Led by a dominant rushing attacked keyed by senior Marquis Roberts and a stifling defense, Hoboken captured the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group I state championship Saturday afternoon by defeating Brearley Regional, 34-12, at Kean University.
The Red Wings (9-3) took an early lead, thanks to a 51-yard touchdown run from Roberts on the second play from scrimmage. Roberts, who ended the day with 177 yards rushing on 15 carries and two touchdowns, broke up the middle and then never looked back. They added the two-point PAT and led 8-0 just 1:06 into the game.
The Red Wings pushed the lead to 14-0 on a 40-yard touchdown run by Diquill Neal three minutes later and cruised the rest of the way over the previously undefeated Bears (11-1).
It marked the 10th NJSIAA state championship in the school’s history and the third in the last four years.
It was also the fourth in head coach Lou Taglieri’s career as head coach.
Wilden Germain added 89 yards and a touchdown for the winners, who will be treated to a parade down Washington Street in the near future.
To read more about the Red Wings’ state title, read this coming weekend’s editions of the Hudson Reporter. – Jim Hague
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