THIS WEEK IN FLHS GRIDIRON HISTORY – 2009 Week 4

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
By Dick Engelhardt

1949 – Frank Bennett’s CUTTERS were shutout 27-0 by the GOLDEN BEARS of Lyndhurst in Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL) action. Those GOLDEN BEARS mauled the BEARS of Hawthorne 110-0 that season! Fair Lawn took the fierce 1945 – 53 rivalry with Lyndhurst 5-4 (.556). The B-PIL became the Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) in 1956.

1959 – Bennett’s CUTTERS, shutout the RED RAIDERS of Cliffside Park 32-0 in Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) action. Our CUTTERS took the 1959-66 rivalry against the RED RAIDERS 6-2 (.750) before Cliffside Park left the NNJIL for the Bergen County Scholastic League (BCSL) American Division.

1969 – Frank Devens’ CUTTERS bushwhacked the HIGHWAYMEN of Teaneck 29-7 in NNJIL action. During 1954-58 independently and 1959-82 in the NNJIL our CUTTERS went 17-11-1 (.607) over the HIGHWAYMEN. Fair Lawn’s 20-6 victory in 2009, in North Jersey Tri-County Conference (NJTCC) Division C action, put our CUTTERS up 18-11-1 (.621) in the series.

1979 – Pete Natale’s CUTTERS were stung 20-14 by the HORNETS of Passaic Valley 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 including a 20-0 shut out victory in the 1980 State playoff finals at GIANTS STADIUM after Fair Lawn had beaten the INDIANS of Passaic 27-18 in the first round.

1989 – Mike Alberque’s NBIL Division 1 CUTTERS beat the MAROON RAIDERS of Englewood and the BCSL American Division 33-6 in independent action. Independently 1945-46, 1957-58 and 1986-89 and in the NNJIL 1959-71, our CUTTERS have gone 14-7 (.667) over the MAROON RAIDERS.

1999 – Alberque’s CUTTERS were beaten 30-13 by the HIGHLANDERS of Northern Highlands in NBIL interdivisional action. Fair Lawn leads the 1986-93 and 1998 – 2008 rivalry 10-9 (.526). Realignment has ended it for now.

SOUTH WESTERN MUSTANGS GRIDIRON 2009-5

By Bill Engelhardt
________

Last Friday evening, September 25, the Mustangs of South Western visited the Eagles of Dover and came away with a convincing 61-38 victory. A bevy of runners galloped for 349-yards, Ian Smith passed for 141-yards and 2 touchdowns and Bobby Porter passed for 14-yards for the Mustangs.

The Eagles went three and out to start the game and the Mustangs drove 45-yards in five plays, with Levi Sager scoring on a 22-yard jaunt. Ian Smith’s kick made the score 7-0 at 9:58 in the first quarter. The Eagles came back with a 32-yard drive but Ryan Sexton recovered a fumble for the Mustangs at their own 33. Four plays later, featuring a 39-yard pass from Smith to Jeb Shipley, Kyle King scored on a 13-yard run and the score went to 13-0 at 3:58.

After an Eagles punt, the Mustangs ended a 79-yard drive in 2 plays when Mike Felton took a lateral from Smith 77-yards for the touchdown. Smith’s extra point made it 20-0 at 1:06.

After another Eagles punt, the Mustangs went 53-yards in 4 plays, ending with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Jimmy Nicklas. Smiths’ extra point made it 27-0 at 10:29 in the second quarter. Kiem Legrant’s 53-yard return of the kickoff put the Eagles at the Mustangs 43-yard line, but they had to punt again. The Mustangs drove 63-yards in 4 plays, featuring a 36-yard pass to King and ending with a 22-yard touchdown jaunt by J. R. Mummert. Smith’s extra point upped the score to 34-0 at 6:31.

The Eagles finally got on the board when Kiem Legrant returned the kickoff 87-yards and Devin Dellinger scored on a 5-yard run. The score went to 34-6 at 6:10.

The Mustangs stormed right back with a 69-yard 6-play drive, featuring a 28-yard run by Mummert and ending with a 31-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Kyle Mahorney. Smith’s extra point kick upped the score to 41-6 at 4:11.

The Eagles came back with a 82-yard, ten play, drive, featuring a 33-yard pass from Dellinger to Jared Shipley, and ending with a 6-yard touchdown run by Mark Ball, making the score 41-12 with 11 seconds left in the first half.

Levi Sager returned the Eagles kickoff for an 85-yard touchdown. Smith’s extra point kick put the Mustangs up 48-12 as the first half came to an end.

The Mustangs started the second half at their own 45-yard line and Sager immediately galloped on a 55-yard touchdown run. Phil Propalis kicked the extra point to up the score to 55-12 at 11:14 in the third quarter.

The Eagles scored a touchdown on a 60-yard pass from Dellinger to Legrant and another on a 29-yard pass from Dellinger to Connor Snyder. The score was 55-24 at the end of three quarters.

The Eagles scored again on a 47-yard, 4 play drive ending with Dellinger’s 5-yard touchdown. Jared Shipley’s extra point kick made the score 55-31 at 10:18.

Mike Pugh returned the Eagles kickoff 52-yards to the Eagles 37-yard line and the Mustangs scored a touchdown 3 plays later with a 16-yard jaunt by Marty Deal. Tyler Zerbe blocked the extra point attempt and the score went to 61-31 with 7:18 left in the game.

The Eagles drove 65-yards in six plays, ending with Jared Shipley’s 2-yard touchdown run. His extra point kick made the final score 61-38 with 2:21 left in the game.

Jake Shaffer led the Mustangs defense with 7 tackles, followed by Ryan Sexton with 6, Marty Deal, Cody Fricke, Carnie Fryfogle, Jake Myers, and Levi Sager with 5 each, Jeff Hacker and Jeb Shipley with 4 each, Aaron Bosley, Dan Laird, Mike Pugh, and Matt Stroda with 3 each, Brady Conroy, Colby Fuhrman, Matt Funk, Cody Kephart, Kyle King, Tyrell McCleary, and Billy Utz with 2 each, and Casey Froehlich, Dillon Langenfeld, Jimmy Nicklas, Keith Pappas, Bobby Porter, Norton Redding, and Woody Stetter with 1 tackle each. Fricke recorded 2 sacks, a pass hurry, and 2 pass defenses, Bosley and Fryfogle each recorded a pass hurry, and Nicklas recorded a pass defense, for the Mustangs.

