St. Peter's Prep Secures First Win of the Season at Zone6ix Classic
St. Peter's Prep Marauders recorded their first win of the season with a commanding 42-18 victory over Union City. The game, filled with explosive plays and timely execution, highlighted the Marauders' potential as they bounced back from an opening-season loss.
The game started off with Union City taking an early lead as their Wing-T offense allowed Ja'Zaire Aurelus to find a hole to burst through for a big 82-yard run. Jeremiah Hayes finished the drive with a touchdown to make it 6-0. This initial score set a challenging tone for the Marauders, who found themselves trailing as the first quarter wrapped up at Kean University.
St. Peter's Prep began to find their rhythm in the second quarter, starting with quarterback Tyler Bell connecting with Christian Cruz for a 24-yard touchdown pass, pushing Prep ahead 7-6. Bell continued his impressive performance by throwing another touchdown pass to Andres Perez from 23 yards out, extending their lead to 13-6 just before halftime.
The Marauders took control in the third quarter, beginning with Bell's 8-yard touchdown pass to Andres Perez, their second connection of the night. After successfully converting a two-point conversion, Prep led 21-6. Momentum firmly shifted in Prep's favor as Hunter Watson caught a 22-yard pass from Bell, followed by a dramatic 57-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Justin Gonzalez, putting Prep up 35-12. The Marauders continued to make plays on both sides of the ball and sealed the win after an interception from Jordan Rodriguez that ultimately ended any hopes of a comeback.
This win at the Zone6ix Classic was a crucial moment for St. Peter's Prep, illustrating their capability to dominate on the field and overcome early setbacks. As they prepare for their upcoming games, the Marauders have firmly established themselves as a team to watch this season and an offensive force in the state.