SOUTH WESTERN MUSTANGS GRIDIRON 2006-10

By Bill Engelhardt
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Last Friday evening, October 27, the Mustangs of South Western hosted the Bearcats of York (William Penn) and recorded a convincing 19-0 shutout to clinch the York-Adams Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) Division I title outright for the second time in three years and the 14th time in the history of the school, and put themselves solidly in the 4th seed for the class AAA District 3 Playoffs (with the possibility of being as high as the second seed when all of the calculations are sorted out). The weather was well suited for ducks but the Mustangs and the Bearcats slogged through the pouring rain back and forth with no score through most of the first half. The Mustangs came closest to scoring with their 14 play 38-yard opening drive ending with a missed 28-yard field goal attempt.

Punts and fumble recoveries abounded as Tim Smith recovered a Mustangs fumble to keep possession on their opening drive in the first quarter and Dale Mills recovered a Bearcats fumble to give the Mustangs the ball on the their own 40-yard line in the second quarter. Zane Woodard recovered a Mustangs fumble for the Bearcats in the first quarter.

The logjam was finally and emphatically broken when Tim Smith intercepted a Bearcats pass and returned it 38-yards for a touchdown with 1:04 left in the first half. Drew Snyder’s extra point kick put the Mustangs up 7-0 and the half ended shortly thereafter.

The second half began in dramatic fashion as Aaron Repman returned the opening kickoff 75-yards to the Bearcats 8-yard line for the Mustangs. Old reliable Tim Smith then blasted up the middle untouched for a touchdown and the Mustangs were up 13-0 with the clock showing 11:43.

The Bearcats then went three and out and punted to the Mustangs from their own 8-yard line. The Mustangs ended up with great field position at the Bearcats 28-yard line. A 4-play drive, featuring 3-carries for 17-yards by Aaron Repman, put the ball on the 15-yard line. Quarterback J. C. Laughlin then came up with his only pass completion of the game. He certainly made it count as he tossed a picture perfect touchdown pass to Jesse Smith in the end zone for the Mustangs. The score was 19-0 with 7:49 on the clock in the third quarter. The rest of the game was spent slogging back and forth in the quagmire.

Drew Snyder led the Mustangs with 15 tackles, followed by Jason Gigous with 14, Jesse Smith with 12, Chad LaGore and Tim Smith with 10 each, Seth Barnes, Dan Dukes, Corwyn Gordon and Jason Sneeringer with 5 each, Cody Shue with 3 tackles and a host of players with one or two tackles. Gigous was credited with 2 big pass hurries and Tim Smith and Drew Snyder each were credited with a pass defense. The fumble recovery by Dale Mills and the interception by Tim Smith were also highlights of the Mustangs vaunted defense.

Seth Barnes returned 4 punts for 24-yards, with the longest going for 20-yards, and Aaron Repman returned a punt for 34-yards for the Mustangs. Repman also returned the only kickoff the Mustangs received in the game for 75-yards. Drew Snyder kicked off 4 times for 195-yards, with the longest going for 50-yards, and he punted 7 times for 247-yards, for a 35.3-yard average, with the longest going for 43-yards for the Mustangs.

Bryan Bosley, Donnie Brady, Dan Dukes, Jason Gigous, Corwyn Gordon, Chad LaGore, Dale Mills, Cody Shue, Jesse Smith, Jason Sneeringer, Drew Snyder, Eric Updegrove and Chris Wilson manned the offensive and defensive line and linebacker positions. Seth Barnes, Aaron Repman, Duane Rowlette, Tim Smith, Mike Stremmel and Kory Yelton patrolled the secondary.

The South Western Mustangs gained 98-yards rushing and 15-yards passing for a total of 113 yards of offense for the game. J. C. Laughlin completed 1 of 5 passes for the 15-yards, and it went for the touchdown to Jesse Smith. Tim Smith led the Mustangs rushing attack with 43-yards, including an 8-yard touchdown 17 seconds into the second half, followed by Eric Updegrove with 33-yards, Aaron Repman with 17-yards, and Donnie Brady with 10-yards. Jason Gigous and J. C. Laughlin each rushed for minus yardage.

The William Penn Bearcats gained 120-yards rushing and no yards passing for the game. Mike Kinard led the Bearcats with 54-yards rushing, followed by Zane Woodard with 46-yards, Randale Preston with 29-yards and Malik Generette with minus 9-yards.

Mike Kinard returned 3 punts for 24-yards, with the longest going for 9-yards, and 3 kickoffs for 61-yards, with the longest going for 22-yards, for the Bearcats. Zane Woodard also returned a kickoff for 3-yards against the Mustangs swarming defense. Stephon Parker punted 10 times for 273-yards, for a 27.3-yard average, with the longest going for 36-yards, and Aaron Daniels kicked off once for 43-yards for the Bearcats.

The 20-member Mustangs Cheer Leading squad was very impressive as they roused the many faithful Mustangs fans among the rain soaked crowd. The Bearcats Cheer Leaders countered with a spirited crowd rousing performance. The 105-member strong South Western Mustang Marching Band and the 93-member strong Bearcats Marching Band were not able to perform their musical programs because of the weather.

The Mustangs of South Western are 8-1-0 overall and 6-0-0 in York Area Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) Division I league play.

Don Seidenstricker has a 162-63-1 (.720) record as coach of the Mustangs, who have a career record of 303-181-8. The results of the 492 games played in the history of the South Western Mustangs are a career .626 winning percentage and a .632 non-losing percentage.

Next week the Mustangs close out their regular season with a visit to the Squires of Delone Catholic in an interdivisional game. The Squires are coming off of a 54-12 victory over the Spartans of York County Tech. From here it looks like the Mustangs are ready to continue their winning ways. GO MUSTANGS GO.

THE GRIDIRON 9 - 2006

By Dick Engelhardt

The CUTTERS of Fair Lawn High had their Bye last week. On Friday night in Fair Lawn’s Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) Division 1, the PATRIOTS of Wayne Hills beat the GREEN RAIDERS of Ramapo 28-7 clinching the Division 1 title. The NBIL Division 1 GOLDEN KNIGHTS of Northern Valley/Old Tappan beat the Division 2 BEARS of Bergenfield 42-20. In the other Friday night interdivisional game the NBIL Division 2 BRAVES of Indian Hills surprised the Division 1 NORSEMEN of NV/Demarest 34-21.

On Saturday, the INDIANS of Pascack Valley scalped the RAMS of Ramsey 35-6 in NBIL Division 2 action. The Division 1 HIGHLANDERS of Northern Highlands helped dedicate the new field turf at Mahwah losing 28-6 to the Division 2 THUNDERBIRDS. Fair Lawn’s NBIL Division 1 went 1-2 (.333) against Division 2. The smaller school Division 2 leads the 2006 interdivisional series 12-6 (.667). Except for Wayne Hills, the sites of all the NBIL games had field turf, which was good considering the weather. In the long run the turf could save money because it requires less maintenance and it can hold up for years with heavy use for football and other sports. Fair Lawn voters turned field turf down while approving major school construction.