Mike Pugh returned 4 kickoffs for 87-yards, with the longest going for 52-yards, Levi Sager returned a kickoff for 85-yards and a touchdown, Tyrell McCleary returned a kickoff for 26-yards and Jeff Hacker returned a kickoff for 2-yards for the Mustangs. Sager also fair caught 1 punt and returned 1 for 11-yards, for the Mustangs. Norton Redding kicked off 7 times for 299-yards, with the longest going for 55-yards, and Mike Felton kicked off 2 times for 87-yards, with the longest going for 44-yards, for the Mustangs. Hacker punted 1 time for 22-yards for the Mustangs.

Aaron Bosley, Mason Brady, Cody Fricke, Colby Fuhrman, Dan Laird, Kyle Mahorney, Jake Myers, Ryan Sexton, Jake Shaffer, Billy Utz, and Anthony Wildasin manned the offensive and defensive line and linebacker positions, with help from Brady Conroy, Carnie Fryfogle, Jeff Hacker, Cody Kephart, Matt Funk, Norton Redding, Woody Stetter, Matt Stroda, and Leonard Sturgis. Jimmy Nicklas, Levi Sager, and Jeb Shipley patrolled the secondary, with help from Casey Froehlich, Marty Deal, Tyrell McCleary, and Mike Pugh, for the Mustangs.

The Mustangs gained 349-yards rushing and 155-yards passing for a total of 504- yards of offense. Levi Sager led the Mustangs rushing attack with 4 carries for 88-yards (including touchdowns of 22 and 55-yards), followed by J. R. Mummert with 7 for 79-yards (including a 22-yard touchdown), Mike Felton with 1 for 77-yards and a touchdown, Jeb Shipley with 4 for 38-yards, Marty Deal with 4 for 30-yards (including a 16-yard touchdown), Kyle King with 2 for 20-yards (including a 13-yard touchdown), Mike Pugh with 2 for 12-yards, Matt Stroda with 1 for 8-yards, Reid Cruz with 1 for 1-yard, Jeff Hacker with 2 for no yards, and Carnie Fryfogle with 1 for minus 4-yards. Quarterback Ian Smith completed 4 of 7 passes for 141-yards and 2 touchdowns, 1 for 39-yards to Shipley, 1 for 36-yards to King, 1 for 35-yards and a touchdown to Jimmy Nicklas, and 1 for 31-yards and a touchdown to Kyle Mahorney, and quarterback Bobby Porter completed 1 of 2 passes for 14-yards to Cody Kephart, for the Mustangs. Levi Sager returned a kickoff 85-yards for a touchdown, Ian Smith kicked 6 extra points, Phil Propalis kicked an extra point, and Ryan Sexton recovered a fumble for the Mustangs.

Mike Leprosti led the Eagles with 9 tackles, followed by Joe Colon with 6, Josh Firestone and Connor Snyder with 5 each, Zach Bachynski and Jeff Wesko with 3 each, Brad Smith and Jason Snyder with 2 each, and Dylan Border, Sean Finley, Tyler Fisher, Chris Hege, Kiem Legrant, and Dan Mikos with 1 tackle each. Jared Shipley kicked 2 extra points and intercepted a pass and Tyler Zerbe blocked an extra point kick, for the Eagles.

Kiem Legrant returned 6 kickoffs for 183-yards, with the longest going for 87-yards, Jared Shipley returned 1 for 9-yards, Jeff Wesko returned 1 for 8-yards, and Taylor Winkleman returned 1 kickoff for minus 3-yards for the Eagles. Mike Lopreski kicked off 7 times for 307-yards and Devin Dellinger punted 4 times for 133-yards for the Eagles.

The Eagles gained 152-yards rushing and 195-yards passing for a total offense of 347-yards. Kiem Legrant led the Eagles rushing attack with 2 carries for 50-yards, followed by Devin Dellinger with 8 for 34-yards (including 2 touchdowns of 5-yards each), Jared Shipley with 3 for 33-yards (including a 2-yard touchdown), Mark Ball with 10 for 22-yards (including a 6-yard touchdown), Zach Bachynski with 3 for 13-yards, and Connor Snyder with 1 for no yards. Quarterback Dellinger completed 12 of 20 passes for 195-yards and 2 touchdowns, 2 for 94-yards to Legrant (including a 60-yard touchdown), 2 for 38-yards to Snyder (including a 29-yard touchdown), 3 for 23-yards to Brad Smith, 2 for 20-yards to Ball, 1 for 10-yards to Taylor Winkleman, 1 for 6-yards to Josh Firestone, and 1 for 4-yards to Jose Colon, for the Eagles. Jared Shipley kicked 2 extra points for the Eagles.

The 83 member 9-time Cavalcade of Bands Champions, Tournament of Bands Group IV Champion and US Scholastic Band Champion South Western Mustangs Marching Band put on a stirring half time performance. The field production of the 2009 edition of the Band, under the guidance of second year Director Ethan Clark, is titled “Horsing Around in the Mustang Corral” and is a 50th anniversary musical celebration featuring the school “Alma Mater,” “Magnificent 7,” a lullaby of “All The Pretty Little Horses,” and “The Red Pony.” The 141 member Dover Eagles Marching Band and the 92 member 7th and 8th grade Concert Band entertained the crowd with pregame time performance of Twist and Shout, Blueberry Hill and Shake Rattle and Roll. Then the Eagles Marching Band performed their regular program after the game with the “Music of Queen,” including the tunes “Bicycle Ride,” “Body Language,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Recently the Dover district was named one of the “100 Best Communities in the Nation for Music Education.” The 22 members strong Mustangs Cheer Leading squad roused the faithful all during this high scoring game.

