The Hillsborough football team was seeking its first playoff victory in five years. In addition to it being a playoff game, it was especially exciting because it was Hillsborough’s first home post season game since 2014.

The Raiders were listed as the No. 3 seed in the South Jersey Group 5 bracket, and were going up against No. 6 Washington Township. Hillsborough would need both sides of the ball to execute to win, and they did just that.

For the past three weeks, the Hillsborough defense have been lights out. They had only let up 13 points in their previous games to Colonia, East Brunswick, and Piscataway. Friday night was no different, as they shut down the Washington Twp. offense in the first half, and only allowed seven points the whole night. Junior Sean Levonaitis and senior Matt Michinard each recorded an interception to lead the defensive efforts.

“Our defense has always been very good,” Levonaitis said. “The last couple of games we have been clicking and executing plays. We are hitting our stride in a perfect time.”

The Raiders were also clicking on offense. Senior quarterback Tom Ramsey led the charge in the air and contributed on the ground as well. He completed eight passes for 153 yards and a touchdown while adding 43 yards on the ground scoring two more touchdowns. Levonaitis had 65 yards rushing and 35 receiving yards with a touchdown as well. Sophomore Thomas Amankwaa hauled in three receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown.

Winning the first round is not only a huge momentum boost heading into the semi-finals, but carried much more meaning for the seniors. It was the last time they will ever play on their home turf.

“It felt great to come out on top in our last game on the turf,” senior Jon Seaton said. “It was so special to win that game because our seniors have been playing on that field since 5th grade, so it means a lot to go out on top.”

The Raiders look to make it five straight wins as they travel to Lenape, the No. 13 ranked team in the state, for the semi-final round in the South Jersey Group 5 bracket.