The Fair Lawn High School addition is looking really nice. It will house the Hall Of Fame exhibit when that is ready. The Hall Of Fame got started in August when 21 individuals were inducted and the 1966 CUTTERS football team was honored. Inductees prominent in football were Athletic Director and Baseball Coach Virge Sasso (1944-78), Head Coaches Frank Bennett (1945-60) and Frank Devens (1965-71), Assistant Coaches Harry Holowach (Head Wrestling Coach) and Hubie Brown (Head Basketball Coach) and players Rev. Richard Camp, Neil Cooper, Bruce Jankowski, Charlie “Choo Choo” Motta, Bob Muller, Ray Reichert, Dave Sime (“The World’s Fastest Human” in track) and Bob Wright. As “The Voice Of The Cutters,” I was thrilled to introduce for induction Wright, star of the 1959 CUTTERS that almost won the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) title in their maiden season in the league, and Jankowski, star of the 1965 and 66 CUTTERS who notched the final 17 games of that great 24 game non-losing streak during 1964-66. Check out the web site of The Fair Lawn Touchdown Club, http://www.geocities.com/fairlawn_touchdown_club/ for great pictures and 3 fabulous videos.

This week our CUTTERS travel to Allendale to take on the HIGHLANDERS of Northern Highlands for the 17th time. The 1986-93 and 1998 – present rivalry is all even at 8-8. Fair Lawn fans will enjoy hearing the voice of popular long time Fair Lawn announcer, Joe Hausmann. Joe was in the FLHS Class of ’58 and is “The Voice Of The HIGHLANDERS.” Our CUTTERS will be trying to avoid the 4th winless season in the 64 year GRIDIRON history of Fair Lawn High. They have the last 2 scheduled games and a State Consolation Game to do it in. With slim playoff hopes, the 4-3 HIGHLANDERS will be looking for at least a winning season. Beating them will be a tall order but I’m sticking with our “never-say-die” CUTTERS. From here it looks like Fair Lawn 14–Northern Highlands 13. GO CUTTERS GO!!!

SOUTH WESTERN MUSTANGS GRIDIRON 2006-9

By Bill Engelhardt
________

Last Friday evening, October 20, the Mustangs of South Western visited the previously undefeated Colonials of New Oxford and galloped and passed their way to a convincing 43-14 victory. After the Colonials went three and out, the Mustangs started off on the right foot with a seven-play a 55-yard opening drive, featuring runs of 8 and 17-yards by Jason Gigous, 6 and 3-yards by Eric Updegrove, and runs of 6, 10, 3-yards by Tim Smith, and ending with Smith’s 1-yard touchdown plunge. Snyder kicked the extra point and the Mustangs were up 7-0 at the 8:19 point in the first quarter.

The Colonials then went 3 and out and punted but the ball touched a Mustangs player and the Colonials recovered to maintain possession, only to go 3 and out again as Eric Updegrove registered a sack for the Mustangs. The Mustangs then started a 14 play 75-yard drive that featured passes of 15 and 11-yards from quarterback J. C. Laughlin to Donnie Brady, a 21-yard pass from Laughlin to Aaron Repman, and a 9-yard touchdown pass to Drew Snyder. Snyder’s extra point kick put the Mustangs up 14-0 at 9:52 in the second quarter.

The Colonials then started a drive at their 35-yard line and mounted a 14-play drive, featuring a 17-yard pass from quarterback Alex Smith to Eric Harris, a 10-yard pass from Smith to Tim Mathna and a 9-yard pass from Smith to Kody Kibler and a 10-yard run by Adam Smith. Adam plunged in from the 1-yard line with 2:03 left in the half and Steve Norman’s extra point kick made the score 14-7 in favor of the Mustangs. The Smith twins, Adam and Alex, had brought the Colonials to life.

The Mustangs countered immediately with a 3-play drive 51-yard drive. After an incomplete pass Eric Updegrove rambled for 16-yards and Tim Smith took it the last 35-yards and the score was 20-7 in favor of the Mustangs with 1:29 left in the half. And things mushroomed against the Colonials, who started on their 21-yard line. Adam Smith ran to the 23 and then Alex Smith went back to pass and was heavily pursued by the Mustangs. In desperation he lofted a pass that defensive tackle Corwyn Gordon picked off in mid air and returned 15-yards for a touchdown. Snyder’s extra point kick upped the score to 27-7 with 37 seconds left in the half.

The Mustangs started off the second half at their 27-yard line and moved to the Colonials 38, where Todd Unger intercepted a pass and returned it 16-yards for the Colonials to stop that drive. The Colonials went 4 and out as a pass fell incomplete on a 4th down fake punt play. The Mustangs took over on their 43-yard line and 6 plays later, featuring a 26-yard pass from Laughlin to Tim Smith, they were on the Colonials 25-yard line. Drew Snyder, who has a school career record 17 field goals (including 50, 47 and 45-yarders) booted a 42-yard field goal that would have been good from a lot farther out to put the Mustangs up 30-7 at 4:45 of the 3rd quarter.

The Colonials then started on their 18-yard line. After an incomplete pass Chris Wilson recovered a fumble at the Colonials 17 and the Mustangs were in business again. Updegrove ran to the 15 and Laughlin lofted a pass to the irrepressible Drew Snyder for a 15-yard touchdown. Snyder’s extra point kick upped the score to 37-7 with 3:31 left in the 3rd quarter.

The Colonials turned the ball over on downs on their next possession and, with 11:40 left in the game, the Mustangs called time out and pulled the first team. After an exchange of possessions the Colonials mustered a touchdown on a 22-yard run by Ross Hall and the extra point kick by Victor Hernandez made the score 37-14 at 6:31 in the game.

Cody Shue and Dan Brenneman shared the Mustangs quarterback duties and Brenneman also intercepted a Colonials pass at the Mustangs 42-yard line. Zac Scott then ripped off a nifty 57-yard scamper to the Colonials 1-yard line and he followed that with a 1-yard touchdown plunge with 1:35 left in the game to make the final score 43-14.

Jason Gigous led the Mustangs with 10 tackles, followed by Chad LaGore and Jesse Smith with 8 each, Tim Smith with 7, Chris Wilson with 6, Jason Sneeringer and Drew Snyder with 5 each, Eric Updegrove with 4, Bryan Bosley, Corwyn Gordon, Daryl Grubb, Zach Hagerman, Chris McDonald and Kory Yelton with 3 each, and a host of players with one or two tackles. Gigous had 2 sacks and Donnie Brady, LaGore, Snyder and Updegrove each had 1. Aaron Repman had 2 big pass defenses and Duane Rowlette and Josh Rummel each had one. The fumble recovery by Chris Wilson and the interceptions by Brenneman and Gordon loomed large in the Mustangs vaunted defense.

Aaron Repman returned a punt for 7-yards and Zac Scott returned one for no yardage for the Mustangs. Repman also returned a kickoff for 17-yards and Chris Helwig returned 2 kickoffs for 31-yards, with the longest going for 16-yards. Drew Snyder kicked off 6 times for 338-yards, including 2 touchbacks, and Ryan Laughman kicked off once for 43-yards. Snyder punted once for 45-yards for the Mustangs.

Bryan Bosley, Donnie Brady, Dan Dukes, Jason Gigous, Corwyn Gordon, Chad LaGore, Dale Mills, Cody Shue, Jesse Smith, Jason Sneeringer, Drew Snyder, Eric Updegrove and Chris Wilson manned the offensive and defensive line and linebacker positions. Seth Barnes, Aaron Repman, Duane Rowlette, Tim Smith, Mike Stremmel and Kory Yelton patrolled the secondary.

