NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ–The future is looking brighter than usual for New Brunswick High School’s football team.

On Friday, September 19, the Zebras defeated the South Plainfield High School Tigers 21-19 in front of a highly energetic home crowd at Memorial Stadium in New Brunswick.

The win was New Brunswick’s first regular season victory since 2012.

The Zebras took command early as their defense shut down the Tigers offense and kept South Plainfield scoreless thoroughout the first half of the game.

The Zebras led the Tigers 14-0 going into halftime, but South Plainfield went on to score 13 unanswered points in the 3rd quarter and another 6 in the 4th quarter.

But New Brunswick fought hard and scored another touchdown late in the game that would end up being the game-winning touchdown.

The Zebras now have a .500 record to start the season off, with one win to offset a season-opening loss to Woodbridge Township’s John F. Kennedy HS. Both games were close, as the Zebras fell 24-21 to the Iselin-based school on a last-second field goal.

The win this weekend also marked the first since Head Coach Don Sofilkanich returned to the team this year.  It seems his leadership might be what the Zebras needed to turn things around and return to their  winning ways. 

They face their next opponent this coming Friday, September 26 against the Carteret Ramblers.  Kick-off is scheduled for 7pm at Carteret High School.