Plainfield vs Millburn

Plainfield – 21

Millburn – 13

The Cardinals visited Millburn in a consolation game.  This is the first meeting between the 2 schools in recent memory.  Thirst for Knowledge, this would be a good one for the record books to see if this was our first meeting.

Robert Jackson was basically shutdown in the previous game against Linden.  The Cardinals ground game was averaging well over 100 yards per game until they met Linden.  But Jackson rebounded with an exceptional performance and arguably one of the best performances all season by a Cardinal as Robert Jackson rumbled for 222 yards rushing to propel the Cardinals to their 2^nd victory of the season. 

The offensive linemen looked impressive as Seniors Don Juan Harrison, Chad Jno-Lewis, and Lamond Sparrow led the way and created holes the size of the Lincoln Tunnel.  Junior center Dawel Benscome anchored the middle while 6’7 320 lb junior offensive tackle Leon “The Bus” Johnson used his quick feet to pull from his tackle position and create holes to help Jackson average nearly 6 yards per carry.  

1)      The offensive line started to look like one unit.

2)      The running game was punishing

3)      The defensive unit play was much improved.

Robert Jackson’s performance was not to be out done as Lamond Sparrow also gave a dominating performance on both sides of the line. Sparrow dominated the offensive line, while on the defensive line he had 5 tackles, 1 sack, and 3 tackles for negative yards.  Sparrow also had a game ending interception.  But Robert Jackson season high 200 + yards was able to eek out Lamond Sparrow for player of the game. 

Other Notes:

Offensive Player of the game – Chad Jno-Lewis

Defensive Player of the game – Lamond Sparrow 

The following player’s earned the Cardinal Fanatic Star for their helmets

Robert Jackson – 5*

Lamond Sparrow – 4*

Chad Jno-Lewis – 3*

Don Juan Harrison – 3*

Joshua Forehand – 2*

Trellis Nash – 2*

Tyler Barratt – 2*

Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan – 2*

Rickie Barnett – 2*

Dawel Benscome - *

Devin Wilson - *

Leon Johnson - *

Marquis Drennen - *

Quahif Lane - *

RaeKwon Fletcher - *

Samir Campbell - *

Amir Bradley - *

Khaliq Harris - *

Sharrieff Rasheed - *

Jerome Allen-Jordan - *

Jonathon Pressley - *

David Haley Jr. - *

Duane Goode - *

Joel Chin-Young - *

Josh Wrighten - *

LaShawn Sutton - *

Linden vs Plainfield

Linden – 31

Plainfield – 0

In Plainfield’s final home game and the final home game that will be played on natural grass, the seniors were honored from the Band, Cheerleaders, and the Football Players.

The following Senior Football players were honored:

#1 – Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan

#2 – Samir Campbell

#4 – Rickie Barnett

#5 – Kevin Grundy

#6 – Joshua Knight

#7 – Robert Jackson

#8 – Chad Jno-Lewis

#12 – Sharrieff Rasheed

#15 – Israel Weaver

#32 – Jonathon Pressley

#52 – Joshua Forehand

#53 – Don Juan Harrison

#64 – Lamond Sparrow

#72 – Tyler Barratt

#74 – Trellis Nash

Linden air attack had Plainfield on the ropes.  It was obvious that Linden’s game plan was to stop Robert “Action” Jackson (3 consecutive games over 100 yards rushing).  Linden achieved that goal limiting Jackson to 11 yards rushing. 

1)      The offense could not sustain any drives

      2)      Linden exploited the mismatches

3)      Untimely penalties and turnovers.

The bright spot for this game was Rickie Barnett.  The injured Barnett played inspired ball on the defensive side with game high 9 tackles and a game high 4 tackles for loss yardage.  Ricky also recovered a fumble.  His performance earned him the Cardinal Fanatic player of the game. 

Other Notes:

Offensive Player of the game – Robert Jackson

Defensive Player of the game – Joshua Knight 

The following player’s earned the Cardinal Fanatic Star for their helmets

Rickie Barnett – 2*

Robert Jackson – *

Joshua Knight – *

Plainfield vs Watchung Hills

Plainfield – 7

Watchung Hills – 12

The Cardinals visited Watchung Hills Regional to battle the Warriors.  The Cardinals slow start was pivotal as the Warriors jumped on the Cardinals and never looked back. The Cardinals were in position to go in with the leading score late in the game, but a turnover erased that chance.

1)      The defense was respectable giving up 12 points for the game.

2)      Penalties were costly – erased several drives for potential scores

3)      Turnovers cost the game.

Robert Jackson played admirable running the football to get the Cardinal Fanatic – Plainfield player of the game.  The senior running back gained 145 yards (season high) rushing averaging 9.1 yards per carry to lead the Cardinals to their most offensive productive night since the Somerville game.   

Sophomore Justin Strothers passed for over 100 yards including a touch down pass to Robert Jackson.

Other Notes:

Offensive Player of the game – Amir Bradley

Defensive Player of the game – Lamond Sparrow 

The following player’s earned the Cardinal Fanatic Star for their helmets

Robert Jackson – 3*

Amir Bradley – *

Lamond Sparrow – *

Khaliq Harris – *

Plainfield vs Immaculata

Plainfield –  0

Immaculata –  35

The Cardinals visited Somerville to battle arguably their toughest team on the 2011 schedule, the Immaculata Spartans.  Immaculata dominated both sides of the ball as the Cardinals could not establish any momentum.

1)      The Spartans offensive attack was like a well oil machine.

2)      The Cardinals youth was blinded in the lights

3)      Injuries to key upper classmen.

Robert Jackson played admirable running the football to get the Cardinal Fanatic – Plainfield player of the game.  The senior running back gained 112 yards rushing averaging 5.6 yards per carry against a very good Immaculata defensive unit.  Jackson finished the night with 186 combined yards.

Other Notes:

Offensive Player of the game – Joshua Knight

Defensive Player of the game – #38 (name not on roster) 

The following player’s earned the Cardinal Fanatic Star for their helmets

Robert Jackson – *

Joshua Knight –*

#38 (name not on roster) –*

Montgomery vs Plainfield

Montgomery – 7

Plainfield – 6

The Cardinals offense started off fast by scoring on their first possession but could not find any consistency for the remainder of the game.  Untimely penalties continue to plague the Cardinals.  The Cardinals defense played well giving up their only score in the final quarter on a half back option pass.  Ryan Boyle of Montgomery rushed for 100+ yards against the Cardinal defense.  This is respectable considering Boyle rushed for 250+ yards against a very good Union team.

Here are some of the Cardinal Fanatic sideline quarterback observations

1)      Big improvement on turnovers from the previous game.

2)      Untimely momentum defeating penalties of 10+ yards

3)      Offense lacking consistency, which the penalties may pull the Cardinals out of what, they do best.

The positive outlook of this game was the defense played well and the running game did a respectable job.  Penalties pushed the Cardinals into situations where they were looking at 2^nd or 3^rd and 10+ yards for a first down.  Defenses know that 95% of the time the next play will be a pass.  Thus making the Cardinals offense very predictable for their opponents.

The penalties must be reduced and the timing of these penalties at critical moments must stop.  With the Spartans of Immaculata next up, and a loss eliminating the Cards from the playoffs, every Cardinal must be on deck with full focus and mental concentration. 

Rickie Barnett continues to play effectively.  His fumble on a 120% effort to gain yards on a punt return was redeemed on the defensive side of the ball.  Barnett picked up his intensity, along with Sparrow and Jno-Lewis, to stop Montgomery from taking advantage of the turnover.  Rickie’s defensive and special teams effort earned the Cardinal Fanatic player of the game.

Other Notes:

Offensive Player of the game – Lamond Sparrow

Defensive Player of the game – Chad Jno-Lewis 

The following player’s earned the Cardinal Fanatic Star for their helmets

Rickie Barnett – 3*

Chad Jno-Lewis – 2*

Lamond Sparrow –*

Sharrieff Rasheed - *

Kevin Grundy - *

Next game:  @ Immaculata (Somerville) at 7:00pm on October 21^st

Note:  See www.PlainfieldSportsNews.com for a complete write-up of the game

Elizabeth vs Plainfield

Elizabeth – 48

Plainfield –  0

The Cardinals laid an egg on their first road game of the season last week.  This week the Cards laid another egg as the Minutemen of Elizabeth accepted the gifts in the way of turnovers to blank the Cardinals.  The Cardinals turned the ball over a whopping 7 times.  The Minutemen converted 5 of them into Touch Downs with 2 scores on interception returns.

1)      The Cardinals turned the ball over to a point of no return.

2)      Special teams took a step back

3)      Tackling – The Minutemen broke several tackles

The positive outlook of this game was, if not for the turnovers and special teams, the score would be 0-0!

Junior, Joshua Knight played admirable from the nose guard position.  His effort was good enough to eek out Chad Jno-Lewis (2 blocked extra point attempts) for the Cardinal Fanatic player of the game. 

Other Notes:

Offensive Player of the game – Steven Jones Jr.

Defensive Player of the game – Robert Jackson 

The following player’s earned the Cardinal Fanatic Star for their helmets

Joshua Knight – *

Robert Jackson –*

Chad Jno-Lewis –*

Steven Jones Jr. - *

Note:  See www.PlainfieldSportsNews.com for a complete write-up of the game

Plainfield vs Union

Plainfield – 14

Union – 38

The Cardinals laid an egg on their first road game of the season.  The effort was not there and uncharacteristic penalties haunted them during the course of the game.  Union rushed and passed for a combined total of 409 yards.  The defense gave up the most points this season.  It does not get any easier next week as one of the most prolific offensive units coached by the Mighty Quinn will look to add to their stat line on the Cards.

1)      The Cardinals were flat as a pancake.

2)      The offensive unit sputtered all night

3)      On a positive note, the special teams showed improvement

For the 3rd consecutive game, Rickie Barnett garnered the Plainfield Fanatic overall player of the game.  Although he did not score for the first time this season, his special teams effort was the main reason why the Cardinals improved in this area of the game.  His kickoffs sailed deep with one going into the end zone for a touchback and his 79-yard kick return setup a score.  His punting was also effective. 

Other Notes:

Offensive Player of the game – Robert Jackson

Defensive Player of the game – Sharrieff Rasheed

The following player’s earned the Cardinal Fanatic Star for their helmets

Rickie Barnett – 2*

Robert Jackson –*

Chad Jno-Lewis –*

Don Juan Harrison - *

Next game:  Elizabeth @ home at 1:00pm on October 8^th

Note:  See www.PlainfieldSportsNews.com for a complete write-up of the game

Somerville vs Plainfield

Somerville – 21
Plainfield – 28

The Cardiac Cards were at it again; the young Red Birds came up with the overtime victory as the Somerville Pioneers nearly pulled a magical act with their deceptive fakes. Keys to the victory:

1) The Cardinals were the stronger team as the game went on
2) 5 different running backs contributed with the starting running back out due to injury
3) Key contributions from several sophomores
4) The offensive line did a good job
5) The defense made multiple stops for loss yardage
6) A true team effort was displayed. Multiple key contributors helped the Cardinals pull this game.

For the 2nd consecutive game, Rickie Barnett garnered the Plainfield Fanatic overall player of the game. Rickie contributed in every way possible. Rickie was perfect for extra points (4 for 4) and scored two touchdowns, one receiving and one rushing. His rushing touchdown in overtime decided the game.