The South Western Mustangs gained 268-yards rushing and 103-yards passing for a total of 371 yards of offense. J. C. Laughlin completed 6 of 11 passes for the 103-yards, including touchdowns of 9 and 15-yards to Drew Snyder, 2 passes for 32-yards to Donnie Brady, 1 for 26-yards to Tim Smith and 1 for 21-yards to Aaron Repman. Zac Scott lead the rushing attack with 85-yards and a touchdown, followed by Tim Smith with 63-yards and 2 touchdowns, Eric Updegrove with 46-yards, Jason Gigous with 29-yards, Ryan Laughman with 20-yards, Chris Helwig with 11-yards, Donnie Brady with 10-yards and Aaron Repman with 4-yards.

The New Oxford Colonials gained 122-yards rushing and 76-yards passing for a total offense of 198-yards. Quarterback Alex Smith completed 5 passes for 61-yards and backup Ross Hall completed 1 for 15-yards. Erik Harris caught 2 passes for 47-yards, Joe Ruby caught 1 for 15-yards, Tim Mathna caught 1 for 10-yards, Kody Kibbler caught 1 for 9-yards, and Adam Smith caught 1 for minus 5-yards. Adam Smith led the rushing attack with 37-yards and a touchdown (he now has 1,046-yards rushing for the season), followed by Ross Hall with 36-yards and a touchdown, Brian Lawrence with 15-yards, Doug Black with 11-yards, Justin Bream with 11-yards, Alex Smith with 11-yards (he now has 710-yards rushing for the season), and Brandon Miller with a yard.

Adam Smith returned a kickoff for 31-yards, Erik Harris returned 1 for 21-yards, Justin Bream returned 1 for 11-yards, and Tim Mathna returned 1 for 9-yards for the Colonials. Steve Norman kicked off 2 times for 91-yards, with the longest going for 50-yards, and Sean Patterson kicked off once for 40-yards for the Colonials. Kody Kibbler punted 3 times for 99-yards, with the longest going for 42-yards, for a 33-yard average, and Jake Groft punted once for 30-yards for the Colonials.

The 18-member Mustangs Cheer Leading squad was very impressive as they roused the many faithful Mustangs fans among the estimated 6,000 people in the crowd. The Colonials Cheer Leaders countered with a spirited crowd rousing performance.

The 105 member strong South Western Mustang Marching Band, 9-time Cavalcade of Bands Champion, a 2000 Tournament of Bands Champion and US Scholastic Band Champion provided the half time entertainment with the 2006 musical program entitled “Colourful Rythms,” which featured musical themes from the Millennium Celebration at Epcot Center, including “Time Prologue,” “Chaos,” “Life” and “Celebration.” Then followed the main theme from the Cirque du Soleil production, “Journey of Man” and “Tribal Mustang.” The closing number was a “lilting” Irish melody leading to the majestic strains of “We Go On.” The 88 member strong Colonials Marching Band entertained after the game with a show called “An Appalachian Suite,” including the selections: “Appalachian Morning,” “The Promise of Living” and “American Faces.”

The Mustangs of South Western are 7-1-0 overall and 5-0-0 in York Area Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) Division I league play.

Don Seidenstricker has a 161-63-1 (.719) record as coach of the Mustangs, who have a career record of 302-181-8. The results of the 491 games played in the history of the South Western Mustangs are a career .625 winning percentage and a .631 non-losing percentage.

Next week the Mustangs continue league play and host the Bearcats of York (William Penn). The Bearcats are coming off of a 34-18 victory over the Lions of Red Lion. This game will go a long way in deciding the division championship. A win would guarantee the Mustangs the title. From here it looks like the Mustangs are ready to continue their winning ways. GO MUSTANGS GO.

THE GRIDIRON 8 - 2006

By Dick Engelhardt

The Cutters of Fair Lawn High were shut out 33-0 by the INDIANS of Pascack Valley last week in Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) interdivisional action. It was the fourth straight shut out loss for our CUTTERS and the 80th in their 64 season GRIDIRON history. Fair Lawn has shut out the opposition 81 times. On defense, Mike Barchefski Ahmet Basci, Yuval Bussi, Nick Graff, Sergio LaPlaca, Kevin Ramishvilli, Dom Rizzo, Tommy Spear and Alberto Zabalaga made nice plays. Basci got off some booming punts and he and Barchefski made key 4th down stops that gave Fair Lawn the ball. Barchefski made a TD saving tackle too. While the offense was stymied, Fair Lawn fans were treated to some fireworks. Graff completed passes for yardage to Barchefski, Dan Mucha and Spear. Our “never-say-die CUTTERS” tried an onside kick to start the second half but the INDIANS recovered it. Pascack Valley now leads the 1955-56, 1984-85 and 1988-present rivalry 12-10-1 (.545).

The PATRIOTS of Wayne Hills assured themselves of at least a tie for and probably clinched the NBIL Division 1 title beating the GOLDEN KNIGHTS of Northern Valley/Old Tappan 21-10. Only the GREEN RAIDERS of Ramapo stand in the way of an undefeated NBIL Division 1 season for the PATS this weekend. In Division 2 the BRAVES of Indian Hills mauled the BEARS of Bergenfield 34-6. Fair Lawn’s NBIL Division I went 1-1 (.500) against Division 2. While Fair Lawn lost, the NBIL Division 1 HIGHLANDERS of Northern Highlands roared back from an 18-0 deficit to shock the Division 2 RAMS of Ramsey 26-18. The win still left the NBIL Division 2 leading Division 1in the 2006 series 10-5 (.667). I heard the thrilling end of that game on WGHT Radio. It was reminiscent of the most exciting game in FLHS history played at GIANTS STADIUM in 1980. Tri-Champions of the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) with Clifton and Passaic Valley, our CUTTERS faced the Indians of Passaic, representing the old Passaic Valley Conference (PVC) in the States. They trailed 7-0, 12-0, 12-7 and 18-7 but roared back to win a 27-18 1st round playoff thriller! The THUNDERBIRDS of Mahwah, NORSEMEN of Northern Valley/Demarest and those GREEN RAIDERS of Ramapo had their bye week.

Pascack Valley 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. He was there for that GIANTS STADIUM thriller. 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 in what the Passaic announcer humorously called “One River Stadium.” Craig Nielsen is a class guy! His Fair Lawn friends will be rooting for his INDIANS in the North Jersey, Section 1, GROUP II playoff hunt.

This Saturday our CUTTERS have their bye. Next week, we’ll take a look at the season to date and the goings on in the NBIL. Until then, GO CUTTERS GO!!!

THIS WEEK IN FLHS GRIDIRON HISTORY – Week 7 – 2006

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
By Dick Engelhardt

1946 – Frank Bennett’s CUTTERS were beaten 13-6 by the BUCCANEERS of Bogota in Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL) action. Fair Lawn and Bogota shared the B-PIL title and our CUTTERS took the 1945-55 rivalry 6-3-2 (.667).

1956 – Bennett’s CUTTERS were shut out 28-0 by the GRAY BEES of St. Benedict’s Prep of Newark in independent action. 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.

1966 – Frank Devens’ CUTTERS mauled the BEARS of Bergenfield 54-6 in Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) action. It was game 14 of that great 24 game non-losing streak during 1964-66. - Fair Lawn leads the 1945-48 and 1962-present rivalry 33-15 (.688) and the 1994-present Turkey Day rivalry 9-3 (.750).

