Bryce Watts Scores Twice to Lead No. 3 Toms River North Past Lacey

By Vin Ebenau - Shore Sports Network Contributor

LACEY -- Versatile junior wide receiver Bryce Watts scored two touchdowns in a 29-7 victory for Toms River North, ranked No. 3 in the Shore Sports Network Top 10, over Lacey in a Shore Conference Class A South game on Saturday afternoon.

Watts first scored at 5:49 of the first quarter on an option reverse, running down the Mariners sideline from 25 yards out to give Toms River North a 7-0 lead. As the game continued to go back and forth for the early part of the first half, the next Mariners drive resulted in a fumble at midfield, which was picked up by Lacey senior linebacker Alex Peschock. With Lacey driving the first quarter closed and the second quarter began with the Lions moving into the red one, leading to quarterback Chase Stephenson scoring a touchdown from six yards out, making it a 7-7 game.

The Mariners would answer back later in the second with a touchdown drive of their own as Mike Husni’s pass was up for grabs between Darrion Carrington and Kenney Cook who rose from the ground with the ball in his right hand making it a 13-7 game. Carrington dropped the snap on the PAT attempt but quickly converted the muff into a two-point conversion to the Mariners a 15-7 edge with 5:47 left in the first half.

The Mariners set sail in the second half cruising to two more touchdowns en route to the victory in Lacey. With 5:38 left in the third quarter Watts scored his second touchdown of the game on a 37-yard reception in front of his bench, guiding the Mariners to a 22-7 lead after three quarters. The Mariners showcased their speed and versatility in the final quarter as senior running back Asante Moorer scored from four yards out with 7:10 left.