EASTON – Easton Area’s (9-4) defense smothered Philipsburg in a 26-0 win in the 109th meeting at Lafayette College’s Fisher Stadium Thursday morning.
The Red Rovers ended Philipsburg’s eight-game winning streak and the Stateliners now can focus on Middletown South for the NJSIAA North 2 Group 4 title this Saturday at MetLife Stadium.
Easton did it in all phases of the game.
On defense, Nate Moser had two second half interceptions including a 14-yard touchdown. Phillipsburg didn’t get a first down until 8:30 left in the third quarter. Easton had eight first downs compared to the Stateliners 4.
On special teams, Greg Albertson had a 73-yard punt return in the first quarter and Diego Santiago had two field goals of 29 and 27 yards.
Nysir Minney-Gratz rushed for 155 yards on 21 carries to lead the Red Rovers offense.
Scoring by the Quarters:
1st quarter
Easton’s opening drive went 57 yards on 12 plays capped off by a Santiago 29-yard field goal. After a three-and-out by P’Burg, Easton’s Greg Albertson returned the punt 73 yards for the score. The kick was no good and the Red Rovers led 9-0 with 5:06 left in the first quarter.
2nd quarter
Phillipsburg’s Yusef intercepted a Ben Nimeh pass. But the Red Rovers defense got it right back on an Albertson pick on a Danny Fisher pass and took it 45 yards to the Stateliness 35.
The Red Rovers’ Santiago kicked his second field goal of the day. His 27-yard field goal put the Red Rovers up 12-0 with 6:06 left in the half.
Halftime: Easton 12, Phillipsburg 0
3rd quarter
The turnovers continued in the second half for P’Burg. On their second play Easton’s Nathan Moser intercepted a Zachary Ringhoff pass and took it to the 30.
Both teams traded punts, and P’Burg was forced to punt again deep in their territory. The Stateliners fumbled the punt on the snap and Easton’s David Simmons scoopsed up the fumble. He went nine yards for the score as the third quarter came to a end. The Red Rovers led 19-0.
4th quater
Nate Moser did it again, intercepting a pass for Easton and taking it 13 yards for the score. The Red Rovers led 26-0.
Final Score: Easton 26, Phillipsburg 0
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
| Phillipsburg (NJ) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Easton Area | 9 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 26 |
