The East football team lost in a defensive battle against the Pennsauken Indians, the reigning New Jersey State Champions, 13-6. The first sign of life from the Cougars came when the Indian’s punter attempted a pass that was intercepted and taken down the field inside the Pennsauken thirty yard line. Later, after the Indians had scored on a 15-yard touchdown pass, the Cougars were able to recover a fumble to stop the Indians from driving down the field once again. The play was then followed by a 20-yard run by senior quarterback Blaise Paglione (’13).

After many stops by each defense, East first gets on the scoreboard with 2:45 remaining in the third quarter with the sensational 80-yard run by Daishi Goto (’13). Goto broke through the line and was off to the races. He broke three tackles during his glorified cruise to the end zone and was able to outrun the rest of the Indian defense. This score would be the first and last tally of the night for the Cougar crew.

Unfortunately, with 7:35 left in the fourth quarter, Pennsauken marched down the

field and scored on a one-yard run by the quarterback. However, the Indians went for the two-point conversion to try and make it a two-possession game but were denied by the smothering Cougar defense. East was now down 13-6.

After a Cougar punt, the Indians began driving down the field but came to a halt after a leaping grab by Nick Dellavecchia (’13) for the interception at the twelve-yard line. The Cougars weren’t able to do anything with the ball from that point on, as the Pennsauken Indians walked away with the win.

Next Saturday at 11:00 a.m., the Cougars will play in their home opener against Eastern High School.