The Alternative Press

WEST ORANGE, NJ - The West Orange Mountaineers traveled Friday night to North Caldwell to take on the Knights of West Essex.  In a closely fought defensive battle the Knights prevailed 7-6.  The evening began with a moment of silence to honor those lost during the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Towers, quickly followed by the West Essex School Choir singing God Bless America.

West Essex got on the scoreboard in the first quarter.   An interception by quarterback Brandon Cowley put the ball on the West Orange 36 yard line.  A pass by West Essex for a first down, combined with a penalty, put the ball first and goal on the 9 yard line.  West Essex followed with an off tackle run by Anthony Kross for a touchdown.  Kicker Matt Garvey tacked on the extra point to make the score 7-0.

West Orange got on the scoreboard late in the second quarter.  West Orange drove downfield 79 yards for a score, highlighted by a 46 yard screen pass from Brandon Cowley to Ealey.  A  touchdown pass from Brandon Cowley to Gene Charles, as time expired, gave the Mountaineers six points.  The extra point attempt failed, making the halftime score 7-6.

The second half was highlighted by outstanding defensive efforts by both squads.  Both defensive lines provided excellent efforts.  Eric Constantino of West Essex had a particularly great effort, finishing the game with 11 tackles, a sack, a fumble recovery and an interception.