Tackling issues, a new quarterback, and more.
Bridgewater-Raritan 30, Phillipsburg 7
Tackling time. The Stateliners saw far too many plays that should have been short gains for the Panthers turn into big gains because of a lack of secure tackling. “I think we need a tackling circuit and I am going to ask (Phillipsburg head coach Frank) Duffy for one,” said senior co-captain and defensive lineman Robert Melise. “That was a key point tonight.”
New quarterback review. Junior Adam Pursel was playing his first varsity game in his team’s home opener against a top-10 team in the state — not an easy assignment. How did Pursel do? He completed 5 of 13 passes for 32 yards, including his very first varsity pass to senior wide receiver Kyle Santina for 11 yards. He made some good decisions, and also some less good ones, the latter often on run/pass decisions when Pursel could have done more with his legs than trying to throw. There were two interceptions as well. Pursel, who is decidedly on the small side, does throw a nice ball, and with more experience could be what Phillipsburg needs with starter Jack Stagaard out. “Adam completed some high-percentage passes,” said Duffy, who praised Pursel’s play overall. “There were some things that were out of his control.” The only way to gain experience is to play; there may be more time ahead for Adam Pursel.
No talking zone. Melise said the immediate aftermath of the loss wouldn’t be pretty. “Tonite’s the time when you have the bad taste in your mouth, and you cut off communications with everybody else and deal with the loss yourself,” he said. “This was a tough and emotional loss for us. But we’ll turn this into a learning experience.”
Positives. Duffy said that even in a 30-7 loss he saw positives. “Our receivers did a nice job,” he said. “We ran the ball well in the first quarter. Our special teams were better. But in a loss, there are always more negatives. But this one game does not define our season."
Sack master. Phillipsburg did have some trouble hunting down Bridgewater senior quarterback Nick Attanasio at times, but on the whole the Stateliner defense did a decent job with the short fields it was often given and held the Panthers to 221 total yards. Senior linebacker Garrett Boures posted two sacks. But the lack of turnovers forced by Phillipsburg (zero) will be an issue going forward if it continues next week at Hillsborough.
Brad Wilson may be reached at bwilson@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradwsports. Find Lehigh Valley high school sports on Facebook.