Quarterback Tommy Giaimo scored on a five-yard run in the first quarter and tailback Anthony Prus scored from 11 yards out in the third quarter as the Watchung Hills High football team beat Plainfield, 12-7, in its Homecoming Game Friday night. The win was the first of the season for the Warriors after seven losses. In addition, it was the first regular season win for Watchung Hills under second-year head coach Marc Crisafi.
IN SHORT
The Warrior defense was tested throughout the game but it consistently came up with big plays when it counted right down to its final play of the game. Plainfield had the ball at the Watchung Hills 18 when the Warriors' Anthony Rizzolo recovered a fumble by Plainfield quarterback Justin Strother, virtually sealing the victory.
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TOP WARRIOR
On a team where almost all of the major contributors are juniors, sophomore Zack Melillo has played as well as anyone. Friday was no different as the defensive back registered a sack and a fumble recovery, and also made a big tackle on a fourth down play on the possession following the Warriors' second touchdown.
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TOP PERFORMANCES
Offense - Prus had 20 carries for 73 yards and the touchdown and his backup, Andrew Keller, had eight carries for 36 yards. Giaimo completed three passes for 36 yards with Charlie Perruso (15 yards), Frank Urso (14) and Andrew Gildenberg (seven) catching one apiece.
Defense - In addition to Melillo and Rizzolo, Perruso had a fumble recovery. Matt Neilson and Marc LeDrappier joined Melillo in registering sacks. The two biggest defensive plays of the game, though, were recorded by junior defensive back Madison Brown, who twice ran down ball carriers after long runs. In the first quarter, he caught Plainfield's Robert Jackson from behind after a 78-yard run and Plainfield never scored on the drive. In the fourth quarter, he caught Amir Bradley after a 65-yard catch-and-run.
Special teams - Big play by Ali Minaian recovering Plainfield's onside kick which popped into the air to open the second half.
TOUGH OPPONENT - The inside reverse to Jackson gave the Warriors fits all night. The senior gained over 100 yards in the first quarter en route to a 150-yard rushing night.
THEY SAID IT - "I'm relieved and happy for the kids. I've won before but they hadn't and they needed a win, although we made it interesting at the end. It would have been nice to get this earlier but it was nice to get it on Homecoming with a nice crowd here ... We had contributions from a lot of different players even if they only played a few plays. Ali Minaian recovering that kickoff was import. Madison Brown twice makes big tackles. Andrew Keller comes off the bench to make a few big runs. That's why it's the ultimate team sport." - Watchung Hills head coach Marc Crisafi (who previously coached at Union High)
"It feels great. Our first win. My first win on our home field and my first win for varsity. We finally finished the game and executed every second of the game ... It felt great to score the touchdown and then see everyone up by the snack shack rooting for us." - Watchung Hills junior QB Tommy Giaimo
Up next - Friday night 7 p.m. vs. Rahway.
