It may not be a league contest, but the annual football game between South Hunterdon and New Hope-Solebury is very much a big game to both programs.
This year, South Hunterdon emerged with a 28-0 victory at its own Sam Jefferis Field on Friday night.
The Eagles got on the board with 3:52 remaining in the first quarter, when Edward Cooper capped off a 66-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt failed, and the period ended with South Hunterdon sporting a 6-0 lead.
That lead extended in the second quarter. Brayden Hinman caught a 71-yard pass from Tanner McCaffrey for a touchdown. McCaffrey hit Aaron Zalescik for the two-point conversion, and the Eagles went into halftime with a 14-0 lead.
South Hunterdon scored two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Tommy Ramsin pushed the ball into the end zone with a 1-yard run and McCaffrey kept it for a 4-yard TD run. Thomas Warms made both extra point attempts for the Eagles.
The victory strengthened South Hunterdon’s bid to be in the playoffs in Super Section South 2.
“Heading into the playoffs, getting a win like this is huge, especially with a rival like them,” said McCaffrey, a senior who also plays basketball. “We all were looking forward to this game. This win means a lot to us and we’re ready to go into the playoffs rolling. We’re excited to keep the season going as long as possible.
“We really had great blocking up front and our defense has been great all season. I can’t thank those guys enough for setting the offense up.”
McCaffrey went 5-for-16 for 129 total yards and a touchdown pass, and rushed for 6 yards and a TD. Hinman had two carries for 89 yards and a touchdown and had eight carries for 19 yards, Ramsin had 13 carries for 27 yards and a touchdown, and made one catch for 9 yards, Warms had two carries for 31 yards, Cooper had nine carries for 27 yards and a touchdown and Anthony Venettone carried twice for 16 yards for the Eagles.
Zalescik and Ryder Manfready each had an interception for South Hunterdon.
The game used to be played on Thanksgiving, and the victor earns the Battle of the Bridges trophy.
“It’s a very rewarding feeling to win this one,” said Ramsin, a senior who also plays basketball. “We had a big crowd here for the game and we get to bring the trophy back to them. That’s why we play.
“Every week we just stay very focused. We don’t ever think we’re going to blow another team out. We just do our jobs and focus on how we can improve.
“Our defense was phenomenal and it has been the entire year. Defense is really the workhorse of our game and without them, we wouldn’t be in the position we’re in now.
“I’m very excited to see how the rest of the season goes. I think we’ll surprise some people.”
The Eagles (6-2) finish off the regular season on the road at Maple Shade on Friday night.
For the Lions, quarterback Franklin Phillips threw four completions for 15 yards and Colin Fudala made one 9-yard catch and had six carries for 33 yards. Aidan Ferraez and Heath Miller each had an interception for New Hope.
“This was a tough loss,” said Phillips, a senior who also plays lacrosse. “I used to play with a lot of those kids so I was really looking forward to this game. Unfortunately, we didn’t play well.
“My O-line blocked their butts off and I thought our defense did an amazing job. We just couldn’t finish.”
New Hope (1-8) will close out the regular season on Friday with a non-league home game against George School. The Lions opened the season with a forfeit win against Renaissance Academy.
“That’s our last game and it’s Senior Night, so hopefully we’ll go out with a win,” Phillips said.
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