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

Don Seidenstricker has a 177-77-1 (.697) record as coach of the Mustangs, who have a career record of 318-195-8. The results of the 521 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 host the Wildcats of Dallastown. Dallastown (2-2 overall, 1-0 league) is coming off of a 16-0 shutout over the Colonials of New Oxford. From here it looks like the Mustangs have hit their stride and are set to continue their winning ways. GO MUSTANGS GO.

THE GRIDIRON 4 - 2009

By Dick Engelhardt

The CUTTERS of Fair Lawn High stung the BEES of Bayonne 48-8 last Saturday in North Jersey Tri-County Conference (NJTCC) crossover action. Right from the start, center Regis Larkin, guards Max Jacobs and Matt Paisley and tackles Adam Polisi and Steve Sherlock opened big holes for backs Egor Buharin, James Hegybeli and Christian Samra, Hegybeli ran to the 11, Samra bulled to the 1 and QB Travis Kubasta ran for the TD behind Larkin. With Larkin snapping and Brendan Walis holding, the sure footed Chris Soltys kicked the extra point and our CUTTERS never looked back from their 7-0 lead! Samra rambled to the 9 and Hegybeli ran for a TD and it was 13-0. Samra’s TD put Fair Lawn up 19-0 and Kubasta’s 2 point conversion pass to Hegybeli made it 21-0. Kubasta threw a picture pass to James Mallon for a big first down and passed to Buharin for another. His TD pass to Mallon made it 27-0 and the PAT by Soltys had our heroes up 28-0. Kubasta passed to Bryan Turton for a TD and the PAT kick by Soltys had Fair Lawn up 35-0 at the half.

Buharin rambled to the 3 and then bulled his way for the TD and Soltys’ kick put Fair Lawn up 42-0. Davon Johnson electrified the crowd with a 60 yard TD gallop closed out the scoring for Fair Lawn. QB Dan Prigge took a knee to end the game. The “D” was outstanding as Kevin Benjamin teamed up with Polisi for a big sack, Mallon and Benjamin stopped a runner for a loss and Mallon and Tim Schrettner stuffed a fake punt try. Andy Chorlian, Sherlock and Sam Vovsi made great plays and Polisi recovered a fumble.

The victory brings Fair Lawn’s record against Bayonne to 1-1 (.500). The teams faced each other in that memorable State playoff game in 1987 when, in gale force winds and bitter cold at Veterans Memorial Stadium, Pete Natale’s CUTTERS were stung 12-6 by the BEES. Our CUTTERS got their revenge big time 22 years later! It was a thrill seeing a member of the original CUTTERS 1943 team at the game! Bill Perkins was one of the miscreants whose sneak trip to the Rivoli Theater in Paterson during school hours led to the naming of “The CUTTERS of Fair Lawn High.” He scored the 1st TD in FLHS Gridiron history. Bill, along with the other original “CUTTERS” and their coach, Marty Fischbein, will be inducted into the FLHS Athletic Hall of Fame this weekend.

The Fair Lawn Football Association cheerleaders put on a great show. They were assisted by FLHS cheerleaders and their coach, Lauren Gimon. “Gimon’s gals” do a fine job each week!

Fair Lawn’s NJTCC Division 3 went 4-0 against outsiders bringing its 2009 record to 8-1 (.889). In addition to Fair Lawn’s victory, the HIGHLANDERS of West Milford shocked the LANCERS of Lakeland 22-12, the HIGHWAYMEN of Teaneck ambushed the BRUINS of North Bergen 10-7 and the PATRIOTS of Wayne Hills brought their winning streak to 55 games shutting out the INDIANS of Wayne Valley 7-0. They face the GREEN KNIGHTS of St. Joseph in a battle of unbeatens Friday night in the NJTCC Division 3 “game of the year.” St. Joseph had their by this week.

On Saturday at 2:00 our CUTTERS are home at Sasso Field against the HIGHLANDERS of West Milford in NJTCC Division 3 action. The 2009 inductees to the FLHS Athletic Hall of Fame, including this writer, will be introduced at halftime. The game will be broadcast on WGHT Radio 1500AM. The teams faced each other in 1983 when Fair Lawn’s Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) created 3 divisions making independent games possible. Pete Natale’s CUTTERS were beaten 33-13 by the Northern Hills Conference (NHC) Skyline Division HIGHLANDERS. West Milford is 1-2 (.333) and has been outscored 93-29 for an average 31-10 loss. Fair Lawn is 3-0 and has outscored the opposition 80-22 for an average 27-7 victory. From here it looks like Fair Lawn 28 – West Milford 7. GO CUTTERS GO!!!

THIS WEEK IN FLHS GRIDIRON HISTORY – 2009 Week 3

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
By Dick Engelhardt

1949 – Frank Bennett’s CUTTERS went outside their Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL) to shutout Bloomfield Tech 13-0. The ’52 CUTTERS would shutout Tech 53-0 ending the rivalry at 2-0 Fair Lawn

1959 – Bennett’s CUTTERS, made a statement in their maiden season in the tough Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) beating the heavily favored COMETS of Hackensack 27-6. - During 1959-82 in the NNJIL action, the COMETS went 16-7-1 (.696) over our CUTTERS. 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.

1969 – Frank Devens’ CUTTERS shutout the INDIANS of Wayne Valley 6-0 in NNJIL action. During 1967-80 the INDIANS went 9-5 (.643) over our CUTTERS in the NNJIL. In 1967 the INDIANS were just Wayne High School but became Wayne Valley in ’69 when Wayne Hills opened. 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.

1979 – Pete Natale’s CUTTERS shutout those COMETS of Hackensack 33-0 in NNJIL action.

1989 – Mike Alberque’s CUTTERS edged the BEARS of Bergenfield 20-18 in NBIL Division 1 action. Fair Lawn leads the 1945-48 and 1962-2008 rivalry 35-16 (.686) and the 1994-2008 Turkey Day rivalry 11-4 (.733). The teams have squared off 1945-48 in the B-PIL, 1962-83 in the NNJIL and since 1984 in the NBIL. Realignment has ended the rivalry, at least for now.

