The Alternative Press

LIVINGSTON, NJ - With one perfect spiral pass to Will Gonzalez, Matt Gibbon sent the home Livingston crowd into a frenzy. The Lancers led the Nutley Maroon Raiders 9-8, their first lead of the entire season—which lasted for little over a minute.

On the following kickoff Livingston reverted back to its old self, allowing a 75-yard kickoff return. Two plays later, Nutley’s Joe Ianni walked into the end zone giving the Raiders’ a 16-9 lead, one they would not relinquish again.

The same miscues that have plagued the Lancers all season long struck again Friday night. A struggling offense, inconsistent defense, and poor special teams coverage. The Raiders took advantage of all three.

Throughout the entire season the pressure has constantly fallen on the defense’s shoulders to keep games within reach, reach being within a touchdown due to the Lancers’ lackluster offense. However, when you are out manned, and have half your starting line-up injured, fatigue starts to wear in as Senior Joe Terzian said after the game,

“After the long kickoff return, they started running a different formation, starting running harder,” the Senior defensive end said. “And unfortunately we don’t have 65 guys like they do dressing up and some people did get tired.”

After that 75-yard kickoff return for Nutley, Livingston proceeded to give up 21 unanswered points to end the game, dropping the Lancers to 0-5 on the season.

Livingston’s defense simply looked overmatched in the fourth as Nutley ran the ball down their throat with all three scores coming on the ground.

After a two-yard touchdown run by running back John Milici, the Lancers looked as though they were about ready to give up. Livingston, however, refused to quit.

Following a three and out by the Lancers, the Lancer defense devoured Raiders’ quarter back Mark Carnevale. Sophomore Johnny Schreiber sacked quarterback Mark Carnevale forcing a fumble recovered by senior Steve D’Angelo at the Raiders’ 18.

A failed Lancer drive put pressure on the Lancer defense once again. After giving up a touchdown on the previous drive, Livingston’s defense came through, sacking Carnevale in the end zone resulting in a safety, making the final score 29-9 in Nutley's favor.

Livingston, still seeking their first win, will face off against Bloomfield next Friday in a must-win situation if they want any chance of saving this season.