Understudy shines in Moorestown win

Moorestown's Anthony Bonett crosses the goal line a step ahead of Seneca defender Braxton Gambrell for a 35-yard touchdown in the first quarter. DAVID M WARREN / Staff Photographer

Tyreek Robinson, subbing for injured Drew Pederson, tossed 3 TDs to beat Seneca.

By Chris Melchiorre, For The Inquirer

Posted: September 08, 2012

His two first-quarter touchdown passes might as well have dropped from the heavens.

All the touch, the timing - that floating, light-as-air quality - that one never expects from a backup quarterback on opening night of the season.

But here was Moorestown junior Tyreek Robinson, connecting on throws of 35 and 29 yards, finding an easy rhythm and leading his team to a win on the road.

Robinson finished 9 for 13 for 228 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception, sending Moorestown to a 25-19 victory at Seneca on Friday night.

"At first, I was a little nervous, but my coaches just told me to do what I do best, just be an athlete," Robinson said. "Doing well in the first quarter boosted my momentum a lot.

"This is a huge win for us."

The quarterback was filling in for Drew Pederson, who is expected to be out for about a month because of a broken ankle.

"Tyreek got thrown into the fire. He's a starting wide receiver - he didn't want to be the quarterback," Moorestown coach Russ Horton said. "But he stepped up and did a nice job."

Even without Pederson, the Quakers are loaded with playmakers on offense.

And Robinson was intent on using them, showing good chemistry with running back Anthony Bonett and wide receivers Quinton Law and Sidney Ruffin. He connected with each of them for a first-half touchdown.

A 2-yard touchdown run on fourth and goal with 3 minutes, 5 seconds left in the third quarter was the cherry on top of a memorable night for Robinson.

The touchdown put his Quakers up by 25-13, and it gave Moorestown a little bit of bragging rights in the trenches, where the Seneca defense had been tough all game - playing a part in three Quakers turnovers.

Moorestown also was bogged down by penalties. Its defense, while strong for most of the game, yielded a late touchdown to Seneca, allowing for some fourth-quarter drama.

"Overall, I thought our defense did a nice job tonight," Horton said. "We made some nice stops, and they carried us at times."

But the Quakers' passing attack was smooth all night.

Robinson opened the game's scoring by hitting a streaking Bonett over the middle for a 35-yard touchdown.

In one of his few missteps of the night, Robinson fumbled on the next drive, leading to a 58-yard touchdown return by linebacker Evan Wassall. The TD put Seneca ahead by 7-6.

But, showing poise, Robinson led his team right back down the field on the next drive. giving Moorestown a 12-7 lead by hitting Law in stride for a 29-yard touchdown.

The Quakers never relinquished the advantage.

"It's a big win. It sets us off on the right foot," Horton said.

Moorestown 12 6 7 0 – 25

Seneca 7 6 0 6 – 19

M: Bonnett 35 pass from Robinson (kick failed)

S: Wassall 58 with fumble (Saiia kick)

M: Law 29 pass from Robinson (run failed)

S: Pawlowski 59 run (kick failed)

M: Ruffin 72 pass from Robinson (run failed)

M: Robinson 3 run (Cedano kick)

S: Pawlowski 21 run (kick blocked)

Contact Chris Melchiorre