Takiesse Barnes delivered an impressive performance, scoring three touchdowns to lead third-seeded Pleasantville to a 23-14 victory against sixth-seeded Delsea in the first round of the NJSIAA/Xfinity South Jersey, Group 3 tournament. The match took place at Pleasantville on October 24, 2025.
Barnes made a significant impact early in the game, putting Pleasantville ahead with a 5-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. With a successful two-point conversion by Semaj Dozier, the score shifted to 8-7 in favor of Pleasantville.
In the third quarter, Barnes extended the lead to 16-7 with another touchdown, this time a 1-yard rush followed by another two-point conversion. As the game progressed, Delsea narrowed the gap, but Barnes sealed the victory with a final 5-yard touchdown run, making it a two-possession game at 23-14.
Delsea initially took the lead with a defensive touchdown when Milo Gebhard returned a fumble 86 yards for a score. Later, Gebhard connected with Nahsir Hart for a 17-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 16-14 in the fourth quarter.
Pleasantville will now advance to the semifinals, where they are set to face second-seeded Cedar Creek on November 8, 2025. This victory marks a notable achievement for Pleasantville as they continue their quest in the tournament, showcasing their resilience and determination on the field.
The match highlighted not only Barnes’ remarkable skills but also the competitive spirit of high school football in New Jersey. As the playoffs progress, teams like Pleasantville will aim to maintain their momentum and strive for success within the challenging landscape of state-level competition.
