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PITTSGROVE, NJ (August 25, 2023)(CNBNews)--The Gloucester High Lions traveled to Schalick for the 2023 football Non Conference opener. The Lions took the opening kickoff and started play outside the 20 yard line. After a few runs and a penalty, the Lions turned to the arm of Senior Qb Jake Siebert. Siebert completed 3 first down passes before connecting with Jaden Garris on a 22 yard TD reception with 4:32 remaining in the 1st qtr. giving the Lions 6-0 lead after a missed pat.

Schalick HS used a ground game with 6 rushes to put 7 points on the board to take a 7-6 lead on a 5 yard Td run and PAT with 43 seconds remaining in the first qt.

On the ensuing Schalick kick-off the ball was fumbled by the Lions and recovered by the Cougars at the Lions 16 yard line, the Lions stopped the Cougars after a  three attempts before Schalick missed a 35 yard Field Goal.

The Lions took control of the ball to start the second qtr . and were forced to punt,  but a roughing the kicker penalty by Schalick gave the Lions new life at the 50 yard line. On the first play after a hard pass rush,  Qb Siebert,  turned the ball back with an interception.

Schalick then went 65 yards on 6 plays to ended the first half with a made 25 yard FG with one second remaining taking a 10-6 lead into the locker room.

The second half started with Schalick receiving the kickoff. After a slow 3rd qtr. by both teams, Schalick rushed the ball down to the Lions 21 yard line before a fumble recovery by the Lions, ended the 3rd qtr at 10-6.

An exciting 4th Qtr saw the Lions stopped inside the 3 yard line with 9:45 left to play on 4 downs before turning the ball over on downs to Schalick at their own 1 foot line.

The Lions needing a strong defense held Schalick to 1 total yard forcing the Cougars to punt from the back of the endzone with 6:27 remaining.  A 23 yard punt the Lions in great field position, giving the ball to the Lions deep in Cougar country.

Jake Siebert took advantage of the great field position and hit Justin Frazer with a 20 yd TD pass and a 2 point conversation by Jaden Garris giving the Lions a 14-10 lead with under 3 minutes.

Schalick took over and with 56 ticks remaining Qb Kenai Simmons scrambled and appeared trapped by the Lions defense but reversed fields taking the ball 19 yards to the left corner of the endzone. After the PAT Schalick took 17-10 lead with 43 seconds.

The Lions have a home opener next Friday September 1,  7:00