Dortch, Robinson, Nolan lead New Jersey All-Stars to convincing 48-7 victory
After sitting on the sidelines through much of the first half of last Saturday’s Governor’s Bowl in West Point, Hoboken’s brilliant running back Tyrell Dortch wasn’t concerned that he was being forced to take a backseat to Keyport’s Malcolm Postell. The game saw Dortch collect just 32 yards on just five carries, while Postell took 51.
"I wasn’t frustrated at all," Dortch said. "It’s an All-Star game [pitting New Jersey’s best high school football players against New York’s] with a lot of great players on the field. And everyone is trying to do their best when they get the chance. I knew that I had to be patient, that I’d get my chance to do something."
Dortch didn’t have to wait too long after halftime. On New Jersey’s first possession of the second half, with the team facing a third and 28 from its own 2-yard line, Dortch took a pitchout and definitely made the most of his opportunity to shine.
He took two steps, waiting for one block, found a small seam and was off to the races, some 98 yards for a typical explosive Dortch touchdown.
The 98-yard run was the longest of Dortch’s career. It set a new Governor’s Bowl record and really put the final nail in New York’s coffin, as New Jersey steamrolled to an easy 48-7 victory.
"I saw the hole and hit it," Dortch said. "That’s the Hoboken rule. Once you hit the hole, never look back and just keep on going."
Dortch’s explosive performance led to a day where he finally collected 138 yards rushing on just eight carries, earning the Offensive Player of the Game honors. It was a fitting way for him to end his high school career before heading off to Michigan State next month.
"It was my final high school football game," Dortch said. "So I wanted to be able to make my mark. I set a new record on the touchdown and we won the game. We worked hard all week to get this game and it paid off."
Dortch was one of three Hudson County gridders on the winning New Jersey team. Hudson Reporter Athlete of the Year Jonathan Robinson of Memorial continued to display his all-around versatility by playing free safety for the New Jersey squad.
A week earlier, Robinson was playing quarterback for the North in the North-South All-Star game. Now, he was turned around and focusing on defense.
"It was a lot harder, getting ready to play one position one week and another one week later," Robinson said. "I’m used to playing both ways for my team, but not against this competition. It was definitely a challenge."
Robinson collected three tackles and forced a fumble during his action at free safety.
Joe Nolan of St. Peter’s Prep was the New Jersey punter, booming three punts, one of which was muffed, recovered by New Jersey and brought to a touchdown.
"This was a great atmosphere to play under," said Nolan, who is headed for Penn State next month. "It’s definitely been a challenge for me, because the speed of the game is totally different. It’s definitely going to get me ready for what I have to face in college. But I had a lot of fun playing with all these guys. It was a great week."
But it was Dortch’s day to shine, one last time, on the high school level.
Incredibly, the New York defense knew that the pitch to Dortch was coming, calling the play out at the line of scrimmage – and they still couldn’t do anything to stop him.
"It was a great run, just awesome," said Bergen Catholic QB Matt LoVecchio, who pitched the ball to Dortch. "I just watched him fly after he got it. Tyrell’s amazing."
LoVecchio is headed for Notre Dame. Maybe the two will meet on a playing field down the road.
After Dortch crossed the goal line with his impressive run, he was greeted on the sidelines by his cousin, fellow Hoboken standout Ravon Anderson, who will play running back at Rutgers this fall.
Anderson was asked now who was a better running back, himself or his cousin.
"He’s better now," Anderson said. "I finally admit it."
And Hoboken will be hard pressed to ever find another better.