Williams’ 2 picks seal Nottingham win

HOPEWELL TWP. >> W hen Derek Williams’ older brother Tevin played basketball for Nottingham, he picked up the nickname “No Look.” It might be time to start tagging quarterbacks who throw in Derek’s direction with the moniker of “Don’t Look”, because they may not like what they see.

The senior defensive back’s second two-interception game of the season enabled Nottingham to survive a rough offensive showing and take a 7-0 victory on homecoming night at Hopewell Valley.

These weren’t just token picks to pad the stats, either. With time running down in the first half, Hopewell had driven to the Stars 25. But on third-and-5, Williams intercepted a pass at the 10 and returned it 27 yards before Nottingham took a knee. The second was even bigger. On a night when Nottingham was whistled 12 times for 120 yards in penalties, what could have been their most costly came with just over a minute to play. On fourthand-15 from the 6, the Bulldogs got a 14-yard completion that appeared to be just short of a first down. But Nottingham was called for roughing the passer, giving HoVal new life at the 35. But on the first play from scrimmage Williams picked one off at midfield, which allowed Nottingham to run out the final 48 seconds.

It capped a strong — and very necessary — defensive effort for the Northstars, who were coming off a 30-0 loss to Trenton. Nottingham limited the ‘Dogs to just three rushing yards as it recorded four sacks for 33 yards in losses. Even with lineman Anthony Hreiz leaving the game due to injury and not returning; Nottingham applied the pressure and got two sacks from Mario Medina and one each from Josh Almanzar and Na’Zair Rickerson.

Hopewell’s defense was even more impressive as it limited Nottingham to just 126 yards of total offense. The Stars rushed 31 times for 75 yards and threw for just 51 yards. The game’s lone score came on Nottingham’s first possession, when Alix Oge scored on a 6-yard run and then added the extra point to cap a 48-yard drive.

It was a typical Bulldogs effort, as their offense struggled and their defense played well behind standout sophomore lineman Terrance Peterson.

One offensive bright spot was junior quarterback Brett Confer, who was making his first start due to injury. Granted, he threw three interceptions, but Confer threw some nice passes, completed 8 of 21 for 120 yards and had a stellar first half (6-for-11, 95 yards) until the Northstars made some adjustments.

Hopewell’s offense hurt itself numerous times with penalties. In losing their second straight, the Dogs (2-2) were flagged 13 times for 83 yards and several of them were delay of game penalties for not getting the play off in time. Nottingham (3-1) 7 0 0 0 – 7 Hopewell Valley (2-2) 0 0 0 0 – 0 N-Oge 6 run (Oge kick)

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