RAHWAY, NJ- The Arthur L. Johnson High School Crusaders varsity football team started Friday night’s game with a 0-2 record following their home opener on September 7. The seniors knew it would be now-or-never to keep the team working hard and playing hard to get to a .500 record before the upcoming bye week.
Standing in the way of Johnson’s task to get to a .500 record was Mid-State 38 Valley Division rivals, the Roselle-Abraham Clark High School Rams, a team which Johnson clashed with in battles over the past four seasons, with Johnson winning two of the last three meetings coming into action. Seniors Sebastian Iakouchevitch and Federico Veltre made their presence be felt in this game.
Sophomore quarterback Joe Greenbush went 2-for-7 with 61 yards and a 49-yard touchdown pass to senior Federico Veltre, while Iakouchevitch came up with a game-sealing interception in the final three minutes as the Crusaders defeated the Rams 7-0 Friday night at Rahway River Park.
With Johnson facing 3rd-Down-and-Seven from the Roselle 49-yard line, Greenbush lobbed a pass deep down the field for Veltre, who with enough room on the field, hauled in the football and got into the end zone for the score.
“It felt amazing, it was awesome,” Greenbush said of the play that led to the touchdown. “That’s what won us the game.”
Senior Nick Serpe’s extra point was good, making the score 7-0 Crusaders with 5:00 left in the third quarter.
Veltre, who did not play in the Week 2 win over Metuchen HS the previous week, led a physical Crusaders defense, in addition to his touchdown reception.
“To be honest, forget about the touchdown, this was a team win,” Veltre said. “I did that for my boys. We worked too hard to go out there into the bye week with a loss. That [touchdown] was for the family.”
Full Coverage of Johnson Varsity Football Win Over Roselle-Abraham Clark HS Here