1976 – Rich Szura’s CUTTERS were edged 14-10 by the HIGHWAYMEN of Teaneck in NNJIL action. During 1954-58 independently and 1959-82 in the NNJIL our CUTTERS went 17-11-1 (.607) over those HIGHWAYMEN.

1986 – Pete Natale’s CUTTERS edged the BRAVES of Indian Hills 13-10 in Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) interdivisional action. Fair Lawn leads the 1984-97 and 2000-present rivalry against the BRAVES 12-9 (.571). The BRAVES have won the last 4 games.


1996 - Mike Alberque’s CUTTERS were edged 20-14 by the PATRIOTS of Wayne Hills in NBIL Division 1 action. The PATRIOTS lead the 1984 – present rivalry 18-5 (.783). Fair Lawn’s last victory was in 1989 as Alberque’s NBIL Division 1 champion and playoff bound CUTTERS thrashed Wayne Hills 35-8.

SOUTH WESTERN MUSTANGS GRIDIRON 2006-8

By Bill Engelhardt
________

Last Friday evening, October 13, the Mustangs of South Western visited the Panthers of Central York and came away with 25-23 victory in an aerial showdown that saw the Mustangs rack up 218-yards and 2 touchdowns passing and the Panthers counter that with 233-yards and 2 touchdowns. The Mustangs started off the show with three-play a 62-yard opening drive, featuring a 6-yard run by Eric Updegrove, 5-yards of which was given back on a subsequent penalty, and a beautiful 61-yard touchdown bomb from J. C. Laughlin to Drew Snyder. Snyder kicked the extra point and the Mustangs were up 7-0 at the 10:21 point in the first quarter.

The Panthers then mounted a 41-yard drive that ended at the Mustangs 36-yard line when a run on a fake punt failed to gain a first down. A series of punt exchanges followed before the Mustangs started a drive on their own 41-yard line. A 41-yard pass from Laughlin to Jesse Smith put the Mustangs at the Panthers 18-yard line and three plays later Donnie Brady scored on a nifty 12-yard jaunt. The extra point was missed and the Mustangs led 13-0 midway through the second quarter.

On the Mustangs next possession Clay Chaney intercepted a pass for the Panthers at the Mustangs 33. On the very next play Nate Petry lofted a picture perfect 67-yard touchdown strike to Parrish Fells as the clock ran out in the first half, and Alex Kelly’s extra point kick made the score 13-7.

Late in the third quarter Ryan Brunner intercepted a pass for the Panthers and returned it 24-yards to the Mustangs 46-yard line. The drive stalled at the 12-yard line and Alex Kelly kicked a 29-yard field goal for the Panthers to make the score an interesting 13-10 in favor of the Mustangs at 9:13 in the fourth quarter.

The Mustangs punted on their next possession and the Panthers concluded a 56-yard drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Petry to Fells. Kelly’s extra point put the Panthers up 17-13 with 4:20 left in the game.

The never say die Mustangs then took the kickoff and started a 75-yard drive. A six-play drive, featuring a 13-yard pass from Laughlin to Jason Gigous, put the ball at the Panthers 42-yard line. Laughlin cranked up his arm and threw a 42-yard touchdown strike to Tim Smith. The extra point was missed but the Mustangs were up 19-17 with 1:59 left in the game.

The Panthers took the kickoff at their 15-yard line and the Mustangs Chris Wilson sacked the quarterback back at the 7. On the next play Drew Snyder intercepted a Panthers pass and returned it 30-yards for a touchdown and the Mustangs were up 25-17 with 1:01 left in the game.

The Panthers took the kickoff and started an 80-yard drive on their 20-yard line. This drive featured a 23-yard pass from Petry to Andrew Tuleya and a 34-yard pass from Petry to Ryan Wolf that put the ball on the Mustangs 3-yard line. Ryan Brunner then scored on a 3-yard run with 26 seconds left in the game. A two-point conversion pass attempt failed and the Mustangs held on for the two-point victory.

This was a game for the ages and, as Mustangs coach Don Seidenstricker pointed out, you had to feel sorry for whoever lost. The fans on both sides of the field were treated to all of the thrills and excitement they could handle in this topsy-turvy battle.

Chad LaGore and Tim Smith led the Mustangs with 12 tackles each, followed by Jason Gigous with 11 tackles and Drew Snyder with 10 tackles. Then followed Corwyn Gordon and Jesse Smith with 8, Chris Wilson with 7, Seth Barnes, Duane Rowlette and Eric Updegrove with 6, Dan Dukes, Cody Shue and, Jason Sneeringer with 5, Mike Stremmel with 3, and Randal Barnett and Donnie Brady with 1 tackle each. Tim Smith also had 4 big pass defenses, one of which saved a touchdown in the end zone, and Chris Wilson recorded 2 big sacks for the Mustangs.

Aaron Repman returned 3 punts for 29-yards, with the longest going for 14-yards, and Seth Barnes returned 2 punts for 3-yards, with the longest going for 6-yards. Repman also returned 2 kickoffs for 31-yards, with the longest going for 19-yards, and Chris Helwig returned a kickoff for 13-yards. Drew Snyder kicked off 5 times for 253-yards, with the longest going for 57-yards. Snyder punted 5 times for 167-yards for a 33.4-yard average, with the longest going for 57-yards, for the Mustangs.

Donnie Brady, Dan Dukes, Jason Gigous, Corwyn Gordon, Chad LaGore, Dale Mills, Cody Shue, Jesse Smith, Jason Sneeringer, Drew Snyder, Eric Updegrove and Chris Wilson manned the offensive and defensive line and linebacker positions. Seth Barnes, Duane Rowlette, Tim Smith and Mike Stremmel patrolled the secondary.

The Mustangs gained 107-yards rushing and 218-yards passing for a total of 325 yards of offense. J. C. Laughlin completed 7 of 18 passes for the 218-yards, including touchdowns of 61-yards to Drew Snyder and 42-yards to Tim Smith, 2 passes for 40-yards to Updegrove, and passes of 41-yards to Jesse Smith, 25-yards to Brady, and 9-yards to Gigous. Tim Smith lead the rushing attack with 39-yards, followed by Donnie Brady with 33-yards and a touchdown, Eric Updegrove with 28-yards, and Jason Gigous with 7-yards.

The Central York Panthers gained 80-yards rushing and 233-yards passing for a total offense of 313-yards. Nate Petry completed 11 passes for the 233-yards, including the touchdowns of 67 and 11-yards to Parrish Fells and 3 passes for 55-yards to Ryan Wolf, 2 for 60-yards to Troy Blankenstein, 2 for 26-yards to Andrew Tuleya, 1 for 11-yards to Le’Roy Calhoun and 1 for 3-yards to Ryan Rabuck for the Panthers. Fells led the Panthers with 49-yards rushing, followed by Tyler Gray with 35-yards, Ryan Brunner with 18-yards and a touchdown, Mike Shope with 3-yards, Clay Chaney with 2-yards, Blaine Liggins with 2-yards, Pat Strine with 2-yards and T. J. Shaffer with a yard. Nate Petry rushed 6 times for minus 32-yards.

