Watchung Hills Regional has relied on a stalwart defense averaging 10.5 points allowed per game, but that average took a hit on Friday. The matchup between them and the Elizabeth Minutemen wasn't particularly close, with the Watchung Hills Regional Warriors falling 43-29. The Warriors were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Minutemen apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in October of 2023.
Elizabeth found their leader in underclassman Arique Fleming, who rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown on only 13 carries, and also threw for 162 yards and three touchdowns on perfect 11-for-11 passing. Those 107 rushing yards gave Fleming a new career-high. Speaking of playmakers, who could forget Qua'Yon Williams, who went all the way with a kickoff return for a touchdown.
This is the second loss in a row for Watchung Hills Regional and nudges their season record down to 5-3. As for Elizabeth, their victory ended a three-game drought at home and bumped them up to 4-4.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Watchung Hills Regional will challenge Somerville at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Somerville will roll in looking for their eighth straight win, something Watchung Hills Regional surely won't give up without a fight. As for Elizabeth, they will face off against Union at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