1999 – Alberque’s CUTTERS mauled the GOLDEN KNIGHTS of Northern Valley, Old Tappan 39-12in NBIL Division 1 action. Fair Lawn leads the 1984 – 2008 rivalry 15–10 (.600). Realignment has ended the rivalry, at least for now.

SOUTH WESTERN MUSTANGS GRIDIRON 2009-4

By Bill Engelhardt
________

Last Friday evening, September 18, the Mustangs of South Western visited the Eagles of Bermudian Springs and galloped to a 34-3 victory. Ian Smith’s 130-yards and a touchdown passing, Bobby Porter’s 35-yards passing, and a bevy of runners racking up 283-yards and 4 touchdowns rushing sealed the win.

The Eagles went 3 and out and punted to start the game and the Mustangs marched 69-yards in 8 plays, featuring an 11-yard pass from Ian Smith to Mike Felton, and a beautiful 35-yard pass from Smith to Kyle Mahorney. The drive ended with J. R. Mummert’s 1-yard touchdown plunge at 6:42 in the first quarter, putting the Mustangs up 6-0.

Jimmy Nicklas intercepted an Eagles pass on the next play from scrimmage. The Mustangs ended up punting and then Dan Laird recovered an Eagles fumble for the Mustangs on the next play from scrimmage, on the Eagles 10-yard line. Jeb Shipley plunged in for the touchdown from 4-yards out and Ian Smith ran in for a 2-point conversion at 3:50 in the first quarter, putting the Mustangs up 14-0.

The Eagles then mounted a 52-yard, 9 play drive to the Mustangs 8-yard line. Jeremy Nease kicked a 25-yard field goal for the Eagles at 11:53 in the second quarter for a 14-3 score.

It then took only 53 seconds for the Mustangs to go 77-yards. Levi Sager ripped off a nifty 54-yard run, J. R. Mummert tacked on another 15-yard run and then Mummert scored a touchdown on an 8-yard run. Smith’s extra point upped the score to 21-3 at 11:00 in the second quarter.

The Mustangs mounted a 63-yard, 7 play drive, featuring a 14-yard pass from Ian Smith to Jimmy Nicklas. Levi Sager scored from 8-yards out making the score 27-3 with 2:24 left in the half.

The Mustangs opened the second half with an 84-yard, 7 play drive, featuring a beautiful 53-yard touchdown pass from Ian Smith to Kyle Mahorney. Smith’s extra point kick closed out the scoring at 34-3 in favor of the Mustangs at the 7:58 point in the third quarter.

Jake Shaffer led the defense with 11 tackles, followed by Ryan Sexton with 9, Jake Myers with 8, Levi Sager with 7, Colby Fuhrman and Billy Utz with 6 each, Aaron Bosley, Kyle Mahorney and Jimmy Nicklas with 5 each, Tyler Frederick and Matt Funk with 4, Jeb Shipley with 3, Marty Deal and Casey Froehlich with 2 each, and Cody Fricke, Jeff Hacker, Cody Kephart, Tyrell McCleary, J. R. Mummert, and Bobby Porter with 1 tackle each. Jimmy Nicklas recorded 2 pass defenses and intercepted a pass, Dan Laird recovered a fumble, Myers and Utz each recorded a sack, and Sexton and Fricke each recorded a pass defense for the Mustangs.

Tyrell McCleary returned a kickoff for 18-yards and Levi Sager returned a kickoff for 12-yards for the Mustangs. Sager also fair caught 2 punts and returned 2 for 12-yards, with the longest going for 10-yards, for the Mustangs. Ian Smith kicked off 6 times for 260-yards, with the longest going for 49-yards. Jake Myers punted 2 times for 71-yards, with the longest going for 40-yards, and Mike Felton punted 1 time for 41-yards, for the Mustangs.

Aaron Bosley, Mason Brady, Colby Fuhrman, Tyler Frederick, Dan Laird, Kyle Mahorney, Jake Myers, Ryan Sexton, Jake Shaffer, Billy Utz, and Anthony Wildasin manned the offensive and defensive line and linebacker positions, with help from Brady Conroy, Cody Fricke, Jeff Hacker, Cody Kephart, and Matt Funk. Jimmy Nicklas, Levi Sager, and Jeb Shipley, with help from Casey Froehlich, Marty Deal and Tyrell McCleary, patrolled the secondary for the Mustangs.

The Mustangs gained 283-yards rushing and 165-yards passing for a total of 448- yards of offense. J. R. Mummert led the Mustangs rushing attack with 17 carries for 83-yards (including touchdowns of 1 and 8-yards), followed by Levi Sager with 5 for 75 (including an 8-yard touchdown), Jeb Shipley with 7 for 33 (including a 4-yard touchdown), Bobby Porter with 1 for 28, Marty Deal with 6 for 24, Jeff Hacker with 4 for 19, Ryan Sexton with 1 for 14-yards, and Tyrell McCleary with 3 for minus 4-yards. Quarterback Ian Smith completed 6 of 10 passes for 130-yards and a touchdown and quarterback Bobby Porter completed 3 of 5 passes for 35-yards, for the Mustangs. Kyle Mahorney caught 2 passes for 88-yards (including a 53-yard touchdown), followed by Tommy Nicklas with 1 for 27-yards, Jimmy Nicklas with 2 for 22-yards, Mike Felton with 1 for 11-yards, Cody Kephart with 1 for 10-yards, Jeb Shipley with 1 for 9-yards, and Marty Deal with 1 for minus 2-yards, for the Mustangs.

The Eagles gained 125-yards rushing and 45-yards passing for a total of 170-yards of offense. Ben Goldhammer led the Eagles rushing attack with 11 carries for 71-yards, followed by Jeisson Lloret with 14 for 60, Austin Keller with 1 for 4, Austin Brumfield with 1 for 2-yards, Michael Thoman with minus 5-yards, and Michael Moore with minus 7-yards. Quarterback Thoman completed 4 of 9 passes for 45-yards, 3 for 32-yards to Lloret and 1 for 13-yards to Goldhammer, for the Eagles.