L’Mar Calhoun returned a kickoff for 10-yards, Le’Roy Calhoun returned one for 22-yards, Blaine Liggins returned one for 6-yards and T. J. Shaffer returned two for 26-yards for the Panthers. Joe Dizio kicked off 3 times for 137-yards, with the longest going for 53-yards. Clay Chaney punted 7 times for 280-yards for a 40-yard average, with the longest going for 50-yards, for the Panthers.

The 105 member strong South Western Mustang Marching Band, 9-time Cavalcade of Bands Champion, a 2000 Tournament of Bands Champion and US Scholastic Band Champion provided the half time entertainment with the 2006 musical program entitled “Colourful Rythms,” which featured musical themes from the Millennium Celebration at Epcot Center, including “Time Prologue,” “Chaos,” “Life” and “Celebration.” Then followed the main theme from the Cirque du Soleil production, “Journey of Man” and “Tribal Mustang.” The closing number was a “lilting” Irish melody leading to the majestic strains of “We Go On.” The 124 member strong Panthers Marching Band entertained after the game with selections from “West Side Story,” including “Mambo,” “Maria,” “Cool,” “America,” ”I Have a Love,” and “Tonight.”

The Mustangs of South Western are 6-1-0 overall and 4-0-0 in York Area Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) Division I league play.

Don Seidenstricker has a 160-63-1 (.717) record as coach of the Mustangs, who have a career record of 301-181-8. The results of the 490 games played in the history of the South Western Mustangs are a career .624 winning percentage and a .631 non-losing percentage.

Next week the Mustangs continue league play and visit the undefeated Colonials of New Oxford. The Colonials are coming off of a 34-7 mauling of the Lions of Red Lion. This game could go a long way in deciding the division championship and from here it looks like the Mustangs are ready to continue their winning ways. GO MUSTANGS GO.

THE GRIDIRON 7 - 2006

By Dick Engelhardt

The CUTTERS of Fair Lawn High were shut out 26-0 by the BRAVES of Indian Hills in Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) interdivisional action last week. It was the 79th shut out loss in the 64 season GRIDIRON history of Fair Lawn High. The CUTTERS have shut out the opposition 81 times. Our “never-say-die” CUTTERS gave their diehard fans some thrills. Tommy Spear electrified the crowd racing all the way to the 10 yard line only to have a jarring tackle cause a fumble that gave the ball back to the BRAVES. The swift Spear ran a kick off back to the 50. QB Nick Graff raced 42 yards for a TD that was nullified by a penalty. Graff threw nice passes to Spear, Dom Rizzo and Dan Mucha. On “D,” Mike Barchefski, Graff, Melkis Rosario, Randy Tomlin and Mina Youssef made nice stops. Sergio LaPlaca recovered a fumble and Lasha Malazonia blocked a point after TD kick. Spear batted down a 2 point conversion try after the last Indian Hills TD. Matthew Brunetti got off some booming punts. Fair Lawn leads the 1984-97 and 2000-present rivalry 12-9 (.571) but the BRAVES have won the last 4 games!

Fair Lawn fans are often fans for life. The crowd was happy to welcome the youngest fan who promised to be a lifetime rooter. As “The Voice Of The Cutters,” it was my pleasure to introduce six week old Dominick Campanile. His proud parents are Fair Lawn offensive coordinator Vito Campanile and his wife, Kristin. And it was nice to see the Class of ’65 in town for their 41st reunion. Fans who remember Coach Pete Natale’s 1985 NBIL Division 1 champion and playoff CUTTERS can still see QB Carl Straw passing to Chris Davies and Brian Meerholz. Davies was at the game and the crowd welcomed him. And it was nice to see Oakland resident, Fair Lawn Thomas Jefferson Middle School teacher and former Fair Lawn High School Marching Band director, Gordon Fisher, back at SASSO FIELD. He has resurrected the Indian Hills Band after a 20 year hiatus and is doing a fine job. The award winning Fair Lawn High School CUTTER Marching Band directed by Paul Kafer and led by drum major Heather Marte, looked mighty fine too. What a great season of competition they’re having!

Fair Lawn’s NBIL Division 1 went 2-3 (.400) against Division 2. In addition to Fair Lawn’s loss, the GREEN RAIDERS of Ramapo were beaten 28-14 by the THUNDERBIRDS of Mahwah and the NORSEMEN of Northern Valley/Demarest were scalped 22-6 by the INDIANS of Pascack Valley while the PATRIOTS of Wayne Hills shut out the RAMS of Ramsey 41-0 and the HIGHLANDERS of Northern Highlands edged the BEARS of Bergenfield 14-13. Division 2 leads the 2006 series 9-4 (.692). The GOLDEN KNIGHTS of Northern Valley/Old Tappan had their bye week.

This Saturday our CUTTERS play their last scheduled 2006 home game at SASSO FIELD against the INDIANS of Pascack Valley in an NBIL interdivisional game. PV Coach Nielsen was the star running back on Bergenfield’s State championship team in the mid 1970s and coached at Fair Lawn under Pete Natale 1980-85. Nielsen is a class guy! His 4-1 (.800) INDIANS are in the Group II playoff hunt and will be looking for a victory over 0-6 Group III Fair Lawn. Pascack Valley leads the 1955-56, 1984-85 and 1988-present rivalry 11-10-1 (.524). I know our CUTTERS will fight to keep it close. I hope I’m wrong, but from here it looks like Pascack Valley 21 – Fair Lawn 7. GO CUTTERS GO!!!

THIS WEEK IN FLHS GRIDIRON HISTORY – Week 6 – 2006

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
By Dick Engelhardt

1946 – Frank Bennett’s CUTTERS went outside their Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL) to take shut out the CARDINALS of Pompton Lakes 7-0. During 1945-50 Charlie Benson’s CARDS and Frank Bennett’s CUTTERS split their rivalry at 3-3 (.500).

1956 – Bennett’s CUTTERS shut out the brand new NORSEMEN of Northern Valley at Demarest 47-0 in the renamed Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL). Our CUTTERS lead the 1956-58 and 1990- present rivalry 12-8 (.600) including this year’s 6-0 NORSEMEN victory.

1966 – Frank Devens’ CUTTERS ambushed the HIGHWAYMEN of Teaneck 28-7 in Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) action. It was game 13 of that great 24 game non-losing streak during 1964-66. During 1954-58 independently and 1959-82 in the NNJIL our CUTTERS went 17-11-1 (.607) over the HIGHWAYMEN.

1976 – Rich Szura’s CUTTERS were edged 20-16 by the INDIANS of Wayne Valley in NNJIL action. - During 1967-80 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 Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) in 1984.

1986 – Pete Natale’s CUTTERS edged the COWBOYS of Pascack Hills 15-14 in NBIL interdivisional action. During 1984-86 and 1994-98 our CUTTERS have gone 6-2 (.750) over the COWBOYS.

1996 – Mike Alberque’s CUTTERS edged the INDIANS of Pascack Valley 30-28 in NBIL interdivisional action. Pascack Valley leads the 1955-56, 1984-85 and 1988-present rivalry 11-10-1 (.524). The CUTTERS and INDIANS square off on October 21st at SASSO FIELD.

SOUTH WESTERN MUSTANGS GRIDIRON 2006-7

By Bill Engelhardt

300 WINS
________

Last Friday evening, October 6, the Mustangs of South Western hosted the Lions of Red Lion and galloped to an impressive 45-15 victory for the 300th win in the history of the school’s varsity football program. Eric Updegrove started things off by ending a Mustangs 65-yard 7-play drive with a 15-yard touchdown scamper. Running back Tim Smith had carried 4 times for 20-yards, Jason Gigous had added a 26-yard scamper and Updegrove had 2 carries for 19-yards on the drive.

