Shabazz Holds On in Tense Group 2 Semifinal Against Hanover Park

photo by: Bryan Louzada

In a gritty, hard-fought NJISAA Group 2 semifinal, the Shabazz Bulldogs narrowly held off the Hanover Park Hornets with a final score of 8-7. The game, marked by strategic plays and tense moments, proved to be a true test of resilience for both teams.

The first quarter saw Shabazz taking an early lead, capitalizing on a short field after Hanover Park turned the ball over on downs. Daveion Porter powered through for a one-yard touchdown run. The Bulldogs added flair with a successful two-point conversion by Zaiden McDonald, setting the score at 8-0. Despite their early setback, Hanover Park responded by driving deep into Bulldogs' territory but failed to convert on critical downs.

As the game progressed, Hanover Park's resilience shone through. They closed the gap to just one point by halftime, thanks to their persistent offensive efforts that saw them in the red zone multiple times. The score at the break was a nail-biting 8-7 in favor of Shabazz.

The second half continued the theme of defensive dominance, with both teams struggling to add to their tally. Hanover Park, seeing an opportunity to take the lead, lined up for a 33-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. However, the kick was blocked, leaving Shabazz to cling to their slender lead. The Bulldogs' defense stood tall for the remainder of the game, staving off any further scoring attempts by the Hornets.

This victory allows Shabazz to continue their quest for a championship, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to their season. Hanover Park, though disappointed, can hold their heads high, having challenged the Bulldogs to the very end. Shabazz will meet up with Rumson-Fair Haven in the Group 2 Finals.