South's running attack Friday night might not have been as flashy as its last division winner, but it was just as effective. The Eagles (8-0, 6-0) compiled 277 yards on the ground on 36 carries, led by Joe Simone's 80 yards in eight tries — all after intermission.

"The fact that there was a championship at stake tonight kept our team motivated," Middletown South coach Steve Antonucci said. "We had talked all week about the importance of this game; the importance of not taking anyone for granted, and they responded."

South scored on its first six possessions. Bunge followed McArdle's opening score with a one-yard burst with 54 seconds left in the first quarter. Quarterback Scott Meeker found Taylor Rogers for an 18-yard score two minutes into the second quarter, before Bunge followed with touchdown runs of nine and 13 yards before halftime.

Lakewood avoided the shutout with 4:42 to play when Tyrice Beverette connected with DaQuann Kenny for a 73-yard catch-and-run touchdown.

"These guys have played well," Antonucci said. "They've worked hard and they've been as tested as anyone out there. But now we're going to be playing November football, and that's when you have to be at your best."