In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle, the Metuchen Bulldogs emerged victorious over Roselle, securing a 35-28 win to improve to 3-0.
Metuchen came out strong, with Jason Woods punching in an 11-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful PAT from Austin Loreti. Evan Toth added another touchdown on a 7-yard run, with Loreti again converting the kick. The Bulldogs looked to be in control, but Roselle answered back with an electrifying 85-yard kickoff return, closing the gap to 14-6 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw Evan Toth find the end zone once more, this time on a 4-yard run, with Loreti’s kick making it 21-6. Roselle refused to go quietly, however, and in the third quarter, they scored on a 37-yard run. The two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the score at 21-12. Metuchen responded with a beautiful 25-yard touchdown pass from Cam Hayes-Durina to Justus Leitner, extending their lead to 28-12 heading into the final frame.
The fourth quarter turned into a shootout. Roselle scored on a 31-yard run, followed by a successful two-point conversion making it 28-20. Metuchen’s Kyle McPortland answered the call with a 7-yard touchdown run, pushing the Bulldogs back ahead 35-20. Roselle wasn’t finished yet, scoring one final touchdown on a 9-yard run and converting for to to make it 35-28. The Bulldogs’ defense held firm in the final minutes, securing the thrilling victory.
Evan Toth was a standout for Metuchen, finishing with 105 yards rushing and two touchdowns. The Bulldogs’ ability to respond to Roselle’s challenges and make big plays when it mattered most proved to be the difference in this exciting matchup.
