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High School Football:
Woodbury's Defense Sparks Herd Second Half Comeback

Saturday, November 22, 2003

By Vincent Lewis
SJSports Staff Writer

Glassboro did their homework preparing for their semi-final football battle against the Thundering Herd from Woodbury High School. Score as many points possible and hope it would be enough to advance to the South Jersey Group I finals. That theory lasted for one half of this game as the Bulldogs early lead quickly dissipated in the second half. Woodbury’s defense kept the pressure on Glassboro and gave their offense excellent field position for runningback Chris Pressley to score three consecutive touchdowns. Woodbury recorded the 27-14 victory and will now travel to take on Schalick for the title.

Starting quarterback Marcus Fowler has the capability of taking over a game single-handedly with his ability to run or even pass the football. That was quickly demonstrated in the first quarter when Glassboro took advantage of a turnover. Fowler connected with receiver Brandon Simmons for a 29-yard touchdown reception. Woodbury would tie the game on Marvin McKinnie 5-yard run with 2:45 remaining in the half, but Fowler was up to his old tricks calling the plays. This time Gregory Buchanan was in the right place at the right time grabbing a 9-yard touchdown reception from a scrambling Fowler with 6.4 showing on the game clock. It would seem as if Glassboro had the momentum at intermission.

The defensive scheme for Woodbury during the second half applied a swarming pass rush that quickly change in their favor. Turnovers allowed the Herd to take the lead for good. Pressley would tie and then put Woodbury ahead on third quarter touchdown runs from 12 and 3 yards out. Another touchdown run by Pressley at the start of the fourth quarter was more than enough to give the Thundering Herd the win.

Photos by Mark Fletcher

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