The River Dell Golden Hawks and Teaneck Highwaymen freshman football teams battled to a highly competitive 22-22 tie at Teaneck High School in Teaneck, New Jersey.
River Dell jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first quarter on a 12 yd. The touchdown pass was from quarterback Brooks Esler to Andrew Wilhelm.
In the second quarter, Teaneck responded with a 30-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jayden Robinson to Terrance Dawkins, which evened the game at 6-6.
On the ensuing kickoff, Golden Hawks kickoff returner Iain Rossig returned the ball to near midfield. River Dell advanced the ball further into Highwaymen territory as Brooks Esler completed a 20-yard pass to Connor Gastman.
On the second goal from the one-yard line, Esler plowed straight ahead for the score. The Golden Hawks elected to go for the two-point conversion, which proved to be successful. Iain Rossig connected on a pass to Jathniel Iyonsi, extending the lead to 14-6.
With time winding down in the first half, River Dell hit paydirt as Brooks Esler heaved a 28-yard touchdown pass in stride to Jathniel Iyonsi. Once again, the Golden Hawks chose to go for the two-point conversion that worked to perfection as Iain Rossig, on the jump step pass, lobbed a throw to a wide-open Connor Gastman that widened the advantage to 22-6 at halftime.
Teaneck turned the third quarter quickly in their favor as kickoff returner Brandon Meyer returned the kickoff to the River Dell 20-yard line.The Highwaymen wasted no time finding the end zone as quarterback Jayden Robinson tossed a 10-yard pass to Brandon Meyer.Teaneck followed the Golden Hawks’ blueprint with the two-point conversion attempt, which ended with Robinson barreling ahead across the goal line, making the score 22-14.
River Dell regained their composure on their ensuing offensive possession by driving into Highwaymen territory, but on fourth down, an incomplete pass forced a turnover on downs.
Teaneck seizing upon the opportunity, quarterback Jayden Robinson completed a pass to Brandon Meyer. Then Meyer turned on the jet burners and outraced everyone to the end zone for the electrifying 65-yard touchdown. Robinson utilized his strength, powering in for the two-point conversion run, tying the game up at 22-22, which was the final score.