On Friday, September 14th, the lights shined bright at Wilkins’ Field as the Mahwah Thunderbirds were set to play the Mountain Lakes HERD. After a devastating loss to the HERD ended their season last November, the Thunderbirds hoped to get revenge in the rematch.
A mediocre start to the game for the HERD led to Mahwah jumping out to a 14-0 lead early in the first quarter, a period in which Mahwah quarterback Kyle Teel torched the HERD defense on a 50-yard touchdown run.
The HERD came back in the second quarter.
In the second quarter, the HERD scored 28 unanswered points. Running back Matt Palazzi (’19) got the scoring started for Mountain Lakes with two touchdown runs, one from a yard out and another for 17 yards. Quarterback Jack Baker (’19) then hooked up with star wide receiver Jake Schicke (’19) on the ensuing drive to put the HERD up 21-14. On the Thunderbirds’ next possession, Teel threw an interception to quarterback Drew Brennfleck (’19), who took it back 36 yards for the touchdown, giving Mountain Lakes a 28-14 lead over Mahwah at the half.
Despite the rhythm that they had entering the locker room at halftime, things got slow again for the HERD during the third quarter. Mahwah came back to tie the game during this period behind two rushing touchdowns by signal-caller Kyle Teel, one of which went for 63 yards.
The HERD bounced back…
Jack Baker found Jake Schicke again in the endzone to regain the lead early in the 4th quarter. Just as it seemed that Mountain Lakes would seal the deal with this game, running back Ryan Cabrera scored an 8-yard touchdown for the Thunderbirds, forcing overtime. The two squads continued to trade blows, as both offenses scored on their first possession, raising the scoreboard to 42 apiece.
Kyle Teel continued his outstanding performance in this match with a trick-play touchdown reception, as Mahwah took the lead. Just as things looked slim for the HERD, Baker made yet another incredible completion to Schicke on a fourth down, giving Jake 4 touchdown receptions for the evening. As kicker Drew Brennfleck got set to kick the PAT, the holder mishandled the snap, forcing a miss, effectively ending this thrilling matchup with a score of 49-48 and Mahwah, the winner.
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