Rumson-Fair Haven Forces Pressure, Rolls Past Brick Memorial

photo and coverage by: Antonio Morales

In a battle between two of the Shore Conference’s top-ranked programs, it was Rumson-Fair Haven that brought the storm. The Bulldogs turned defense into offense all night long, forcing five turnovers — including four fumble recoveries — en route to a commanding 35-7 win over Brick Memorial on Friday night.

Brick Memorial entered the matchup with momentum, but was without starting quarterback Jason Lajara, sidelined with an illness. Still, the Mustangs moved the ball early before Rumson’s defense flipped the game on its head.

After a 13-play, 80-yard opening drive capped by a 5-yard touchdown pass from Casey Moore to Brandon McDonald, the Bulldogs grabbed a 14-0 first-quarter lead when Finn Carlston jumped a route and returned an interception 79 yards to the house.

Brick showed signs of life in the second half, cutting the deficit to 14-7 on a 58-yard touchdown burst from Nazeer Whittaker. But Rumson responded in every way possible — physically, mentally, and on the scoreboard.

The Bulldogs reeled off 21 unanswered points in the third and fourth quarters. A pair of fumble recoveries led directly to scores — a 1-yard plunge by Brady Williams, followed by a quick strike from Moore to Cole Spoonire for a 21-yard TD.

Then, in what may already be one of the defensive highlights of the season, Gavin Mishkin delivered a punishing hit that popped the ball into the air, and Ryder Izzo snagged it and rumbled 65 yards for a defensive touchdown — his fourth fumble recovery of the night.

The story of the game was Rumson’s relentless defense. From the opening snap, the Bulldogs were flying to the ball, forcing pressure, and creating havoc — a signature of their winning culture.