Section I, Group III Final: Hills 17, Demarest 16
“Built to go the distance.” It is the 2004 Wayne Hills football team’s slogan. A photographer who took the pre-season pictures tagged the team with it during the summer as he looked at the school expansion in progress and the heavy equipment sitting alongside the construction and athletic fields.
Soon that slogan was on the team posters seen all around Wayne as well as in the locker and weight rooms at the Berdan Avenue school and on the cover of the football programs sold at home games. Last Saturday night, it made its most meaningful appearance when the Patriot players donned championship tee shirts bearing those words just hours after Hills brought home the schools second state title in three years.
he Patriots (10-2) rallied from a nine point fourth quarter deficit to defeat Demarest, 17-16 in the North One, Group Three final. They scored the tying touchdown on Nick Worzel’s 75 yard pass to sophomore tailback Ray Van Peenan with just under five minutes remaining. Worzel booted the PAT to provide the winning margin. The dramatic win completed an improbable three game playoff run for Hills in which they avenged regular season losses to Ramapo and Demarest by knocking off both on their home fields. In the first round, Hills had defeated a dangerous Teaneck squad, 20-7.
Worzel, the senior quarterback, who shed tears of happiness after the game said, “The seniors got together after the Demarest loss and said ‘we can’t lose anymore’ and re-committed to winning the championship. Yeah, we lost to Ramapo by one play, but we knew we could still do it. Friday night when we were going to burn our regrets like we do every year, we really didn’t have any. We were just so determined to go out and finish what we had started.”
Kyle Cavanaugh, a senior captain added, “A lot of people said we couldn’t do it but we proved them wrong by beating Teaneck and Ramapo, and now Demarest. Winning the last two on their fields was very sweet.”
After the 38-28 semi-final win over Ramapo two weeks earlier, Head Coach Chris Olsen called the finals rematch against Demarest a potential “story book ending”. The Patriots had earned a chance to redeem themselves for a sub par performance in the October 1st 16-10 loss.
The final chapter of the story began under a bright sky on Saturday with Worzel’s opening kickoff. But the opening scene was not bright for Hills as Demarest quickly moved to midfield. Three plays after forcing the Norsemen to punt, it looked darker when cornerback Richie Guillod stepped in front of tight end John Ihne to pick off Worzel’s first pass attempt and returned it to the Hills’ fifteen. Moe Petracco and Pete DeCicco then combined to sack Demarest’s elusive quarterback, Vin Esposito, on a third down and three at the eight yard line. The Norsemen had to settle for Michael Siebold’s 36 yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead after 6:35 had been played.
The teams then exchanged touchdowns in the next four minutes. Toby Dattolo’s eleven yard sweep, set up by his 41 yard dash up the middle moments earlier, capped a six-play, eighty yard Patriots’ drive. It was the senior tailback’s team–leading 11th TD of the year. Esposito and Guillod then connected on a perfectly thrown pass for a 60 yard touchdown. The Norsemen’s big play ability had regained the lead at 10-7. Neither team threatened in the second quarter as hard hitting and opportunistic secondary play produced two turnovers for each side.
Senior fullback/linebacker Joe Giampapa, said, “At halftime, we thought it would come down to making big plays, and we talked about who would make the last big play. We wanted to control their quarterback and they still made a few big ones but we knew we could make a few too.” It was Demarest that made the first two big ones of the second half, converting a third and 17 on a Guillod reception, then scoring their second TD when Tom Caporale took Esposito’s five yard toss on a fourth and two for a 16-7 lead. The usually reliable Siebold missed the PAT however.
After a penalty thwarted a promising drive on the next Hills possession, the Patriots made several big fourth quarter plays. First, cornerback Nick Romeo jarred the ball loose with a hit on the Norsemen receiver Jarret Solimando and recovered at the Hills 22. “We knew we had to get pressure on the quarterback, disguise our coverages, and attack the ball to get some turnovers”, said Hills defensive coordinator Tim Zisa. “Nick made a big hit to get us one there.”
When Worzel’s third and goal pass under heavy pressure fell incomplete, he lined up for just his fourth field goal attempt of the year. “I missed one here in the first game and I’m not as comfortable kicking from the right hash mark but I drew from the experience of the Ramapo game when I made the same kind of kick and I felt really calm.” The senior’s kick split the uprights to pull the Patriots to within 16-10 with 7:55 left.
It was Petracco’s turn to come up big next. Facing a single block for “the only time all day”, the senior tackle sacked Esposito on third down forcing a Demarest punt with five minutes left. A penalty on the punt return forced Hills to begin at their own 25.
Worzel threw deep downfield for Van Peenan on first down. “It’s called 594-swing, and Ray is his third option”, said Olsen. Van Peenan timed his leap perfectly to snare the ball among three defenders, dashed across the field and dove into the end zone for the tying points. Worzel calmly kicked the extra point. “I knew I’d have to make a big play in the fourth quarter,” said Worzel. The field goal calmed me and gave me a huge boost. And my teammates were razzing me on Friday about all the stars on my helmet I earned for extra points. I told them, ‘just wait…an extra point will win the game’.
“This says a lot about Nick’s toughness, he was sick all week and missed two days of practice” added Olsen, referring to his quarterback who has withstood scrutiny and media criticism for two seasons. For Van Peenan, who had felt the sting of his coach’s criticism for a blown coverage at his linebacker position that led to Demarest’s second score, the touchdown was also sweet. “I saw the ball and I knew I just had to get it. I was confident I could make a big play for my team”.
One last big play remained, and it was the Patriots’ who made it. The Norseman had advanced to the Hills 25, with Siebold preparing to attempt a gain-winning field goal. He never got the chance. On third and two, apparent confusion between two receivers downfield resulted in Esposito overthrowing them badly and Dattolo easily intercepted to clinch the victory.
The Patriots ran out the clock and celebrated their dramatic championship win. They had gone the distance.
Patriots ready for their return to title game
By Rich Stamboulian, 11/04
“When you miss getting to the championship game one year after being there so often, people ask, ‘what went wrong?” We’ve been a victim of our own success in that sense.”
Thus said Wayne Hills head football coach Chris Olsen as his team prepares for their return to the North One, Group Three title game after a one year absence. The Patriots had appeared in six consecutive finals beginning in 1997, highlighted by the school’s first championship in 2002.
Having avenged their regular season loss to chief rival Ramapo in a 38-28 semifinal win on November 20th, Olsen’s squad has the rare chance to complete their mission when they face Demarest (10-1) in the final. The Norsemen dealt them their only other loss, 16-10 on October 1stt. “The kids realize the opportunity they have here. Every day during practice warm-ups, they’re chanting ‘Round Two’. Everyone knows we did not play well in the earlier game, we’re ready to do a better job this week”, added Olsen.