The 85 member 9-time Cavalcade of Bands Champions, Tournament of Bands Group IV Champion and US Scholastic Band Champion South Western Mustangs Marching Band put on a stirring half time performance. The field production of the 2009 edition of the Band, under the guidance of second year Director Ethan Clark, is titled “Horsing Around in the Mustang Corral” and is a 50th anniversary musical celebration featuring the school “Alma Mater,” “Magnificent 7,” a lullaby of “All The Pretty Little Horses,” and “The Red Pony.” The Bermudian Springs Eagles Marching Band entertained the crowd with a pre-game performance entitled “Mutiny in 3 Parts;” At Port, featuring Leonard Bernstein’s “On the Waterfront,” Departure from the Port, featuring Enyas “Watermark,” and On the High Seas, featuring Hans Zimmers “To the Pirates Cave.” The 22 members strong Mustangs Cheer Leading squad roused the faithful.

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

Don Seidenstricker has a 176-77-1 (.696) record as coach of the Mustangs, who have a career record of 317-195-8. The results of the 520 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 begin league action and visit the Eagles of Dover. Dover is coming off of a 40-0 loss to the Squires of Delone Catholic. From here it looks like the Mustangs will continue their winning ways. GO MUSTANGS GO.

THE GRIDIRON 3 - 2009

By Dick Engelhardt

The CUTTERS of Fair Lawn High ambushed the HIGHWAYMEN of Teaneck 20-6 last Thursday night in North Jersey Tri-County Conference (NJTCC) Division 3 action. Our “never-say-die” CUTTERS spotted the Highwaymen a 6-0 lead and roared back. Kevin Guy recovered a fumble and James Hegybeli and Anthony Tozzi picked up yardage. Egor Buharin and Tozzi got the ball to the 3 and QB Travis Kubasta passed to tight end James Mallon for the TD and the game was tied at 6 at the half.

In the second half, Kubasta snuck for a 1st down behind center, Regis Larkin. He passed to Mallon for a big 1st down and Tozzi lugged the ball deep into Teaneck Territory. Buharin bulled to the 8 and Kubasta passed to Hegybeli to the 2. Kubasta snuck in for the TD behind Larkin and passed to Mallon for the 2 point conversion to put our CUTTERS up 14-6. They never looked back. Guy pressured the QB causing an intentional grounding penalty. When Fair Lawn took over Buharin bulled in for the TD closing out the scoring. An interception by Bryan Turton with 4:19 on the clock sealed the victory. The “D” featured great punting by Kubasta, and more great plays by Guy, Mallon, Adam Polisi, Kelvin Rosario and Tim Schrettner and a sensational pass breakup by Turton.

The victory brings Fair Lawn’s record against Teaneck in the 1954-58 independent, 1959-82 Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) and now the NJTCC rivalry, to 18-11-1 (.621). The most memorable game for our CUTTERS was in 1959. Fair Lawn and Ridgewood moved up to the tough NNJIL from the Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) and many believed our CUTTERS would take a beating. Well, their first game in the big league had them beating Teaneck 12-7. It was week 2 and Fair Lawn had a bye in week 1. Now, in another move to a tough league, Fair Lawn faced Teaneck in week 2 with the HIGHWAYMEN having the opening week bye this time and we have another Fair Lawn victory. The 1958 NNJIL champion Teaneck team that shutout Fair Lawn 52-0 is being honored this year in the Teaneck High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

In the other NJTCC Division 3 game the PATRIOTS of Wayne Hills brought their winning streak to 54 games thrashing the HIGHLANDERS of West Milford 55-7. The GREEN KNIGHTS of St. Joseph brought the NJTCC Division 3 record against outsiders to 4-1 (.800) holding off the PALADINS of Paramus Catholic and Fair Lawn’s old NBIL 44-23. The GREEN KNIGHTS trailed 23-22 late in the game!

On Saturday at 1:00 our CUTTERS are home at SASSO FIELD against the BEES of Bayonne. The “Tailgate Party,” sponsored by the FLHS Parents Committee for Athletics, starts at 11:30. In 1987, our CUTTERS faced the BEES in the North Jersey, Section 1, Group IV playoffs at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium, now Don Ahern Veterans Memorial Stadium, renamed in honor of the late coach, Don Ahern. In gale force winds and bitter cold, the BEES prevailed 12-6. Coach Ahern admitted the terrible conditions thwarted the vaunted Fair Lawn offense which had concerned him. Fair Lawn is 2-0 and has outscored the opposition 32-14 for an average victory of 16-7. Bayonne is 0-2 and the BEES have been outscored 72-6 for an average 36-3 loss. From here it looks like Fair Lawn 27 – Bayonne 6. GO CUTTERS GO!!!

THIS WEEK IN FLHS GRIDIRON HISTORY – 2009 Week 2

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
By Dick Engelhardt

1949 – Frank Bennett’s CUTTERS shutout the BEARS of Hawthorne 40-0 in Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL) 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, it was renamed the Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL).

1959 – Bennett’s CUTTERS, after a bye, opened their maiden season in the tough Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) beating the HIGHWAYMEN of Teaneck 12-7. During 1954-58 independently and 1959-82 in the NNJIL our CUTTERS went 17-11-1 (.607) over the HIGHWAYMEN.

1969 – Frank Devens’ CUTTERS went outside the NNJIL to take on the HILLTOPPERS of Summit in independent action losing a 13-6 thriller. During 1967–70 the HILLTOPPERS representing the Suburban Conference, went 3-1 (.750) over our CUTTERS. Fair Lawn won only the ’67 series opener.

1979 – Pete Natale’s CUTTERS shutout the BEARS of Bergenfield 6-0 in NNJIL action. Fair Lawn took the 1945-48 and 1962-2008 rivalry 35-16 (.686) and the 1994-2008 Turkey Day rivalry 11-4 (.733). The teams have squared off 1945-48 in the B-PIL, 1962-83 in the NNJIL and 1984-2008 in the NBIL. State mandated realignment has ended the rivalry at least for now.

