Third-seeded West Essex moved one step closer to returning to the sectional finals after defeating sixth-seeded Mendham 24-6 in the NJSIAA/Xfinity North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 quarterfinals in North Caldwell.

West Essex (6-3) opened up the scoring with a trick play that resulted in a 70-yard touchdown pass from Ben Cirigliano to Max Osur.

The Knights rolled from there as they took a 24-0 lead in the third quarter following a 10-yard touchdown pass from Jake Long to Rocco Pontrella.

Long entered the game with 1,134 passing yards and 11 touchdowns to go along with 1,300 rushing yards and 17 scores on the ground.

West Essex won six of its last seven games.

West Essex will face the winner of second-seeded Summit/seventh-seeded Warren Hills in the semifinals next Friday.

Mendham fell

See Full Page