SOUTH WESTERN MUSTANGS GRIDIRON 2005-10

By Bill Engelhardt
________

Last Friday evening, October 28, the Mustangs of South Western romped over the Colonials of New Oxford (4-4- overall, 2-3 YAIAA Division I) 34-7. You can certainly say that Smith had a lot to do with the outcome in this game. Jessie Smith scored a touchdown on a 35-yard circus catch, Cody Smith scored two rushing touchdowns and Tim Smith had a nifty 8-yard run and some good defensive plays for the Mustangs. Twins Adam and Alex were stars for the Colonials. Quarterback Alex passed for 72-yards and had a neat 10-yard run and running back Adam led the rushing attack with 48-yards and returned 3 kickoffs for 44-yards.

The Mustangs came galloping out of the chute and romped all over the field. The defense kept the Colonials bottled up on their own side of the field most of the night and the offense repeatedly took advantage of a short field. Their first possession started at the Colonials 42-yard line and ended with a punt to the Colonials 6, their only punt of the night. Their next possession started on the Colonials 37-yard line. Five plays later Aaron Repman ripped off a 17-yard touchdown jaunt.

On the very next possession the Mustangs started on their own 28-yard line and sustained a 7-play drive, featuring a nifty 45-yard run by Eric Updegrove. Cody Smith followed that run with a 4-yard touchdown run and the Mustangs, with the help of 2 Drew Snyder extra point kicks, were up 14-0 early in the second quarter. The Colonials could do nothing on offense and the Mustangs took over again on their 48-yard line. A 10-yard pass from J. C. Laughlin to Drew Snyder and a 7-yard run by Repman was followed by the circus catch by Jessie Smith for the touchdown, and Snyder’s kick upped the score to 21-0.

The Mustangs got the ball right back when Robert Barnett intercepted a Colonials pass at the Mustangs 31, and Repman followed that with a 17-yard jaunt to the 48. The drive, featuring a 13-yard pass from Laughlin to Snyder, culminated in a 7-yard touchdown run by Cody Smith, for his second touchdown. Snyder’s kick made it 28-0 going into the half.

The Mustangs final scoring drive started on the Colonials 33-yard line near the end of the third quarter and continued into the fourth quarter. Jason Gigous and Updegrove each picked up a yard and then Laughlin launched a beautiful 31-yard touchdown strike to Jeremy Renoll.

Substitutions were liberally made on both sides and the Colonials were able to avoid the shutout with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Ross Hall to Richard Stover with 49 seconds left in the game.

Eric Updegrove returned a kickoff for 15-yards and Josh Rummel returned one for 3-yards for the Mustangs. Aaron Repman returned 2 punts for 17-yards, with the longest going for 14-yards, and Jason Gigous returned 2 punts for 13-yards, with the longest going for 10-yards. Drew Snyder kicked off 6 times for 350-yards, with the longest going for 60-yards, and he had 2 touchbacks. He punted once (a pooch punt) for 29-yards.

Jeremy Renoll again led the Mustangs swarming defense with 10 tackles and a sack. Matt Bosley had 10 tackles and a big pass defense and Jessie Smith also had 10 tackles. Clint Shaffer and Jason Sneeringer each tipped a pass to thwart a completion. Barnett’s interception set up a scoring drive for the Mustangs.

Mark Bittinger, Seth Bolte, Matt Bosley, Jason Gigous, Chad La Gore, Jeremy Renoll, Aaron Repman, Clint Shaffer, Dustin Shaw, Jesse Smith, Jason Sneeringer, Drew Snyder, Mike Stremmel, Eric Updegrove and Chris Wilson manned the offensive and defensive line and linebacker positions. Robert Barnett, Adam Hartman, Curtis Maphis, Aaron Repman, Cody Smith, Tim Smith and Max Wagaman patrolled the secondary. Kevin Alwine, John Bingham, Brian Bosley, Donnie Brady, Gordon Corwyn, Daryl Grubb, Blair Messinger, Travis Scott and Kory Yelton also saw action.

The Mustangs gained 258-yards rushing and 89-yards passing for a total of 347 yards of offense. J. C. Laughlin completed 4 of 8 passes for the 89-yards. Drew Snyder caught 2 for 23-yards, Jessie Smith caught 1 for 35-yards and the touchdown, and Jeremy Renoll caught 1 for 31-yards and the touchdown. Aaron Repman led the rushing attack with 17 carries for 91-yards and the touchdown, followed by Eric Updegrove with 3 for 55, Cody Smith with 7 for 52 and the 2 touchdowns, Robert Barnett with 10 for 33, Cody Shue with 1 for 9, Tim Smith with 2 for 7, Bryan Shanklin with 2 for 6, J. C. Laughlin with 1 for 4, and Jason Gigous with 1 for 1-yard.

The Colonials gained 85-yards rushing and 86-yards passing for a total of 171-yards of offense. Alex Smith completed 6 of 12 passes for 72-yards and Ross Hall completed 1 of 3 passes for the 14-yard touchdown to Stover. Richard Stover caught 2 passes for 29-yards, Erik Harris caught 2 for 27-yards, Shane Shultz caught 1 for 12-yards, Kody Kibler caught 1 for 9-yards and Eric Smith caught 1 for 9-yards. Adam Smith led the rushing attack with 12 carries for 48-yards, followed by Mike Duncan with 1 for 19-yards, Ross Hall with 1 for 12-yards, Brian Lawrence with 2 for 6-yards, Kibler with 2 for 1-yard and Alex Smith with 1 for minus a yard.

Adam Smith returned 3 kickoffs for 44-yards, with the longest going for 17-yards, and Erik Harris returned 1 for 15-yards for the Colonials. Brian Stabler kicked off twice for 66-yards, for a 33-yard average, with the longest going for 34-yards, and Zach Keffer punted 6 times for 195-yards, for a 32.5-yard average, with the longest going for 37-yards, for the Colonials.

The South Western Mustang Marching Band and the 20-member Mustang Cheer Leading squad both entertained the crowd. The 7-time Cavalcade of Bands Champion, 2000 Tournament of Bands Champion and US Scholastic Band Champion Mustang Marching Band provided the half-time entertainment with the 2005 musical program entitled “Festive Overtures: A Holiday Collage,” which featured the majestic fanfare of Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture,” Russian Sailors’ Dance from the ballet, “Red Poppy,” “Russian Easter” and “Russian Christmas.” The Colonials Marching Band put on a rousing show for the crowd after the game.

The Mustangs of South Western are 3-6-0 overall and 3-3-0 in York Area Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) Division I league play.

Don Seidenstricker has a 153-62-1 (.712) record as coach of the Mustangs, who have a career record of 294-180-8. The results of the 482 games played in the history of the South Western Mustangs are a career .620 winning percentage and a .627 non-losing percentage.

Next week the Mustangs host the Squires of Delone Catholic (5-4 overall, 4-2 YAIAA Division III). The Squires are coming off of a 13-0 loss to the Thunderbolts of Littlestown. From here it looks like the Mustangs are ready to again gallop away and end their season on the winning track. GO MUSTANGS GO.

THE GRIDIRON 9 - 2005

By Dick Engelhardt

The CUTTERS of Fair Lawn High faced the undefeated Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) Division 2 champion INDIANS of Pascack Valley in interdivisional action last Saturday and were scalped 25-7. Dan Mucha ran the opening kickoff to the 34 but the offense stalled. With our CUTTERS trailing 12-0, QB Vinnie Graff pitched to Scott Leathem who picked up a 1st down off a vicious block by Michael Barchefski. Graff then scampered 24 yards for a TD. With Stephan Macchiorola holding, the sure footed Randy Platter kicked the extra point and it was 12-7 at the half. The playoff bound INDIANS pulled away in the 2nd half. Michael Keating recovered a fumble and Kevin Ramishvili blocked an extra point kick. Josh Avilies Graff and Sean Hughes sacked the QB and Graff intercepted a pass at the Fair Lawn 1. Dominick Rizzo made a TD saving tackle on a punt return and John Macko and Tom Spear made big plays. Pascack Valley now leads the 1955-56, 1984-85 and 1988-present rivalry 11-10-1 (.524).

