GMC Football: South Plainfield tops Perth Amboy 21-7

Despite facing an opponent that had an outstanding defensive game plan, the South Plainfield High School football team had more than enough offensive weapons to compensate in a 21-7 victory over Perth Amboy on Friday night.

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“My hat’s off to Perth Amboy,” South Plainfield head coach Gary Cassio said of the vastly improved Panthers. “They had a great defensive game plan that took away (quarterback Charlie) Lovett. They did not let him get outside and they packed the box. They are going to win some games this year.”

Lovett completed a 75-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to Dondre Tate, who moved from wide receiver to running back to help spell Zach DelVecchio, who was banged up in the game.

DelVecchio opened the scoring with a 42-yard touchdown run on South Plainfield’s third play from scrimmage.

Perth Amboy’s Tyler Jack returned a kickoff 95 yards to even the score at 7-7 before halftime.

Sophomore Sammy Nieves broke off a 24-yard scoring run in the third quarter to give the Tigers a 14-7 lead.

“Defensively we played well,” Cassio said. “They (South Plainfield’s defense) deserved the shutout. (defensive tackle) Dishon Hessing played a phenomenal game. Dondre and Sammy did a great job on the corners shutting down their receivers.”

Perth Amboy quarterback Tahjmere O'Neal completed 12 of 24 passes for 93 yards. He also carried the ball five times for 41 yards.

Parth Patel and TJ Massero also exceled on defense for the Tigers.