Summit Holds Off Colonia 23-21 in Season Opener

Summit's football team never trailed on Friday afternoon but had to hold off a determined Colonia rally to escape with a 23-21 victory in the season opener. Jackson Marx set the tone immediately, returning the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown and announcing his presence as a difference-maker for the Hilltoppers.

Marx added a 27-yard field goal with 3:08 left in the first quarter to push Summit's lead to 9-0. Quarterback Matt McKeever then ran for a 14-yard touchdown, with Marx converting the extra point, to make it 16-0 with 8:33 remaining in the first half. At that point, Colonia had yet to record a first down.

Colonia's next possession produced two first downs before a botched long snap on a punt attempt gave Summit the ball at the Colonia 11-yard line. Gavin Schnall ran it in from seven yards out with 3:02 left in the half, and Marx's PAT extended the lead to 23-0. Summit's defense dominated the first half, but Colonia would not quit.

Colonia answered before halftime. Brady Hammond, in his first varsity start, connected with Tyronn Holloway on a 49-yard touchdown pass. Holloway slipped free from a Summit defender and reached the end zone, capping an 85-yard, nine-play drive. Lucas Belo's extra point made it 23-7 with 36 seconds left in the half.

Hammond finished with 95 rushing yards and 93 passing yards on the day, proving Colonia's makeshift quarterback could compete. The Raiders kept pushing in the second half. Ibn Ricks scored on a 1-yard run with 7:02 left in the third quarter, and Kyle Bell's 10-yard touchdown run with 5:10 remaining cut Summit's lead to 23-21. Colonia then attempted a two-point conversion to tie the game, but Summit intercepted the pass.

Colonia got one more possession, starting at its own 25-yard line with under two minutes left, but could not convert on fourth down to keep the drive alive. Both teams return to action Friday, September 4. Summit travels to Rahway, and Colonia plays at Franklin. Union County Life covers Summit and Colonia football, high school sports, and community news. Find more sports coverage and local news on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What was the final score of the Summit versus Colonia football game?
A: Summit defeated Colonia 23-21 on Friday in their season opener. Summit led throughout the game but had to withstand a second-half rally by Colonia.

Q: Who had standout performances for Summit?
A: Jackson Marx returned the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown and added a 27-yard field goal. Quarterback Matt McKeever ran for a 14-yard touchdown. Gavin Schnall scored on a 7-yard run.

Q: How did Colonia respond after falling behind 23-0 at halftime?
A: Colonia scored 21 unanswered points in the second half. Brady Hammond, in his varsity debut, threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to Tyronn Holloway. Ibn Ricks and Kyle Bell each scored touchdowns, bringing the Raiders within two points late in the game.

Q: What was Brady Hammond's performance in his first varsity start?
A: Hammond finished with 95 rushing yards and 93 passing yards. He threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to Tyronn Holloway and led a strong second-half comeback that nearly tied the game.

Q: When do Summit and Colonia play next?
A: Both teams play Friday, September 4. Summit travels to Rahway, and Colonia plays at Franklin.

Q: Where can I find more Summit and Colonia sports coverage?
A: Union County Life covers high school football, game recaps, and athlete highlights for Summit and Colonia. Visit unioncountylife.com for complete sports schedules and coverage.