Second-seeded Piscataway used a strong second half to defeat seventh-seeded Plainfield 29-14 in the NJSIAA/Xfinity North Jersey, Section 2, Group 5 quarterfinal round in Piscataway.

After a scoreless first quarter, Piscataway (8-2) broke through in the second quarter when quarterback Landon Pernell connected with Sean Love for a 41-yard touchdown pass. Zaire Young added the two-point conversion run to give Piscataway an 8-0 lead at halftime.

The home team extended its advantage in the third quarter when Pernell found Josiah Zayas for a 7-yard touchdown pass. The successful extra point kick pushed Piscataway's lead to 15-0 heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter proved to be the most exciting period of the game, with both teams combining for 28 points.

Piscataway struck first when Mickye Simmons punched in a 3-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 22-0 after the successful kick.

Plainfield (4-6) finally got on the scoreboard when quarterback Devin Thomas threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Tylor Hunter. Thomas then connected with Tymir Huff on the two-point conversion pass, cutting the deficit to 22-8.

Simmons responded immediately for Piscataway with his second touchdown of the quarter, a 9-yard run that pushed the lead back to 29-8 after the extra point.

Plainfield managed one more score before the final whistle when Thomas found Huff again, this time for a 2-yard touchdown pass. The two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the final score at 29-14.

The victory advances Piscataway to the semifinal round where it will face sixth-seeded Bayonne. Bayonne earned its spot in the semifinals with a 44-14 victory over third-seeded Elizabeth.