By Jim Hintelmann
LITTLE SILVER –There was no slowing Red Bank Regional’s unbeaten football team in Friday’s NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III first round game against South Plainfield.
The third seeded Bucs (9-0) had their usual offensive punch of running backs Sadiq Palmer, Alim Godsey and quarterback Jack Navitsky in top form, but it was the defense that played the major role in a 30-0 shutout.
South Plainfield (6-3) never made sustained drive, and the only time it got into Buc territory was in the third quarter, and that was the result of a lost Buc fumble that was recovered at the Buc 40. The Tigers managed to reach the Red Bank 28, but were stopped there and never got closer again.
”Our defensive front four was outstanding tonight,” said Red Bank coach Nick Giglio. “Our game plan was to stop their quarterback and we did that. We also shut down their running game.”
“We struggled in the first half,” he said, “but our passing game in the second half enabled us to open up our running game.
“Our defense was great and we put a lot of pressure on their quarterback,” said defensive end Sean Naiman. “I knew that we had a lot of talent going into the season and would be good, but I didn’t think we would be 9-0 at this point.”
Offensively, Palmer, who will be playing football at Syracuse next season, had a solid game both ways, scoring two touchdowns on short runs and adding a third score with a 45-yard run with a recovered fumble.
“Palmer is a very competitive player,” said Giglio. “He wants to win, but he doesn’t mind blocking or tackling either.”
Red Bank dominated the first half but had a field goal attempt by Jack O’Connor blocked and was stopped in South Plainfield territory on several other occasions.
The Bucs finally got a break when a bad snap on a South Plainfield punt was recovered on the Tigers’ 13-yard line late in the first half.
A short pass from Navitsky to Palmer put the ball on the 3-yard line, and Palmer took it over on the next play. O’Connor kicked the first of four extra points.
“We were knocking on the door in the first half but we couldn’t score,” said Giglio. “However, we played much better in the second half and I’m proud of them.”
Red Bank quickly took charge in the third quarter when it took the opening kickoff and moved 60-yards in 10 plays with Godsey scoring on a 3-yard run. Three passes for 28 yards from Navitsky to Palmer were the key plays in the drive.
Palmer scored the next touchdown on defense when scooped up a South Plainfield fumble and returned it 45 yards for the touchdown.
“The ball was right at my feet,” said Palmer. “I just picked it up, got some good blocks and scored. It feels real good to win, but this is only the first(playoff) game and we’re going to take them one step at a time.”
Red Bank picked up a safety midway on the final quarter and closed out the scoring on a 4-yard run by Palmer.
The victory was the first for Red Bank in the opening round of the playoffs since 2003 and it put the Bucs in the semifinals where it will travel to Ocean Township Friday.
Although Red Bank handed Ocean its only loss of the season, 16-6, in an early season game, the Bucs have to travel to Ocean because the second-seeded Spartans have a slightly higher power point rating.
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