On a brisk sunny day in Livingston, Coach Steve Lupo’s Eagles A Team lost its first game of the season to the Livingston Lancers by a score of 14-6. The Eagles came out flat and did not wake up until it was too late.
Defense dominated the game for the first quarter as both teams punted the ball back and forth multiple times. For the Eagles, PJ “Air” Jordan was in on multiple tackles. Zack Balogh, Nick Riggio, Matt Frungillo and Tom Sharkey also contributed to keeping the Lancers off the scoreboard.
Offensively, the Eagles struggled, and a turnover would lead to the Lancers scoring the game’s first points as they recovered a fumble in the end zone. After kicking the extra points, the Lancers had an 8-0 lead midway through the second quarter.
The Eagles did not get a first down until 22 seconds remained in the first half as Sharkey hooked up with Pat Haughney on a 15-yard pass play.
After receiving the kick to open the 2nd half, the Eagles again fumbled the ball, this time deep in their own territory. Five plays later the Lancers had a 14-0 lead.
Still, the Eagles defense continued to swarm. Brian “The Hit Man” Hipp, Tommy “TK” Kellner, Sharkey, and Jordan continued to make plays and get the ball back to the offense.
With just over 7 minutes to play, the Eagles would finally mount a scoring drive. Nick “38” Riggio ran a sweep around the left end for 8 yards. Sharkey then hit Air Jordan down the right sideline for an over the shoulder catch and a 30-yard gain down to the Lancer 22 yard line. Next it was Nick “Jules” Giuliano who would get into the act. First he made a catch in traffic that was ruled out of bounds. Not to be denied, Sharkey went right back to Jules on the next play for a 22-yard TD pass.
Unfortunately, 14-6 was as close as the Eagles would get on this day. The West Essex Cowboys come to visit Centennial Field on Sunday, October 12, at 3:30pm. Come support the boys as they try to improve their record to 5-1.
Photos copyright Deb Aldiero. Used by permission.