I could swear I saw the men in the white coats chasing me because of my rash prediction last week as I congratulated PV Coach Craig Nielsen. Coach Nielsen was the star running back on Bergenfield’s State championship team in the 1970s and coached at Fair Lawn under Pete Natale 1980-85. The ’80 CUTTERS were Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) champs with Clifton and Passaic Valley and beat Passaic 27-18 in GIANTS STADIUM in the playoffs. The ’84 and ’85 CUTTERS were NBIL Division 1 champs with the ’85 team going to the States and losing a heart breaker 36-26 to Passaic. Craig Nielsen is a class guy! His Fair Lawn friends will be rooting for his INDIANS in the North Jersey, Section 1, Group II playoffs.

In Fair Lawn’s NBIL Division 1, the PATRIOTS of Wayne Hills roared from behind, down 19 points, to edge the GREEN RAIDERS of Ramapo 27-26 and take the 2005 Division 1 title. In Division 2, the BRAVES of Indian Hills beat the HIGHLANDERS of Northern Highlands 27-14. The NBIL Division 2 went 2-1 (.667) over Fair Lawn’s Division 1 as, in addition to Fair Lawn’s loss, the BEARS of Bergenfield were beaten 23-16 by the RAMS of Ramsey. Only the NORSEMEN of Northern Valley, Demarest came through for Division 1 beating the THUNDERBIRDS of Mahwah 20-13. The NBIL Division 1 leads the 2005 series 9-8 (.529). The GOLDEN KNIGHTS of NV/Old Tappan drew a bye.

This Friday at 1:30 Fair Lawn hosts the BRAVES of Indian Hills at SASSO FIELD in another NBIL interdivisional contest. The game was changed from Saturday because of SATs. I look forward to announcing in Fair Lawn’s new press box! Fair Lawn leads the 1984-97 and 2000-present rivalry 12-7(.632). Our CUTTERS come into the game 1-6 (.143) having been outscored 212-82 for an average loss of 30-11. Indian Hills is 3-4 (.429) and has been outscored 158-98 for an average 23-14 loss. Forget the guys in the white coats. I’m sticking with our CUTTERS who can win this one with an all out effort. From here it looks like Fair Lawn 17 (With a Randy Platter Field goal the difference) – Indian Hills 14. GO CUTTERS GO!!!

SOUTH WESTERN MUSTANGS GRIDIRON 2005-9

By Bill Engelhardt
________

Last Friday evening, October 21, the Mustangs of South Western hosted the Rockets of Spring Grove (4-4- overall, 2-3 YAIAA Division I) and galloped to a 16-0 shut out. The Mustangs started off with a bang as they moved from their 33-yard line to the 19-yard line of the Rockets, but a poor snap foiled a 36-yard field goal attempt.

On the very next possession, when Jesse Smith’s interception gave them the ball at the Rockets 18-yard line, the Mustangs scored in two plays. Aaron Repman ripped off an 8-yard run and Tim Smith scored on a 12-yard jaunt. Drew Snyder’s kick put the Mustangs up 7-0 halfway through the first quarter.

The Mustangs defense kept the Rockets deep in their own territory much of the time and another Mustangs drive started on the Rockets 33-yard line. Robert Barnett picked up 4-yards, Cody Smith added 6-yards, Barnett got 3 more yards, Eric Updegrove picked up 4 more yards to the 15, and Cody Smith took it up the middle to the end zone. Snyder’s kick upped the score to 14-0, where it stood going into half time. The only score in the second half came when a horde of Mustangs sacked quarterback Matt Marshall in the end zone for a safety.

Robert Barnett returned 2 kickoffs for 37-yards, with the longest going for 20-yards. He also returned a punt for no yards. Jason Gigous returned 3 punts for 23-yards, with the longest going for 15-yards, and Aaron Repman returned 3 punts for 15-yards, with the longest going for 10-yards. Drew Snyder kicked off 3 times for 146-yards, with the longest going for 60-yards and a touchback, and punted 5 times for 169-yards, for a 33.8-yard average, with the longest going for 43-yards, for the Mustangs.

Jeremy Renoll led the Mustangs swarming defense with 10 tackles and 3 sacks and he batted down a pass. Dustin Shaw had 6 tackles and 3 sacks. Drew Snyder had 8 tackles and a sack. Jessie Smith had 7 tackles, and an interception and blocked 2 passes and had a quarterback hurry. Tim Smith had 7 tackles and an interception. Eric Updegrove had an interception and Robert Barnett recovered a fumble. Matt Bosley, Jesse Smith and Tim Smith each registered 7 tackles.

Mark Bittinger, Seth Bolte, Matt Bosley, Jason Gigous, Chad La Gore, Jeremy Renoll, Aaron Repman, Clint Shaffer, Dustin Shaw, Jesse Smith, Jason Sneeringer, Drew Snyder, Mike Stremmel, Eric Updegrove and Chris Wilson manned the offensive and defensive line and linebacker positions. Robert Barnett, Adam Hartman, Curtis Maphis, Aaron Repman, Cody Smith, Tim Smith and Max Wagaman patrolled the secondary.

The Mustangs gained 218-yards rushing and 20-yards passing for a total of 238 yards of offense. J. C. Laughlin completed 1 of 10 passes, to Drew Snyder, for the 20-yards. Robert Barnett led the rushing attack with 14 carries for 70-yards, followed by Aaron Repman with 11 for 44, Cody Smith with 5 for 33, Tim Smith with 4 for 19, Eric Updegrove with 4 for 18, Laughlin with 2 for 18, and Jason Gigous with 3 for 16-yards.

The Rockets rang up a net minus 9-yards rushing and 132-yards passing for a total of 123-yards of offense. Matt Marshall completed 10 of 25 passes for the 132-yards, including 4 for 96-yards to Justin Seibert, 2 for 18-yards to Jayson Senft, 2 for 11-yards to Erik Brough, 1 for 6-yards to Mike Langer and 1 for 1-yard to Matt Duncan. Langer led the meager rushing attack with 6 carries for 34-yards. He was the only rusher with positive yardage as Matt Marshall with 13 carries for minus 19, Cory Baker with 1 carry for minus 4 and Brough with 6 carries for minus 2-yards rounded out the rushing game for the Rockets.

Erik Brough returned a kickoff for 15-yards and Cory Baker returned one for 5-yards for the Rockets. Matt Duncan returned the Mustangs only punt for 7-yards. Trevor Trapnell kicked off once for 40-yards and punted 7 times for 227-yards, for a 32.4-yard average, with the longest going for 44-yards, for the Rockets.

Matt Duncan led the Rockets defense with 12 tackles, followed by James Klunk with 11. Erik Brough recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass for the Rockets.

The South Western Mustang Marching Band and the 20-member Mustang Cheer Leading squad both entertained the crowd. The 7-time Cavalcade of Bands Champion, 2000 Tournament of Bands Champion and US Scholastic Band Champion Mustang Marching Band provided the post-game entertainment with the 2005 musical program entitled “Festive Overtures: A Holiday Collage,” which featured the majestic fanfare of Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture,” Russian Sailors’ Dance from the ballet, “Red Poppy,” “Russian Easter” and “Russian Christmas.” The Rockets Marching Band put on a stirring half-time show for the crowd, that featured music from the Broadway show Guys & Dolls, including “Luck Be a Lady,” “Follow the Fool,” “I’ve Never Been In Love Before,” “Fugue for Tin Horns,” “If I Were a Bell,” and “Guys & Dolls.”

The Mustangs of South Western are 2-6-0 overall and 2-3-0 in York Area Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) Division I league play.