In that Week Four game, the Hills defense held the Norsemen to one offensive touchdown but had trouble preventing quarterback Vin Esposito and wide receivers Richie Guillod and Jarrett Solimando from making big plays. Guillod took advantage of poor Hills tackling on a 31 yard run that set up Mike Siebold’s 26 yard field goal for the first points of the game and Solimando used his speed and height to grab Esposito’s cross field pass for a touchdown.
Olsen said, “Their speed and athleticism gave us trouble, that’s for sure. We have to contain them and not allow them to make big plays, just like we did against Ramapo with their big weapons. Esposito is the heartbeat of their team, we have to get more pressure on him and not let him run around back there and make plays. We just can’t ask our defensive backs to cover their wide outs for five or six seconds. He has to throw and run for them to be effective and the two wide receivers have to make plays for them.”
The 6’2” senior Solimando, who registered his 9th TD catch of the year in Demarest’s 27-7 Thanksgiving Day win over Old Tappan, has caught nearly 40 passes accounting for over 600 yards this year. The diminutive (5 ‘7, 170) but speedy Guillod has accounted for 852 yards and 12 touchdowns on 42 catches after his big game against Old Tappan. “Number 5 (Guillod) makes you miss after the catch so he’s the more dangerous of the two”, said Olsen, but Solimando is very athletic and tall so we we’ll have to match up against them in certain situations.”
“Our front four need to get pressure on Esposito on their own. If we need to send another body in some situations, then we will. But we can’t get so caught up with their passing game that we overlook the tailback”, adds Olsen. That’s the stocky (5’9”, 180 ) hard running junior Kenny Amsel, who has rushed for more than 800 yards and has 11 rushing TDs to his credit this year.
On the other side of the ball, the Patriots have to get a better game from quarterback Nick Worzel. The senior had an effective first half in the regular season game but suffered through a nightmarish second half going only 1-11 with three interceptions, including Guillod’s 70 yard return for the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. “We have to help him (Nick) too”, said Olsen. “We have to pick up blitzes and catch the ball, we had seven dropped passes in that game”, he added.
The offense will be helped by the return of tight end, John Ihne, who came on in the second half of the regular season to provide Worzel with a big target over the middle. The 6’ 4”, 230 lb junior has missed the first two playoff games with a dislocated shoulder but “should be 100%” according to Olsen. Sophomore Scott Shultz, who stepped in for Ihne, “did a great job”, according to the head coach, and will continue to see action in two tight-end sets. Ihne’s return should provided additional blocking for the Patriots’ running game which remains their bread and butter. “Just like they have to throw the ball well to win, we have to run effectively to come out on top”, Olsen added.
One area where Demarest may have an edge is in the kicking game. Mike Siebold has connected on 10 of 13 field goal attempts according to Olsen, where as the Patriots’ Worzel, who possesses a strong leg, has attempted only two all year. Each converted in the first game. Siebold’s kicking could become a factor if the game becomes a battle of field position.
From having scouted the Norsemen and having looked at films, Olsen believes “we have a better feel for them than we did in Week Four. But just like we’ve gotten better since then, they’re playing better too.” Olsen feels that if there is an edge to be gained from the first game, it may belong to Demarest since “they probably have confidence that they can beat us. That was their first win over us in a long time (1992).”
Much as they did in the second game against Ramapo two weeks ago, Hills needs to do several things better in their second meeting with Demarest. Asked to name the top three, Olsen responded, “We need to catch the ball better, we have to do better in the red zone, and we have to slow down Esposito, and stop him from making big plays.”
The action gets under way at 2 pm Saturday in Demarest. For those who cannot get to the game, it will be broadcast on WGHT, 1500 AM in Pompton Lakes, beginning with the pre-game at 1 p.m.
Patriots avenge Ramapo loss to gain state finals
By Rich Stamboulian, 11/04
“Let’s get this shindig started” an eager Chris Olsen quipped to a game official just moments before the start of last Saturday’s North One, Group Three semifinal against archrival Ramapo. Two hours later, his Wayne Hills team, coaching staff and their fans were in a partying mood despite the steady rain. The celebration took place in the middle of the Ramapo field in Franklin Lakes after the Patriots (9-2) gained a 38-28 victory to advance to the state title game against Demarest next weekend. The Ramapo team that had displayed a swagger before the game was left to wonder what had happened to their undefeated season and vision of a second consecutive state championship.
What happened was that the Patriots jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead on Pete DeCicco touchdown run and interception return and then refused to fold after Ramapo (9-1) tied the score early in the third quarter. Led by a determined group of seniors, who had not beaten the Green Raiders in their two years as starters, Hills scored 17 straight points early in the final quarter and held off a late rally.
“Coach told us at halftime that there would be a point where one team would bend in this game”, said a jubilant Nick Worzel after the game. “The seniors knew we had to respond to get the win, or go home. This one takes away a lot of the sting of the three straight we’d lost to them”.
That point came early in the third quarter. Ramapo had just taken advantage of a botched Patriot fourth down punt to tie the score 21-21on Luca Ragone’s 16th rushing TD of the year and a two point conversion. The
Green Raiders quickly got the ball back and clearly had momentum on their side. But Ramapo quarterback A. J. Pisarri, who was under pressure all day, was forced to throw on the run on second down and Hills senior cornerback Toby Dattolo came up with the third of four interceptions against the junior.
Most of the remainder of the quarter was a midfield battle until the Patriots took over on their own 17 yard-line and began a nine play drive to produce the go ahead score. Again they could have bent when Worzel’s 32 yard run down the sideline to the Ramapo 31 was called back on a holding penalty. But they immediately responded with their longest gain of the day as Worzel connected with senior Kyle Cavanaugh for 41 yards to the Ramapo 22. Three running plays later, the 6’5” quarterback leaped from the one to stretch over the goal line for his fourth TD of the season.
The Patriots then took advantage of another big play. Senior Joe Giampapa, who had his second straight outstanding game with 16 tackles, delivered a jarring hit on Ramapo’s Bobby Munier on the ensuing kickoff return causing a fumble that Dattolo recovered at the Green Raiders’ 18. After three Dattolo runs, Worzel calmly booted a 29 yard field goal to produce the eventual winning points and stretch the lead to 31-21 with just over seven minutes remaining.
Two minutes later, after junior Nick Romeo snared the fourth interception, the Patriots faced a situation similar to one that occurred in the regular season match up. In that game, they failed to get what could have been a game-clinching first down on a fourth and two run at the Ramapo 30. Here, they faced fourth and one at the Ramapo 40 with a chance to make the first down and keep the clock moving. Olsen called the same play during a timeout that had been unsuccessful three weeks earlier.
