HERD Takes Crushing Homecoming Loss, Now 5-2

Read Time:1 Minute, 37 Second

Coming off of a brutal 2-8 season, the HERD wasted no time in reclaiming their spot at the top of Group One. Opening the season against Parsippany, Mountain Lakes cruised to a 35-0 shutout. The next two games resulted in similar outcomes, as the HERD’s impenetrable defense helped them jump out to an 3-0 record. Despite taking a week 4 loss against Lenape Valley, the HERD maintained spectacular form, including a decisive performance against a previously-undefeated Whippany Park.

Entering Homecoming weekend with a 5-1 record, the HERD prepared to square up against a talented Caldwell roster. Caldwell got on the board early, striding to a 14-0 lead within the first 8 minutes of the first quarter, as running back Anthony Costigan scored from 9 yards and later 22 yards. The HERD responded late in the first period, with quarterback Jack Baker throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jake Schicke.

The game looked like it would be a thriller, as Caldwell entered the 2nd quarter up 14-7. Starting the 2nd, the Herd had possession of the ball, and were looking to tie the game up at 14 apiece, but a fumble by the offense led to an opposing recovery and returned for a touchdown. Turnovers proved costly, as a later interception contributed to a 3-yard touchdown pass by Caldwell quarterback Brian Clarkin. In the blink of an eye, Caldwell had an astounding 28-7 lead by the middle of the 2nd quarter.

After yet another touchdown by the explosive Caldwell offense, the HERD found themselves entering halftime down 35-7. This tremendous deficit dimmed the HERD’s hope of winning the game, as their offense continued to be stagnant and the defense a non-factor. With the 2nd half merely replicating the first, the HERD went down further. The final score was 41-7, as the HERD returned to the locker room flustered and upset.