Don Seidenstricker has a 152-62-1 (.710) record as coach of the Mustangs, who have a career record of 293-180-8. The results of the 481 games played in the history of the South Western Mustangs are a career .619 winning percentage and a .626 non-losing percentage.

Next week the Mustangs visit the Colonials of New Oxford (3-5 overall, 1-3 YAIAA Division I). The Colonials are coming off of a 28-25 hard fought loss to the Lions of Red Lion. From here it looks like the Mustangs are ready to again gallop away on the winning track. GO MUSTANGS GO.

THIS WEEK IN FLHS GRIDIRON HISTORY Game 8 – 2005

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
Dick Engelhardt

1945 - Frank Bennett’s CUTTERS tied the BUCCANEERS of Bogota 13-13 in Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL) action on their way to a B-PIL title in their first season in the league. FLHS opened in 1943, the same year Bergenfield, Bogota, Hawthorne, Lyndhurst and Ramsey formed the B-PIL. Fair Lawn played independently in ’43 and ’44 under Coach Marty Fischbein and joined the league in ’45 under new Coach Frank Bennett. Fair Lawn and Bogota shared the 1946 B-PIL title and our CUTTERS took the 1945-55 rivalry 6-3-2 (.667).

1955 - Bennett’s CUTTERS beat those same BUCS 14-6 on their way to another B-PIL title.

1965 - Frank Devens’ CUTTERS beat the SPARTANS of Paramus 13-6 on their way to a Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) championship. It was game number 15 in that wonderful 24 game non-losing streak during 1964-66 under Coach Ed Sheehy and Devens. During 1962-83 the SPARTANS went 12-10 (.545) over our CUTTERS. It was a great rivalry that ended when Fair Lawn returned to the NBIL in 1984.

1975 - Rich Szura’s CUTTERS beat the BEARS of Bergenfield 19-12 in NNJIL action. Fair Lawn leads the 1945-48 and 1962-present rivalry 33-14 (.702). Our CUTTERS have faced the BEARS on Thanksgiving Day since 1994 and lead that rivalry 9-2 (.818) including last year’s thrilling 19-18 last second victory on a TD pass from Vinnie Graff to Stephan Macchiorola.

1985 - Pete Natale’s CUTTERS edged the RAMS of Ramsey 19-13 in their second year back in the Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL, which the old B-PIL became in 1956, after playing 25 seasons in the NNJIL 1959-83. Our CUTTERS would take their second NBIL Division 1 title in a row but this was an interdivisional game. During 1945-58 in the B-PIL and 1984-99 and 2002- present in the NBIL, our CUTTERS have compiled an astounding 28-6 (.824) record against the RAMS, including this year’s thrilling 14-13 Fair Lawn victory.

1995 - Mike Alberque’s CUTTERS lassoed the COWBOYS of Pascack Hills 45-8 in NBIL interdivisional action. During 1984-86 and 1994-98 ourCUTTERS went 6-2 (.750) over the COWBOYS.

THE GRIDIRON 8 - 2005

By Dick Engelhardt

The CUTTERS of Fair Lawn High edged the RAMS of Ramsey 14-13 last week in a thrilling Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) interdivisional game. Josh Aviles recovered a fumble and QB Vinnie Graff fired a beautiful 40 yard TD pass to Tom Spear. With Stephan Macchiorola holding, Randy Platter kicked the extra point and our heroes led 7–0. Graff and Scott Leathem picked up yardage behind center Billy Burns, guards Chris Liptrot and Tim Schofield and tackles Amet Basci, Dan Kissane and Dan Schwartz. In the 3rd quarter our CUTTERS drove again as Graff scampered from the 22 to the 5 and two plays later bulled his way in for a 3 yard TD. With Macchiorola holding, the sure footed Platter kicked the PAT and Fair Lawn led 14-0. Then Ramsey scored to make it 14-7. In the 4th quarter the RAMS scored on an 80 yard TD bomb but the extra point attempt was no good. The game ended with Spear batting down a desperation pass at the goal line. Whew! Dominick Rizzo thrilled the Fair Lawn fans picking up a big 1st down on a fake punt run and a TD run by Graff off a nifty block by Leathem was negated by a penalty.

On “D,” Michael Barchefski, Graff, Sean Hughes, Macchiorola, Eric Menist, John Macko, Dan Mucha, Rizzo, and Erik Savides made big plays. Michael Keating and Graff made TD saving tackles. We nearly saw that Platter field goal I had predicted but his attempt from the 30 yard line failed. Fair Lawn now leads the 1945-58, 1984-99 and 2002-present rivalry by an astounding 28 games to 6! The Ramsey announcer looked and sounded familiar. He turned out to be Doug Parcells, the brother of Dallas COWBOYS Coach Bill Parcells!

In the other NBIL interdivisional games Fair Lawn’s NBIL Division 1 went 4-1 (.800) over Division 2 as, in addition to Fair Lawn’s victory, the GOLDEN KNIGHTS of Northern Valley, Old Tappan scalped the BRAVES of Indian Hills 37-7, the NORSEMEN of Northern Valley, Demarest edged the HIGHLANDERS of Northern Highlands 27-26 in overtime and the PARTIOTS of Wayne Hills demolished the THUNDERBIRDS of Mahwah 45-6. The BEARS of Bergenfield were scalped 30-12 by the INDIANS of Pascack Valley. Fair Lawn’s NBIL Division 1 has an 8-6 (.571) lead over Division 2 in the 2005 series. Ramapo’s 38-14 victory over Egg Harbor brought the NBIL record against other leagues to 2-1 (.667).

This Saturday our CUTTERS travel to Hillsdale to take on those INDIANS of Pascack Valley. The 1955-56, 1984-85 and 1988-present rivalry is all even at 10-10-1 (.500). Pascack Valley is 6-0 (1.000) and has outscored the opposition 129-42 for an average 22-7 victory. Fair Lawn is 1-5 (.200) and has been outscored 187-75 for an average 31-13 loss. The men in the white coats might come after me but I see a great Fair Lawn effort. From here it looks like Fair Lawn 24 (With that Platter field goal this time) – Pascack Valley 21. GO CUTTERS GO!!!

THIS WEEK IN FLHS GRIDIRON HISTORY – Game 7 - 2005

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
By Dick Engelhardt

1945 – Frank Bennett’s CUTTERS, on their way to a Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL) championship in their maiden season in the league, were beaten 14-7 by the CARDINALS of Pompton Lakes in independent action. During 1945-50 Charlie Benson’s CARDS and Bennett’s CUTTERS split their rivalry at 3-3 (.500)

1955 – Bennett’s CUTTERS, on their way to another B-PIL title, thrashed the GRAY BEES of St. Benedict’s Prep of Newark 46-7. During 1954-57 the GRAY BEES went 2-1-1 (.667) over our CUTTERS. Al Reinoso played for them and became the 5th coach in FLHS history 1972-74.

1965 – Frank Deven’s CUTTERS, on their way to a Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) title, mauled the BEARS of Bergenfield 38-6. It was game 14 in that 24 game non-losing streak during 1964-66. Fair Lawn leads the 1945-48 and 1962-present rivalry 33-14 (.702). Our CUTTERS have faced the BEARS on Thanksgiving Day since 1994 and lead that rivalry 9-2 (.818) including last year’s thrilling 19-18 last second victory on a TD pass from Vinnie Graff to Stephan Macchiorola.

1975 – Rich Szura’s CUTTERS beat the SPARTANS of Paramus 31-13 in NNJIL action. During 1962-83 the SPARTANS went 12-10 (.545) over our CUTTERS. It was a great rivalry that ended when Fair Lawn returned to the NBIL in 1984.