‘We practiced that play all week”, DeCicco said. “Coach put the ball on the thirty (where it was in the earlier game) and said, ‘Let’s run it, because we’re running it this week’ and we ran it over and over.” This time DeCicco burst through the line and ran untouched to the end zone for a clinching score that sent most of the Ramapo crowd to the parking lot.
he Green Raiders added a touchdown with less than two minutes remaining but Romeo recovered an onside kick and the Patriots’ thoughts turned to another rematch and a chance to avenge their only other loss this season, against Demarest, 16-10 on October 1st. Olsen said “We made the plays we didn’t make three weeks ago. “I’m not sure how he did it but (defensive coordinator) Tim Zisa did a great job to get Ramapo on the run all day. Now we have to bring our A+ game against Demarest. To beat Ramapo and then Demarest in two weeks would be a story book ending.”
Zisa credited a subtle change in approach with big results. “We gave up 28 points which is too much but, we didn’t allow the big plays that hurt us the first time. We changed the blitz scheme to one they hadn’t seen before and we got great pressure and six sacks. And we got back to swarming to the ball to stop big plays. It’s the mentality we have to have.”
Giampapa, who had two and a half sacks, said “It’s playoff time and that inspired us. Today, we confused them with the blitz, they didn’t know what to expect. They weren’t used to seeing me come and they couldn’t handle it and that caused the interceptions.”
The championship game will be Saturday, December 4th at Demarest.
Patriots earn football playoff rematch with Ramapo
By Rich Stamboulian, 10/04
Wayne Hills is right where they want to be, facing Ramapo in the playoffs …again. For the fifth consecutive year the two NBIL football powers will square off in the NJSIAA North One, Group Three playoffs at 1 pm on Saturday in Franklin Lakes. The fourth-seeded Patriots (8-2) earned their spot in the semifinals with a hard fought 20-7 win over fifth-seeded Teaneck (5-4) last Sunday afternoon in Wayne. Top ranked Ramapo (9-0) had advanced a day earlier with their 38-6 romp over eighth seeded Passaic Valley. Hills will be out to erase the sting of the 24-20 loss to the Green Raiders in the thrilling regular season battle on October 29th.
And like last year a chance to play for a state title on the first weekend in December is at stake. Ramapo defeated the Patriots last year 35-12 en route to a perfect 12-0 season and the state crown. In 1993, 2001, and 2002, their meetings took place in the championship game. Hills’ only win in those games came in 2002 when they blanked the Green Raiders 19-0 to cap off their own undefeated season to win the school’s only state title.
In contrast to a rainy, dreary Friday, when this opening round game was originally scheduled to be played, the teams squared off in ideal conditions. There was not a cloud to be seen when Hills’ Nick Worzel booted the opening kickoff at 1 pm. Pete Sarabia’s tackle at the 18 limiting the Highwaymen’s fleet Oderick Turner to a short return was an omen. Except for Turner’s 45 yard touchdown reception midway through the third quarter, the Patriots effectively controlled Teaneck’s most dangerous weapon.
Patriots’ head coach Chris Olsen said, “We saw some things on the films and we felt we could limit him. Actually, our main concerns were their running backs, Michael Culver and Brian Gilbert, Damien Williams, the quarterback, and their tight end. We did a good job on all of them.”
Each team’s early attempts to establish its strong running game produced little success. There was just over four minutes remaining in the opening quarter when Williams attempted the game’s first pass. Worzel soon completed his first two throws for consecutive first downs but it wasn’t until two possessions later that the Patriots’ offense clicked.
From the Hills 34 midway through the second quarter, Worzel hit Giampapa for a ten yard gain and then called a fullback draw. Giampapa weaved his way for 26 yards to the Highwaymen 30. After senior tailback Toby Dattolo and Worzel combined to rush for 21 yards on four plays, the Patriots went back to the air. A wide open Cavanaugh tallied his sixth TD reception of the year as he easily took Worzel’s nine yard flip to put Hills on the board at 7-0.
Teaneck tied things up in the third quarter, taking advantage of a Patriots error. Turner gained 15 on his first reception but fumbled at the Hills 45. When Dattolo failed to come up with it, Turner quickly pounced on the loose ball and he immediately made the Patriots pay for their generosity. The tall lanky receiver got behind the Hills secondary to haul in Williams’ pass at the five and stepped into the end zone for the tying score. Momentum seemed to have swung in the Highwaymen’s favor when Hills went three and out after the kickoff but the Patriots defense took control. De Cicco sacked Williams, forcing Teaneck to punt on fourth and long from their ten.
The Patriots took over at the Teaneck 37. Sophomore Ray Van Peenan provided a spark with his first three carries, as they moved to a first and goal at the six. Giampapa bulled over on the first play of the final quarter with the winning touchdown. The bruising fullback/linebacker had his finest all around game with season highs of 56 rushing yards on four carries and a team-leading 13 tackles on defense. He added thirty yards on three receptions.
Sticking with the run in their final three possessions, the Highwaymen curiously did not throw to Turner again until the issue was decided. By that time, Hills had added an insurance score when Worzel, who moments earlier had dashed down the sideline on a 27 yard keeper, dove in from two yards out to stretch the lead to the final of 20-7. Teaneck’s seventeen year head coach Dennis Heck lamented, “We expected to run the ball better. But give them credit, they stopped us and that’s why they’re moving on. We wanted to get the ball to Oderick more but we had such poor field position, that’s not where you want to be throwing the ball a lot.”
The Patriot seniors spoke with conviction about the rematch with Ramapo. “We’re 0-3 against them, we’ve got to get redemption”, said Cavanaugh. Added Worzel, “We got what we wanted, another shot at them. I don’t want to graduate without having beaten them in my two years.” Dave Lurin, the anchor of the defensive line said, “Beyond the X’s and O’s, we have to play more as a team this time.” And Moe Petracco who lines up alongside Lurin at defensive tackle commented, “We have to play smarter, better defense. We can’t allow (Gianluca) Ragone and (Chris) Hogan to make big plays. That killed us two weeks ago.”
A smiling Olsen summed it up. “It wouldn’t be the playoffs without Hills versus Ramapo. I expect the same kind of game again. Whoever executes a few key plays will come out on top.”
Patriots overcome slow start to roll into playoffs; Teaneck Next
By Rich Stamboulian, 10/04
Call it the Ramapo hangover. “It’s always tough the week after we play Ramapo, whether we win or lose.” Those were Chris Olsen’s words after his Wayne Hills football team endured a slow start against Ramsey last Saturday, then steamrolled their way to a 42-0 win in their final regular season game. The Patriots dominance was so complete that the Ramsey offense crossed midfield only once.
The Patriots appeared sluggish in the early going as the first quarter ended scoreless despite an early drive by the Rams that started at their nine yard-line and reached midfield. Early in the second quarter, Hills finished off an 11 play drive capped by senior tailback Pete De Cicco’s five yard run untouched into the end zone. Quarterback Nick Worzel added the first of his six PATs to give the Patriots the 7-0 lead.
