D2 Sports Network's latest series, "A Student's Perspective," offers an inside look at a sideline reporting standpoint from the eyes of a high school student. This week, Jacob Girnius, a student at Cherokee High School, provides his thoughts on last Friday's NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 5 final between Edison High School and top-seeded Lenape High School:
Lenape High School vs. Edison High School, Friday, November 11, 2022. Tekie Clark/D2 Sports Network
The Indians looked to capture their first sectional championship since 2017 on their home turf.
Edison proved to be a fierce match-up for Lenape, and their defense surely stuck it to the Tribe’s star running back, Zyaire Goffney-Fleming. Fleming managed a few long runs throughout the entire night, as opposed to his usual large rushing totals. The senior suffered a high-ankle sprain late in the second quarter but returned to the game and showcased his toughness by scoring both of Lenape's touchdowns.
Fleming’s first score came late in the third quarter when it looked like Lenape’s offense might begin to get things moving. The atmosphere grew louder, bursting with cheer, as the dreary night wore on and the volume of opposing student sections continued to amplify the stadium between Church Road and Hartford Road. Fleming’s second touchdown came early in the fourth period, but from there Edison ran away with the title.
The Tribe was no match for the sheer size of Edison’s imposing defensive line as the Eagles carved out a 28-14 victory. Edison's size in the trenches proved to be an “enormous” advantage. The Indians plan to combat size limitations with extended time and work in the weight room this upcoming offseason.
“You can’t teach size," Lenape head coach Joe Wojceichowski said. “We’re going to work on adding size in the weight room January to June and really building as much muscle as possible.”
After the game concluded, Wojceichowski also congratulated his team on a hard-fought, well-played game and season.
All the while, Edison head coach Matt Fulham, positioned in the away team end zone, jumped for joy with his guys to the victorious cheers of the Eagles' fan section. On Saturday, Edison will play Toms River North at Cherokee High School in the Group 5 state semifinals at 5:30 pm for a chance to advance to the state championship.