South Jersey Football:
Broncos Get Last Minute Win Against Bay Neptunes

Saturday, October 2, 1999

By Ben Landi
SJSports Special Correspondent

The West Deptford Broncos pulled out a last minute victory Saturday night with a 21-20 victory over the Bay Neptunes of Norfolk, VA. The victory clinched home field advantage throughout the Mason Dixon playoffs.

The Broncos took control of the game early with 2 first quarter touchdowns, first a 26 yard pass from quarterback Marty Cross to tight end George Heller, then a 56 yard pass from Cross to wide receiver Benny Liles. The defense held the Neptunes in check until the last play of the first half when a sure interception bounced off free safety Liles and into a Neptune's hands in the end zone.

On the opening play of the second half, the Neptunes' Jermy Bellamy took a draw play 72 yards to the Broncos' 8 yard line and scored on the ensuing play and a 13-12 lead. Later in the third quarter, the Neptunes completed a 65 yard touchdown pass and a 20-12 lead.

The game was back and forth until, with 1:43 left in the game, the Neptunes miss-snapped a punt and intentionally kicked the ball out of their own end zone for a safety and a 20-14 lead. The Broncos received a free kick at their own 40 yard line. Quarterback Marty Cross hit wide receiver John Haltwanger on a crossing pattern to the Neptunes' 16 yard line, and on a third and goal from the 6 yard line, Cross hit Jai Peterson for the TD and a 20-20 tie. Jeff Obrick kicked the PAT for the victory.

The Broncos will travel to Chincoteague, VA, Saturday Oct. 9 at 7:00 PM to play the Eastern Shore Blitz.