West Essex let some seconds run off the clock before Long plunged in from the 2-yard line for his fourth and most emphatic TD of the evening for a 28-21 lead with just eight seconds remaining.
A strong run back of the ensuing kickoff by Russo and a penalty tacked on against West Essex gave Caldwell one more chance from the Knights’ 43-yard line; however, Sepe’s heave toward the goal line was batted down and the visitors had their well-earned victory.
It doesn’t get any easier for either team as they both get back to work in preparation for big Friday night (Sept. 19) encounters with the Knights visiting Lakeland (2-1) in Wanaque, while Chiefs host an undefeated and always-formidable Westwood team back at Bonnel Field.
NOTES- The large crowd on hand on Friday night at Bonnel Field also had the opportunity to help honor local first responders in the Caldwell and West Caldwell communities with police and fire departments in both communities being recognized along with members of the always-ready-to-respond West Essex First Aid Squad…Another great pre-game highlight was the coin toss performed by one of the more long-standing, former Caldwell football players, Sherwood Samet, who is from the Class of 1945 and was a member of the first Caldwell team to play on the surface in West Caldwell back in 1943 at what is now Bonnel Field...Before that season Caldwell High School played their football games behind the current Grover Cleveland Middle School back up the hill in the borough of Caldwell...West Essex's QB Long completed 10 of 16 passes for 102 yards vs. Caldwell. The 2-year starter has been one of the county's top rushers in three games so far this season with 73 carries for 569 yards and 7 TDs.
Super Football Conference-Patriot White Division Game, Sept. 12:
WEST ESSEX (1-2) 0 7 7 14 - 28
CALDWELL (0-2) 7 7 7 0 -21
C- Adam Sepe 2 run (Matt Murtagh kick)
WE- Jake Long 3 run (Robert Warmington kick)
C- Santino Russo 23 pass from Sepe (Murtagh kick)
WE- Long 13 run (Warmington kick)
C- Russo 17 pass from Sepe (Murtagh kick)
WE- Long 4 run (Warmington kick)
WE- Long 2 run (Warmington kick)