The Easton Area High School football team triumphed over rival Phillipsburg with a decisive 35-6 victory, showcasing their prowess in both turnovers and physical play at Lafayette College”s Fisher Stadium.
Senior lineman Anthony Diaz experienced a moment every lineman dreams of in his final game. Diaz, a key player on both the offensive and defensive lines, recovered a blocked punt by teammate Sean Kilpatrick for a touchdown. “Last-ever football game, I think it was a perfect ending, scoring a touchdown,” Diaz remarked. His first and only touchdown extended Easton”s lead to 21-0 just five minutes into the second quarter.
“It was huge, especially in a game like this where momentum is everything,” Kilpatrick stated. “To get a big play like that, to block the punt and score off of it, I just think it was a real momentum swing.” Easton coach Matt Senneca echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the strategic advantage gained from the play.
Phillipsburg faced challenges early on, including a delay of game penalty that pushed them back to their own 7-yard line. Kilpatrick and junior Justin Cosover executed a perfect rush, allowing Kilpatrick to block the punt, which Diaz then recovered in the end zone. “It”s like a dream come true,” Diaz added, reflecting on the moment.
Easton”s defense was a defining factor in the game. Following their only turnover, resulting from a Cole Ordway interception, the Rovers quickly responded. After a personal foul on Diaz gave Phillipsburg a new set of downs, Easton”s Skyler Fowlin and Algee Macon pressured Phillipsburg”s quarterback, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Elijah Edwards. On the next play, Chris Martinez rushed for a 15-yard touchdown.
“Honestly, it”s just effort,” Macon noted regarding the Rovers” aggressive pass rush. “The defensive box is nothing but seniors. So just go get him; it”s our last game.” Macon earned the title of defensive Most Valuable Player after contributing significantly, including a strip sack in the fourth quarter that set up Easton”s final touchdown.
Quarterback Cole Ordway led Easton with 108 rushing yards, crediting his offensive line for their outstanding performance. “That line we have is something special. I”d take them over anybody,” he stated, acknowledging their role in his success.
Easton”s defense effectively contained Phillipsburg”s rushing attack, limiting them to just 135 yards on the ground, marking only the third time this season the Stateliners failed to surpass 150 rushing yards. “We knew they were going to be physical. We just knew we had to match their intensity,” Kilpatrick commented.
Both Diaz and senior Kurtis Crossman, who played despite a broken hand, led the team with nine tackles. Kilpatrick added eight stops to the defensive effort. “It feels amazing to do it with my brothers,” he said, reflecting on the bond formed through their shared challenges.
With this victory, Easton ends the season with a record of 14 wins, the most in the program”s history. Coach Senneca praised the senior class for their leadership and determination to improve the team”s fortunes. “They put their heads down two years ago and went to work hard; now you see the results of it,” he said.
As the game concluded, Macon expressed pride in the team”s resurgence: “For the past couple of years, Easton football wasn”t as good… I”m glad, this team, we put it on the map. We definitely made our stamp on history.”
