Elizabeth Football Stays Unbeaten, Tops Linden 39-18

Elizabeth's undefeated football team dominated Linden 39-18 on Friday night at Tiger Stadium at Cooper Field, with quarterback A'rique Fleming orchestrating a dynamic offensive display that showcased the Tigers' balanced attack and defensive pressure.

Elizabeth improved to 6-0, while Linden fell to 2-3.

Fleming was the star of the evening, accounting for four touchdowns. He completed two touchdown passes—a 32-yard strike to Qua'Yon Williams in the first quarter and a 9-yard score to Jamiir Gregory in the third quarter—while throwing for 155 total yards. Fleming also rushed for 73 yards on eight carries, added a two-point conversion run, and recorded a fumble recovery on defense.

Williams finished as Elizabeth's leading receiver with four receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown. Beyond his receiving production, Williams displayed versatility on defense, returning a fumble 19 yards for a score in the third quarter and forcing a fumble on the other side of the ball.

Gregory caught three passes for 15 yards and a touchdown, then added a 5-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to cap Elizabeth's dominant performance. Defensive back Eric Cespedes contributed four receptions for 52 yards and an interception. Nahjae Smith added a 32-yard reception and an interception on the defensive side.

Elizabeth's defense was suffocating. The Tigers forced two fumbles, recorded two interceptions, and benefited from Anthony Adams's fumble recovery. Kicker Zachary Lakiotes was perfect on extra points, converting four, and added a 23-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.

Linden's offense moved the ball at times but couldn't keep pace. The Raiders accumulated 229 rushing yards and 110 passing yards. Quarterback Aiden Waheed connected with Zion Francis on a 63-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Joe Boyd scored a rushing touchdown, and Elijah Pierre added a 36-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Linden lost two fumbles and threw two interceptions while recording two kick blocks on special teams.

Elizabeth remains undefeated as the season progresses, showcasing the balance and defensive intensity that have defined their campaign so far.

FAQ

Q: What was the final score of the Elizabeth vs. Linden football game on October 2?

A: Elizabeth defeated Linden 39-18 on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Tiger Stadium at Cooper Field in Elizabeth.

Q: What is Elizabeth's record after this win?

A: Elizabeth improved to 6-0, remaining undefeated.

Q: Who had the best performance for Elizabeth?

A: Quarterback A'rique Fleming led Elizabeth with four touchdowns (two passing, one rushing, one conversion) and 155 passing yards. Receiver Qua'Yon Williams also had a standout game with four receptions, 54 yards, one receiving touchdown, and a 19-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown on defense.

Q: Who scored for Linden?

A: Linden scored on a 63-yard touchdown pass from Aiden Waheed to Zion Francis in the second quarter, a rushing touchdown by Joe Boyd, and a 36-yard rushing touchdown by Elijah Pierre in the fourth quarter.

Q: How did Elizabeth's defense perform?

A: Elizabeth's defense was dominant, forcing two fumbles, recording two interceptions, and recovering a fumble. Anthony Adams forced a fumble. Defensive backs Eric Cespedes and Nahjae Smith each recorded an interception.

Q: What is Linden's record?

A: Linden's record is 2-3 after Friday's loss.