The EBHS footbal team beats Monroe at their away game on September 19th

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EBHS 9/19 Football Win

BY MAX SALZBERG

September 29th, 2025, 8:00 A.M.

After a tough start to the season, the East Brunswick High School Bears finally broke through with their first win of the year, defeating the Monroe Falcons 36–25 on the road Friday, September 19. Under first-year head coach Zack Gega, the team showed heart, determination, and flashes of the playmaking ability fans have been waiting to see.

“This win means a lot,” Coach Gega said after the game. “We’ve had some rough weeks, but tonight our guys showed what they’re capable of when they trust each other and execute. This is the start of building a team identity, and it begins with believing you can win.”

The first half was competitive, with the Falcons keeping the game close. But East Brunswick began to pull away in the third quarter, thanks to big plays on offense and timely stops on defense. 

Especially in the second half, the defense was fully locked in. Senior defensive lineman Sean Nieves, and Junior defensive back Gabriel Marquez, both had some amazing stops on the defensive side of the ball, preventing multiple scores; helping secure the win for East Brunswick

Senior tight end, Noah DeJesus led the way with 4 receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown. His third-quarter catch, a long reception down the sideline, ignited the Bears’ offense and helped swing momentum. DeJesus also contributed on defense, recording a sack and forcing a fumble that stifled Monroe’s attempt at a comeback.

“When I got the ball, I just tried to make the most of the opportunity,” DeJesus said. “Coach Gega has been telling us to play with confidence and speed. Tonight, the team finally clicked. Everyone made plays, and we stuck together.”

The defense stepped up when it mattered most, limiting the Falcons’ big plays and holding strong late in the fourth quarter. For players on the sideline, including junior Jack Reznick, the win was just as emotional. “We’ve had some rough games, but tonight it felt different,” Reznick said.

The atmosphere at Monroe’s field added to the excitement. Monroe’s fans were loud and packed the stands, but the East Brunswick supporters who made the trip were just as spirited, cheering on each touchdown and big defensive stop.

Coach Gega was quick to temper the celebration with a reminder about the season ahead. “It’s our first win, and it’s a big one, but we can’t stop here,” he said. “We have to keep learning, practicing, and improving. This is just the start, and we’re going to build from it.”

With this win under their belt, the Bears are looking to carry the momentum into the rest of the season. Fans and players alike are hopeful that the determination and teamwork shown against Monroe will become a defining feature of East Brunswick’s play. As Coach Gega reminded everyone, the season is far from over, but the Bears have proven they have the talent and heart to compete, and with performances like Friday’s, anything seems possible.