MANALAPAN, NJ – A game-deciding pass in overtime from Marcus Simmelkjaer to Frank Castellano gave Jackson Memorial a 20-13 victory over Manalapan.
The game was an offensive struggle for both teams, each failing to score in the first and second quarters. Manalapan broke the deadlock in the third quarter with a 4-yard run from Jason Rodriquez. Jonah Glenn of Jackson Memorial answered with a 13-yard touchdown run, tying the score at 7-7.
Manalapan took a brief lead in the fourth quarter when Jake Horowitz nailed a 22-yard field goal. Brandon Bigelow countered for Jackson Memorial with a 4-yard run, but a missed kick kept the score at 13-13. Horowitz later tied it with a 25-yard field goal, sending the game into overtime.
In the extra period, Simmelkjaer’s 30-yard pass to Castellano secured the win for Jackson Memorial.
Jackson Memorial led in total rushing yards, with Jonah Glenn accumulating 164 yards. Manalapan’s Ryan Dougherty led in passing with 193 yards. Jackson Pfister of Manalapan led in tackles with a total of nine, and Aneesh Kurria had an interception for Manalapan.
The win starts Jackson Memorial’s record to 1-0, while Manalapan moves to 1-1 for the season.