In football, teams that can run the ball, and stop the run, usually come out on top. That formula worked for West Essex in its match-up with local rival Caldwell as the Knights scored an 18-10 road victory.

West Essex compiled well over 200 yards rushing while limiting the Chiefs to just 25 yards on the ground. Mike Lacovara was the leading rusher for the Knights with 105 yards, while Vincent Scaglia had 70 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Brian O'Neill added 62 yards rushing while quarterback Zach Lemanski scored on a sneak.

Despite their success in the ground game, West Essex found itself trailing 10-6 entering the fourth quarter before Scaglia's first touchdown put the Knights ahead for good.

Lacovara led the West Essex defense with 11 tackles, including three sacks. Drew Lepre notched a pair of interceptions.

Caldwell kept the game close thanks to its defense and quarterback Brian Clarkin. Clarkin went 22-for-33 through the air for 206 yards on the night, with one touchdown and two interceptions.

Mike Cavallo had three catches for 41 yards and the only Chiefs touchdown. James Miller made six grabs for 44 yards, and Pat Theobald recorded five receptions for 43.

After three lopsided victories, this was the first loss of the season for Caldwell, which is now 3-1.

West Essex is also now 3-1.

For sports video highlights of this New Jersey and North Jersey Super Football conference high school football game, click play in the box at left.