If Mount Olive was riding high fresh off their 28-0 takedown of Vernon last Thursday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The Mount Olive Marauders were just a hair shy of victory on Friday and fell 28-27 to the Wayne Valley Indians. The Marauders were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Indians apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in October of 2023.
Despite the loss, Mount Olive still got an impressive performance from Tyler Cumming, who rushed for 205 yards and a touchdown while picking up 10.8 yards per carry. That's the most rushing yards Cumming has posted since back in September of 2023. The team also got some help courtesy of Jekori Zapata, who gained 69 total yards and two touchdowns.
Even though they lost, Mount Olive was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 220 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Wayne Valley only rushed for 82.
Wayne Valley's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Darrius Rivers, who picked up 89 receiving yards and a touchdown. Rivers showed off some serious burst, cutting upfield on a catch for 65 yards. Wayne Valley also got a significant boost from Elizer Estevez, who ran away from the competition to the tune of 83 yards.
Mount Olive's loss dropped their record down to 4-3. As for Wayne Valley, their win bumped their record up to 5-3.
Mount Olive will host West Morris Central at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. West Morris Central will roll in looking for their sixth straight victory, something Mount Olive surely won't give up without a fight. As for Wayne Valley, they will head out to take on Ridgewood at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Ridgewood's defense has only allowed 11.6 points per game this season, so Wayne Valley's offense will have their work cut out for them.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
