Sports

Union County's Game-Tying Conversion Attempt Fails in Final Seconds

Middlesex County holds on to win annual Snapple Bowl at Kean University.

Middlesex and Union County squared off in the 20th annual Snapple Bowl at Kean University last night and it was one for the ages.

After scoring with under a minute to go, Union needed to cash in on the 2-point conversion to tie the game.  The conversion was intercepted by Daquan Bailey and Middlesex came away with a 30-28 win.

“I saw that ball in the air and knew I could get to it,” said Bailey. “This was great game and really just a great experience. Playing around all-stars like this really gave me a taste of what to expect in college and I was just glad I could do my job.”

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Without the efforts of Kason Campbell, this game may not have been very close at all. Campbell outran the entire Middlesex squad twice. The first was on a 73-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter and the second was on a 100-yard kickoff return that started the second half.

In the fourth quarter, Summit’s AJ Iarussi, a 6’1 and 220lb beast of a fullback, took over. Iarussi wasn’t breaking things for big yardage but he was moving the chains and keeping Union alive.

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“I was just blessed to be around such an awesome bunch of kids who kept fighting until the very end,” said Union head coach Jon Liberato. “We had a great week, it was nice to forge some good relationships and I wish them all well going forward.”

Iarussi scored a touchdown with just under a minute remaining that breathed new life into Union. Suddenly they were just a 2-point conversion from tying the game. After carrying his team down the field and into the endzone, Iarussi wasn’t involved on the deciding play. Doug Carter put a bit too much air under his pass and it was intercepted.

"That was an outstanding game. I've been involved with the Snapple Bowl since it began and I've coached in 13,” said Middlesex coach Bill Nyers. “This could have been the best game in this series' history. Both teams fought hard and I am proud of every one of my guys."

Despite the oppressive heat, this was a great contest. Thousands showed up to support their respective counties, schools and athletes. The game ended in dramatic fashion and best of all, it raised money for charity.

“Middlesex was the winner on the scoreboard but the real winners today are kids at the (the Children’s Specialized Hospital of Mountainside and the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities). They benefit from the proceeds and the rest is all just for fun,” said Liberato.

Abdel Ragab of Edison High School in Middlesex was awarded the game’s MVP award. Ragab, a defensive end, was making plays in the backfield, including a safety, all night long and had a huge impact on the final score.

“It was a great feeling to get the win for Middlesex County and to represent Edison High School. We worked really hard and in this heat, it just came down to who was better conditioned. If my teammates weren’t doing their job I wouldn’t have been able to do mine,” said Ragab.

This may was the final high school game for most of these athletes. Leave a shout-out in the comments section to congratulate them on a great high school career. 

Check back for video highlights from the Snapple Bowl and follow us on twitter @PatchSportsNJ for all your New Jersey sports information. 


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