1985 – Pete Natale’s CUTTERS, on their way to an NBIL Division 1 title and to the playoffs, scalped the BRAVES of Indian Hills 28-13 in NBIL interdivisional action. Fair Lawn leads the 1984-97 and 2000-present rivalry 12-7 (.632). The BRAVES and CUTTERS meet at SASSO FIELD Friday, November 4th at 2.

1995 – Mike Alberque’s CUTTERS blasted the GREEN RAIDERS of Ramapo 37-14 in NBIL Division 1 action. That was the last time Fair Lawn beat Ramapo and Chris Simms (son of Phil) was the freshman QB for the GREEN RAIDERS. Ramapo now leads the 1956-58 and 1984-present rivalry 15-10 (.600).

SOUTH WESTERN MUSTANGS GRIDIRON 2005-8

By Bill Engelhardt
________

Last Friday evening, October 14, the Mustangs of South Western traveled to the den of the Lions of Red Lion and (3-4- overall, 2-1 YAIAA Division I) and lost 33-24 in a thriller that saw seven touchdowns of more than 40-yards, and four of them went for over 70-yards. Matt Barshinger rushed for 232-yards including touchdowns of 77, 77 and 52-yards, and he had 8 tackles and an interception on defense. He also returned 2 punts for 42-yards and 2 kickoffs for 64-yards. Tyler Green completed 5 passes for 177-yards, including 2 for 145-yards to Ed Kiser, which went for touchdowns of 65 and 80-yards, for the Lions. Kiser also returned 2 punts for 32-yards and 3 kickoffs for 76-yards. Andrew Downs recovered a fumble and Ryan Sisson blocked a Mustangs field goal attempt for the Lions.

Joe Ault led the Mustangs rushing attack with 78-yards and a 2-point conversion run; J. C. Laughlin completed 8 passes for 241-yards, including touchdowns of 44 and 18-yards to Drew Snyder (who caught 5 passes for 226-yards, with the longest going for 66-yards). Aaron Repman returned a kickoff 85-yards for a touchdown and Snyder kicked a 29-yard field goal (which set a new school record of 11 field goals in a career) for the Mustangs.

Aaron Repman returned 5 kickoffs for 136-yards, with the longest going for 85-yards and the touchdown. He also returned 3 punts for 19-yards, with the longest going for 20-yards. Jason Gigous returned a kickoff for 38-yards and a punt for 44-yards. Drew Snyder kicked off 4 times for 205-yards, with the longest going for 57-yards, and punted 3 times for 135-yards, for a 45.0-yard average, with the longest going for 51-yards, for the Mustangs.

Jesse Smith led the Mustangs defense with 11 tackles, a sack and 2 quarterback hurries, followed by Jeremy Renoll with 10 tackles, a quarterback hurry and an interception and Matt Bosley with 10 tackles and a sack. Dustin Shaw blocked a Red Lions extra point attempt and Eric Updegrove recovered a fumble for the Mustangs.

Joe Ault, Mark Bittinger, Seth Bolte, Matt Bosley, Jason Gigous, Chad La Gore, Jeremy Renoll, Aaron Repman, Clint Shaffer, Dustin Shaw, Jesse Smith, Jason Sneeringer, Drew Snyder, Eric Updegrove and Chris Wilson manned the offensive and defensive line and linebacker positions. Robert Barnett, Adam Hartman, Curtis Maphis, Aaron Repman, Cody Smith, Tim Smith and Max Wagaman patrolled the secondary.

The Mustangs gained 107-yards rushing and 241-yards passing for a total of 348 yards of offense. J. C. Laughlin completed 8 of 28 passes for the 241-yards. Drew Snyder caught 5 for his 226-yards and 2 touchdowns, Joe Ault caught 1 for 10-yards, and Jeremy Renoll caught 2 for 5-yards. Joe Ault led the rushing attack with 11 carries for his 78-yards, followed by Aaron Repman with 7 for 11, Laughlin with 5 for 7, Robert Barnett with 2 for 7, Tim Smith with 3 for 3, Jason Gigous with 1 for 2 and Cody Smith with 3 for minus 1-yard.

The Lions rang up a net 224-yards rushing and 177-yards passing for a total of 401-yards of offense. Tyler Green completed 5 of 10 passes for the 177-yards, including the 2 to Ed Kiser for 145-yards, 1 to Trent Thomas for 12-yards, 1 to Matt Barshinger for 11-yards and 1 to Andrew Downs for 9-yards. Barshinger led the rushing attack with 24 carries for his 232-yards and 3 touchdowns, followed by Joe Doyle with 5 carries for 11-yards and Green with 8 carries for minus 19-yards.

The South Western Mustang Marching Band and the 22-member Mustang Cheer Leading squad both wowed the excited crowd. The 7-time Cavalcade of Bands Champion, 2000 Tournament of Bands Champion and US Scholastic Band Champion Mustang Marching Band provided the half-time entertainment with the 2005 musical program entitled “Festive Overtures: A Holiday Collage,” which featured the majestic fanfare of Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture,” Russian Sailors’ Dance from the ballet, “Red Poppy,” “Russian Easter” and “Russian Christmas.” The Lions Marching Band put on a stirring post-game show for the crowd that was still in awe of the game they had just witnessed.

The Mustangs of South Western are 1-6-0 overall and 1-3-0 in York Area Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) Division I league play.

Don Seidenstricker has a 151-62-1 (.709) record as coach of the Mustangs, who have a career record of 292-180-8. The results of the 480 games played in the history of the South Western Mustangs are a career .619 winning percentage and a .625 non-losing percentage.

Next week the Mustangs host the Rockets of Spring Grove (4-3 overall, 2-2 YAIAA Division I) at the Mustang Corral. The Rockets are coming off of a 55-22 victory over the Wildcats of Dallastown. From here it looks like the Mustangs are ready to gallop and pass their way to the winning track. GO MUSTANGS GO.

THE GRIDIRON 7 - 2005

By Dick Engelhardt

The CUTTERS of Fair Lawn High faced the tough GOLDEN KNIGHTS of Northern Valley, Demarest in Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) Division 1 action last Friday night and were beaten 41-20. NV had given the powerful PATRIOTS of Wayne Hills all they could handle the week before losing a 16-14 heart breaker. Scott Leathem booted punts and threw a pass on a fake punt and broke up a pass. Josh Aviles, Michael Barchefski, Amet Basci, Vinnie Graff John Macko, and Tom Spear and made nice plays on “D.” With NV up 41-0 our never-say-die CUTTERS fought on. Graff threw a 5 yard TD pass to Spear and, with Stephan Macchiorola holding, Randy Platter kicked the PAT. Dan Kissane alertly recovered his own on-side kick and Graff then threw a 24 yard TD strike to Macchiorola. Macchiorola’s 2 point conversion pass to Spear just missed. Then it was Mike Keating’s turn to haul in a TD pass from Graff, this one for 20 yards. Macchiorola and Platter clicked again on the PAT to close out the scoring. Fair Lawn still leads the 1984 – present rivalry 14–8 (636) but the GOLDEN KNIGHTS have won the last 4 games.

In the press box helping with the “spotting,” I had a nice chat with William Paterson University Coach and former Rutgers assistant and Ramapo Coach, Mike Miello. He was a Hackensack Sophomore in 1959 when Fair Lawn’s Bob Wright ran the opening kickoff back in that historic 27-6 victory for Coach Frank Bennett’s CUTTERS in Fair Lawn’s maiden season in the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL). He said that when he was at Ramapo, former Fair Lawn Coach Pete Natale (1978-87) was one of a very few coaches who had a winning record against him. He sure had that right. During 1984-87 Natale's CUTTERS went 4-0 against Miello's GREEN RAIDERS in NBIL Division 1 action!