Two possessions later Worzel attempted to connect with Kyle Cavanaugh but just overthrew the senior wide receiver at midfield. On the next play, the two hooked up perfectly as Cavanaugh hauled in a pass over the middle and shed a tackler on the way to a 65 yard touchdown. The score came with about three minutes remaining in the half. Cavanaugh’s TD reception was his third in the last two games as the senior has come on strong since Worzel has hit his passing stride in recent games.
Cornerback Nick Romeo intercepted Ramsey quarterback Sean Walsh’s pass on the second play after the ensuing kickoff and the Patriots were back in business at the Rams 41. Six pass plays later, the junior Romeo took Worzel’s screen pass and waltzed into the end zone from nine yards out with five seconds remaining to stretch the Hills lead to 21-0.
The Patriots ate up most of the third quarter in two scoring drives, with senior tailback Toby Dattolo reaching the end zone to complete both drives. Dattolo’s runs of 10 and two yards gave him a team-leading nine touchdowns for the season. Ramsey was able to run only five offensive plays in the quarter.
With their second offensive unit in the game for the fourth quarter, Hills completed the scoring with a short six play drive following De Cicco’s punt return to the Ramsey 33 yard-line. Six plays later, junior tailback Pete Sarabia scooted through a huge hole opened by senior center Larry Sisco and junior guard Stephen Fava.
“We did what we had to do”, said Olsen. Now we’ll get ready for Teaneck. They have size and speed so we’ll have a real challenge.” Cavanaugh echoed his coach’s comments and added, “We need to start out intense every game. Our defense has to continually improve and against Teaneck we’ll have to limit their big plays.”
The Highwaymen come into Friday night’s first round North One, Group Three playoff game with a deceiving (5-3) record. Playing in the NNJIL Division A, they suffered their three losses by a combined score of 109-15 at the hands of league heavyweights Bergen Catholic, Ridgewood, and St. Joe’s (Montvale). In their five wins, they outscored their opponents by a total score of 136-34.
The senior-dominated team presents an attack featuring the speedy 6-4, 190 lb. receiver Oderrick Turner who is headed to Pitt next fall. The backfield includes tailback Brian Gilbert who scored six touchdowns, including two on kick returns, last Saturday in a 54-20 win over Nutley.
The action begins at 7 PM at the Wayne Hills field. A Patriots’ victory will most likely earn them a rematch against undefeated Ramapo (8-0) in next weekend’s semifinals. Ramapo hosts Passaic Valley (4-4) in another first round game.
Late drive falls short as Hills loses to Ramapo
By Rich Stamboulian, 10/04
The latest chapter in what has become arguably the most heated public school rivalry in North Jersey high school football came down to a fingertip. With 23 seconds remaining in a stirring battle, Ramapo defensive back Jack Botz leaped to barely get his hand on Hills quarterback Nick Worzel’s pass from the Green Raiders’ 25 yard-line to flick the ball away from a waiting Kyle Cavanaugh in the end zone.
Two plays later, the Green Raiders celebrated a 24-20 victory on the Patriots’ field last Friday night. The victory clinches the NBIL Division One title for Ramapo. With Ramapo having previously earned the top seed in the upcoming North One, Group Three playoffs, some thought the attraction of the annual regular season meeting of these two fierce rivals was diminished. The anticipation among the spectators in the stands and the intensity of the action on the field however, was not lacking at Patriots’ Stadium.
Ramapo started fast taking the opening kickoff and marching 70 yards to a first and goal at the Hills ten yard-line. The Patriots defense stiffened and when Nick Romeo leaped to bat away a third down pass intended for the Green Raiders’ junior star receiver, Chris Hogan, Ramapo had to settle for Bobby Heilman’s 27 yard field goal and an early 3-0 lead.
Hills’ first possession was shorter but more productive. Patriots’ head coach Chris Olsen called a play that has produced big gains all year. Worzel hit Joe Giampapa with a play action pass in the right flat and the senior fullback dashed 52 yards down the sideline to the Ramapo 18. After a 3 yard loss, Worzel faked a pitch to tailback Pete De Cicco and flipped a 21 yard pass to a wide open Cavanaugh in the end zone to put the Patriots up 7-3.
Ramapo’s next consuming drive came up empty when the junior Heilman’s 37 yard field goal attempt was short. Hills had time to run just one offensive play, only their fourth of the quarter, but held the lead at the end of the first stanza. The Patriots drove 52 yards on the strength of the senior De Cicco’s running to begin the second quarter but they also did not score when Worzel’s fourth down pass found Cavanaugh just beyond the back line of the end zone.
The Green Raiders found the end zone for the first time on their next possession. Mixing the running of senior running back Gianluca Ragone and two receptions by Hogan, the NBIL’s leading receiver, quarterback AJ Pisarri took his team 72 yards in nine plays. The drive culminated when the 6’ 1” Hogan snared Pisarri’s pass at his ankles, then dove for the pylon to score on a 24 yard play, giving Ramapo the lead again at 10-7.
The see saw scoring continued when Hills, again powered by De Cicco, who finished with 19 carries for 111 yards, moved to the Green Raiders’ ten yard-line. Worzel connected with Cavanaugh again on a ten yard strike as the senior beat Hogan for his fifth touchdown of the year. Worzel’s PAT was blocked by a leaping Kevin Gallagher but the Patriots had a 13-10 lead with only 1:18 remaining in the half.
The lead was short lived however as Ramapo struck back quickly. Three plays after taking Worzel’s kick off at their 32, Pissari found his tight end Troy Healion for 22 yards to the Hills’ 40. On the next play, the junior signal caller found Hogan in stride, again having beaten the Patriots’ secondary, for his second touchdown of the day and league-leading tenth of the season with only seven seconds remaining. The Hills fans sat stunned as Hogan intercepted a Hail Mary attempt to end the half with Ramapo ahead 17-13.
Late in the third quarter, the Patriots took their final lead. Ray Van Peenan entered at tailback and the shifty sophomore carried on nine consecutive plays to the Ramapo 11 yard-line. The drive included a critical recovery of a Van Peenan fumble by hustling offensive tackle Sam Azner. Worzel capped the drive with a strike over the middle to junior tight end John Ihne who recorded his first varsity touchdown. The PAT put Hills ahead by 20-17.
Ramapo then went three and out and the Patriots advanced to the Green Raiders’ 30 yard-line. Attempting to kill the clock and hopefully add a clinching score, they elected to try for a first down on fourth and two. De Cicco was stopped cold and Ramapo took over with seven minutes remaining. On their third play, the powerful Ragone, whom the Patriots had held in check up to that point, broke free on a draw play and broke three tackles en route to a game winning 46 yard run. Heilman’s PAT made it 24-20 to force Hills to go for a touchdown.
