The visiting 7th-seeded Crusaders nearly became the second 7th-seed in the Big Central to score an upset in the opening round of the state playoffs Friday night.
Bound Brook jumped out to an early 14-0 lead, but Bernards climbed back into it, and hung on for a 28-27 win over their visitors at the bottom of the Watchung Mountains.
But it wasn’t without a little good fortune and good defense that the Mountaineers (8-2) advanced to the second round in the Central, Group 2 playoffs.
Connor Laverty put Bernards ahead 28-21 with his second touchdown of the game, but after Bound Brook quarterback Patrick LePoidevin got the Crusaders within a point, their extra point missed, leaving the score 28-27.
And, still, the Crusaders had one more chance with under a minute left, but an interception by Enzo Britez sealed the deal.
Bernards (8-2) moves on to play third-seed Haddonfield next Friday night at 7, on the road. The Bulldagws beat third-seed Middle Township Friday night 34-7.
Click below to hear Bernards High School student sports reporter Matthew Lesnik talk with Mountaineers’ head coach Jon Simoneau after the game: