ALJ Captures Unico Bowl and Conference

 Courtesy of TapIntoClark.com (as edited by Crusader Today staff)
CLARK, NJ- The  Johnson High School Crusaders varsity football team took the field on Friday determined to win the UNICO bowl this year.   The Crusaders kept control of the ball and fought with great physicality on both sides of the ball,  and defeated the Hillside High School Comets by a final score of 22-13 in Clark. “It’s a credit to their hard work and the type of young men they are,” said Coach DelConte. “It’s awesome to see them pull together in such tight situations.”

By winning this game (AKA Unico Bowl),  Johnson Crusaders are now the 2017 Mid-State 38 Valley Division Conference Champions. It is the first time since 2006 that Johnson won a conference championship. “It’s a great feeling. We’re always working really hard [and] doing the best we can,” Johnson senior and co-captain Tommy Bowen said. “It’s awesome to see everything pay off." 
The Crusaders struck first with the scoring on the night. On a drive that featured a lot of short rushing plays, senior Mike Casalino sped through the defenders and into the end zone for a five-yard rushing touchdown to put Johnson on the board 6-0, the score after a fast-moving first quarter.

Hillside would strike around the mid-point of the second quarter, with sophomore Nahree Biggins barreling up the field for a 38-yard rushing touchdown. Following the extra point, Hillside took the 7-6 lead.

Johnson would start the next drive in Hillside territory and would answer back. In a drive that featured eight plays and 44 yards, Turek finished off the drive with a 11-yard rushing touchdown. After a two-point conversion attempt came up short, the Crusaders took back the lead, up 12-7.
In the win, Turek finished with 155 yards on 26 carries to go along with his rushing touchdown.
Senior quarterback Mike Bruno continues to lead his team on offense, rushing for 72 yards on eight carries. He credits his coaches for getting him and his teammates ready every week.
The Johnson Crusaders (5-0) head into their bye week. They return to action with a home game against Somerville HS on Friday, October 20 at 7:00 p.m.