Warrior’s get first win

Woodbridge NJ---The past few weeks have been very challenging and trying within the Warriors Football Program. Week 3 found the Warriors traveling to Philadelphia Pa to take on the Philly Mustangs. The game was delayed an hour and a half because of lightning and a heavy down pour. The Warriors lost 22-6 with the Mustangs intercepting 2 passes and returning them for touchdowns. In this game, the Warriors were again able to move the ball at times, but turnover were again the key in their loss.

Week four saw the Warriors play their first complete game on both sides of the ball, but again another loss at the hands of the NEPA Miners, 25-18. In the game, new quarterback Chris Weilgocz, played a very inspired game until he went down with a torn bicep. Weilgocz was in complete control of the offense, having them moving and leading them to a score. The defense also chipped in when LB Sam Elhuni returned a Miners fumble 65 yards for a touchdown, The Warrior then recovered a short kickoff, deep in Miners territory. Gene White, then led the offense for the go ahead touchdown when he hit NaQuan Jenkins for a 37 yard touchdown and an 18-17 lead. Unfortunately the Miners had 4 minutes left in the game. The Warriors had the Miners back on a 3^rd and 25, but the Miners gained 23 yards which made it 4^th and 2. The Warriors were unable to gain any momentum to stop NEPA who converted the 4^th down play. From there the momentum swung over to NEPA who drove down and scored the game winning touchdown with 22 seconds left. On the next Warriors possession, White fumbled while rolling right, which was recovered by NEPA who then ran out the clock.

Week four saw the Warriors focusing in on their 2^nd Division game against the Shore Bulldogs. During meetings and practice, Head Coach Ronnie Paige preached importance of staying focused and together. During practice, the offense seemed more energized and ran very crisply. With that excitement, the team was ready for action.

With the recent moves completed, the “NEW” Warriors went into battle against the Bulldogs. The day started off with a little confusion in players getting acclimated to what is being run and the comfort level of both sets of players. Defensively, the Warriors forced the Bulldogs into a 3 and out. The offense took the field and drove down the field where Pernell hit wide receiver Corey Cooper for a 37 yard touchdown pass. The two point conversion was made on a two yard run by NaQuan Jenkins. The defense continued to force the Bulldogs into 3 and out for the next 3 series until late into the game, the Bulldogs drove down the field before converting on 4^th down for a short touchdown pass. The ensuing kickoff had Jenkins return it 82 yards before being tackled at the 5 yard line.

The second half was a carbon copy of the first half with the offense moving the ball and the defense stopping the Bulldogs’ offense. The second half score was again Pernell to Cooper for 48 yards. On the play, Pernell put the ball up into the deep corner and cooper out leaped he defensive back for the touchdown. The stars of the game: on offense Pernell who was 17-25 for 247 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 2 point conversion pass, 3 rushes for 14 yards, Cooper who was 4 receptions for 108 yards, 2 touchdowns. Jenkins, 7 carries for 28 yards, 2 receptions for 33 yards, and 1 kickoff return for 82 yards, on defense, Lester Louise with 4 tackles and 2 sacks.

Next up for the Warriors, are the Long Island Seahawks. The Seahawks also are new to the RAFL coming over from the GSFL. Even though the Seahawks are 0-4, they always play tough football. The Seahawks also have revenge on their minds after having lost both games to the Warriors last year. Look for this one to be another tough battle for the Warriors.