New Jersey Generals Defeat Michigan Panthers to Clinch North Division Flag

From the desk: FIVE STAR PIGSKIN

WEEK NINE

New Jersey Generals  25

Michigan Panthers      23

FINAL

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Luis Perez Leads Generals on Another Game-Winning Drive

Week nine resulted in another come-from-behind victory for New Jersey.

The Generals needed a team effort to overcome a gamely Panthers team.  They got points from special teams and forced three turnovers on defense.  However, the right foot of kicker Austin Jones proved defective.  In the first quarter, he missed an opening attempt from 36-yards out.  But with three minutes left in the quarter, he nailed a 36-yarder for a 3-0 Generals lead.  With a chance to extend New Jersey's lead just before the half, Jones missed again from 38-yards.  The Generals then scored a go-ahead touchdown with 2:33 left in the game, but Jones missed the extra point leaving the Panthers down by only two with ample time left on the clock.

It's hard to say what exactly Coach Riley was thinking in the first quarter by switching back and forth between Perez and De'Andre Johnson.  But he ultimately settled with Perez.  

Michigan led 20-19 after three quarters, then added a field goal with six and a half minutes left to play.  The Generals then went on a six-play 54-yard drive.  Darius Victor and Trey Williams rushed for 23 yards.  On second and five, Luis Perez connected with Darrius Shepherd on a 17-yard touchdown to seize a 25-23 lead.

On the Panthers' final possession, Generals safety Paris Ford intercepted Eric Barriere to preserve the victory.  It was the General's third interception of the game.

Perez finished 10/16 for 92 yards and a touchdown.  De'Andre Johnson was 5/8 for 60 yards with an interception.

KaVontae Turpin gave the Generals a 10-0 lead when he returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown.

The Generals topped 100 yards rushing again, this time gaining 108 yards.  Trey Williams led with eleven carries for 62 yards, and Cam Echols-Luper ran 24 yards for a touchdown.

Darrius Shepherd caught six passes for 99 yards and a score.

With their eighth straight victory, the Generals clinched the North Division title.

• USFL