WEST ORANGE – The West Orange P.A.L. Mustangs completed a perfect 10-0 season and claimed the Hudson County Youth Football League Middleweight Championship (12U) on Nov. 21 with their victory against North Bergen, 27-0.
This was truly a dominating season for the Mustangs. They were a force on both sides of the ball, outscoring their opponents, 218-38, over the entire season, and only trailed in a game once all year. The hard work the kids had been putting in since the beginning of August really paid off. Each player worked together and embraced any role they were given to help the team. This was an amazing total team effort!
Dorian Rawls led the team in rushing with 703 yards and 12 touchdowns. Makhi Green scored 10 touchdowns on 494 rushing and receiving yards. Shakhi Carson scored four touchdowns and rushed for 284 yards. Quarterback Zander Lipsey passed for 335 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed for two scores. His top targets were Jayson Raines, Jared Massey, Green, and Jordan Quiles. All the players did a great job of moving the ball down the field, as well as making big blocks for each other.
Other backs and ends who were key players contributing to the success were Colton Lehrer, Jordan Reynoso, TJ Webb, Divine Zaire, and newcomers, Matthew Bove, Ty Kelly, and Jermaine James.
The explosive offense would not have been possible without a powerful line. Eyan Alcantara, Adrian Charles, Chris Parsons, Tyree Ware, and Noah Martin opened holes and protected the backs all season. Sean Tandy, Jason Dort, and Jasiah Dunbar were also key contributors to this tough, strong unit that averaged 9.5 yards per carry.
The defense was equally as impressive. They recorded five shutouts and only let up five touchdowns all season. Adam Ashby, Austin Cowley, Parsons, and Carson led the defense from the linebacker position. Rawls, Massey, and Mason Murdock provided great support from the secondary, recording many tackles and forcing turnovers. The defensive line was almost impossible to ever get by. Alcantara, Charles, Ware, as well as Gavin Rembert, Shaun Constant, and Jasuah Philemon provided great energy to the team on defense with many big plays. Raines and Quiles provided strong defense from the end positions, along with Jason Gonzalez, Anthony Chapman, and Justin Soto. Other players who helped support the defensive efforts were Kelvin Quick, Mason Luciano, David Pedo, Elijah Matos, Jason Pierre-Louis, Chiemezie Ndumele, Ikenna Odoemene, Chris Modeste, Kai Nichols and Justin Barr.
The team is led by head coach Joe DePasquale. He was supported by coaches Dominic DePasquale, Mark Gaeta, Andrew Mazurek Jr., Rob Kost, and Derrick Morrison. They are looking for another exciting season next year.
Up next is the Football Banquet for all three levels of the football program which will be held on Dec. 18 at West Orange High School.
Next season’s registration will begin in May 2016 with practices starting at the beginning of August 2016. Check the P.A.L. website (www.wopal.org) for all information regarding baseball, football, and cheerleading programs, or email the P.A.L. at info@wopal.org.
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