1989 – Mike Alberque’s CUTTERS edged the GOLDEN KNIGHTS of Northern Valley, Old Tappan 15-14 in NBIL Division 1 action. Fair Lawn took the 1984 – 2008 rivalry 15–10 (.600). Realignment has ended the rivalry, at least for now.

1999 – Alberque’s CUTTERS mauled the THUNDERBIRDS of Mahwah 39-0 in NBIL interdivisional action. During 1999-2001 and 2007-2008 our CUTTERS went 4-1 (.800) over the THUNDERBIRDS. Realignment has ended the rivalry, at least for now.

SOUTH WESTERN MUSTANGS GRIDIRON 2009-3

By Bill Engelhardt
________

Last Friday evening, September 11, the Mustangs of South Western hosted the Mountain – Seven Mountains League’s Golden Tigers of Hollidaysburg and continued their celebration of the 50th anniversary of Mustang football by surviving a slow start in rainy conditions to roar back from a 14-0 deficit to a 34-14 win going away. Kyle King was responsible for the Mustangs turnaround as he returned a recovered fumble for a 12-yard touchdown as the time expired in the first half and intercepted a Golden Tigers pass, which he returned for 19-yards in the third quarter to set up the go ahead touchdown.

Levi Sager’s 40-yard touchdown run, Jeb Shipley’s 63-yard run to set up a touchdown and his 52-yard pass reception for a touchdown combined with Ian Smith’s 140-yards and a touchdown passing for the Mustangs were major highlights in the game. The defensive play that turned the game around was Anthony Wildasin causing the fumble that King returned for the touchdown.

The Golden Tigers were able to jump out front on touchdown runs of 17-yards by James Muir and 3-yards by Luke Rhodes. Ryan Sexton blocked the Golden Tigers extra point kick after the Muir touchdown and Muir rushed for a 2-point conversion after the Rhodes touchdown, to put the Golden Tigers up 14-0 with 7:36 left in the first half.

The Golden Tigers opened the second half and eventually punted. Jeb Shipley got the Mustangs off to the races with a 63-yard jaunt that set up J. R. Mummert’s 1-yard touchdown with 6:13 in the third quarter. Ian Smith ended another Mustangs drive with a 1-yard touchdown plunge with 3:51 in the third quarter and Smith’s third extra point kick gave the Mustangs a 21-14 lead.

Smith’s 52-yard screen pass to Shipley at the 6:07 mark in the 4th quarter and Levi Sager’s 40-yard jaunt for a touchdown with 2:13 left in the game closed out the scoring at 34-14.

Kyle King returned 2 kickoffs for 54-yards, with the longest going for 31-yards, and Levi Sager returned a kickoff for 33-yards and fair caught a punt return for the Mustangs. Ian Smith kicked off 4 times for 177-yards, with the longest going for 60-yards and a touchback, and Kyle Mahorney kicked off once for 43-yards for the Mustangs. Jake Myers punted 2 times for 71-yards, for a 35.5-yard average, with the longest going for 38-yards, and Ian Smith kicked 4 extra points for the Mustangs.

Jake Myers, who had 15 tackles and 2 sacks for the night, led the Mustangs defense; followed by Jake Shaffer with 10 tackles, Colby Fuhrman with 7 tackles, Dan Laird and Kyle Mahorney with 6 tackles, Tyler Frederick with 5 tackles, Jimmy Nicklas and Levi Sager with 4 tackles each, Tyrell McCleary and Ryan Sexton with 3 tackles each, Aaron Bosley, Kyle King, David Messinger, Jeb Shipley, Leonard Sturgis, and Billy Utz with 2 tackles each, and Brady Conroy, Jeff Hacker, Ian Smith, and Anthony Wildasin with 1 tackle each. Kyle King recovered a fumble and returned it 12-yards for a touchdown and intercepted a pass and returned it 19-yards to set up a touchdown, Matt Funk recovered a fumble, Anthony Wildasin caused the fumble that King returned for a touchdown, Ryan Sexton blocked a Golden Tigers extra point kick, Jake Myers recorded 2 sacks, Jeb Shipley recorded 3 pass defenses, Tyler Frederick, Tyrell McCleary, and Sexton each recorded a pass defense, and Kyle Mahorney recorded a pass hurry, for the Mustangs.

Aaron Bosley, Mason Brady, Colby Fuhrman, Tyler Frederick, Dan Laird, Kyle Mahorney, David Messinger, Jake Myers, Ryan Sexton, Jake Shaffer, and Anthony Wildasin manned the offensive and defensive line and linebacker positions, with help from Brady Conroy, Matt Funk, and Leonard Sturgis. Kyle King, Jimmy Nicklas, Levi Sager, and Jeb Shipley, with help from Tyrell McCleary, patrolled the secondary for the Mustangs.

The Mustangs gained 164-yards rushing and 140-yards passing for a total of 304-yards of offense. Quarterback Ian Smith completed 7 of 18 passes for the 140-yards, including 2 for 78-yards to Kyle Mahorney, 3 for 55-yards to Jeb Shipley (including the 52-yard touchdown), and 2 for 7-yards to Mike Felton, for the Mustangs. Levi Sager led the Mustangs rushing attack with 9 carries for 77-yards (including the 40-yard touchdown), followed by Jeb Shipley with 7 for 76-yards, J. R. Mummert with 12 for 20-yards, Ian Smith with 7 for 4-yards, and Jake Myers with 1 carry for minus 13-yards.

The Hollidaysburg Golden Tigers rang up 130-yards rushing and 56 yards passing for a total of 186 yards gained. James Muir completed 8 of 20 passes for 56-yards, including 4 for 41-yards to T. J. Keefer, 1 for 9-yarfs to Joel Redfoot, 1 for 7-yards to Scott Foreman, and 1 for minus 1-yard to Luke Rhodes, for the Golden Tigers. Rhodes led the rushing attack with 17 carries for 73-yards (including a 3-yard touchdown), followed by Muir with 14 for 51-yards (including a 17-yard touchdown), Chad Barton with 2 for 3-yards, and Keefer with 1 for 3-yards. Muir intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble, Keefer intercepted a pass and Sam Rhodes recovered a fumble for the Golden Tigers.