Other key contributors:
Junior – Joshua Knight averaged 8 yards per carry including a rush for a touchdown. Josh also had 4 tackles and 1 tackle for loss yardage
Sophomore – Steven Jones Jr. rushed for a team high 86 yards. Jones led the team in tackles with 12, which included 2 tackles for loss yardage. Jones also scored on a 45 yard run after a fumble recovery.
Senior – Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan threw for 1 touchdown
Senior – Sharrieff Rasheed had 11 tackles that included 2 tackles for loss yardage.
Senior – Kevin Grundy had 9 tackles that included 4 tackles for loss yardage
Senior – Don Juan Harrison had 5 tackles that included 4 tackles for loss yardage. Allowed only 1 play for negative yards on the offensive line
Sophomore – Justin Forster had 2 interceptions, 1 force fumble, and 5 tackles that included 1 tackle for loss yardage
Junior – Leon Johnson offensive line play allowed only one play for negative yards
Senior – Lamond Sparrow offensive line play allowed only one play for negative yards. Lamond also had 2 tackles that included one tackle for loss yardage.
Junior – Hampton Pringley offensive line play allowed only one play for negative yards. Hampton also had 4 tackles, one for loss yardage, and a quarterback sack.
Junior – Dawel Benscome offensive line play allowed only one play for negative yards.
Senior – Chad Jno-Lewis offensive line play allowed only one play for negative yards. Chad also had 7 tackles that included 2 tackles for loss yardage.
Sophomore – Duane Goode offensive line play allowed only one play for negative yards.





Other Notes:
Offensive Player of the game – Joshua Knight
Defensive Player of the game – Steven Jones, Jr.


The following player’s earned the Cardinal Fanatic Star for their helmets

Rickie Barnett – 8*
Steven Jones Jr. – 4*
Kevin Grundy – 4*
Don Juan Harrison - 3*
Joshua Knight - 2*
Chad Jno-Lewis - 2*
Lamond Sparrow- 2*
Justin Foster - 2*
Sharrieff Rasheed - 2*
Hampton Pringley - *
Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan - *
Tyler Barratt - *
Joshua Forehand - *
Trellis Nash - *
Akiel Revan - *
Khaliq Harris - *
Quahif Lane - *

Next game: Elizabeth @ home at 1:00pm on October 8th

Note: See www.PlainfieldSportsNews.com for a complete write-up of the game

Phillipsburg vs Plainfield

Phillipsburg – 27
Plainfield – 26

In what was a great game, the young Red Birds came up 1 point short of pulling the opening season upset. There were some surprises with the overall improvement of the team from last year.

1) Mental mistakes and penalties were minimal to non-existence
2) Although the Cards lost due to extra points, the kicking game has improved
3) Offensive line – has improved
4) Passing accuracy has improved

Rickie Barnett garnered the Plainfield Fanatic overall player of the game. Rickie did everything possible. The amazing thing about Rickie, at times it does not seem he is giving a 100%. Imagine if he did? Rickie finished his day with 230 combined yards and 1 touchdown.

Rickie finished the game averaging nearly 20 yards per reception, which included a touch down. Rickie also handled the majority of the special teams function. Barnett continues the Cardinals long list of dangerous kick/punt returnees. His returns constantly put the Cards in excellent field position.

Other than one block punt, Rickie’s kicking game was respectable. Unfortunately for the Cards, the one block punt was returned for a touch down.

Other Notes:
Offensive Player of the game – Dii’Jon Allen Jordan
Defensive Player of the game – Akiel Revan


The following player’s earned the Cardinal Fanatic Star for their helmets

Rickie Barnett – 5*
Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan – 3*
Robert Jackson – 2*
Hampton Pringley - *
Lamond Sparrow - *
Don Juan Harrison - *
Chad Jno-Lewis- *
Joshua Forehand - *
Quahif Lane - *
Trellis Nash - *
Tyler Barratt - *
Akiel Revan - *

Next game: Somerville @ home at 1:00pm on September 24th