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West Orange Football Takes 14-6 Win in Season Home Opener; Pre-Game and Halftime Ceremonies Recognize West Orange PAL and Class of 2015 Alum Christopher Morgan
WEST ORANGE, NJ – The West Orange High School Football team did not disappoint in its season home opener on Sept. 13, taking the win over John F. Kennedy High School, 14-6.
“The boys played really hard in their home opener against an experienced and athletic Paterson Kennedy,” began Head Coach Darnell Grant.
“The Mountaineers were led by the play of quarterback Mason Murdock, who was 17-23-170 yards and had two touchdowns,” he continued.
“Running back Shakhi Carson had an outstanding game as well, running for 141 yards and 19 carries. On the defensive side, Adonis May had another great game, recording 10 solo tackles and two sacks. Jared Massay and Cade Lipsey also recorded interceptions to seal the victory,” Grant explained.
See all the photos from the West Orange v. JFK game here.
West Orange PAL Football and Cheerleading were recognized in a pre-game ceremony and fallen Class of 2015 alumnus Christopher Morgan’s football jersey was retired.
West Orange PAL has provided tackle football and cheerleading opportunities for children in grades 2-8 for over 50 years and has partnered with the West Orange School District for almost as long. As the different levels of cheer and football teams were announced, excited athletes ran onto the field as the crowd applauded.
See all the photos from the Pregame PAL Football and Cheer recognition here.
Athletic Director Ron Bligh began the halftime presentation as April and Chris Morgan, Sr., their daughter Camryn, Morgan family members and friends, Board of Education members Ken Alper, Sandra Mordecai, Mark Robertson, Cheryl Merklinger, Terry Triggs-Scales and Superintendent Dr. Scott Cascone headed onto the field.
Chris Morgan, Jr. was a graduate of the Class of 2015 who was tragically killed in an accident at West Point in June. He was a top student academically and athletically, playing football and making it to the podium as number five in the state in Atlantic City for wrestling.
Dr. Cascone presented the Morgan family with Morgan's now-retired “61” jersey.
"It was a humbling honor to present the Morgan family with the retired jersey for their son CJ," said Dr. Cascone.
"The person that CJ was and the manner in which he conducted himself in all aspects of his life, henceforth, will stand out as a standard to which all members of the West Orange school community can be proud to hold themselves," he added.
“What a humbling experience watching CJ's High School honor him by retiring #61 during halftime. So many of his teammates and close friends came to show their love and support. We live in THE best town,” the Morgans noted.
The solemn moment brought together several generations of the West Orange community to honor Morgan’s memory.
Following the presentation, the mood lightened with the home field premiere of the West Orange Marching Mountaineers’ new program, “Which Witch,” bringing the audience to its feet in appreciation.
The football team will take on Don Bosco Prep in a non-conference away game on Sept. 20. The next home game will be the Homecoming Game against East Orange on Oct. 11.
View the athletic schedule here.
See all the photos from the Jersey Retirement Ceremony for Chris Morgan, Jr., here.
See all the photos from the Marching Band’s program, “Which Witch,” here.
Sept. 15 2019