Sayreville Stays Undefeated After Rivalry Win Over Piscataway

coverage by: Nery Rodriguez

Before the first snap, tensions were already sky-high in the latest edition of the Sayreville vs. Piscataway rivalry. But when Piscataway declined the handshake at the captain’s meeting, the energy shifted. Sayreville took it personally — and turned that slight into motivation to dominate.

Behind a jaw-dropping performance from senior standout Shaun Jackson, the Bombers powered their way to a 42-24 road win and moved to 6-0 on the season. Jackson was electric, totaling 296 yards and four touchdowns, including a game-breaking 74-yard reception in the first quarter that swung the momentum early.

“The turn down of handshakes during pregame is definitely what set us off,” Jackson said. “Coming into the week we knew we had to do everything we could to go 1-0… We really preach the idea of everyone doing their job and trusting each other to do the same. I just know we have something special going on here at Sayreville this year, and I plan to continue to perform how I have been — regardless of the opponent.”

Piscataway opened the night with a 20-yard touchdown run from quarterback Landon Pernell, striking first and briefly quieting the Sayreville sideline. But the response came fast.

Just a few plays later, Tyler Butka found Jackson on a wheel route for a 74-yard touchdown, tying the game and igniting Sayreville’s sideline. Jackson quickly followed it up with a 15-yard rushing score to give the Bombers their first lead of the game, 13-7.

Piscataway responded in the second quarter with a short touchdown pass to Josiah Zayas, but Sayreville punched right back — Jackson again, this time from one yard out, followed by a successful two-point conversion by Chase Barnes. A field goal by Piscataway cut the lead to four at halftime, but Sayreville owned the second half.

The Bombers opened the third quarter with Sherwin Appiah punching in a 6-yard score to make it 28-17, but Zayas wasn’t done — the Piscataway wideout broke free for a 60-yard touchdown to make it a four-point game again.

Appiah added another score early in the fourth, and after a key defensive stop, Jackson put the game on ice with a 24-yard touchdown run, his fourth of the night, to cap off a statement win for the Bombers.

Sayreville’s combination of physical run game, team-first defense, and explosive playmaking continues to separate them from the pack in the Big Central. “On a personal level, I know we have something special going on here,” Jackson added.
“I plan to continue to perform how I have been — to help reach our end goal as a collective.”

With six wins under their belt and momentum building, the Bombers are locked in for a big second half of the season.