After the teams traded short possessions, the Patriots took over when Hogan’s 36 yard punt was downed on the Hills’ one yard line. With no timeouts and forced to pass on every play, Worzel led Hills in John Elway-like fashion on what the screaming Hills rooters thought would be a game winning drive. The senior signal caller, who had his most productive passing game of the season, connected with four different targets, including senior Colin Wiseman who gained 13 yards on his first catch of the year, stepping out of bounds at the Ramapo 25 to set up the final sequence of plays. Two plays after Botz’s touchdown-saving leap, Hogan leaped to knock away Worzel’s pass intended for Romeo at the goal line on the Patriots’ last attempt.
After exchanging handshakes with their foes, the Hills team knelt around their coaches. As many players cried, Coach Olsen consoled them, patting some players on the head and repeating “It’s not over yet, we’ll see them again”. He praised his players for their effort and courageous performance and added, “The difference was a fingernail. We just ran out of time.” A dejected Worzel commented, “This hurts a hundred times more than getting blown out last year.”
Reflecting on the game later, Olsen said, “We did everything we wanted to offensively but we didn’t think they’d be able to move the ball on us that well. We needed to pressure their quarterback more.”
The Patriots, who will likely wind up with the fourth or fifth seed in the upcoming state playoffs, close out the regular season at Ramsey on Saturday at 2 PM. The Rams (4-3) are clinging to Group Two playoff hopes despite their 7-6 upset loss last Saturday at Bergenfield.
Patriots blank Mahwah in tune up for Ramapo
By Rich Stamboulian, 10/04
There was no looking past Mahwah to next week’s clash with Ramapo for the Wayne Hills football team last Friday. The Patriots (6-1) quickly dispatched a team they had not faced since registering a 56-0 victory during the 1999 season, easily defeating the Thunderbirds (1-5) 47-0 on a clear, chilly night at Patriots Stadium in Wayne.
Pete DeCicco raced 63 yards on a sweep for a touchdown on Hills’ first offensive play to set the tone. It was the Patriots’ longest play from scrimmage this season. Fellow senior Toby Dattolo scored twice on short runs late in the opening quarter to stretch the Patriots’ lead to 21-0 after the first 12 minutes.
Junior wide receiver Nick Romeo outwrestled a Thunderbird defender to snare quarterback Nick Worzel’s 23 yard pass in the end zone early in the second quarter. DeCicco sped 25 yards for his second TD just before halftime to give the Patriots a commanding 34-0 lead at the break. The senior tailback, who leads the team in rushing, gained 124 yards on just six carries.
Worzel, the senior signal caller, who completed six of seven passes for 165 yards, connected with senior receiver Kyle Cavanaugh on a 42 yard touchdown pass on Hills’ first possession of the second half. Junior running back Pete Sarabia bulled in from three yards out to cap a 12 play, 57 yard drive late in the final quarter to complete the scoring.
After the game, the prevailing thoughts were of enjoyment of the victory for the evening. The next morning, everyone would start preparing for Ramapo. Said Worzel, “This was a good tune up for us because we were able to work on some things. Now we’re all focused on Ramapo. We’re motivated just because of who they are and also by the memory of our losses to them last year.”
Cavanaugh, who leads the defense with fellow co-captain Joe Giampapa, agreed with Worzel, saying, “Both of those things inspire us. We’ve waited a long time for this game, to be playing Ramapo as seniors. They pass and run the ball well but we’ll be preparing hard all week for them and we’ll have to match their intensity.”
Head coach Chris Olsen echoed Cavanaugh’s concerns saying, “Ramapo (7-0) has an excellent passing game. A. J. Pisari throws well, (Chris) Hogan is a terrific receiver, he’s very fast, and (Gianluca) Ragone is a very good running back. We’ll have to stop the four or five things they do very well.”
The game, which could decide the NBIL Division One title, begins at 7 pm tomorrow at Wayne Hills.
Patriots rout Northern Highlands
By Rich Stamboulian, 10/04
Wayne Hills got rushing touchdowns from six different players and gained 150 yards through the air in a well-balanced attack last Saturday afternoon en route to a 41-6 romp over Northern Highlands (1-4).
The Patriots got off to a fast start in the game which was played at Dean A. Moore Stadium in Allendale. Quarterback Nick Worzel, who was 7 for 10 passing and added five of six PATs, scored on a one yard run three minutes into the game. Senior Pete DeCicco, one of the three rotating tailbacks who totaled 212 yards rushing, added a 21 yard scoring run later in the quarter.
Wide receiver Nick Romeo, and fullback Joe Giampapa, both seniors, rushed for touchdowns in the second quarter with Romeo’s 22 yard run coming on a reverse. Hills led 28-6 at the half.
Toby Dattolo’s 4 yard dash capped an 11 play, 64 yard march late in the third quarter. Dattolo gained 38 yards in seven rushes on the drive. Sophomore Ray Van Peenan joined the scoring parade in the final quarter when his four consecutive carries following Romeo’s pass interception produced an eight-yard touchdown run.
The Patriots play their first home game in four weeks when they face Mahwah (1-4) at 7 pm tomorrow evening in Wayne. The Thunderbirds, whom Hills did not play last year, have dropped four straight and are coming off last Saturday’s 21-0 blanking at Pascack Valley.
Patriots rebound to defeat Old Tappan in thriller
By Rich Stamboulian, 9/04
Some fans of the Wayne Hills football team may have had to refill their heart medication Sunday morning. The night before, they were treated to an exciting come from behind 21-17 win that was decided in the final two minutes at Old Tappan. In a tight game that bore many similarities to the previous week’s 16-10 loss to Demarest, the Patriots (4-1) changed the fourth quarter script to drive 59 yards to score the game winning TD with 1:44 left on the clock.
As they did at Demarest, Hills started slowly going three and out on the game’s opening possession. Old Tappan (2-3) could do no better however as senior linebacker Joe Giampapa and sophomore cornerback Ray Van Peenan combined to stop two runs and a third down pass.
The Patriots then marched 89 yards in ten plays. Tailbacks Toby Dattolo and Pete DeCicco combined for 62 rushing yards on nine carries and Worzel connected with junior tight end John Ihne who broke two tackles on a 23 yard rumble. Worzel capped the drive by following the fullback Giampapa’s crushing lead block into the end zone with 1:23 left in the opening quarter. Worzel added the PAT.
The Golden Knights responded by going 81 yards to the Patriots seven yard-line before the drive stalled, forcing them to settle for Brian McLaughlin’s 24 yard field goal midway through the second quarter.
Van Peenan returned the ensuing kickoff 33 yards to the Patriots 35 but two plays later, they were bitten by the same interception bug that stung them at Demarest. Worzel fired an ill-advised sideline pass to a well covered receiver but defensive back Tom Korgsen stepped in front to pick it off in front off the Hills bench. The senior, who also quarterbacks the Old Tappan offense, ran diagonally across the field, picked up blocking and sped down the far sideline 44 yards to put his team ahead 10-7 after the conversion.
