GMC FOOTBALL: Despite loss, Carteret secures sixth seed for playoffs

Rumson-Fair Haven 42, Carteret 21: The Ramblers scored first in an upset bid over heavily favored Rumson-Fair Haven, but the visiting Bulldogs turned to senior tailback Peter Lucas to power to a victory at Walter Overholt Stadium on Friday night.

With the win and some residual points, Rumson looks to have nabbed the top seed in Central Group III. Carteret appears to be the sixth seed in the same section and expects to travel to Steinert for a first-round playoff game next weekend.

Carteret opened the scoring after an interception by Brian Leigh and turned it into points when Stephon Kelley-Gordon caught a 13-yard pass from Zamar Brake. Vincent Fotia added the extra point and the Ramblers led 7-0 after one quarter.

The second quarter turned into the Peter Lucas show, as the senior tailback scored on runs of 5 and 8 yards and caught a 46-yard touchdown pass to turn the game around as Rumson lead 21-7 at the half.

The second half saw Rumson push the lead again as Alex Malgdan powered in from 37 yards out.  Carteret would not quit as Antoran Chandler broke free for a 70-yard touchdown. Maldonado would answer back for the Bulldogs with a 3-yard run.

In the fourth quarter, Rumson tacked on with a 10-yard run and a bootleg from Dan Hardy. Carteret answered once more when Chandler caught a 9-yard pass from Brake and Diario Demorla added the two-point conversion pass to shape the final score.