Lower Cape May High School traveled to Pennsville Memorial to take on the Eagles in an early-season, Royal division matchup.
It was the home opener for the Pennsville Eagles as they honored the town's Senior League Softball team who represented the East at the World Series this summer at halftime. They wore all black alternates with bright blue helmets, signature gold wings sprouting from the mask. They were looking to jump to a 2-0 start to their season for the first time since 2020.
Lower Cape May responded with a suffocating defensive performance, winning 28- 7.
The game stayed close through most of the first three quarters, with LCMHS unable to find the knockout punch time and time again. Despite out-gaining Pennsville by over 200 yards of offense, the Tigers were stumbling over their own penalties, racking up over 90 yards of infractions.
Pennsville made it a 14-7 game with a fourth down end-zone fade to Malik Rehmer to cap off the opening drive of the second quarter. It was a perfect toss by Robert McDade, and the final play they ran in the red-zone all night.
The Tiger defensive line was in the face of Pennsville's McDade on what seemed like every drop back, forcing throwaways or outright sacks before receivers were turned. Having little success on the ground, the Eagles were nearly forced to air it out. Two of the five sacks caused turnovers on downs.
As a whole, the Eagles were held to less than 2.5 yards per play. McDade and sophomore Hayden Sherman connected on a couple of nice gains early, but the offense was kept largely at a standstill. Several receivers were involved in Pennsville's attack, but the rush proved difficult to handle and the opportunities were limited.
Of the four touchdowns scored by Lower Cape May, only one was scored on a goal-to-go situation, with two others coming from outside the red-zone.
Defensive backs on both teams were active, breaking up a slew of passes over the middle and each side coming away with a clean interception. Hunter Hiles and Braswell Thomas, each sporting #11 jerseys, caused the turnovers for Pennsville and Lower Cape May, respectively.
Thomas was electric with the ball in his hands, coming up with a one-handed pick in the middle of the field, a long punt return, and four catches for 70 yards before suffering an injury in the third quarter.
Lower Cape May's offense enjoyed success of their own with 15 plays that gathered ten or more yards. Running back Isaiah Wing carried defenders to over 140 yards and two touchdowns.
They move to 2-1 on the season and sit atop the Royal division standings.
Pennsville is an even 1-1, and hosts Gateway this coming Friday night in another divisional game.
- Pennsville delivers big Homecoming win against Overbrook - October 7, 2023
- Schalick Stays Unbeaten in Rout of Pennsville Eagles - September 23, 2023
- Pennsville dominates second half in win over Gateway Regional - September 16, 2023
