Hackley 24 vs. Montclair Kimberly Academy 0

The game’s tone was set early, as the Hornets embarked on a long 8-plus minute drive to begin the contest. Staying on the ground, Coach Treglia utilized the combination of backs Elijah N. and Winston B., as well as QB Ryan W., to grind out first-downs , bringing the Hornets all the way to the Cougar 7-yard line. The offensive line of James O’K., Clifford J., Ilan G., and Milo L., was joined by James F., who played his first ever game at center, were creating big holes despite a rather large defensive line. The defense toughened up, and after a penalty, the Hornets faced a fourth and 18, when Ryan delivered a strike to Jack H., who made an incredible catch despite being swarmed by the defender, for the first touchdown of the game.

On the Cougars first possession of the game, Ilan made two big hits, and an incompletion forced a quick three and out forcing a punt to the Hackley 41 yard line. On third down, Ryan hit Dylan G. on a slant, who then deeked two defenders to race into the end zone for a 55-yard touchdown, making the score 14-0 with less than a minute to go in the first quarter. A sack by Will C. and Ilan as the quarter ended meant that the Hornets had possessed the ball for 10 of the 12 minutes, limiting the Cougars to 5 plays and just 1-yard of offense.

The defense, led by Ilan G., Jack H., and Milo L., continued to hold the Cougars mostly running game to only short gains or losses. On its next possession, the Hornets once again marched down the field, on a mix of runs by Elijah N. and Ryan W., and passes to Jack W. and Javon C. However, a fumble inside the 10 turned the ball over. The Cougars were finally able to obtain a first down with a run to the 20-yard line, but the defense once again stepped up forcing another punt, which Elijah N. returned to the Cougar 38-yard line giving Hackley great field position. On the second play, Ryan W. again hit Dylan G. over the middle and, helped by blocking from Nick G. and James O’K., cut right down the sideline for another Hornet touchdown, making the score 21-0. The rest of the half was dominated by the defense, with Ilan G. involved in nearly every tackle, and limiting the Cougars offense to just 43-yards for the entire half.

The second half was mainly a defensive affair. The Cougar defense began to use its size, hitting the backs harder and preventing any significant gains by the Hornet runners. Nonetheless, Hackley was able to bring the ball to the Cougar 25 yard line, enabling a 42-yard field goal attempt by James F., who just missed wide right. Not to be deterred, the defense continued to hound the Cougar offense, as Ilan G. contained their best runner, and Milo L., William C., Jack H, and Elijah M. created havoc. On Hackley’s next possession, the offense was able to move the ball to the Cougar 15-yard line, from where James F. connected on a 32-yard field goal to make the score 24-0.

The defense remained firm throughout the game, as the secondary allowed only 4 passing completions on 21 attempts for just 20 yards. As the Cougars attempted one final drive, Jack H. made a great interception to seal the shutout for the Hornets, who are now 5 and 2 with one remaining game, this Saturday at home against The Pennington School, also from New Jersey, at 5:00 PM on Pickert Field.