The River Dell Golden Hawks Varsity Football Team fell to the Old Tappan Golden Knights 44-13 in the 2024 regular season home opener at River Dell High School in Oradell, New Jersey.
River Dell received the opening kickoff and proceeded to drive down the field, ultimately reaching the Old Tappan 24-yard line, but it fizzled out due to an incomplete pass on fourth down.
The Golden Knights’s offense, energized by the defensive stand, quickly advanced into Golden Haws territory behind back-to-back running plays by Nicholas Rossi.
On second and goal at the River Dell five-yard line, Rossi plowed straight ahead into the end zone for the score. Old Tappan elected to go for the two-point conversion, which proved to be successful. Devyn Radoian gained the edge on the right side and scooted in to make it 8-0.
River Dell had another excellent opportunity in the second quarter to score points, but it evaporated when Golden Knights defensive back Aidan Nally intercepted a pass thrown by Golden Hawks quarterback Zion Yoon.
Old Tappan took full advantage of the opportunity. Quarterback Zachary Miceli completed a 43-yard pass to wide receiver Ronan Malady, pushing the ball into River Dell territory.
On second and ten at the 20-yard line, Nicholas Rossi took the handoff and bolted through a gaping hole to the end zone for the touchdown. Once again, the Golden Knights decided to go for the two-point conversion, which paid off as Alexander Orecchio turned the corner on the right side, ran the ball, and stretched across the pylon, extending the advantage to 16-0.
The Golden Hawks were back in business on their next offensive possession, but turnovers halted the momentum as Alexander Orecchio snagged the pick.
Old Tappan, exuding confidence on the offensive side of the ball, employed some razzle-dazzle as quarterback Zachary Miceli pitched the ball to Alexander Orecchio. Then Orecchio tossed a 20-yard touchdown pass to Aidan Nally, widening the Golden Knights’ lead to 23-0 with less than five minutes remaining.
The Golden Knights defense forced River Dell’s offense into a quick three-and-out. Old Tappan started with a terrific field position at its 44-yard line.
With a running clock ensuing, River Dell finally broke through late in the quarter as Zion Yoon darted into the end zone for a nine-yard touchdown. The Golden Hawks put up a highlight reel moment as sophomore quarterback Jayden Kim scored on a 51-yard touchdown run.
Behind a stout offensive line, the Golden Knights’ offense marched swiftly deep into the Golden Hawks’ end of the field. On first and ten at the 15-yard line, quarterback Zachary Miceli connected on a 15-yard pass to Joseph Crescitelli that expanded the margin to 30-0.
In the third quarter, Old Tappan came flying out of the gates as quarterback Zachary Miceli completed a pass to Leo Etter. Then Etter scampered down the right side of the field and into the end zone for the 54-yard touchdown, boosting the Golden Knights’ lead to 37-0.
With a running clock ensuing, River Dell finally broke through late in the quarter as Zion Yoon darted into the end zone for a nine-yard touchdown. The Golden Hawks put up a highlight reel moment as sophomore quarterback Jayden Kim scored on a 51-yard touchdown run.