The River Dell Golden Hawks(2-1) reclaimed the Battle of Midland Ave. Trophy in a convincing 42-14 win over the Paramus Spartans(1-2) at River Dell High School in Oradell, New Jersey.
River Dell’s defense set the tone as defensive back Dean Marucci recovered the ball deep in Paramus territory after a high botched snap.
The Golden Hawks wasted no time taking advantage as running back Chris Kelm plowed into the end zone on a four-yard run with ten minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Twenty-two seconds later, River Dell put additional points on the scoreboard as quarterback Zion Yoon barreled straightforwardly into the end zone on a seven-yard run.
In the second quarter, the Golden Hawks extended their advantage to 21-0 on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Zion Yoon to Chris Kelm.
The Spartans’ next offensive possession quickly went sideways. A pass thrown by quarterback Cormac O’Hara was intercepted by Dean Marucci, who then scampered 29 yards to the end zone for the pick-6 that stretched out the lead to 27-0.
Paramus managed to bounce back late in the first half. Zion Yoon completed a pass to Chris Kelm, but the Spartans defense knocked the ball out of Kelm’s hands. Mason Merkle scooped up the ball and sped down the right sidelines untouched to the end zone for the 88-yard touchdown.
However, the excitement didn’t subside. On the ensuing River Dell kickoff return, Cain Lanza caught the ball at the 15-yard line and bolted 85 yards to the house, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Instead of kicking the extra point, the Golden Hawks employed some razzle-dazzle. Backup quarterback Ashton Pastore took the snap, then turned the corner on the left side of the field and rumbled into the end zone, expanding the lead to 35-7 at halftime.
Zion Yoon capped off an impressive offensive performance, tallying his second rushing touchdown of the game on a one-yard plunge in the third quarter.
Photo by Bob Lanzendoen