Monroe hangs on for 28-27 win over J.P. Stevens

The Monroe High School football team needed a partially blocked extra point attempt in the closing minutes to hang on for a dramatic 28-27 victory over J.P. Stevens at McGowan Stadium on Saturday.

The Falcons (2-1) scored 21 points to erase a 14-7 halftime deficit and build a 28-21 lead.

Chris Chukwuneke caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from Jay'von Blacknall, who scrambled brilliantly on a broken play and made a terrific read downfield as the Hawks (0-3) closed the deficit to 28-27 with two minutes remaining.

Chase Santiago got a hand on Brandon Walters' ensuing PAT attempt, which bounced off the crossbar and fell harmlessly to the ground as Monroe escaped with a win.

"They had a tough start to the year, but they've played well in every game," Monroe coach Chris Beagan said of the Hawks, referring to J.P. Stevens opening the season with Sayreville and South Brunswick. "They showed no quit today. Coach (Bryan Holt) should be very proud of the effort they put forward. They were very tough out there. They didn't wilt in the heat and gave us more than we could handle."

"Every week is a tough game in this (Greater Middlesex Conference Red) division," Holt said. "Monroe does a great job and they prepare for every opponent like they are the best team in the conference. Our kids stayed with it after two tough games. In the second game (a loss to South Brunswick), we saw a lot of strides and improvement. The coaching staff keeps working. Today, a lot of things clicked."

Akeer Franklin had three rushing touchdowns for Monroe, while Chase Santiago caught a 28-yard scoring strike from Stephen Karoly. Franklin scored on runs of 27, 13 and 8 yards.

The Hawks built a 7-0 lead when Deandre Perkins took a jet sweep and, following excellent blocking from wideouts Francois Ballou and Karleek Sutton, who created an edge, raced 75 yards down the sideline for a score.

"Emotions were through the roof," Holt said of Perkins' run, which was the team's longest play from scrimmage this season. "That really set the tone there."

After Franklin scored on a 13-yard jaunt to create a 7-7 deadlock, quarterback Luke Jacobi scored on a 2-yard sneak to give the Hawks a 14-7 lead just before halftime.

"The offensive line made strides and we were happy with the play of both our quarterbacks," said Holt, referring to Jacobi and Blacknall, who split time behind center.

An 8-yard run from Franklin and Santiago's touchdown reception gave Monroe a 21-14 lead, its first of the game.

Chukwuneke answered with a 4-yard touchdown jaunt, running counter off jet motion and making a great jump cut to find the end zone.

"Chris obviously had his first breakout game," said Holt, referring to the younger brother of 2014 J.P. Stevens graduate Chewy Chukwuneke, one of the best running backs in school history. "This was the way he played in the preseason."

After Franklin scored on a 27-yard run, placekicker Josh Woods made his fourth consecutive PAT, giving the Falcons a 28-21 advantage.

Brandon Oliver and Quazir Reddick each had an interception for J.P. Stevens, while Monroe's Brendan Germano also picked off a pass.

"It was a crushing loss," said Holt, noting the Hawks have a short week to prepare for Thursday's game at Old Bridge, J.P. Stevens' first road opponent of the season.

"We had to be very businesslike at the end and tell them to get ready for their next opponent."