Exhibit A for realignment

With the debate going on about the new realignment for high school sports in the state of New Jersey it seems the only thing that the NJSIAA has been able to do is not please anyone. Still, there is no better example as to why something has to be done, sooner rather than later, than Saturday’s game between Delbarton and Pequannock.
Because they are in the same conference of the same league, they face each other every year. In some sports, the schools can compete but in others, especially football, the disparity in the talent level makes this game a mismatch from the onset. Of course, it’s a challenge for Pequannock to face off against one of the better programs in the area but realistically, did anyone think that the Panthers had a chance, even when they jumped out to a 7-0 lead? The kids celebrated that lead, which they held for 3:45, and deservedly so, but it was just a matter of time before the Green Wave was going to get things straightened out and roll over them. The final score was 47-7.
It was obvious who the more talented team was but one could argue that the Pequannock team played just as hard, maybe harder, than their opponents did, and that is at the core of the struggle that faces officials as they try to make the schedules more balanced. Why should a small program like Pequannock play Delbarton every year and suffer the same fate? The past four years the Panthers have been outscored 163-25 losing all four games. What does it prove? It doesn’t help Delbarton; when they went out of their league to play St. Anthony’s of New York they got spanked 52-14, perhaps getting an idea of how life goes for everyone else. They haven’t won a state title in years so does anyone associated with their program really know how good they truly are by playing Pequannock, Butler, Caldwell, and Madison. What do lopsided victories prove, that they have better talent? Was that ever in doubt?
Plus, from a sportsmanship point of view, why was Delbarton throwing the ball after going up by 3 touchdowns? Leading 27-7 they passed for two more touchdowns in the final 1:40 of the first half to take a 40-7 lead. Then, on their first possession of the second half, they completed another touchdown pass that covered 70 yards. This wasn’t a short dump off aided by a bevy of missed tackles. It was a deep post down the middle of the field. Granted the forty-point lead led to a constantly running clock which helped speed up the game’s pace and yes, Delbarton did put in their reserves afterwards, so in essence, they called off the dogs, but it is games like this that helps turn the sentiment towards realignment and against the non-public schools.