Event Recap: RJF Super Bowl

Article Submitted by: Rutherford Junior Football

On Saturday, November 16th the Rutherford Junior Football League Pee Wee, Junior and Senior teams played in the Super Bowl Championship at Tryon Field.

RJF Pee Wee Team

As second seed in the Meadowlands’ Football League Super Bowl, the Rutherford Pee Wee Bulldogs (8-9 year olds) beat the strong New Milford team 19-0 to capture the 2019 Pee Wee championship.

Here is an excerpt from the weekly Rutherford Junior Football and Cheering article regarding the Rutherford Pee Wee Bulldogs win:

Zach Snyder and his Dad, Pee Wee Coach Russ Snyder

To start the game, the Bulldogs wanted the ball early and methodically drove down the field, consuming over eight minutes in the process as Will Holman punched the ball into the end zone on the first drive of the game. The offensive line crushed the spirits of a very good defensive front, who were no match for the collective work of Logan Bohn, Keelan Cannon, Ayden Rivera, Chase Martini, Vinny Urgola, John Gioia, Fynn Byrne, and DJ Gregory. They executed exactly how Coach Russ Snyder had been preaching to them since August 1st to open holes for a gifted backfield of Quinn Weber, JoJo Marullo, Zach Snyder, and Holman. Snyder caught a nice ball from Weber in the flat and raced all the way down to the one yard line, to set up the first Holman touchdown. The offensive play of the day came late in the first half, as Weber evaded New Milfords best player to sail a tight spiral down the right sideline and over the back shoulder of Holman, who squeezed it in as he raced past the goal line for the second time in the half. For a season filled with highlight reel plays, that was one of the coach’s favorite moments. The whole defense, which was acknowledged at the start of the game as the honorary game captain during the coin toss, lived up to its billing. Adjustments were made by the Bulldogs since the last time these two powerhouses meet, and they paid off. Bulldog corner Marullo then came up with an interception and took it to the house for a touchdown, sealing New Milford’s fate. The hard work and conditioning all season long proved to be the recipe for success for these young Bulldogs. They look forward to continuing their success as the majority of the team moves onto the Junior level next year, where they have every intention of continuing their streak of success as the most dominant team in the League.

The Rutherford Junior team (10-11 year olds) played their final game of the season with a disappointing loss to the New Milford Knights. The Rutherford Bulldog Juniors accomplished their pre-season goal of getting to the Meadowlands Football League Super Bowl, however, they did not win against the New Milford team. However, the Junior squad worked hard all season long and won the Southern Division advancing to the Super Bowl as Conference Champions.

Here is an excerpt from the weekly Rutherford Junior Football and Cheering article regarding the Junior team’s successful season and upsetting loss in the Super Bowl:

The offensive backfield and mostly dual role of defensive backs saw Myles Balchan, George Brewton, Dmitri Paskas, Emmett Carney, Matthew Bonagura, Russ Snyder and Christopher Kasperan notch numerous touchdowns throughout the season and fought hard when on the defensive side of the football. Protecting them and opening lanes for them was the offensive line of Angelo Pizza, Evan Diaz, Kellen Caughey, Andrew Ochojski, Troy Waddell, Nicholas Ford, and Vincent DeNunzio. Throughout the season additional players contributed and helped the team advance this deep were Nicholas Gremanis, Rudy Garofalo, Leo Forte, Aidan Sarnowski, Avian Raspaldo, Xander Rodriguez, Jaycub DeCarlo, Jayden Arlauskas, Brandon Mercado, and Nicholas Rodriguez. The Bulldogs Junior squad is proud of what they accomplished by having the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl.

RJF Senior Team

The Rutherford Senior Bulldogs (12-13 year olds) completed their 11-0 undefeated season with a Super Bowl championship as the squad defeated the Hasbrouck Heights Aviators

26-0.

Here is an excerpt from the weekly Rutherford Junior Football and Cheering article regarding the Senior Bulldog win:

Cole Goumas started Rutherford off on the perfect note. His two scores were the first points on the board in the game. Goumas' early scoring plays consisted of runs from 15 and then 20 yards out. Matt Schiebe ran in on an extra point after the very first touchdown, and Drew Carney's PAT split the uprights after the second. Drew Carney was also able to make another PAT (2/2) following Jack Daly's 20-yard Touchdown pass to Ryan Ward. Although Devin Burgos and Matt Scheibe did not score touchdowns this weekend, they were by no means absent from the game. The pair was a considerable part of Rutherford's ruthless rushing attack. Louis Morella entered in the third quarter and was a part of the Bulldog's backfield. Arthur Costan, Owen Fernandez, Dave Rojas and Nick Lora deserve mounds of credit for executing the most critical responsibility on the field to a tee. This offensive-line opened holes all day long for their running backs while giving their quarterback Jack Daily plenty of time and protection on passing plays. Antonio Decarlo entered the game after the first half. He, too, proved himself to be a great blocker from the fullback position. Chris Lora, Diego Gonzales, and Matt Scheibe led the game in tackles, many of which were vital stops. Heights being a passing team, posed a severe threat in the air. With the work of Matteo Correa and Chris Goia along the rest of Rutherford's secondary, the crew shut down Height's passing game for four full quarters. Being a 26-0 victory, it seemed like nothing less than another day at the office for the Bulldogs. The team stuck together and played their game all year long, as a family. The boys cashed in this week with a Super Bowl trophy in their hands.

Super Bowl Winners, Brothers, John Gioia (Pee Wee team) and Chris Gioia (Senior team)

For up to date info, please go to the RJF website page.