Woodbridge Remains Unbeaten in Divisional Win Over Colonia
photo & coverage by: Antonio Morales
In a clash that could shape the Big Central - Liberty Gold division race, Woodbridge remained perfect on the season with a 34-21 victory over rival Colonia, powered by another dominant performance from running back Joshua Allen and a timely second-half response to a surging opponent.
Allen set the tone early with a lightning-quick 89-yard touchdown run on Woodbridge’s first drive of the night. It was the type of start that immediately energized the home sideline and hinted at a long night ahead for the Colonia defense. But the Patriots weren’t going down without a fight.
Colonia responded early in the second quarter with a 55-yard strike from Dylan Chiera to RJ Wortman, who broke loose down the sideline to tie things up at 7. Wortman was nearly unstoppable all game, finishing with 13 catches for 167 yards and serving as the centerpiece of Colonia’s offensive efforts.
Still, Woodbridge maintained control through the second quarter. Quarterback Dylan Stephen punched in a 5-yard score to retake the lead and later connected with Kyle Campos for an 11-yard touchdown to make it 20-7 at halftime. Stephen’s poise under pressure was matched by the execution of a strong offensive line that continued to clear space for the Barrons’ rushing attack.
Coming out of the break, Woodbridge extended the lead to 27-7 on another Stephen rushing touchdown. But just when it seemed like the game might be slipping away, Colonia mounted a spirited rally. Julien Jones, a force on both sides of the ball, found the end zone on a 1-yard run, and soon after, Kyle Bell hauled in a 21-yard touchdown from Chiera to cut the deficit to 27-21.
Jones, in particular, was everywhere — making tackles, plugging gaps, and keeping Colonia's chances alive with his relentless effort on defense.
With the momentum shifting, Woodbridge turned to their reliable backfield to ice the game. Allen, who had been grinding all night, delivered the final blow with a 4-yard touchdown run, his second of the evening, to cap off a drive that ate up clock and ended Colonia’s comeback hopes.
Allen finished with 252 rushing yards on 31 carries, dominating in both volume and impact. After the game, QB Dylan Stephen credited the team’s chemistry and preparation as the key to staying composed and closing the door on Colonia.
“We’ve been working together in the weight room since December,” Stephen said. “Our line is playing a crucial role in the success of our team, the are blowing people off the ball and opening up holes for the run game. Our coaches are also a big role in the success, they always seem to know exactly what to call or how to keep someone composed”
"For the rest of the season I look forward to doing anything possible to always leave it all out on the field and play free with no regrets. My goal is to make it the best season possible for our seniors because this is their last ride."
Now 4-0, Woodbridge continues its ascent as one of the most balanced and dangerous teams in the Big Central. For Colonia, the 2-2 record doesn’t reflect the talent and fight this group showed — especially players like Wortman and Jones, who left it all on the field in a game packed with playoff-level energy.