The undefeated James Caldwell Chiefs (9-1) fell to the Lakeland Lancers (8-3) 33-28 in the 2023 NJSIAA North 2, Round 2 Semifinals. After keeping a winning streak since November 13, 2020, the Caldwell Chiefs lose a hard fought battle and come out short for their final Friday Night Lights of the season.
The anticipation was intense since the start of the first quarter Friday, November 3, in Caldwell, New Jersey. To open the game, the James Caldwell Chiefs score a 26-yard touchdown on their first possession, almost five minutes into the first quarter. The touchdown was completed by #21, Dom Velardi, by a pass from #11, Louie Anemone. To add the extra point, #5, Sean Murtagh, connected on the kick to make the game Caldwell 7 - Lakeland 0.
The early Chiefs' touchdown didn't strike the confidence of the Lakeland Lancers. They responded with a 36-yard touchdown with only 3:50 left in the first quarter on their first possession by #13, Jake Spear, from #10, Collin Sabric. The extra point was completed by #60, Eyden Linares making it a tie game of 7-7 and to conclude the scoring in the first quarter.
The outcome of the first quarter gave both teams a push of determination to get into the lead. The offense for the Caldwell Chiefs kicked off the second quarter with a play from captain to captain. Anemone gave a handoff, which led to a 1-yard run by Joey Marinello, #33. The kick was once again successful by Murtagh, putting the Chiefs in the lead 14-7.
The Chiefs' offense was strong starting off the second quarter, but so was their defense. Velardi pulled off a defensive stop, followed by an interception from Murtagh, who returned it 63 yards. This led to a touchdown once again from Anemone to Marinello. Not only did he complete an interception, but Murtagh also completed his kick, raising the score to 21-7. However, Murtagh isn't the only one who pulled off an interception in this quarter. Lakeland's Kyle Keyes intercepted with one minute left in the quarter and ran it back 95 yards for a pick-six. It was followed by Linares' kick bringing the Lancers back into the game and finalize the score 21-14 before halftime.
Following halftime, the third quarter starts off slow. The Lakeland Lancers fulfilled a touchdown by Spear after a 65-yard pass from Sabric, as well as an extra point field goal from Linares. This brought the game back to a tie 21-21 late in the third quarter.
The score following the last three quarters struck anticipation from both teams leading into the final quarter. Caldwell started off strong by completing a three-yard run touchdown after a handoff from Anemone to Marinello. Murtagh had completed his kick, firing up the Chiefs early in the fourth quarter and making the score 28-21. The Lakeland Lancers followed the Chiefs with 5:33 left in the final quarter. With his third touchdown of the game, Spear made the score 28-27 Caldwell from a 35 yard pass from Sabric.
The final minutes of the game were stressful for players, coaches, and fans as the game stands at 28-27 knowing one team will advance and one will not. With almost five minutes going by and no change in score, the Lancers pushed through and scored a touchdown with only 41 seconds left in the Semifinals. Junior Aidan Thacker, #7, ran past the Caldwell defense to complete Sabric's 25 yard pass and win the game 33-28 for the Lancers.
Despite Caldwell's devastating loss, the team spirit is powerful and the Chiefs will come back stronger than ever. Seniors Jake Gruzas, Troy Ford, Louie Anemone, Dom Velardi, Joey Marinello, Mike DeRosa, Charlie Male and Julian Casale has contributed all they have into Caldwell Football and their dedication towards the team will always stick with the legacy of the 23-24 season.
The Lakeland Lancers now have the opportunity to advance to the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2 Finals against Bernards High School after fighting a hard earned battle in Caldwell.
- Caldwell vs. Lakeland: A Back And Forth Battle - November 4, 2023