In the other NBIL Division 1 game those GREEN RAIDERS of Ramapo shut out the BEARS of Bergenfield 37-0. The NORSEMEN of Northern Valley, Demarest had their bye week. In Division 2 the BRAVES of Indian Hills shut out the RAMS of Ramsey 7-0 and the INDIANS of Pascack Valley shut out the THUNDERBIRDS of Mahwah 14-0. Fair Lawn’s NBIL Division 1 saw its PATRIOTS of Wayne Hills wallop the Division 2 HIGHLANDERS of Northern Highlands 47-0. The NBIL Division 1 is 4-5 (.444) versus Division 2 on the season so far.

This Saturday our CUTTERS travel to Ramsey at 1:30 to face the RAMS for the 34th time. Bennett’s CUTTERS beat Ramsey 14-6 in the first game in 1945 on their way to a Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL) title. During 1945-58 in the B-PIL and NBIL (the league was renamed in 1956) Fair Lawn went 11-3 (.786) over Ramsey. Since returning to the NBIL in 1984 after 25 seasons in the NNJIL, Fair Lawn has compiled a remarkable 16-3 (.842) record over Ramsey during 1984-99 and 2002 to the present. Our CUTTERS have amassed a phenomenal 27-6 (.818) record over the RAMS overall! Ramsey won last year 33-7.

Fair Lawn comes into the game 0-5 having been outscored 174-61 for an average loss of 35-12. Ramsey is also 0-5 and has been outscored 105-21 for an average loss of 21-4. With an all out effort our CUTTERS can win this one. From here it looks like Fair Lawn 24 (Let’s have another Randy Platter field goal!) - Ramsey 6. GO CUTTERS GO!!!

SOUTH WESTERN MUSTANGS GRIDIRON 2005-7

By Bill Engelhardt
________

Last Monday evening, October 10, the Mustangs of South Western traveled to the beautiful newly renovated Smalls Athletic Field to take on the Bearcats of William Penn of York (4-2 overall, 1-1 YAIAA Division I) and were shut out 14-0 in a weird game that saw the Mustangs run off 71 plays to only 37 for the Bearcats. A 97-yard touchdown run by Shavell Jones on a burst up the middle and an 80-yard-jaunt around the end by Lamar Hughes sealed the deal for the Bearcats. Jones rushed for 170-yards and Hughes for 128-yards.

A ten play 38-yard drive by the Mustangs, from their own 35-yard line to the Bearcats 27, ended on a turnover on downs. The Mustangs begin another drive at the 32-yard line and Joe Ault ran off a beautiful 40-yard dash, only to have the ball knocked out of his hands at the Bearcats 7-yard line. The Bearcats recovered the fumble. The Mustangs began a 68-yard drive at their own 9-yard line, featuring a 37-yard pass from J. C. Laughlin to Robert Barnett, and turned the ball over on downs at the Bearcats 23-yard line. And that all happened in the first half.

Aaron Repman opened the second half for the Mustangs by returning the kickoff 27-yards to the mid field stripe. Ten plays later, featuring runs by Ault, Barnett and Cody Smith, saw the Mustangs again turn the ball over on downs at the Bearcats 14-yard line. They had reached the 3-yard line and a penalty moved them back to the 18. A fourth quarter drive started at the Mustangs 27-yard line and ended with a Drew Snyder punt into the end zone from the Bearcats 43-yard line. The drive featured two passes from Laughlin to Jeremy Renoll, for 12 and 17-yards. The Mustangs final drive started at their own 42-yard line and ended with a turnover at the Bearcats 12-yard line. The drive featured a 28-yard pass from Laughlin to Drew Snyder.

Aaron Repman returned the three Bearcats kickoffs for 59-yards, with the longest going for 27-yards. He also returned three punts for 20-yards, with the longest going for 8-yards. Jason Gigous returned two punts for 18-yards, with the longest going for 12-yards. Drew Snyder punted 7 times for 256-yards, for a 36.6-yard average, with the longest going for 50-yards to the end zone. His one kickoff went for a whopping 60-yards and a touchback for the Mustangs.

Tim Smith led the Mustangs defense with 12 tackles and Matt Bosley followed with 10 tackles. Dustin Shaw had two quarterback sacks. Other than the 177-yards in the two plays when the speedy Jones and Hughes outran everyone, the Mustangs stingy defense held the Bearcats to 109-yards rushing and a total offense of 127-yards. While it doesn’t show up on the scoreboard, this was overall a great defensive showing by the Mustangs.

Joe Ault, Mark Bittinger, Seth Bolte, Matt Bosley, Jason Gigous, Chad La Gore, Jeremy Renoll, Aaron Repman, Clint Shaffer, Dustin Shaw, Cody Shue, Jesse Smith, Jason Sneeringer, Drew Snyder, Mike Stremmel, Eric Updegrove, Chris Wilson and Ben Yelton manned the offensive and defensive line and linebacker positions. Justin Barnes, Robert Barnett, Matt Ferguson, Adam Hartman, Curtis Maphis, Cody Smith, Tim Smith and Max Wagaman patrolled the secondary.

The Mustangs gained 168-yards rushing and 110-yards passing for a total of 278 yards of offense. J. C. Laughlin completed 8 of 21 passes for the 110-yards. Robert Barnett caught 2 for 45-yards, Jeremy Renoll caught 2 for 29-yards, Drew Snyder caught 1 for 29-yards, Joe Ault caught 1 for 18-yards, and Jason Gigous caught 1 for minus 6-yards. Joe Ault led the rushing attack with 20 carries for 100-yards, followed by Robert Barnett with 8 for 38, Cody Smith with 6 for 21, Aaron Repman with 2 for 10, Tim Smith with 3 for 3 and J. C. Laughlin with 10 for minus 4-yards.

The Bearcats rang up 286-yards rushing and 18-yards passing for a total of 304-yards of offense. Tisen Dickson completed 2 passes for the 18-yards, 1 to Lamar Hughes for 16-yards and 1 to Brandon Wright for 2-yards. Shavell Jones led the rushing attack with 15 carries for 170-yards and his touchdown, followed by Lamar Hughes with 11 carries for 128-yards and his touchdown, Byron Keys with a carry for 7-yards, Randell Preston with a carry for no yards and Tisen Dicksen with 4 carries for minus yardage.

The 22-member Mustangs Cheer Leading Squad roused their faithful fans throughout the night. The Bearcats Marching Band thrilled the halftime crowd with their show “Portrait of a Nation, with stirring renditions of “In Defense of Liberty,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Little Liza Jane,” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

The Mustangs of South Western are 1-5-0 overall and 1-2-0 in York Area Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) Division I league play.

Don Seidenstricker has a 151-61-1 (.712) record as coach of the Mustangs, who have a career record of 292-179-8. The results of the 479 games played in the history of the South Western Mustangs are a career .620 winning percentage and a .626 non-losing percentage.

Next week the Mustangs travel to Horn Field to take on the Lions of Red Lion (2-4 overall, 1-1 YAIAA Division I). The Lions are coming off of an 18-0 victory over the winless Golden Mules of Solanco. From here it looks like the Mustangs are ready to gallop, and their stingy defense should help them to get on the winning track. GO MUSTANGS GO.

THIS WEEK IN FLHS GRIDIRON HISTORY – Game 6 – 2005

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
By Dick Engelhardt

1945 – Frank Bennett’s CUTTERS, on their way to a Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL) title in their maiden season in the league after playing their first 2 seasons independently under Coach Marty Fischbein, beat the RAMS of Ramsey 14-6. During 1945-58 in the B-PIL and 1984-99 and 2002- present in the Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL), which the B-PIL became in 1956, our CUTTERS have compiled an astounding 27-6 (.818) record against the RAMS. They square off again this Saturday in Ramsey.

1955 – Bennett’s CUTTERS, on their way to another B-PIL title, drew a bye.

1965 – Frank Devens’ CUTTERS, on their way to their first Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) title, beat the HIGHWAYMEN of Teaneck 19-6. It was the 13th game in that 24 game non-losing streak 1964-66. During 1954-58 independently and 1959-82 in the NNJIL, our CUTTERS went 17-11-1 (.607) over the HIGHWAYMEN.

