HOBOKEN. September 18 - In a matchup between the Dirty Dawgs and the Highlighters, it was defense that prevailed early and throughout that helped the Highlighters seal their first win of the season. Both teams combined for 5 interceptions, with 3 of those going in favor of the Highlighters, and 1 returned for a TD by Frank Almanzar of the Highlighters in the first half. The game was up for grabs until the final minute, until Almanzar ran it in for a picturesque game sealing touchdown to propel the Highlighters to victory 19-12.

Frank Almanzar put the game on his shoulders for the Highlighters, scoring all three of the touchdowns for his team. He showed off his lightning speed and elusiveness as he ran in two rushing touchdowns without ever getting touched. Dropped balls by the receivers on the Highlighters allowed Dirty Dawgs to climb back into the game with a spectacular catch on 4th down from Grant Greenberg with under a minute left along the sideline to keep the game going. Dirty Dawgs went on to score a touchdown with 40 seconds with a clutch throw from QB Jason Scherr. The decision to go for the 2 point conversion to take the lead backfired on the Dirty Dawgs as they failed to convert, but thanks to a Grant Greenberg interception at the goal line with under 20 seconds left, they had 1 final chance to convert.

The Highlighters made life tough on QB Jason Scherr, courtesy of two sacks by Angel Matos. Carlton Whitaker aka Blaze also proved his ability to be a shutdown corner by batting down several balls and coming away with 1 interception. Scherr was able to hit his receivers for 12 receptions, which is 5 more than the 7 receptions that the Highlighters were able to reel in. Ian Lorentz and Grant Greenberg in particular caught 6 receptions in the second half alone to keep the game within striking distance. Scherr was constantly scrambling and having to make quick throws due to the pressure he faced. QB Rob Crawford on the other hand showed his ability to move out of the pocket, as he avoided every single blitz and sack that came his way. Although he got no touchdowns and two interceptions, he played well enough to lead his team to victory with precision passing and smart decision making.