Return to Headlines

West Orange Tackles Piscataway, 30-18, in First Round of NJSIAA/Rothman Orthopaedics Playoff

WEST ORANGE, NJ - West Orange defeated the Piscataway Chiefs, 30-18, in Suriano Stadium on Nov. 8 to move forward in the NJSIAA/Rothman Orthopaedics Football Championships. The win also marked the first time West Orange has won a playoff game since 2006.

 

Fourth seed West Orange defeated fifth seed Piscataway in the North 2 Group 5 quarterfinals with a series of kicks and touchdowns that proved the Mountaineers had come to play - and to win.

 

"The boys were outstanding tonight, defeating the defending Group Five champions, Piscataway," said West Orange Head Coach Darnell Grant.

 

The team was lead by Shaki Carson with 21 carries for 161 yards. Sophomore Makhi Green scored two touchdowns, one on defense and one on special teams. 

 

"The defense held Piscataway to under 100 yards rushing for the game," Grant added.

 

As the game neared the halftime mark, Piscataway scored to take the lead from West Orange, 12-9. Grant called a time-out and asked his team, "Where is your heart?"

 

Moments later, Carson scored on a 73-yard kick return and Brian Reitberger added another point with his PAT to put the Mountaineers on top, where they stayed for the remainder of the game. 

 

The 7-3 Mountaineers will need to stay on top of their game when they battle for a spot in the finals against First seed Union City in the semifinal away game Nov. 15. 

 

See all the photos from the game here.

 

WO v. Piscataway

West Orange defeated the reigning champs, the Piscataway Chiefs.

WO v. Piscataway

Amiyn Hanks

WO v. Piscataway

Coach Darnell Grant speaks to Mason Murdock.

 WO v Piscataway

Brian Reitberger kicks in a field goal.

 WO v. Piscataway

 Grant meets with the team right before halftime.

Cynthia Cumming
Nov. 9, 2019