Woodbridge's Reaches 8-0 with Thrilling Victory Over St. Joe's Metuchen
In a clash that had all the makings of a classic, Woodbridge High School secured a dramatic win against St. Joseph's Metuchen, cementing their undefeated regular season. The game, filled with twists and turns, was a showcase of resilience and tactical brilliance, with Woodbridge pulling off a last-minute victory to win 36-35.
The game kicked off with Woodbridge quickly showing their intent. Derek Anderson connected with Bryan Anderson on a 53-yard touchdown pass, setting the tone early. However, St. Joseph's responded with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Justin Scaramuzzo to Jacob Pappas, evening the score. The first half continued to be a back-and-forth affair, with St. Joseph eventually taking a lead into halftime.
Woodbridge came out determined in the second half, but St. Joseph continued to hold the lead for most of the duration. Key plays included Javon Hudson's impactful runs as he eclipsed and a critical fumble recovery by St. Joseph that seemed to tilt the game in their favor. As the Falcons gained a 15-point lead, it seemed that all momentum was in their favor. Yet, Woodbridge's spirit never waned, setting the stage for a frantic final few minutes. Toward the end of the quarter, Zackaryus Guzman 4-yd touchdown run and 2 point conversion helped keep the Barrons alive minimizing the lead to just one score.
The offense in fourth quarter broke loose as Justin Scaramuzzo opened with a TD run. Answering back, Derek Anderson burst through the line for a 48-yard touchdown bring the game back within one score. With just over two minutes left, Woodbridge found themselves with a chance to take the lead. Derek Anderson masterfully led his team downfield, culminating in a 13-yard touchdown pass to Izaiah Toliver. Opting for a two-point conversion, Anderson successfully completed the run, giving Woodbridge a one-point lead. St. Joseph's final efforts to retake the lead fell short, sealing a memorable victory for Woodbridge.
Woodbridge's victory secured a perfect regular season as they reach an impressive 8-0. This game, with its nail-biting finish, will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of the season, demonstrating the unpredictability and excitement of high school football. As Woodbridge moves into the playoffs, they carry not only an undefeated record but also a confidence that they can triumph under pressure, traits that will be crucial in the challenging games that lie ahead.