Hackley Varsity Football Remains Unbeaten: Hackley 49, Riverdale 13

 By Bill Sweeney: On a cloudy, fall Saturday afternoon with the sounds of the hustle and bustle of New York City drifting over the field, and the threat of impending rain troubling the fans in the stands, the Hornets arrived at the Riverdale football field. They arrived focused on a score to settle. Last year Riverdale had a 28-point fourth quarter comeback that propelled them toward an undefeated season. This year the Hornets were trying to go undefeated.

On the second play from scrimmage, Joey McDermott lofted the ball twenty-five yards over the right shoulder of Luke Sweeney who caught it and continued without breaking stride for another thirty yards and the end zone. On the fifth defensive play, Mustafaa Dais intercepted the ball and ran 9 yards. Ian Parnell added some good ground-and-pound running yardage. Then, McDermott ran the ball 1-yard for the second touchdown. Riverdale scored once. Brad Seem blocked the extra-point kick. Sweeney ran for a 7-yard touchdown, and again for a 1-yard touchdown. Cameron Voss recovered a fumble. Samuel Alabaster added 4-PAT’s (point-after-touchdown kicks) and Hackley was up 28-6 by the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Ellis and Sweeney had sacks. McDermott ran an 8-yard touchdown score. Alabaster added 1-PAT. At halftime, Hackley was up 35-6. But, this scenario seemed awfully similar to last year! Yet, Hackley was determined to make it our year!

In the third quarter, Elijah Ngbokoli ran 17 yards for a touchdown. Dais intercepted the ball again and ran 13 yards. Ryan Walker also ran 17 yards for a touchdown. Alabaster added 2-PAT’s. Riverdale added one score. Hackley was up 49-13.

In the final quarter, there was no scoring. Although, Zach Reeber pressured the quarterback, causing an incompletion. Brandon DiFalco caused a fumble; and Cameron Voss recovered the fumble.

The Hackley Varsity Football record stands at 4-0.

Captain Luke Sweeney was the Overall Player of the Game. He scored three touchdowns in the first quarter. Sweeney played strong safety on defense and registered seven tackles, and a sack. Captain Ben Jurcic, was the Offensive Player of the Game for blocking gaping holes for the runners and protecting the quarterback throughout the game. Captain Jack Ellis was the Defensive Player of the Game as he led the team with 8 tackles, and he sacked the Riverdale quarterback as well.

Sam Alabaster had a stellar performance kicking 7 for 7 on PAT’s. He also kicked-off seven times including two touchbacks and averaged 50 yards for the kickoffs. The kicks plus good kickoff team coverage gave the offense great field position throughout the game.

Mustafaa Dais had two interceptions. Brad Seem had a quarterback sack and a blocked extra- point kick.

Will Walker injured his leg in the first quarter and unfortunately had to be taken out of the game. The players, fans, and friends have been feeling Will’s pain. He is one of the Hackley warriors who plays with great spirit. Will Walker will surely be missed on the field. Get well soon, Will Walker!

Congratulations to Coach Cerone. He viewed most of the game from up in the booth. He constantly communicated with the coaches on the field. His job was to give the field coaches information about the game that can not be discovered from the sidelines. At the end of the game, the Hackley players poured the Gatorade bucket of ice on him. (Hee-hee)

The team feasted after the game on the grassy area in front of the Riverdale School. Thanks again Moms and Dads!

The next game is at Hamden Hall Country Day School in Hamden, Connecticut on Saturday, October 13th at 3:00 PM (changed from 1:00 PM.) Let’s Go Hack!