Elizabeth vs. Bridgewater-Raritan – Rivalry at a Glance

Elizabeth vs. Bridgewater-Raritan - Rivalry at a Glance

Panthers Win Third Straight in Short Series

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – For the third straight year, Bridgewater-Raritan defeated Elizabeth in a Big Central Conference crossover match-up.  In a great back-and-forth game, Bridgewater-Raritan defeated Elizabeth (23-19) at Basilone Field this past Friday night.  Frankie Verano rushed 20 times for 79 yards and 2 TDs including the game-winning score with under a minute and a half to play.  The series between the Panthers and Minutemen began in 2009 after the formation of the Mid-State 38 Conference.  The Panthers lead the series 7-4 and have won 6 of the last 7.  Here’s the Elizabeth vs. Bridgewater-Raritan rivalry at a glance.

YearWinnerWinning ScoreLoserLosing Score
2009Bridgewater-Raritan34Elizabeth0
2012Elizabeth39Bridgewater-Raritan0
2013Elizabeth28Bridgewater-Raritan21
2014Elizabeth28Bridgewater-Raritan0
2015Bridgewater-Raritan20Elizabeth14
2016Bridgewater-Raritan27Elizabeth21
2017Bridgewater-Raritan35Elizabeth0
2018Elizabeth35Bridgewater-Raritan28
2021Bridgewater-Raritan31Elizabeth14
2022Bridgewater-Raritan17Elizabeth13
2023Bridgewater-Raritan23Elizabeth19

NOTE:  Elizabeth played Bridgewater-Raritan West for three straight years from 1966 to 1968 and won two of the three contests.  Elizabeth won in 1966 (32-7) and 1968 (26-19) while Bridgewater-Raritan West won in 1967 (33-0).

  • Bridgewater-Raritan has outscored Elizabeth by a margin of 236-211, or by an average of about 21-19 per contest.  
  • Both teams each have two shutouts (Elizabeth in 2012 and 2014) and (Bridgewater in 2009 and 2017).
  • Longest winning streak:  3 games (Elizabeth from 2012 to 2014), (Bridgewater-Raritan from 2015 to 2017), and (Bridgewater 2021 to 2023 – current).
  • Six games have been decided by 7 points or less.
  • Largest margin of victory:  39 by Elizabeth (39-0 in 2012).  Bridgewater-Raritan defeated Elizabeth 35-0 in 2017.