1975 – Rich Szura’s CUTTERS edged those HIGHWAYMEN of Teaneck 21-20 in NNJIL action.

1985 – Pete Natale’s CUTTERS, on their way to a second in a row Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) Division 1 title after returning to the league in 1984, scalped the INDIANS of Pascack Valley 24-15 in NBIL interdivisional action. The 1955-56, 1984-85 and 1988-present rivalry is all even at 10-10-1 (.500). The teams square off again October 29th at Pascack Valley in Hillsdale.

1995 – Mike Alberque’s CUTTERS edged those RAMS of Ramsey 16-14.

THE GRIDIRON 6 - 2005

By Dick Engelhardt

The CUTTERS of Fair Lawn High had their bye last week. In their Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) the BEARS of Bergenfield and THUNDERBIRDS of Mahwah also drew a bye. In Fair Lawn’s NBIL Division 1 the defending North Jersey, Section 1, Group III champion PATRIOTS of Wayne Hills remained undefeated edging the GOLDEN KNIGHTS of Northern Valley, Old Tappan 16-14. In Division 2 the INDIANS of Pascack Valley shut out the RAMS of Ramsey 20-0. Fair Lawn’s NBIL Division 1 split its games against Division 2 as The GREEN RAIDERS of Ramapo were shocked 20-17 by the HIGHLANDERS of Northern Highlands while the NORSEMEN of Northern Valley, Demarest scalped the BRAVES of Indian Hills 24-6. Division 2 surprisingly leads the ’05 series 5-3 (.625).

This Friday at 7 our CUTTERS travel to Old Tappan to take on the GOLDEN KNIGHTS for the 22nd time in NBIL Division 1 action. The rivalry began in 1984 when Bergenfield, Fair Lawn and Ramsey all returned to their old NBIL. Fair Lawn had left the league in 1959 for a 25 year (1959-83) stint in the tough Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL). Bergenfield had left the then Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL) in 1949 for the Bergen County Scholastic League (BCSL) and then joined the NNJIL in 1962. Ramsey had left for the Bergen-Passaic Scholastic League (B-PSL). In that first game our CUTTERS shut out the GOLDEN KNIGHTS 21-0 on their way to the NBIL Division 1 title under Coach Pete Natale. Fair Lawn leads the series 14-7 (.667) but the GOLDEN KNIGHTS have won the last 3 games including a 47-43 shootout in 2002.

NV/Old Tappan comes into the game 2-3 (.400) having outscored the opposition 132-84 for an average 26-17 victory. Fair Lawn has lost two heartbreaker games our CUTTERS believe they could have won but are 0-4 and have been outscored 133 -41 for an average 34-10 loss. With a week off to heal injuries and regroup, the CUTTERS figure to continue to improve and will make an all out effort. Like it says in the GEICO ad, they know “You can do it!” From here it looks like Fair Lawn 17 – NV/Old Tappan 14. GO CUTTERS GO!!!

THIS WEEK IN FLHS GRIDIRON HISTORY - Game 5 – 2005

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
By Dick Engelhardt

1945 – Frank Bennett’s CUTTERS, on their way to a Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL) title in their first year in the league, tied the HORNETS of Passaic Valley High of Little Falls 0-0 in independent action. During 1944-46 and 1966 independently and 1967- 81 and 83 in the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL), the HORNETS went 13-6-2 (.684) over our CUTTERS.

1955 – Bennett’s CUTTERS, on their way to another B-PIL title, beat the RAMS of Ramsey 19-7. During 1945-58 in the B-PIL and 1984-99 and 2002- present in the Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL), which the B-PIL became in 1956, our CUTTERS have compiled an astounding 27-6 (.818) record against the RAMS. They square off again October 22nd in Ramsey.

1965 – Frank Devens’ CUTTERS, on their way to their first NNJIL championship, shut out the RAMS of Lodi 14-0 in independent action. It was the 12th game in Fair Lawn’s marvelous 24 game non-losing streak 1964-66. During 1964-66 Fair Lawn went 3-0 (1.000) over Lodi. Fair Lawn’s first football game in 1943 saw Coach Marty Fischbein’s brand new CUTTERS lose 7-6 to Lodi in JV action.

1975 – Rich Szura’s CUTTERS lost a heart breaker 14-13 to the INDIANS of Wayne Valley in NNJIL action. During 1968-80 the INDIANS went 9-5 (.643) over our CUTTERS. They left the NNJIL for the Northern Hills Conference (NHC) Skyline Division in 1981 and Fair Lawn left the NNJIL to return to the NBIL in 1984.

1985 – Pete Natale’s CUTTERS, on their way to a 2nd consecutive NBIL Division 1 title, mauled the BEARS of Bergenfield 33-19. Fair Lawn leads the 1945-48 and 1962-present rivalry 33-14 (.702). Our CUTTERS have faced the BEARS on Thanksgiving Day since 1994 and lead that rivalry 9-2 (.818) including last year’s thrilling 19-18 last second victory on a TD pass from Vinnie Graff to Stephan Macchiorola.

1995 – Mike Alberque’s CUTTERS were beaten 28-12 by the PATRIOTS of Wayne Hills in NBIL Division 1 action. The PATRIOTS lead the 1984 – present rivalry 17-5 (.773). Fair Lawn’s last victory was in 1989 as Alberque’s playoff bound CUTTERS thrashed Wayne Hills 35-8.

THIS WEEK IN FLHS GRIDIRON HISTORY Game 4 – 2005

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
By Dick Engelhardt

1945 – Frank Bennett’s CUTTERS, on their way to a Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (BPIL) title in their maiden season in the league, shut out the MIGHTY MITES (now BEARS) of Bergenfield 32-0. Fair Lawn leads the 1945-48 and 1962-present rivalry 33-14 (.702). Our CUTTERS have faced the BEARS on Thanksgiving Day since 1994 and lead that rivalry 9-2 (.818) including last year’s thrilling 19-18 last second victory on a TD pass from Vinnie Graff to Stephan Macchiorola.

1955 – Bennett’s CUTTERS, on their way to their last B-PIL title, scalped the brand new INDIANS of Pascack Valley Regional High of Hillsdale 37-7. The B-PIL became the Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) in 1956 and Fair Lawn left it in 1959 for a 25 year stint 1959-83 in the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL). The 1955-56, 1984-85 and 1988-present rivalry is all even at 10-10-1 (.500). The teams square off again October 29th at Pascack Valley.

1965 – Frank Devens’ CUTTERS, on their way to an NNJIL title, shut out the RED RAIDERS of Cliffside Park 26-0. It was the 11th game of that wonderful 24 game non-losing streak 1964-66. Our CUTTERS took the 1959-66 rivalry 6-2 (.750).

1975 – Rich Szura’s CUTTERS beat the BOILERMAKERS of Garfield 16-6 in NNJIL action. Fair Lawn swept the 1971-75 series!

1985 – Pete Natale’s CUTTERS, on their way to their second consecutive NBIL Division 1 title since returning to the league in ’84, and a playoff appearance, thrashed the CARDINALS of Westwood 34-6. During 1943-44 and 1984-85 our CUTTERS went 3-1 (.750) against the CARDS.

1995 – Mike Alberque’s CUTTERS, on their way to a 7-2 (.778) season, were edged 28-21 by those pesky INDIANS of Pascack Valley.

THIS WEEK IN FLHS GRIDIRON HISTORY Game 3 – 2005

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
By Dick Engelhardt

1945 – Frank Bennett’s CUTTERS mauled the BEARS of Hawthorne 20-6 on their way to the Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL) title in their first season in the league. In 1944 independently and during 1945-55 in B-PIL action our CUTTERS went 9-3 (.750) over the BEARS. In 1956, when Hawthorne, then the only Passaic County school in the league, left, the B-PIL was renamed the Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL).

