Burlington City's Malachi James (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against Bordentown in the football game played at Bordentown Regional High School in Bordentown, New Jersey on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Jada Sayers/D2 Sports Network
BORDENTOWN (N.J.) - Malachi James blamed himself for the Burlington City High School football team's loss against Bordentown last season.
James was lined up as a cornerback on defense and backpedaled into coverage as Scotties' quarterback Dennis Morolda dropped back in the pocket to deliver the game-winning touchdown pass.
James bit on a double move and the score handed Bordentown a 21-18 victory.
"We were on the 10-yard line on defense," James said. "I made a mistake that cost us the game."
The Air Force football and track commit redeemed himself as he scored three touchdowns and accumulated 228 yards from scrimmage as the Blue Devils rolled Bordentown, 41-7, in a West Jersey Football League Freedom Division showdown on Thursday night. The senior also snared an interception on defense.
James hugged his father, Troy James, at midfield following the triumph. It was painful for Troy to see his son feel defeated and discouraged after surrendering the game-deciding score a season ago. He knew the only thing he could do as a parent was motivate his son to redeem himself in the rematch.
Mission completed.