Chiefs in Command in Woodbridge, 28-6

By Josh Cohen

9/18/04

Woodbridge -- Any remnants of hurricane Ivan, any requests to watch a baseball blowout on television, or any interests to escape reporters did not prevent the Piscataway Chiefs from triumph in their first game of the season.

Quarterback Robert Rose completed 5-of-9 passes for 113 yards with two touchdowns -- leading the Chiefs to an imposing 28-6 victory against the Woodbridge Barrons on Saturday afternoon.

A 52 yard TD reception by Malcolm Jenkins, who completed three passes for 92 yards, on a big third down early in the third quarter extended Piscataway’s lead to 22-0, while Kyle Wilson preserved an opening game victory for the sixth ranked team in the state with a 32 yard TD run late in the quarter.

Outside of a few tackling errors, the Barrons were not subjugated defensively – particularly on the line. In fact, Piscataway rushed for more than 10 yards only five times, and completed four less passes than Woodbridge.

“We weren’t dominated today,” defensive back Jarren Smith said after the game. “We just gave them a short field too many times. We didn’t get off a punt one time, and that gave them great position to score.”

Barrons quarterback Joe Skibar passed for 181 yards on nine completions – two of those caught by Josh “Texas” Rock for a combined 58 yards.

Penalties, including two face masking calls, spoiled many opportunities for Woodbridge. On the verge of halting a Piscataway field goal late in the first half, the Barrons were penalized twice – allowing Chief’s place kicker Matt Voliva to nail a 27 yard field goal.

Running backs Stefan Alexander and Garrett Mozolic combined for 62 yards rushing with a TD.

“We tried mixing up plays today,” Alexander said. “We just need to practice reading blocks. I thought defensively we did a good job.”

Matt Barringer and Matt Bouchard combined for 10 stops, while Alexander was credited with a sack.

Head coach Brian Russo says the key for next game is to not trail early.

“We don’t want to get behind early, as it makes it difficult for our defense to establish,” coach Russo said.

The absence of a Piscataway marching band, and an outstanding halftime performance by Woodbridge gave the Barrons a clear musical victory.

Meanwhile, elated spirit by the Woodbridge cheerleaders defeated the monotonous girls in black and yellow with an extraordinary halftime performance.

The football team will look to get back on track when they visit John P. Stevens on Thursday for an evening contest with the Hawks.