1955 – Bennett’s CUTTERS, on their way to another B-PIL crown, went outside the league to shut out the Passaic Valley Conference (PVC) COLTS of Paterson Central 34-0. Central was the Turkey Day rival of the GHOSTS of Paterson Eastside and most Fair Lawn students attended Eastside before FLHS opened in 1943. During 1951-56 and 58 Fair Lawn went 5-2 (.714) over Central. In 1988 the successor KNIGHTS of Paterson Kennedy beat our CUTTERS 20-6 in the States while, in the 2003 State “Consolation Game,” our CUTTERS prevailed 20-0 to bring their record against Central/Kennedy to 6-3 (.667).

1965 – Frank Devens’ CUTTERS, on their way to a Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) title and an undefeated but not untied season, beat the MAROON RAIDERS of Englewood 15-7. It was the 10th game in that 24 game non-losing streak during 1964-66 for our CUTTERS. In independent action 1945-46, 1957-58 and 1986-89 and in the NNJIL 1959-71, our CUTTERS have gone 14-7 (.667) over the MAROON RAIDERS.

1975 – Rich Szura’s CUTTERS were beaten 41-13 by the FIGHTING MUSTANGS of Clifton High in NNJIL action. During 1972-74 independently and 1975-81 in the NNJIL Clifton went 8-2-1 (.800) over Fair Lawn including a State playoff victory in 1979. Clifton was ineligible for a league title 1972-74 because a contract to play Passaic, then still a member of the dying PVC, on Thanksgiving Day prevented them from playing a full NNJIL schedule.

1985 – Pete Natale’s CUTTERS, on their way to a second NBIL Division 1 title and a trip to the States, beat their division rival GOLDEN KNIGHTS of Northern Valley, Old Tappan 34-14. Fair Lawn leads the 1984 – present rivalry 14-7 (.667) but NV/Old Tappan has won the last 3 games.

1995 – Mike Alberque’s CUTTERS shut out those same GOLDEN KNIGHTS 33-0 in NBIL Division 1 action. The teams square off this season in game 5 after our CUTTERS have a bye.

THIS WEEK IN FLHS GRIDIRON HISTORY Game 2 – 2005

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
By Dick Engelhardt

1945 – Frank Bennett’s CUTTERS, on the way to the championship in their maiden season in the Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL), went outside the league and were shut out 6-0 by the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) MAROON RAIDERS of Englewood. In independent action 1945-46, 1957-58 and 1986-89 and in the NNJIL 1959-71, our CUTTERS have gone 14-7 (.667) over the MAROON RAIDERS.

1955 – Bennett’s CUTTERS, on their way to their final B-PIL title, shut out the BEARS of Hawthorne 33-0 in league action. Independently in 1944 and in the B-PIL 1945-55, our CUTTERS went 9-3 (.750) over the BEARS. When Hawthorne, then the only Passaic County school in the league, left in ’56, the league was renamed the Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL).

1965 – Frank Devens’ CUTTERS tied the COMETS of Hackensack 12-12 in NNJIL action on their way to the league title. It was game 9 of that wonderful 24 game non losing streak 1964-66. During 1959-82 in the NNJIL the COMETS went 16-7-1 (.696) over our CUTTERS. In 1959, Fair Lawn’s maiden season in the league, our CUTTERS won 27-6 and yet saw Hackensack take the title by half a game. Frank Bennett’s 1953 B-PIL champs shared the North Jersey, Section 1, Group III State title with the COMETS. Mike Alberque’s 2000 CUTTERS put up a whale of a battle before losing 14-6 to the nationally ranked COMETS in the States.

1975 – Rich Zura’s CUTTERS were shut out 34-0 by the HORNETS of PassaicValley in NNJIL action. During 1944-46 and 1966 independently and 1967- 81 and 83 in the NNJIL the HORNETS went 13-6-2 (.684) over our CUTTERS.

1985 – Pete Natale’s CUTTERS, on their way to their second NBIL Division 1 title and first ever undefeated and untied season, shut out the GREEN RAIDERS of Ramapo Regional 21-0. Ramapo leads the 1956-58 and 1984-present rivalry 15-10 (.600).

1995 – Mike Alberque’s CUTTERS edged the BRAVES of Indian Hills 22-21 in NBIL interdivisional action. Fair Lawn leads the 1984-97 and 2000-present rivalry 12-7 (.632).

THIS WEEK IN FLHS GRIDIRON HISTORY Game 1 – 2005

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
By Dick Engelhardt

1945 – New Coach Frank Bennett led the 3rd year CUTTERS of Fair Lawn High, who played independently in 1943-44, into the Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL) with a 12-0 shutout victory over the GOLDEN BEARS of Lyndhurst High. The CUTTERS would take the title in their maiden season in the league and share it with Bogota and Lyndhurst the next 2 years! Fair Lawn took the fierce 1945 – 53 rivalry with Lyndhurst 5-4 (.556).

1955 – Bennett’s CUTTERS, who would take another B-PIL title, opened the season with a 12-7 independent loss to the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) HIGHWAYMEN of Teaneck. During 1954-58 independently and 1959-82 in the NNJIL, our CUTTERS went 17-11-1 (.607) over those HIGHWAYMEN.

1965 – New Coach Frank Devens led the CUTTERS to an opening day 28-7 independent victory over the CRUSADERS of East Paterson, now Elmwood Park. During 1962-65 the tough CRUSADERS went 3-1 (.750) over our CUTTERS.

1975 – New Coach Rich Szura saw his CUTTERS shutout 22-0 by the COMETS of Hackensack in NNJIL action. During 1959-82 in the NNJIL the COMETS went 16-7-1 (.696) over our CUTTERS. Frank Bennett’s 1953 B-PIL champs shared the North Jersey, Section 1, Group III State title with the COMETS. Mike Alberque’s 2000 CUTTERS put up a whale of a battle before losing 14-6 to the nationally ranked COMETS in the States.

1985 – Pete Natale’s CUTTERS opened the season with a 14-10 Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) interdivisional victory over the COWBOYS of Pascack Hills. The old B-PIL had been renamed the NBIL in 1956 and Fair Lawn and Ridgewood had left it in ’59 for the NNJIL. Our CUTTERS returned in ’84 and took the NBIL Division 1 title. They were on their way to another. During 1984-86 and 1994-98 our CUTTERS have gone 6-2 (.750) over the COWBOYS.

1995 – Mike Alberque’s CUTTERS thrashed the NORSEMEN of Northern Valley, Demarest 40-21 in NBIL Division 1 action. Our CUTTERS lead the 1956-58 and 1990- present rivalry 12-6 (.667).

SOUTH WESTERN MUSTANGS GRIDIRON 2005-6

By Bill Engelhardt
________

Last Friday evening, September 30, the Mustangs of South Western hosted the Wildcats of Dallastown and galloped to a 33-0 shut out at the Mustang Corral on Homecoming Night. The Mustangs run defense was stellar as they held the Wildcats to 51-yards on 29 carries and star running back Kyle O’Donnell, who rang up 289-yards last week, was held to no gain on 14 carries.

An 80-yard drive; featuring a 19-yard pass from J. C. Laughlin to Rob Barnett, a 22-yard run by Cody Smith, and a run of 13-yards by Joe Ault, led to Ault’s 5-yard touchdown jaunt to open the scoring. A 65-yard drive; featuring a 17-yard pass from Laughlin to Drew Snyder, a 22-yard pass to Jeremy Renoll and a 13-yard run by Joe Ault, led to Ault’s one yard plunge for the second score, giving them a 14-0 lead at the half.

