Fischer’s Career Night Lifts Bayonne to First Playoff Win in 15 Years

photo & coverage by: Antonio Morales

The drought is over. For the first time in 15 years, Bayonne football has won a state playoff game and it came in emphatic fashion. Behind a historic performance from senior quarterback Chance Fischer, the Bees rolled past Elizabeth, 44–14, in the North 2, Group 5 quarterfinals.

From the opening kickoff, Bayonne played with purpose. The Bees jumped out to a commanding 16–0 lead in the first quarter, sparked by Fischer’s two early rushing touchdowns, a one-yard dive and a 40-yard burst, plus a defensive safety. The defense fed off that energy, swarming the line of scrimmage and recording multiple sacks and tackles for loss to keep the Minutemen scoreless through the first half.

Elizabeth threatened to rally in the third quarter, cutting into the deficit after a 12-yard touchdown pass from A’rique Fleming. But any momentum was short-lived — Fischer answered immediately with a 72-yard scoring run, his fourth touchdown of the night. He wasn’t finished yet, adding a 53-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to cap off a career-best 305 rushing yards and five touchdowns, along with an interception on defense that halted a potential Elizabeth drive.

Fischer’s all-around performance embodied Bayonne’s hunger and belief. After the win, he reflected on what the victory meant for the program:

“The emotions were through the roof with trying to put the best performance on that night, knowing Bayonne hasn’t won a playoff game in the last 15 years,” Fischer said. “Seeing how hard my linemen and the team worked since the summer motivated us to put on a show after we knew we were doubted. Seeing them come out, trying to win the ‘pregame talk,’ built a different fuel in us to come take what is ours.”

With that fire driving them, Bayonne (7–3) dominated all three phases and announced themselves as serious contenders in the state bracket. Fischer added:

“The message is simple. We are an extremely hard-ending group dedicated to making plays for one another. This team is on a mission and we plan on executing at a high level.”

For Bayonne, Friday night wasn’t just a playoff win... it was a statement. A declaration that the Bees are back and ready to chase something even bigger.