In another similarity to the previous week’s game, the Patriots reached the red zone just before the half on a long drive high-lighted by a Worzel to Nick Romeo big gainer. The junior receiver reached the seven yard line and Hills seemed poised to retake the lead with less than two minutes left. After Worzel could not connect with Ihne or Giampapa in the end zone, the Golden Knights’ Gene Oakley blocked Worzel game tying field goal attempt.
Still following the Demarest script, the Patriots secondary returned an interception for a touchdown early in the second half to change the momentum. This week, it was Van Peenan’s turn as he stole Korgsen’s first down pass on the fifth play of the half and raced 34 yards to put Hills on top 14-10.
Once again, the Patriots were unable to protect the lead immediately after scoring, as Old Tappan drove 80 yards in 10 plays to take a 17-14 lead midway through the quarter. Senior running back Yoshi Ghotok, who has rushed for more than 600 yards this season, carried nine times for 55 yards on the drive, including the final one yard for the touchdown. Wayne Hills head coach Chris Olsen, said, “We worked all week on stopping their belly play but it gave us a lot of trouble for awhile tonight. He’s a strong kid, they block it well, and he sees the hole well and goes.”
After being forced to punt on their next two possessions, but also stopping the Golden Knights, the Patriots got the ball back at their own 41 yard-line with just over five minutes remaining in the game. Facing a fourth and five at the 46, they executed what is likely their biggest play of the year so far. Worzel, who turned it around in the second half, hit a streaking Romeo over the middle. Romeo was finally horse-collared at the Old Tappan 12. Two plays later, the two Nicks connected again as Romeo leaped to catch Worzel’s toss and then dove over the goal line with 1:44 left. Senior linebacker Steve Pospishil’s interception with less than a minute to go clinched the win.
The passing tandem credited each other after the game. Said Worzel, “Romeo is really coming on now after he missed so much time last year and we’re working well together. I looked at Kyle (Cavanaugh) first, and then bought some time when I saw Nick was getting open on the other side. I had an off first half and I knew I had to step up to bring us back at the end.” Romeo smiled saying, “I knew I could get open again across the field and that Nick would get it to me. I just jumped, grabbed it and made sure I held on when I fell into the end zone.” A relieved Olsen added, “We played with a lot more emotion this week and it showed in the results”.
The Patriots play the last of three straight road games on Saturday at 1:30 pm against Northern Highlands (1-3) in Allendale. The Highlanders, whom Hills defeated 14-7 last year in Wayne, were shut out by Ramapo 21-0 last Saturday.
Patriots suffer first loss at Demarest
By Rich Stamboulian, 9/04
Perhaps their three blowout wins took a bit of the edge of the Wayne Hills Patriots’ game last Friday night. Somehow, the intensity and execution evident in their first three games, all one-sided wins against outclassed opponents, was missing against Demarest. The Norsemen took advantage of the Patriots’ sloppy blocking and tackling, penalties, and numerous mistakes to come from behind in the second half to earn a 16-10 upset win. This game, combined with the Ramapo (4-0) 19-14 win over Pascack Valley has created a three team race in the NBIL Division One. Both Wayne Hills and Demarest are now (3-1).
The Patriots first possession ended quickly and the Demarest offense went right to work. Senior quarterback Vinny Esposito, one of North Jersey’s top passers, connected with wide receiver Jarrett Solimando on a 22 yard pass play over the middle. The Norsemen resorted to deception on the next play when senior receiver Andrew Forman, fired downfield off a double reverse to a wide open Richie Guillod. The senior receiver and defensive back, who made big plays on both sides of the ball all night long, was dragged down at the Patriots 11 yard line after a 31 yard gain. The Hills defense stiffened and forced the Norsemen to settle for Mike Siebold’s 26 yard field goal with 6:02 remaining in the opening quarter.
Midway through the second quarter, Hills threatened to put points on the board. Taking over at their own 16, the Patriots marched 71 yards to the Norsemen’s 13 yard line. All but 15 yards came on seven consecutive carries by senior tailback Toby Dattolo. Dattolo’s power run to an apparent first and goal at the Demarest seven was negated by an offside penalty. After quarterback Nick Worzel had the ball batted from his hand attempting to pass, his 35 yard field goal attempt sailed wide.
Hills tied the score on Worzel’s 29 yard field goal to end the half but even that drive yielded disappointing results because of mistakes. Beginning at the Demarest 31 after sophomore Ray Van Peenan’s interception, the big play was Worzel’s 30 yard connection with Nick Romeo. The junior receiver came up just short of the end zone as his dive for the goal line pylon as he was being tackled, took him inside the one yard line.
A first down run lost a yard and the Patriots, unable to stop the clock, were then hit with consecutive delay of game penalties, forcing them to settle for the tying field goal. They could not call time to set up a play because earlier in the half, they had been forced to use all three of their timeouts.
Just six plays into the third quarter, momentum appeared to swing to Hills’ favor when the Patriot pass rush forced Esposito to unload quickly. Senior safety Kyle Cavanaugh picked it off and dashed 60 yards to provide his team with their only lead of the night.
The momentum and lead disappeared quickly as Esposito, unfazed by the earlier play, led the Norsemen to the only offensive touchdown of the game. His eight yard pass across the field off a bootleg found the senior Solimando in the front left corner of the end zone to cap off a seven play, 80 yard march. The ensuing PAT tied the score at 10-10.
Riding Dattolo’s strong running, Hills moved into Demarest territory on their first possession of the final quarter but then disaster struck. Facing a third and 11 at the Norsemen forty, Worzel fired over the middle looking for his first completion of the second half. Guillod stepped in front of the pass coming forward and sped 70 yards to the end zone for a 16-10 lead. Demarest coach Scott Rubinetti said “Richie (Guillod) is a great athlete, we try to put him in positions to make great plays and he did tonight.”
Moments later, Guillod made an equally big play at his 27 with a touchdown-saving tackle to end Dattolo’s 22 yard run. After the Patriots were pushed back by a holding call, Guillod picked off Worzel again. Hills got one more chance four plays later when senior linebacker Pete DeCicco recovered Esposito’s fumble at the Demarest 39 with just under two minutes left. Esposito redeemed himself when he picked off Worzel’s pass in the end zone to end the Patriots’ hopes one play after Guillod had broken up a pass to Van Peenan inside the ten.
A jubilant Rubinetti said, “This is our first win over them in 12 or 13 years. Our kids wanted a big win very badly and we knew we’d have to make some big plays in a 48 minute war to get it. We stayed positive the whole game.” A clearly upset Olsen summarized his team’s poor effort saying, “We stunk, we’re over-rated, we didn’t come to play”.