It was largely the Tim Smith show as he gained 146-yards rushing. After Joe Ross had recovered a Mustangs fumble for the Lions, Smith almost immediately returned the favor and got the ball back for the Mustangs to set up a 51-yard, 3-play, drive. He ran for 2-yards, quarterback J. C. Laughlin ran for 10-yards and Smith took it the last 39-yards for a touchdown to put the Mustangs up 14-0 at 2:35 in the first quarter.

Taylor Gunder then brought the Lions back to life with a 74-yard, 8-play, drive that ended with his 9-yard touchdown pass to Trent Thomas. Gunder’s 44-yard pass to Thomas was the featured play in the drive. A series of punts and a just missed 51-yard field goal attempt by the Mustangs ensued. With the score 14-7 in favor of the Mustangs, the first half ended in dramatic fashion. The Lions started at their 36-yard line and had moved to the Mustangs 3-yard line, mostly on a 7-yard pass to Thomas and passes of 15 and 29-yards to Joe Doyle. Gunder lofted a pass toward Thomas in the end zone and Tim Smith batted it down for the Mustangs. Then Chad LaGore stuffed Doyle at the 1-yard line as the half came to an end.

The third quarter belonged to the Mustangs. Tim Smith took them 51-yards in 3 plays, on runs of 13, 17 and 21-yards, for another touchdown. The Lions went three and out and Seth Barnes returned their punt 36-yards to the Lions 22-yard line. A penalty put the ball on the 37. Updegrove ran to the 33, Smith ran to the 28 and then Smith galloped 28-yards for another touchdown. Another three and out series by the Lions gave the Mustangs the ball on the Lions 38-yard line. Six plays later Donnie Brady punched it over from the 2 for another touchdown. The Lions started at their 11-yard line after the kickoff and Updegrove forced Red Lion quarterback Taylor Gunder to make an intentional grounding pass from the end zone, resulting in a safety for the Mustangs and the Mustangs went up 35-7.

Early in the fourth quarter Drew Snyder added a 35-yard field goal for the Mustangs, the school record 16th of his career. Taylor Gunder completed a 28-yard touchdown pass to Taylor Dolan, against the Mustangs reserves, for the Lions, and Travis Scott scored a touchdown on a 6-yard run for the final Mustangs touchdown with 0.52 left in the game.

Jason Gigous led the defense with 11 tackles, Eric Updegrove registered 2 sacks (one of which resulted in the safety) and Donnie Brady and Chad LaGore each had a sack. Chris Wilson recovered an offensive fumble to keep the ball for the Mustangs. Josh Rummel had the interception and Tim Smith had the fumble recovery. LaGore and Wilson each had 9 tackles Jason Sneeringer and Updegrove each had 6 tackles, Seth Barnes, Corwyn Gordon, Duane Rowlette and Drew Snyder each had 5 tackles, Bryan Bosley and Cody Shue each had 4 tackles, Donnie Brady, Josh Rummel and Tim Smith each had 3 tackles, and a host of players had one or two tackles for the Mustangs. Cody Shue caused the fumble that Tim Smith recovered, Seth Barnes and Tim Smith each broke up 2 passes, and Jesse Smith and Matt Ferguson each broke up a pass for the Mustangs.

Seth Barnes returned 2 punts for 40-yards, with the longest going for 36-yards, and Aaron Repman returned 1 punt for 18-yards. Barnes also returned a kickoff for 19-yards, Repman returned 1 for 18-yards, and Matt Ferguson returned 1 for 7-yards. Drew Snyder kicked off 8 times for 390-yards, including 2 touchbacks. Snyder punted 3 times for 114-yards, for a 38-yard average, with the longest going for 46-yards.

Bryan Bosley, Donnie Brady, Dan Dukes, Jason Gigous, Corwyn Gordon, Chad LaGore, Dale Mills, Cody Shue, Jesse Smith, Jason Sneeringer, Drew Snyder, Eric Updegrove and Chris Wilson manned the offensive and defensive line and linebacker positions. Seth Barnes, Duane Rowlette, Tim Smith, Mike Stremmel and Kory Yelton patrolled the secondary.

The Mustangs gained 316-yards rushing and 24-yards passing for a total of 340 yards of offense. J. C. Laughlin completed 3 of 8 passes for the 28-yards; 12-yards to Aaron Repman, 12-yards to Drew Snyder and 4-yards to Donnie Brady, and Dan Brenneman completed a pass to Pete Kudla for minus 4-yards. Tim Smith lead the rushing attack with his 146-yards and 3 touchdowns, followed by Eric Updegrove with 53-yards and a touchdown, Jason Gigous with 37-yards, Donnie Brady with 23-yards and a touchdown, Aaron Repman with 18-yards, Travis Scott with 17-yards and a touchdown, Pete Kudla with 10-yards, J. C. Laughlin with 7-yards, and Justin Barnes with 6-yards.

The Red Lion Lions gained 66-yards rushing and 219-yards passing for a total offense of 285-yards. Joe Doyle led the Lions rushing attack with 38-yards (and he ran in a 2-point conversion), followed by Taylor Gunder with 23-yards, Ethan Becker for 8-yards, and Brett Fishel for minus yardage. Gunder completed 14 passes for the 219-yards, including 9 for 133-yards and a touchdown to Trent Thomas, 1 for 29-yards to Joe Doyle, 1 for 27-yards and a touchdown to Taylor Dolan, 2 for 18-yards to Seden Craig, and 1 for 12-yards to Mike Nalls. Kevin Baughman, with 11 tackles, and Joe Ross, with 10 tackles, led the defense.

The 105 member strong South Western Mustangs Marching Band, 9-time Cavalcade of Bands Champion, a 2000 Tournament of Bands Champion and US Scholastic Band Champion provided the post game entertainment with the 2006 musical program entitled “Colourful Rythms,” which featured musical themes from the Millennium Celebration at Epcot Center, including “Time Prologue,” “Chaos,” “Life” and “Celebration.” Then followed the main theme from the Cirque du Soleil production, “Journey of Man” and “Tribal Mustangs.” The closing number was a “lilting” Irish melody leading to the majestic strains of “We Go On.” The 75 member strong Lions Marching Band entertained at half-time with the theme “Black & White,” featuring four movements: music from the film “Sleepy Hollow,” “Nimrod,” “Back in Black,” and “World’s Finale.”

The Mustangs of South Western are 5-1-0 overall and 3-0-0 in York Area Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) Division I league play. They have outscored their opponents 213 to 45 for an average victory of 35.5 to 7.5.

Don Seidenstricker has a 159-63-1 (.715) record as coach of the Mustangs, who have a career record of 300-181-8. The results of the 489 games played in the history of the South Western Mustangs are a career .624 winning percentage and a .630 non-losing percentage.

Next week the Mustangs continue league play and visit the Panthers of Central York. The Panthers are coming off of a 20-14 loss at the hands of the Eagles of Exeter Township. From here it looks like the Mustangs will continue to gallop along on the winning track. GO MUSTANGS GO.

