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).