Thomas Jefferson was determined to put forth its best possible showing in its first playoff football game in the Bowl Conference after playing in the PSAL’s City Division for several years prior. A win would set the program in the right direction.
Head coach Michael Saunds gave the utmost credit to his defense and its coaches while saying the Orange Wave stuck to its bread and butter potent ground attack, helping the program achieve something significant for the first time in six years.
“First off, the defense played outstanding. Our defensive coaches do a hell of job on that side of the ball. They put in a great game plan (today),” Saunders explained. “Offensively, we just wanted to stay true to who we were; run the ball. They showed up today, and I told the team it was the first time since 2010 we had a home playoff win. It was big for the program going forward.”
Thomas Jefferson (5-4) raced out to 14-0 advantage in the first quarter, establishing early dominance. Senior quarterback Olatundo J. Bruin completed a 26-yard touchdown pass and the successful two-point conversion run swelled the Orange Wave lead to 22-0 with 0.23 seconds left in the first half.
- Thomas Jefferson head coach Michael Saunds all smiles in the first half as his team is off to solid start.
A Trojan (6-3) bad snap on a punt gave Thomas Jefferson great field possession at the opposition’s 19-yard line. senior running back Dwight Adams didn’t waste time as he bolted for a TD on the ensuing play to increase its lead to 28-0 with 7:55 to go in the third quarter.
The Orange Wave added another score and a two-point conversion in the fourth period to put the game way out of reach.
Bruin completed nine of 14 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns. Junior Zabian Morton rushed for a game-high 114 yards with a TD. Junior Randall Mathis Jr. found the end zone twice and Adams (62 yards) once.
NY NJ Sports World/Brooklyn Sports World 