FREEHOLD, NJ – Freehold Township stormed through its crosstown showdown Saturday afternoon, crushing Freehold Borough 42-7 to reclaim the coveted Duke Trophy and even its record above .500.
The Patriots exploded for 28 points in the second quarter, putting the game out of reach before halftime.
Freehold Borough managed its lone score late in the fourth quarter after the outcome had long been decided.
Quarterback Johnathan Kokotis led the way for Freehold Township with 126 passing yards, connecting on a 45-yard touchdown strike to receiver Jake Schultzel. Running back Jake Rattiner added 75 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, providing the offensive spark that powered the Patriots’ early surge.
Defensively, Township was relentless. Linebacker Dominick Fiore anchored the unit with seven tackles and a sack, while Jumar Irvin’s fumble recovery in the end zone highlighted a defensive front that swarmed all afternoon.
Second-quarter surge seals it
After Rattiner’s opening touchdown run in the first quarter, Freehold Township broke the game wide open with four straight scores in the second. Irvin’s fumble recovery for a touchdown and Kokotis’s deep strike to Schultzel punctuated a dominant stretch that left Borough trailing 35-0 at halftime.
The Patriots defense didn’t let up, forcing multiple turnovers and scoring again off a third-quarter fumble recovery in the end zone.
Boro struggles to find rhythm
Freehold Borough’s offense failed to gain traction until the final minutes, when a short touchdown run put the Colonials on the board. It was little consolation in a game controlled from start to finish by their rivals across town.
Freehold Township, now 4-3 overall and 0-3 in Shore Conference B North play, will look to carry its momentum into next week’s matchup. Freehold Borough dropped to 1-6 and remains winless in D North.
The Patriots left no doubt who owns the Duke Trophy this year.