The 85 member 9-time Cavalcade of Bands Champions, Tournament of Bands Group IV Champion and US Scholastic Band Champion South Western Mustangs Marching Band put on a stirring half time performance. The field production of the 2009 edition of the Band, under the guidance of second year Director Ethan Clark, is titled “Horsing Around in the Mustang Corral” and is a 50th anniversary musical celebration featuring the school Alma Mater, “Magnificent 7,” and “Lullaby of All The Pretty Little Horses.” The 22 member strong Mustangs Cheer Leading squad was very impressive as they roused the faithful in the rain.

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

Don Seidenstricker has a 175-77-1 (.694) record as coach of the Mustangs, who have a career record of 316-195-8. The results of the 519 games played in the history of the South Western Mustangs are a career .618 winning percentage and a .624 non-losing percentage.

Next week the Mustangs visit the Eagles of Bermudian Springs. The Eagles were defeated 30-13 by Northern York in their opener and their game this week with the Eagles of Dover was postponed until Monday night. From here it looks like the Mustangs will continue to win in their quest for a season to remember. GO MUSTANGS GO.

THE GRIDIRON 2 - 2009

By Dick Engelhardt

The CUTTERS of Fair Lawn High edged the KNIGHTS of Paterson’s JFK High School 12-8 last week at SASSO FIELD in a North Jersey Tri-County Conference (NJTCC) crossover thriller. It was great to be back as the “Voice of the CUTTERS” and to see my “spotter,” Kevin Pepitone again! Captains Travis Kubasta and Christian Samra went out for the coin toss. Kennedy won but deferred to the 2nd half and Fair Lawn received. Samra, Egor Buharin and James Hegybeli picked up yardage and Kubasta swept left for a big gain. Buharin ran 8 yards for a TD and our CUTTERS led 6-0. The KNIGHTS came back to lead 8-6 at the half.

In the 2nd half Fair Lawn moved the ball again and Hegybeli’s 6 yard TD run put our CUTTERS ahead 12-8. Then it was “hang on for dear life” time! Kennedy moved to inside the Fair Lawn 3 yard line in the closing moments. On 4th down Kevin Guy stuffed the Kennedy runner at the 2 and our heroes took over. With seconds left Kubasta took a knee and the Fair Lawn fans roared. And cheering them on were the wonderful FLHS cheerleaders led by their coach, Lauren Gimon. They did a mighty fine job on a dreary day! Fair Lawn leads the 1951-56, 1988, 2003 and 2009 series with the KNIGHTS of JFK and their predecessor COLTS of Paterson Central 7-3 (.700).

On “D” our CUTTERS were heroic. James Mallon made a TD saving tackle, Buharin, Kubasta, Regis Larkin, Samra, Tim Schrettner and Eric Simeonoglu made big plays and Kevin Guy, Mallon and Kelvin Rosario teamed up to nail the punter for a big loss and give Fair Lawn great field position. Anthoni Tossi’s fumble recovery late in the game was a key play as were great pass breakups by Brendan Walis and Rosario. The “D” bent some but it didn’t break!

Fair Lawn’s NJTCC Division 3 did itself proud against outside competition, going 3-1 (.750). In addition to Fair Lawn’s victory, the PATRIOTS of Wayne Hills mauled the KNIGHTS of West Essex 42-7 and the GREEN KNIGHTS of St. Joseph downed the SPARTANS of DePaul 34-21. However, the HIGHLANDERS of West Milford were stung 26-0 by the HORNETS of Passaic Valley. The HIGHWAYMEN of Teaneck drew a bye.

This Thursday night at 7:00 our CUTTERS travel to Teaneck to take on the HIGHWAYMEN for the 30th time. During 1954-58 independently and 1959-82 in the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL), our CUTTERS went 17-11-1 (.607) over the HIGHWAYMEN. This game is the start of Fair Lawn’s NJTCC Division C title quest. The HIGHWAYMEN figure to be strong in their opener but our CUTTERS, with a win under their belt, will be looking to keep that going. From here it looks like Fair Lawn 28 – Teaneck 17. GO CUTTERS GO!!!

THIS WEEK IN FLHS GRIDIRON HISTORY – 2009 Week 1

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
By Dick Engelhardt

1949 – Frank Bennett’s Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL) CUTTERS beat the Passaic Valley Conference (PVC) GHOSTS of Paterson Eastside 13-7 in independent action. During 1947-54 and 1983 Fair Lawn went 5-4 (.556) over the GHOSTS. This was sweetened by the fact that, until FLHS opened in 1943, most Fair Lawn students attended Eastside. A few students from the Columbia Heights section went to Hawthorne and the Radburn section students went to Ridgewood. The 4-4 (.500) deadlock was broken by the 20-18 Fair Lawn victory in 1983.

1959 – Bennett’s CUTTERS drew a bye before beginning their maiden season in the tough Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL).

1969 – Frank Devens’ CUTTERS shut out the MAROON RAIDERS of Englewood 24-0 in Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) action. 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.

1979 – Pete Natale’s CUTTERS beat the SPARTANS of Paramus 34-8 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 Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) in 1984.

1989 – Mike Alberque’s CUTTERS were shut out 10-0 by the HIGHLANDERS of Northern Highlands in NBIL interdivisional action. Fair Lawn took the 1986-93 and 1998–2008 rivalry 10-9 (.526). State mandated realignment has ended it, at least for now.

1999 – Alberque’s CUTTERS beat the RAMS of Ramsey 28-6 in NBIL interdivisional action. Fair Lawn took the 1945-58, 1984-99 and 2002-06 rivalry by an astounding 28 games to 7 (.800)! Realignment has ended this rivalry too.

SOUTH WESTERN MUSTANGS GRIDIRON 2009-2

By Bill Engelhardt
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Last Friday evening, September 4, the Mustangs of South Western visited the Warriors of Gettysburg and celebrated the start of the 50th anniversary of the football program by galloping and passing to a resounding 21-7 victory. Mustangs running back J. R. Mummert kept the offense moving with 94-yards rushing on 21 carries and quarterback Ian Smith, who completed 13 passes for 195-yards and 2 touchdowns, and kicked 3 extra points, was the catalyst for the Mustangs success.

