VIDEO: Ray, Thomas pace Lower to road win; mistakes haunt Middle in home loss

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

Lower Cape May Regional picked up a solid road victory while Middle Township suffered a disappointing defeat in Friday evening’s high school football action.

At Clayton, sophomore Braswell Thomas produced more than 100 yards receiving and made a sensational touchdown catch in the second half to help Lower Cape May to a 27-14 victory.

The Tigers jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first half and also led by as much as 27-6 in the fourth quarter.

Junior Hunter Ray ran for two scores, threw for another and posted well over 150 yards passing for the Caper Tigers. Aidan McCarraher ran for a 15-yard touchdown and Archie Lawler had two long receptions.

Lower Cape May is set to play its first home game next Friday, hosting Pennsville at 7 p.m. The game will air live on 98.7 The Coast radio, with live video on the Coast Sports Today Facebook page.

Middle Township was plagued by mistakes in its 24-10 loss to Oakcrest in its season opener.

Oakcrest scored all three of its touchdowns following Middle Township turnovers.

A crushing sequence occurred late in the first half as Oakcrest scored on a touchdown pass with one second to play in the half two plays after Middle fumbled at its own 15-yard line.

Middle scored on a 22-yard field goal by Jerome Licata in the second quarter and on a five-yard scoring pass from Mark Oliver to Adrien LaBoy in the final minute of the contest.

Travis Lombardo ran 19 times for 74 yards, Michael Zarfati caught seven passes for 129 yards and Oliver completed 10 of 17 passes for 153 yards for Middle.

Oakcrest, which got two touchdown passes from Marcus Lee and a rushing score from Amir Tinsley, improved to 2-0.

Middle next plays at Glassboro on Friday at 6 p.m.

Wildwood also lost its opener. The Warriors fell, 32-0, at Cumberland on Thursday. Wildwood plays at Schalick on Friday.