In a thrilling showdown at Shabazz Stadium in Newark, the Shabazz Bulldogs secured their third consecutive sectional title by defeating the Madison Dodgers 26-16 in the NJSIAA/Xfinity North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2 final. The Bulldogs, seeded first, faced a determined seventh-seeded Madison team that was aiming for its first title since 2012. The victory not only showcased Shabazz’s resilience but also marked a significant moment for Madison’s head coach, Chris Kubik, who was coaching his final game after 19 seasons.
Bulldogs Overcome Adversity in Final Moments
For much of the match, Shabazz’s high-powered offense struggled to find its rhythm, leaving fans anxious as the game unfolded. However, with just 1:25 left on the clock and the Bulldogs trailing 16-14, quarterback Karriem Coston executed a pivotal play. He connected with Faheem Ausbon on a 54-yard touchdown pass, a game-winning score that shifted the momentum decisively in Shabazz’s favor.
Earlier in the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs had taken the lead at 14-13 with a 13-yard touchdown run by Nyree Bailey. This came after a slow start where Shabazz managed only one touchdown in the first three quarters. The Bulldogs opened the scoring with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Coston to Nosym Brown, but it wasn’t until the fourth quarter that they found their offensive footing again.
Madison initially took control of the game, leading 13-7 at halftime after two quick touchdowns. Liam Melvin scored from one yard out, followed by a 17-yard touchdown pass from Luke McGuire to Carter Feris just before the half. As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, Madison regained a brief lead with a 28-yard field goal by Matt Russo, making it 16-14 with just over five minutes remaining.
Defensive Stand Seals the Victory
Shabazz’s victory was sealed in dramatic fashion when Zykir Best made a crucial defensive play, stopping Madison’s McGuire short on a pivotal fourth down. This gave Shabazz one last chance from their own 25-yard line with only 2:16 on the clock. Coston’s back-to-back completions helped set up Ausbon’s game-winning touchdown, sparking celebrations among the Bulldogs’ supporters.
As Madison attempted a last-ditch effort to regain control, McGuire led his team downfield, completing several passes to reach their own 39-yard line. Unfortunately, the pressure resulted in a sack and a false start, leaving them with a daunting fourth down. In a final turn of events, Nasir Richardson intercepted McGuire’s pass and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown, solidifying the Bulldogs’ victory.
With this win, Shabazz improved its season record to 11-1 and will now advance to face North 1, Group 2 champion Westwood in the Group 2 semifinals scheduled for November 17, 2023. Meanwhile, Madison, despite the setback, can take pride in a strong season and the legacy left by Coach Kubik, who led the Dodgers to three consecutive sectional titles from 2010 to 2012.
This match exemplified the competitive spirit of high school football, demonstrating how critical moments can define a season. The Shabazz Bulldogs, now champions once again, will look to continue their winning streak as they advance deeper into the playoffs.
