Iverson Clement helps Rancocas Valley edge Washington Twp.
His first touchdown - a 21-yard burst to his left in the second quarter - was called back because of holding.
His first touchdown - a 21-yard burst to his left in the second quarter - was called back because of holding.
But Iverson Clement went right back to work.
The very next play was like an instant replay. In fact, it was the same exact play: a counter to the left.
And the same exact result. Except this one - a score from 28 yards out - counted.
And so went the game Friday night as the Rancocas Valley football team overcame some ugly moments with some highlight-reel plays to beat visiting Washington Township, 28-25.
"We just have to have short memories, just worry about the next play," said Clement after his Red Devils improved to 4-0.
Clement, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound junior and one of South Jersey's most complete running backs, rushed 30 times for 177 yards and three touchdowns, including his 28-yard scamper in the second quarter to tie the score at 14-14. He also fumbled twice, including once into Washington Township's end zone on the next drive after his first touchdown.
On defense, the Red Devils saw similar ups and downs.
The team allowed Washington Township to mount a late comeback. The Minutemen almost won the game on a Hail Mary on the final play.
Through parts of the game, RV looked worn down by Minutemen running back Colin Meintel.
Meintel finished with 38 carries for 169 yards and two rushing touchdowns and two catches for 59 yards and a receiving touchdown. He gashed RV for a 56-yard touchdown reception on the game's third play from scrimmage.
That was the bad part for the RV defense. But the unit also recorded two turnovers.
And, in the biggest stand of the game, RV stopped Meintel on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line with 10 minutes left in and RV holding to a 28-17 lead.
"Ultimately we pulled it out. Our guys kept fighting. That's what matters," said RV coach Dan Haussman. "We made some great adjustments, made some great plays, and we hung in there."
Washington Township coach Mark Wechter was happy with the fight his team showed.
The Minutemen, who fell to 1-3, scored on the very next drive after being turned away on fourth-and-goal.
The touchdown - a 14-yard run by Meintel - made the score 28-25 with 5:14 left.
But Washington Township couldn't complete the comeback despite driving deep into RV territory before coming up empty on its next drive, and on its final drive.
"We're getting better and better every week," Wechter said. "These guys have battled against some really good football teams.
"I'm proud of the way we played. We need to keep getting better, hope we make the playoffs and maybe these results will be different later on down the road."
Washington Twp. 14 0 3 8 - 25
Rancocas Valley 7 14 7 0 - 28
WT: Colin Meintel 56 pass from Mike Piperno (James Altieri kick)
RV: Danny Kondras 56 pass from Bryce Mangene (Nick Paliotta kick)
WT: Meintel 12 run (Altieri kick)
RV: Iverson Clement 28 run (Paliotta kick)
RV: Clement 4 run (Paliotta kick)
WT: Altieri 27 field goal
RV: Clement 12 run (Paliotta kick)
WT: Meintel 14 run (Meintel catch)