THE GRIDIRON 6-2006

By Dick Engelhardt

The CUTTERS of Fair Lawn High were shut out 27-0 last Saturday by the GREEN RAIDERS of Ramapo in Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) Division 1 action. It was the 78th shut out loss in Fair Lawn’s 64 year Gridiron history while our CUTTERS have shut out their opponents 81 times. The GREEN RAIDERS lead the 1956-58 and 1984-present rivalry 16-10 (.615). Our “never-say-die” CUTTERS kept it close for some time trailing only 7-0 at the half. Tommy Spear ran the kick off back to the 45 and a kick off after a TD back to the 35. He had a great return nullified by a penalty. Nick Graff picked up yardage running and, when he was in at QB, threw some nice passes to Spear and Joey Visaggio. Mike Agyemang, Dom Novielli, Dom Rizzo and Mina Youseff made big plays on “D.” Spear intercepted a pass, Sergio LaPlaca made a TD saving tackle, Mike Barchefski sacked the QB and Graff and Ahmet Basci teamed up on a sack. Our heroes were outsized though and couldn’t get anything going on offense.

It was a pleasure for me to announce that the Class of 1961 was in town for their 45 year reunion. They were seniors on the 1960 CUTTERS which were the last team to play for legendary coach Frank Bennett. During 1945-60 Bennett posted a record of 71-55-6 (.564). His CUTTERS won Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL) titles in 1945, their first year in the league, 1946 with the BUCCANEERS of Bogota, 1947 with the GOLDEN BEARS of Lyndhurst, 1953 and 1955, when my twin brother, Bill, and I were water boys. Bennett’s ’53 CUTTERS, with Dave Sime, the world’s fastest human, lugging the pigskin, were North Jersey, Section 1, Group III State champions with Hackensack.

In the other NBIL Division 1 games the PATRIOTS of Wayne Hills continued their run through the league and remained undefeated trouncing the NORSEMEN of Northern Valley/Demarest 48-0 while the GOLDEN KNIGHTS of Northern Valley/Old Tappan beat the HIGHLANDERS of Northern Highlands 42-21. In Division 2 the THUNDERBIRDS of Mahwah surprised the INDIANS of Pascack Valley 7-6 and the RAMS of Ramsey scalped the BRAVES of Indian Hills 32-14. The BEARS of Bergenfield had their bye week.

This week our CUTTERS are home at Sasso Field at 2:30 hosting the BRAVES of Indian Hills in an NBIL interdivisional game. Fair Lawn leads the 1984-97 and 2000-present rivalry against the BRAVES 12-8 (.600). Our CUTTERS are 0-5 and have been outscored an average of 26-6. Indian Hills is 0-4 and has been outscored an average of 41-10. This is a game our CUTTERS can win with an all out effort. From here it looks like Fair Lawn 14 – Indian Hills 10. GO CUTTERS GO!!!

THIS WEEK IN FLHS GRIDIRON HISTORY – Week 5 – 2006

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
By Dick Engelhardt

1946 – Frank Bennett’s CUTTERS were on their way to a Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL) co-championship with the BUCCANEERS of Bogota and demolished the RAMS of Ramsey 39-7 in league play. Fair Lawn leads the 1945-58, 1984-99 and 2002-present rivalry by an astounding 28 games to 7 (.800) including this year’s thrilling 21-14 Ramsey victory!

1956 – Bennett’s CUTTERS beat those same RAMS 34-6 in the renamed Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL).

1966 – Frank Devens’ CUTTERS went outside their Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) to beat the RAMS of Lodi 50-21 in independent action. It was the 12th game of that wonderful 24 game non-losing streak during 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.

1976 – Rich Szura’s CUTTERS filled the spot caused by the BOILERMAKERS of Garfield leaving the NNJIL by hosting the IRONMEN of Don Bosco. With 2 Fair Lawn players at running back the IRONMEN were calling time out trying to score more near the end of their 30-0 shut out victory. In 1976 in independent action and 1982 and 83 in the NNJIL the IRONMEN went 3-0 over our CUTTERS. The unfair advantage the parochial schools had was the main reason Fair Lawn and Bergenfield left the NNJIL in 1984 and returned to the NBIL, which Fair Lawn had left in 1959 and Bergenfield in 1949.

1986 – Pete Natale’s CUTTERS were shut out 27-0 by the BEARS of Bergenfield, who were on their way to the NBIL Division 1 title. Fair Lawn leads the 1945-48 and 1962-present rivalry 33-15 (.688) and the 1994-present Turkey Day rivalry 9-3 (.750).

1996 – Mike Alberque’s CUTTERS beat the GOLDEN KNIGHTS of Northern Valley/ Old Tappan 43-23 in NBIL Division 1 action. Fair Lawn leads the 1984 – present rivalry 14–9 (.609) but the GOLDEN KNIGHTS have won the last 5 games including their 27-8 opening day victory this year.

SOUTH WESTERN MUSTANGS GRIDIRON 2006-6

By Bill Engelhardt
________

Last Friday evening, September 29, the Mustangs of South Western visited the Rockets of Spring Grove and galloped to an impressive 35-7 victory. Running back Tim Smith led the charge as he ended the Mustangs 71-yard opening drive with a 28-yard touchdown scamper. Chad LaGore kept the drive alive with a fumble recovery that he advanced for 5-yards and a first down.

The Rockets then went 3 and out and punted, the Mustangs went 3 and out and punted, and the Rockets again went 3 and out and punted. The Mustangs then had a 19-yard drive end with a missed 30-yard field goal attempt. The Rockets countered with a 35-yard drive but Chris Wilson ended that with a fumble recovery for the Mustangs on their own 45-yard line. Six plays later J. C. Laughlin hit Drew Snyder in stride for a beautiful 31-yard touchdown and the Mustangs went up 14-0 at 7:17 of the second quarter.

The Rockets punted from their own 8-yard line on their next possession and the Mustangs ended up with a short field at the 25. Seven plays later saw Tim Smith plunge in from the 3-yard line for his second touchdown.

Purnell Richardson then ignited the crowd with a 47-yard kickoff return but after 3 incomplete passes the Rockets punted to the Mustangs 7-yard line, and the first half ended shortly thereafter with the Mustangs on top 21-0.

The Rockets mounted a 75-yard drive to open the second half. Runs by Matt Duncan and Purnell Richardson and a pass from Trapnell to Derek Spangler led to a 10-yard touchdown strike from Trapnell to Josh Miller for a 21-7 score.

The Mustangs countered immediately with 77-yard drive ending with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Laughlin to Snyder, for a 28-7 score. The Rockets went 3 and out and punted and Aaron Repman returned the punt 27-yards to the Rockets 27-yard line. Two plays later Laughlin lofted a perfect spiral to Jesse Snyder in the corner of the end zone for a 27-yard touchdown that was the final score of the game and upped the score to 35-7 with 2:10 left in the third quarter. Both teams then emptied their benches for the rest of the game.

Jason Gigous (who led the team with 9 tackles), Chad LaGore and Chris Wilson each recorded a sack, Bryan Shanklin had an interception, and Wilson recovered a fumble for the Mustangs. Seth Barnes, Corwyn Gordon, Jason Sneeringer and Drew Snyder each had 5 tackles; Bryan Bosley, Donnie Brady, Dan Dukes, Tim Smith, and Jesse Smith each had 4 tackles; Chad LaGore and Cody Shue had 3 tackles and a host of Mustangs registered one or two tackles for the Mustangs. Seth Barnes, Jesse Smith and Chris Wilson broke up or batted down passes for the Mustangs.

