and Jordan White was second on the team with 12 tackles. Both players were relentless all evening pursuing Don Bosco players,” Matsakis said. “Offensively we had our first quarterback throw for over 100 yards this season. Mason Murdock led us with two passing touchdowns in the second half.”
WOHS lost its second in a row to move to 1-2. Don Bosco improved to
WOHS stats
Passing: Mason Murdock: 7 of 16 attempts, 130 yards, 2 TDs.
Receiving: Terrance Toussaint: 3 catches for 32 yards. Jordan White: 1 catch for 20 yards. Dorian Rawls: 3 catches for 57 yards and a TD. Tayo Akinboade: 1 catch for 43-yard TD.
Next game: West Orange will host Columbia on Sept. 21 in a at 7 p.m. Columbia (1-2) lost to Bloomfield, 42-21, Sept. 14.
About the Author
