The River Dell Golden Hawks Freshman Team(6-2-2) closed out the 2024 season on a high note with a 22-0 victory over the Teaneck Highwaymen at River Dell High School in Oradell, New Jersey.
River Dell wasted no time taking a lead against Teaneck as Iain Rossig fielded the opening kickoff at the Golden Hawks 25-yard line, then burst through an open gap and sprinted down the right sidelines into the end zone for the spectacular 75-yard touchdown.
Meanwhile, the Highwaymen’s first offensive possession went three and out. On the punt, a high snap resulted in the ball bouncing out of bounds, resulting in safety and a 9-0 River Dell advantage.
With Teaneck having to kick away the ball, the Golden Hawks offense started out with excellent field position, with a solid return by Iain Rossig to the Highwaymen’s 41-yard line.
Faced with a second down and nine at the 24-yard line, River Dell quarterback Brooks Esler tossed a pass in the flat to Jackson Lee. Lee quickly accelerated and dashed down the left side of the field into the end zone for the electrifying score, which widened the Golden Hawks’ lead to 14-0 in the first quarter.
Late in the second quarter, Teaneck’s offense finally got into synch and moved the ball deep into River Dell territory. With time winding down in the first half, an errant pass led to a magnificent diving interception by Daniel DePol.
Once the third quarter got underway, the Highwaymen had the first offensive series. However, the drive went south as Daniel DePol swooped in for his second pick of the game.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Golden Hawks carried over an offensive possession into the final frame. River Dell’s offense continued to implement a pound-and-ground attack that moved the ball deeper into Highwaymen’s territory.
The Golden Hawks capped off a tremendous 15-play, 60-yard drive with quarterback Brooks Esler plowing straight ahead into the end zone for the one-yard touchdown.
River Dell elected to go for the two-point conversion, which involved some creativity with a spread-out formation. Connor Gastman snapped the ball to Jathniel Yonsi, and then Iyoni strode into the end zone, stretching out the Golden Hawks’ lead to 22-0.
Teaneck had one last opportunity to get on the scoreboard late in the fourth quarter after a tremendous 62-yard kickoff return. River Dell’s defense dug a line in the sand with a fumble on fourth down, culminating in a turnover on downs.