Seth Barnes returned 3 punts for 49-yards, with the longest going for 31-yards, and Aaron Repman returned 3 punts for 44-yards, with the longest going for 28-yards. Repman also returned 2 kickoffs for 31-yards, with the longest going for 21-yards. Drew Snyder kicked off 6 times for 338-yards, including 2 touchbacks. Snyder punted once for 42-yards.

Bryan Bosley, Donnie Brady, Dan Dukes, Jason Gigous, Corwyn Gordon, Chad LaGore, Dale Mills, Cody Shue, Jesse Smith, Jason Sneeringer, Drew Snyder, Eric Updegrove and Chris Wilson manned the offensive and defensive line and linebacker positions. Seth Barnes, Duane Rowlette, Tim Smith, Mike Stremmel and Kory Yelton patrolled the secondary.

The Mustangs gained 303-yards rushing and 89-yards passing for a total of 392 yards of offense. J. C. Laughlin completed 4 of 7 passes for the 73-yards and 3 touchdowns, including touchdowns of 31 and 8-yards to Drew Snyder (who caught 3 passes for 46-yards) and a 27-yard touchdown to Jesse Smith, and Dan Brenneman completed a pass for 16-yards to Josh Rummel. Tim Smith lead the rushing attack with 108-yards and 2 touchdowns, followed by Eric Updegrove with 70-yards, Aaron Repman with 40, Donnie Brady with 38, Bryan Shanklin with 23, Chris Helwig with 9, Travis Scott with 8, Justin Barnes with 5, Seth Barnes with 2-yards and J. C. Laughlin with a yard. John Bingham had 1 carry for minus a yard.

The Spring Grove Rockets gained 67-yards rushing and 18-yards passing for a total offense of 85-yards. Trapnell completed 3 passes for the 18-yards, to Brough for no gain, Josh Miller for 11-yards, and Derek Spangler for 7-yards. Eric Brough led the rushing attack with 6 carries for 46-yards, followed by Purnell Richardson with 1 for 10, Matt Duncan with 3 for 5, Trevor Trapnell with 14 for 4, Corey Kopp with 1 for 1, and Dan Stambaugh with 1 for 1-yard.

Purnell Richardson returned 3 kickoffs for 77-yards, with the longest going for 47-yards, and Eric Brough returned one for 28-yards. Matt Duncan returned one punt for no yardage. Trapnell punted 7 times for 260-yards for a 37.14-yard average, with the longest going for 48-yards, for the Rockets.

The 105 member strong South Western Mustang Marching Band, 9-time Cavalcade of Bands Champion, a 2000 Tournament of Bands Champion and US Scholastic Band Champion provided the half-time entertainment with the 2006 musical program entitled “Colourful Rythms,” which featured musical themes from the Millennium Celebration at Epcot Center, including “Time Prologue,” “Chaos,” “Life” and “Celebration.” Then followed the main theme from the Cirque du Soleil production, “Journey of Man” and “Tribal Mustang.” The closing number was a “lilting” Irish melody leading to the majestic strains of “We Go On.” The 63 member strong Rockets Marching Band (The Blue Crew) entertained before the game with a rousing performance with the theme “Dancing to The Moon,” including “How High to the Moon,” “Moondance,” and “12 Seconds to the Moon.”

The Mustangs of South Western are 4-1-0 overall and 2-0-0 in York Area Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) Division I league play.

Don Seidenstricker has a 158-63-1 (.715) record as coach of the Mustangs, who have a career record of 299-181-8. The results of the 488 games played in the history of the South Western Mustangs are a career .623 winning percentage and a .629 non-losing percentage.

Next week the Mustangs continue league play and host the Lions of Red Lion. The Lions are coming off of a 21-14 upset at the hands of the Panthers of Central York. From here it looks like the Mustangs are primed to gallop along on the winning track. GO MUSTANGS GO.

THE GRIDIRON 5 - 2006

By Dick Engelhardt

The CUTTERS of Fair Lawn High lost a 6-0 heart breaker to the NORSEMEN of Northern Valley/Demarest last Saturday in Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) Division 1 action. Sam Sierra kicked off to the NORSEMEN and Mike Barchefski recovered a fumble ending the NV drive. The defensive battle was on and Barchefski was a veritable warrior on the field making key stops He almost picked off a pass late in the game in a play that might have resulted in a TD and a 7-6 Fair Lawn victory. Nick Graff nearly picked off a pass too and Ahmet Basci, Sergio LaPlaca, Dan Mucha, Dom Novielli, Kevin Ramishvilli, Eric Savvides and Mina Youssef made big hits. The NORSEMEN led 3-0 on a field goal at the half. Barchefski handed off repeatedly to Joey Visaggio who picked up key yardage but our CUTTERS constantly found themselves in poor field position after their first two drives. With the NORSEMEN up 6-0 after a 2nd field goal, our CUTTERS started their last drive on their own 20. With Visaggo slashing through defenders and Dom Rizzo and Graff running they moved the ball to mid-field when the NORSEMEN intercepted a pass at their own 20 enabling them to run out the clock. Our CUTTERS still lead the 1956-58 and 1990- present rivalry 12-8 (.600).

The shut out loss was the 77th in Fair Lawn High history while our CUTTERS have shut out their opponents 81 times. The last shut out loss was 48-0 at the hands of the PATRIOTS of Wayne Hills last year while Fair Lawn’s most recent shut out victory was 20-0 over the KNIGHTS of Paterson’s JFK High in State consolation action in 2003. Fair Lawn’s NBIL Division 1 went 1-2 (.333) against Division 2. The PATRIOTS of Wayne Hills mauled the BEARS of Bergenfield 42-0 but the GREEN RAIDERS of Ramapo lost 21-16 to the RAMS of Ramsey and the GOLDEN KNIGHTS of Northern Valley/Old Tappan lost 28-27 to the INDIANS of Pascack Valley. Division 2 leads the 2006 race 6-2 (.750). The THUNDERBIRDS of Mahwah brought the NBIL record to 2-0 against other leagues shocking the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) BULLDOGS of Bergen Tech 27-6. The BRAVES of Indian Hills and HIGHLANDERS of Northern Highlands had their Bye week.

This Saturday our CUTTERS are home at Sasso Field against the GREEN RAIDERS of Ramapo in another NBIL Division 1 game. Ramapo leads the 1956-58 and 1984-present rivalry 15-10 (.600). Fair Lawn’s last victory was in 1995 when Ramapo (Now Tampa Bay Buccaneers) QB Chris Simms was a freshman. Both teams are 0-4. Their common opponent, Ramsey, beat Fair Lawn 21-14 and Ramapo 21-16. Ramsey took an intentional safety to run off the final seconds against Ramapo and the GREEN RAIDERS didn’t earn those extra 2 points. So Fair Lawn and Ramapo are very evenly matched. The GREEN RAIDERS, who are accustomed to chasing the PATRIOTS of Wayne Hills for the NBIL Division 1 title and the North Jersey, Section 1, Group III State championship, are in shock at being winless. Our CUTTERS hope to make that shock and awe this week with a victory. From here it looks like Fair Lawn 14 – Ramapo 7. GO CUTTERS GO!!!