Bernards head coach Jon Simoneau talks to his team after a loss in the North 1, Group 2 final to Shabazz on November 15, 2024. (Photo: Alec Crouthamel)
Bernards’ quest for a second straight sectional title – and second straight undefeated season through the sectional championship – fell short on Friday night as the second-seeded Mountaineers fell 28-14 to fifth-seeded Shabazz in the North 1 Group 2 final.
The Bulldogs used a strong rushing attack and opportunistic defense to take home the title, upsetting the top two seeds in the process.
It was a defensive rock-fight for the first 30 minutes, as the teams went into the halftime locker room scoreless. In the third quarter, however, the scoring exploded, with three touchdowns coming in the third and another three in the fourth.
Bernards was led on the ground by running back Logan Stevens, who had a solid game running and receiving. He ran for 102 yards on 13 carries with a touchdown on the ground, as well as catching four passes for 72 yards through the air. Quarterback Nolan Walsh relied on him as a safety net out of the backfield and he delivered in a big way.
Wide receiver Jack Morra had another big game, catching three passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. Walsh for the game completed 10 of his 21 pass attempts for 174 yards and a score. It was a strong day for the Mountaineers’ passing attack, particularly in the second half, but it was not enough to keep up with Shabazz.
Bulldogs quarterback Romeo Tables led the way with his arms and his legs, as he threw for 86 yards and a touchdown while carrying the ball 12 times for 150 yards and three touchdowns. All three scores were on big plays from 20, 17, and 53 yards out. His final carry – the 53-yard score – essentially iced the game after Shabazz’s special teams unit recovered an onside kick, giving the Bulldogs a 28-14 lead with three minutes to play. Running backs Zaiden McDonald and Jalen Cline each ran for 64 and 63 yards respectively.
A key factor in the game turned out to be the penalties, as the Mountaineers committed several pre-snap penalties to push them back and stall drives, as well as give Shabazz good field position on defense. Bernards also had an interception called back due to a defensive pass interference, a drive that Shabazz later scored on.
The Mountaineers finish their season at 11-1, while the 9-2 Bulldogs will advance to the Group 2 semifinals where they will face Hanover Park, which beat top-seeded Glen Rock in the North 2 Group 2 finals earlier tonight.
Click below to hear postgame reaction from Bernards head coach Jon Simoneau with Central Jersey Sports Radio’s Alec Crouthamel:
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