The Patriots attempt to get back on track Saturday night at 7 pm at Old Tappan (2-2). The Golden Knights, whom the Patriots defeated 27-7 last year, come off a 27-0 victory over Ramsey last Friday.
Patriots tame Bears for third straight win
By Rich Stamboulian, 9/04
If the Wayne Hills football team wanted to show that its fast striking offense could put points on the board even more quickly than it had in their first two games, it wasted no time in doing so last Friday night in a 51-6 rout over winless Bergenfield. The undefeated
Patriots (3-0) scored on their first play from scrimmage to set the tone after holding the Bears (0-3) to a three-and-out on the game’s first series.Quarterback Nick Worzel took the first down snap, stepped back, and fired to junior wide receiver Nick Romeo in the right flat, then watched Romeo beat a defender and speed 50 yards down the sideline to the end zone. That was one play less than Worzel needed the previous week to register a touchdown against Fair Lawn as the Patriots cruised to their third consecutive one-sided win. The senior quarterback had another strong outing, throwing for 133 yards, including his fifth TD pass of the season. As in their previous games, Hill struck again quickly when sophomore Ray Van Peenan scored the first of his three touchdowns on a ten yard run on the next possession. Worzel’s PAT made the score 13-0 at the end of the opening quarter.
Although Bergenfield running backs Mike Steelman and Wayne Briggs had more success running the ball in the first half than either of Hills’ previous opponents, the Bears could not sustain a drive until late in the second quarter. Capitalizing on what Patriots’ head Coach Chris Olsen called “one of several defensive mistakes we made”, Bergenfield quarterback Brett Eaton tossed a screen pass to Steelman. The senior tailback had clear sailing to the end zone from 22 yards away as the Hills defense had over pursued to the opposite side of the field following the initial flow of the play.
The Bears lone score of the game closed the margin to 20-6 as it was sandwiched between a pair of Hills touchdowns. Senior tailback Pete DeCicco burst through a huge hole in the line and picked up a terrific downfield block to coast in on a 31 yard run for his third score of the year early in the second quarter. Late in the half, Van Peenan got a big push from the center of the offensive line on a one yard touchdown plunge.
With the offensive line again controlling the play and allowing Van Peenan, DeCicco, and Toby Dattolo, who continue to share the tailback duties, to run effectively, Hills passed sparingly. Worzel did connect with end John Ihne for the tight end’s first reception of the year in the first half, however. The junior, who made a strong catch and run for twelve yards and a first down, said “It felt good to catch my first one. I’ve been really concentrating on my blocking which is important in our running game.”
Olsen added, “We had thought we’d try to get the ball to John a few times tonight but we were running well, and with the lead we had at halftime, we didn’t have to throw much. We’re confident that when we have to pass more, we’ll do so effectively.” Asked about the rotation among the tailbacks, Olsen explained, “All three boys play major roles on defense so this way we can keep them fresh on that side of the ball and still have a strong running game.”
Bergenfield’s hopes for a comeback were quickly squashed when Patriots’ senior wide receiver John Emolo scooped up the Bears onside kick to open the second half and dashed 50 yards for a touchdown. Senior fullback Joe Giampapa, who has reached the end zone in all three games, powered in from a yard out for his fourth touchdown of the year and Van Peenan completed the third quarter scoring with his team-leading fifth touchdown on a 19 yard run.
With the second unit playing the entire fourth quarter, junior tailback Pete Sarabia carried on four consecutive plays, scoring on a four yard run. Perhaps the only flaw in the Patriots offense came in the kicking game as the usually reliable Worzel and sophomore Shawn Meierhofer combined to make only three of eight kicks.
The Patriots will face more formidable opposition as they travel to Northern Valley at Demarest this Friday night. Game is 7:00 PM. The Patriots defeated the Norsemen last year 20-13 but Demarest went on to reach the finals of the North One, Group Three playoffs, losing to Ramapo, 31-28. The Norsemen (2-1) are coming off a 38-3 win over Fair Lawn last weekend and nearly upset Ramapo the previous week, losing 21-14. “We’ll have our hands full with Demarest”, cautioned Olsen, adding “they easily could have beaten Ramapo.”
Quick strike offense fuels Patriots romp
By Rich Stamboulian, 9/05
Two plays…touchdown. Four plays…touchdown. Three plays…touchdown. That was the Wayne Hills offense in the first quarter on Sunday at Sasso Field in Fair Lawn as the Patriots (2-0) ran off to a quick 21-0 lead in the first quarter against an outmanned Fair Lawn (0-2) squad on their way to a 49-8 blowout win, their second in a row to begin the season.
Hills took advantage of great field position throughout the first half as the result of a stifling defense that did not allow the Cutters a first down other than by penalty until midway through the second quarter. Pete DeCicco’s sack on a second down blitz forced a Fair Lawn punt on the game’s first series allowing the Patriots to start at midfield. On second and seven, senior quarterback Nick Worzel found wideout Kyle Cavanaugh all alone behind the Fair Lawn secondary. The 6’ 2” senior receiver made a leaping catch and then outran the defenders to the end zone for his first score of the season. Worzel added the PAT, the first of his seven on the day.
The Cutters began the next series at their 20 following Worzel’s booming kickoff for a touchback, but advanced only as far as their 37. Toby Dattolo’s punt return put the Patriots in business again, this time at the Fair Lawn 45. Fullback Joe Giampapa rumbled 36 yards on third down to the seven yard line to set up DeCicco’s sweep to pay dirt on the next play.
The Patriots third scoring drive began at the Fair Lawn 33 following a Cutters’ series that lost 14 yards. Dattolo gained 19 yards on a first down run followed by Worzel’s pass to junior Nick Romeo for 13 yards to the one. Giampapa’s plunge completed the scoring with under a minute remaining to extend the lead to 21-0.
Thirty-five seconds into the second quarter, the senior Dattolo fielded a punt at his 43 yard line and took off on a weaving return aided by a couple of crushing blocks on his way to the end zone. On the nest Cutters’ possession, DeCicco’s second sack on Fair Lawn’s Greg Kubasta, a combined effort with sophomore defensive end Dave Ogden on third down, forced another punt. Sophomore Ray Van Peenan gained 17 yards on two rushes before Worzel went back to the air. The Patriots executed a fake reverse to the left that fooled the defense as Worzel spun to hit an uncovered Giampapa in the right flat. The fullback sped 24 yards for his second TD of the day.
The Fair Lawn spread offense, which relies largely on the senior Kubasta’s running abilities and his passing to junior wide receiver Vinnie Graff, was plagued by poor center snaps and gained only 20 yards against the Hills’ smothering first team defense. Kubasta and Graff connection on an 85 yard touchdown play with just over two minutes remaining in the game came against the Patriots’ second unit. The Cutters only other points came late in the first half when an offensive holding penalty in the end zone against Hills resulted in a safety.