Aaron Repman’s 26-yard punt return gave the Mustangs the ball at the Wildcats 27-yard line. Four plays later Cody Smith rammed it in from the 12-yard line for a 20-0 lead. Soon thereafter the Mustangs began a drive at their 46-yard line. A fake punt at the Wildcats 38-yard line saw Jason Gigous advance to the 26 and the drive ended with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Gigous for a 27-0 lead. The Mustangs then fielded a punt at the Wildcats 43-yard line, from which Aaron Repman ripped off a very nifty 43-yard touchdown run to close out the scoring. The Mustangs so dominated the offensive side of the game that all the scoring was sandwiched around their missed field goals of 37, 45, 42 and 38-yards, which had the distance and just missed left or right.

Robert Barnett returned the only kickoff the Mustangs received 25-yards and Aaron Repman returned 5 punts for 63-yards, with the longest going for 26-yards. Drew Snyder punted only one time, for a whopping 57-yards, and kicked off 6 times for 324-yards, including 2 touchbacks, for the Mustangs.

Jeremy Renoll led the swarming Mustangs defense with 13 tackles and 2 quarterback hurries. Mark Bittinger rang in with 9 tackles and a sack. Matt Bosley racked up 6 tackles, a quarterback hurry and a drive ending interception. Jessie Smith, with 6 tackles, Drew Snyder with 5, Robert Barnett with 4, Jason Gigous with 4, Tim Smith with 4, and Chad La Gore, Eric Updegrove and Max Wagaman with 3 each, all contributed heavily to the great defensive showing of the Mustangs.

Joe Ault, Mark Bittinger, Seth Bolte, Matt Bosley, Jason Gigous, Chad La Gore, Jeremy Renoll, Aaron Repman, Clint Shaffer, Dustin Shaw, Cody Shue, Jesse Smith, Jason Sneeringer, Drew Snyder, Mike Stremmel, Eric Updegrove, Chris Wilson and Ben Yelton manned the offensive and defensive line and linebacker positions. Justin Barnes, Robert Barnett, Matt Ferguson, Adam Hartman, Curtis Maphis, Cody Smith, Tim Smith and Max Wagaman patrolled the secondary.

The Mustangs gained 281-yards rushing and 80-yards passing for a total of 361 yards of offense. J. C. Laughlin completed 6 of 13 passes for the 80-yards. Robert Barnett caught 3 for 39-yards Jeremy Renoll caught 1 for 22-yards, Drew Snyder caught 1 for 17-yards and Jason Gigous caught 1 for 2-yards. Joe Ault led the rushing attack with 15 carries for 102-yards, followed by Cody Smith with 6 for 57, Aaron Repman with 5 for 49, Robert Barnett with 9 for 41, Jason Gigous with 5 for 20, Donnie Brady with 3 for 16, Eric Updegrove with 2 for 1-yard and J. C. Laughlin with 3 for minus 5-yards.

The Wildcats were held to 51-yards and 66-yards passing for a total of 117-yards of offense. Zach Shue completed 4 passes for the 45-yards and Kevin Frisby completed 2 for 21-yards. Jason Huska caught 2 passes for 21-yards, Kyle O’Donnell caught 2 for 17-yards, Matt Rae caught 1 for 14-yards, and Alex Deetz caught with 1 for 14-yards. Nick Bentz led the rushing attack with 4 carries for 24-yards, followed by Zach Shue with 5 for 18-yards, Keegan McAuliffe with 3 for 5, Matt Rue with 2 for 4, Andy Debs with 1 for no gain and Kyle O’Donnell with 14 carries for no gain.

The South Western Mustang Marching Band and the 22-member Mustang Cheer Leading squad (expanded to 46 for the third quarter with the JV and Junior High cheer leaders on Homecoming night) and were both very impressive crowd pleasers. The 7-time Cavalcade of Bands Champion, a 2000 Tournament of Bands Champion and US Scholastic Band Champion Mustang Marching Band provided post-game entertainment with the 2005 musical program entitled “Festive Overtures: A Holiday Collage,” which featured the majestic fanfare of Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture,” Russian Sailors’ Dance from the ballet, “Red Poppy,” “Russian Easter” and “Russian Christmas.” The 213 member strong Wildcats Marching Band thrilled the halftime crowd with music from the Broadway musical “Wicked,” including “Over the Rainbow,” “No one Mourns the Wicked,” “Dancing Through Life,” “Defying Gravity,” “For Good,” and a reprise of “No One Mourns the Wicked.”

The Mustangs of South Western are 1-4-0 overall and 1-1-0 in York Area Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) Division I league play.

Don Seidenstricker has a 151-60-1 (.716) record as coach of the Mustangs, who have a career record of 292-178-8. The results of the 478 games played in the history of the South Western Mustangs are a career .621 winning percentage and a .628 non-losing percentage.

Next week the Mustangs travel to the beautiful newly renovated Smalls Athletic Field to take on the Bearcats of William Penn of York (3-2 overall, 1-0 YAIAA Division I). The Bearcats are coming off of a 28-21 victory over the Lions of Red Lion. From here it looks like the Mustangs are back in stride and ready to gallop, and their stingy run defense should help them to stay on the winning track. GO MUSTANGS GO.

THE GRIDIRON 5 - 2005

By Dick Engelhardt

The CUTTERS of Fair Lawn High lost a heart breaking thriller 20-15 to the HIGHLANDERS of Northern Highlands last Saturday in Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) interdivisional action. After the HIGHLANDERS went ahead 7-0 our never-say die CUTTERS roared back. An 80 yard drive ended with a 33 yard TD pass from QB Vinnie Graff to wide out Michael Keating. The extra point kick failed and Fair Lawn trailed only 7-6. Highlands scored again to lead 14-6. Graff threw to Keating for a big first down and, with Stephan Macchiorola holding, Randy Platter kicked a 31 yard field goal to make it 14-9 at the half.

With Highlands ahead 20-9, our heroes put on a valiant effort. Graff returned a punt to the 9 but 2 disastrous penalties drove them back to the 35 and the drive stalled. Graff later passed to Keating to the 1 and plunged in for the TD. The 2 point conversion pass from Graff to Tom Spear just missed and it was 20-15. On “D’ Michael Barchefski recovered a fumble, Dominick Rizzo sacked the QB, Keating blocked an extra point kick Amet Basci, Scott Leathem and John Macko made some great hits and Spear made a TD saving tackle. The 1986-93 and 1998-present rivalry is all even at 8-8.

It was nice to see the “Class of 55” celebrating their 50 year reunion. Over 100 of them were in the stands and they enjoyed being announced and hearing their song, “When The Saints Go Marching In,” played. I well remember the Fair Lawn High School Band under the direction of the legendary L. Barry Tedesco playing that song in the old gym back then. And the current award winning Fair Lawn High School CUTTER Marching Band under the direction of Paul A. Kafer with drum major Michele Packer and assistant drum major Heather Marte looked and sounded mighty fine Saturday too! Former Fair Lawn announcer and “Class of 58” member Joe Hausmann, now the Northern Highlands announcer, stopped by and Bob Heaney and Bob Grubb from my “Class of 57, came from out of town.” It was good to see them!

In NBIL Division 1 action the PATRIOTS of Wayne Hills outlasted the NORSEMEN of Northern Valley, Demarest 35-21. Fair Lawn’s Division 1 took it on the chin from Division 2 as, in addition to Fair Lawn’s loss, the GREEN RAIDERS of Ramapo were shocked 21-14 by the INDIANS of Pascack Valley and the BEARS of Bergenfield were beaten 46-25 by the THUNDERBIRDS of Mahwah. Only the GOLDEN KIGHTS of Northern Valley, Old Tappan came through for Division 1 blasting the RAMS of Ramsey 34-7. The Division 2 BRAVES of Indian Hills had their BYE week. Surprisingly the NBIL Division 2 leads Division 1 so far on the season 4-2 (.667).

This week our CUTTERS have their BYE. They face those GOLDEN KNIGHTS in Old Tappan Friday night, October 14th at 7. Next week we’ll look at that game and the NBIL weekend results. Until then, GO CUTTERS GO!!!