Senior Dominic Caraballo scored two touchdowns, one on offense and one on defense, while quarterback Brett Nabb scored another while rushing for 111 yards as Middle Township defeated Lower Cape May 28-7 in the annual Anchor Bowl Trophy game at Memorial Stadium on Wednesday evening.
It was the 101st meeting between the two schools on the gridiron, one of the longest rivalries in the state. The home win improved the Panthers all-time record to 60-36-5 over the Tigers and 16-8 in Thanksgiving week meetings. The teams finished with identical 4-4 records on the season.
“It was very trying and very frustrating throughout the year,” Middle Township coach Frank Riggitano said about playing a football season under COVID-19 restrictions and so much uncertainty. “We were one of the fortunate teams that played eight games but we know a lot of other schools that had games canceled. I told them this builds character and it will prepare them for what will come down the road.”
Lower Cape May found itself in trouble early when they fumbled the opening kickoff, allowing Middle Township to take possession at the Tigers’ 30. Five plays later, Nabb connected with Matthew Barcus on a nine-yard touchdown for a quick 7-0 lead.
The Tigers stormed back midway through the opening period, sparked by freshman quarterback’s Hunter Ray’s 23-yard pass to Archie Lawler. Ray would later hook up on a 15-yard TD to Rob West to tie the game.
The Panthers responded with a 12-play, 64-yard drive, with all but one being on the ground. Caraballo, who could play on offense for five game because of a hand injury, made good on his return with a 10-yard run around left end on the first play of the second quarter, putting Middle back on top 14-7.
“If we had him on offensive, we may have won a couple of more games,” Riggitano said of his senior two-way player.
Caraballo said never knowing when their last game would be made Wednesday night even more special for him.
“I fractured my thumb and had a cast gone, so it was rough five weeks but it was great to come back and play on offense today,” Caraballo said. “It was really a blessing to come out here and make plays. [The coronavirus restrictions] actually made us appreciate every moment we were out there. We wanted to come out here on our home field and leave it all out here every game.”
Middle Township would follow that with a nine-yard drive on its next possession, with Nabb going the final five yards for the score, lifting the Panthers to a 20-7 lead after a botched extra point attempt.
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November 26, 2020 at 10:31AM
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Caraballo, Nabb carry the load as Middle Twp. cruises in 101st meeting with Lower Cape May - nj.com
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