“We were ready for everything they ran today”, said head coach Chris Olsen. “Tim Zisa, our defensive coordinator, had a great plan and we executed well.” Cavanaugh, the safety, and senior linebackers Giampapa and DeCicco shared the team lead in tackles with seven. “We got off to a fast start again today and were able to play a lot of kids. We have three days until Bergenfield so we’ll get the scouting report, watch the film and we’ll be ready”, added Olsen.
The Patriots tacked on two more scores in the third quarter before the second unit came on in the final quarter. DeCicco, who carried six times for 57 yards on the Patriots’ longest drive of the day to begin the second half (11 plays, 77 yards), capped it with a ten yard run. Dattolo dashed 42 yards for his second score at the end of the quarter.
Worzel had another efficient day running the offense, passing sparingly (5 for 9 for 106 yards and two TDs) as the Patriots running game again dominated. They totaled 209 yards on the ground led by DeCicco’s (9-68) with Dattolo adding (3-62) and Giampapa (4-46). The senior captain Giampapa, who has scored a touchdown via the pass in each game, commented on the Patriots’ more diverse offense this season. “We have more weapons this year, and with us rotating three tailbacks, and the threat of our receivers, it opens up opportunities for me. We practice hard on defense and really take pride in not allowing the other guys to get into our end zone.”
The Patriots next take on the improved Bergenfield Bears (1-1) at Patriots Stadium tonight at 7 pm. The game was moved up from Friday in respect of the Yom Kippur holiday.
Patriots rout Indian Hills 47-0 in season opener
By Rich Stamboulian, 9/05
Make no mistake about it, Wayne Hills’ win last Friday night’s over Indian Hills in both teams’ opening game was huge for the Patriots, and not just because of the blowout 47-0 score. “It was a big win for us” said senior quarterback Nick Worzel. “We thought about our loss to them last year in the opener and that was a big inspiration for us.” Senior Co-Captain Kyle Cavanaugh (wide receiver, safety), added “This win sets the tone for us, we wanted to come out and play Wayne Hills football and get some redemption for last year’s loss”.
The Patriots wasted no time sending that message as they forced the Indians to punt four plays after the opening kickoff and then executed a ten play, 73 yard drive to score with 5:21 left in the first quarter. Tailback Ray Van Peenan gained 26 yards on the first play and Worzel’s screen pass for a touchdown to senior fullback Joe Giampapa capped the drive with Worzel tacking on the first of his five conversions. After holding Indian Hills to a single first down on quarterback Dave Stahl’s run, the Patriots scored quickly on their second possession. Senior tailback Toby D’Attolo broke out of a pileup at the line and dashed 36 yards for the score to end the first quarter with a 14-0 lead.
After defensive ends sophomore Dave Ogden and Bryan Altonjy each sacked Stahl on the Indians first possession of the second quarter, the Patriots scored quickly on another big play immediately following a punt. Worzel, who completed six of ten for 108 yards, threw his second touchdown pass when he hit Van Peenan in stride. The speedy sophomore easily outraced the defenders to the end zone to complete the 51 yard play.
Wayne Hills’ fourth possession produced their fourth score when Worzel’s strong fourth down run from 16 yards out completed a nine play, 61 yard drive to complete the first have scoring at 27-0. “I’m not forcing the pass this year. I didn’t have anyone open but I saw the open field, so I pulled it down and ran”, said Worzel. “Last year was a learning experience for me. I did a lot of work in the off season and have a real positive mentality from the beginning this year.”
The positives continued for the Patriots in the second half. The defense continued to pressure Stahl and never allowed the Indians’ offense to get untracked. Meanwhile, D’Attolo and Van Peenan each added their second touchdown on short runs in the third quarter, and backup quarterback, junior Mike Peischl made his varsity debut a memorable one when he connected with Devin Dreher on a nine yard scoring play with just under five minutes remaining in the game.
Coach Olsen was pleased with the balance shown by the offense with the first three tailbacks gaining significant yardage in shared playing time and the passing game, efficiently directed by Worzel, produced two scores. Van Peenan gained 76 yards on just seven carries and D’Attolo and senior Pete De Cicco combined for another 90 yards on 13 carries. Five different receivers accounted for receptions. “I thought Nick had a good game”, remarked Olsen. “He has really cut down on the mistakes and is playing with confidence. Our backs made a few plays on their own because of their speed.”
Looking forward, Olsen said, “We need to be more physical than we were in the first half. Our defensive front needs to be more aggressive and play in their backfield more. I’d like to see crisper blocking offensively as well.”
The second game on their NBIL schedule takes the Patriots to Fair Lawn’s Sasso Field where the Cutters suffered a 41-0 loss to 2003 North One, Group Three champion Ramapo last Saturday. The Patriots will not be taking Fair Lawn lightly however. The Cutters’ quarterback Greg Kubasta runs their no huddle offense that presents many different looks and Cavanaugh says “we’ll watch the film and we’ll be practicing against it all week”. Game time Saturday in Fair Lawn is 1:30 pm.
Football Preview
Wayne Sports.com, September 9, 2004
By Skiffo Drake
For the Wayne Hills football team, the significance of Friday's opener with Indian Hills cannot be overemphasized. Last year, the Patriots opened with the Braves and were dealt a stunning 21-7 defeat.
It was Wayne's first loss to Indian Hills since 1994. It was also the schools first league loss to anyone other than Ramapo since 1995. The defeat sent shockwaves around the school and set the tone for the rest of the season.
The Patriots wound up going 7-4 and reaching the Section I, Group III semi-finals.
At most schools, that is considered a success. At Hills, though, the overall mark was considered disappointing. Going into 2003, Hills had gone 53-6 over the previous five seasons. They had also reached the Sectional final eight times since 1991.
With another opener with Indian Hills fast-approaching, Wayne is preparing to atone for that loss and for a "disappointing" year.
No one on Berdan Avenue is suggesting that the team will judge the entire season on the first game. However, the importance of the showdown is unmistakable.
Fortunately for the Patriots, the team is loaded with seniors.
Nick Worzel will start at quarterback for the second straight year. Joining him in the backfield will be seniors Pete DeCicco (tailback), Tony D'Attollo (tailback) and Joe Giampapa (fullback). Ray Van Peenan, a promising sophomore, should also get a number of carries.
Worzel's receiving targets will be wide receivers Nick Romeo and Kyle Cavanaugh and tight end John Ihne.
The offensive line will be anchored by David Lurin, Brian Altonjy and Steve Stone. Cavanaugh (safety), Van Peenan (defensive back), Giampapa (linebacker), DeCicco (linebacker) and Lurin (linebacker) are expected to lead the defense.
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