Delsea Wins Emotional Game Against Highland

High School Football:
Delsea Wins Emotional Game Against Highland
Friday, September 19, 2003

By Vincent Lewis
SJSports Staff Writer

It was Highland’s first home game of the season and they were ready to show off their powered blue uniforms to their home crowd. Not even the threat of rain slowed down the crowd from coming into the gates to watch their team. For Delsea, this Tri-County Conference Royal Division game meant a bit more to fullback Josh Reimel. The news traveled quickly about the unexpected death of his older brother. His ability to play under those circumstances were remarkable and he showed his dedication to the game by scoring three touchdowns against Highland Friday night. Delsea went on to win the game by a score of 34-8.

The first quarter was filled with defensive plays that could have made your favorite sports television highlight reel. Highland’s offense was able to move the ball down field by executing the play action pass to perfection, but remarkably the ball just could not fall into the arms of the receiver. The Tartans had the slight edge during the quarter with the defense coming up with the ball recovering a fumble when Delsea moved the ball into their territory. Giving the favor right back to their opponent, the Crusaders would capitalize on defense by forcing a turnover of their own.

It was only a matter of time before the offensive line gave Reimel some room to run. His effort alone put the first points of the game on Delsea’s side of the scoreboard. Reimel scored from 23 yards out in the second quarter and the Crusaders led 7-0. Starting quarterback George Dawson is now the new signal caller after B.J. Medley broke his arm last week ending his season. Dawson capitalized by scoring Delsea’s second touchdown of the quarter. Reimel got his second of three touchdowns of the game before the half and Delsea took a 21-0 lead to the locker room.

When the second half started, Reimel picked up right were he left off completing Delsea’s scoring drive in the third quarter. His third touchdown was a short yet punishing one yard run. Meanwhile, Dawson continued to prove that he deserved his promotion to starter as a sophomore. He connected on an easy 60-yard touchdown pass to Mike Hartman giving Delsea a comfortable 34-0 advantage. Highland did avoid the shutout by scoring a touchdown in the final quarter.

Photos by Art Redd