The Warriors started the game on offense and on the fourth play from scrimmage Jake Myers recovered a Warriors fumble for the Mustangs and returned it 2-yards to the Warriors 43. The Mustangs went 3 and out and punted to the Warriors 1-yard line. The Warriors then went 3 and out and punted and Kyle King returned the punt 18-yards to the Warriors 16-yard line. Three plays later Ian Smith threw a picture perfect 11-yard touchdown strike to Levi Sager. Smith then kicked the extra point and the Mustangs were up 7-0 with 5:30 left in the first quarter.

The Warriors punted again and then Miles Sherman recovered a Mustangs fumble near midfield. Four plays later Tyler Frederick returned the favor and recovered a fumble by the Warriors at the Mustangs 34-yard line.

The game see-sawed back and forth and the Mustangs drove from their own 44-yard line to the Warriors 16-yard line, featuring 3 runs for 18-yards by Mummert, a 100-yard pass from Smith to Mummert, and a 6-yard pass from Smith to Kyle Mahorney. The drive ended when the Warriors blocked a 23-yard field goal attempt by the Mustangs.

The Mustangs started the second half on offense and five plays later Benttion Hendricks intercepted a Mustangs pass and returned it 35-yards for a touchdown. Drew Myer kicked the extra point for the Warriors and the score was 7-7 with 9:16 left in the third quarter.

The Mustangs quickly regained the momentum with a 74-yard, 11 play, drive, featuring 7 runs for 34–yards by Mummert, a 6-yard pass from Smith to Shipley, and culmination in a picturesque 26-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Kyle Mahorney. Smith’s extra point kick put the Mustangs up 14-7 with 3:39 left in the third quarter.

The Mustangs started another drive at the Gettysburg 47-yard line. Smith threw a 43-yard bomb to Jimmy Nicklas. After a penalty backed the Mustangs up to the Warriors 9-yard line Levi Sager scampered 9-yards for the touchdown, with some fantastic acrobatic moves. Smith’s extra point kick closed out the scoring with the Mustangs on top 21-7.

Kyle King returned 2 kickoffs for 21-yards, with the longest going for 21-yards, and 2 punts for 25-yards, with the longest going for 18-yards, and Levi Sager returned 2 punts for 10-yards, with the longest going for 5-yards, for the Mustangs. Ian Smith kicked off 4 times for 173-yards, with the longest going for 53-yards, for an average of 43.25-yards per punt. Jake Myers punted 2 times for 66-yards, for a 33-yard average, with the longest going for 38-yards, for the Mustangs.

Jake Myers, who had 17 tackles, a fumble recovery and a pass defense for the night, led the Mustangs defense; followed by Jake Shaffer with 8 tackles, David Messinger and Ryan Sexton with 6 tackles each, Dan Laird and Tyler Frederick with 5 tackles each, Colby Fuhrman, Kyle Mahorney, and Levi Sager with 4 tackles each, Aaron Bosley, Kyle King, Jimmy Nicklas, and Jeb Shipley with 2 tackles each, and Ian Smith and Bill Utz with 1 tackle each. Jake Myers returned an interception for 2-yards and Jake Shaffer returned an interception for 10-yards for the Mustangs. Tyler Frederick recovered a fumble for the Mustangs. David Messinger had 2 sacks and Ryan Sexton had a sack for the Mustangs. Levi Sager and Jake Myers each had a pass defense and Colby Fuhrman and Kyle Mahorney each had a pass hurry for the Mustangs.

Aaron Bosley, Mason Brady, Colby Fuhrman, Tyler Frederick, Dan Laird, Kyle Mahorney, David Messinger, Jake Myers, Ryan Sexton, Jake Shaffer, and Anthony Wildasin manned the offensive and defensive line and linebacker positions, with help from Billy Utz. Kyle King, Jimmy Nicklas, Levi Sager, and Jeb Shipley patrolled the secondary for the Mustangs.

The Mustangs gained 168-yards rushing and 195-yards passing for a total of 363-yards of offense. Quarterback Ian Smith completed 13 of 22 passes for the 195-yards, including 3 for 61-yards to Jimmy Nicklas, 2 for 36-yards to J. R. Mummert, 2 for 32-yards to Kyle Mahorney (including the 26-yard touchdown), 2 for 26-yards to Mike Felton, 2 for 19-yards to Jeb Shipley, 1 for 11-yards and a touchdown to Levi Sager, and 1 for 10-yards to Kyle Connaby, for the Mustangs. J. R. Mummert led the Mustangs rushing attack with 21 carries for 94-yards, followed by Jake Myers with 7 for 35-yards, Kyle King with 2 for 25-yards, Jeb Shipley with 6 for 8-yards, Levi Sager with 3 for 5-yards (including the 9-yard touchdown), and Ian Smith with 3 for 1-yard.

The Gettysburg Warriors rang up 76-yards rushing and 33-yards passing for a total of 109-yards gained. Sophomore quarterback Hendricks completed 4 of 13 passes for 33-yards, 2 for 20-yards to Logan Riser, 1 for 18-yards to Carson Merine, and 1 for minus 5-yards to Hill, for the Warriors. Zach Hill led the Warriors rushing attack with 11 carries for 37-yards, followed by D. J. Johnson with 9 for 31-yards, Benttion Hendricks with 4 for 14-yards, A. J. Acevado with 1 for no yards, and Chase Whitman with 1 for minus 6-yards.

The Mustangs are hoping to contend for the championship Division I of the YAIAA this year.

The 85 member 9-time Cavalcade of Bands Champions, Tournament of Bands Group IV Champion and US Scholastic Band Champion South Western Mustangs Marching Band put on a stirring half time performance. The field production of the 2009 edition of the Band, under the guidance of second year Director Ethan Clark, is titled “Horsing Around in the Mustang Corral” and is a 50th anniversary musical celebration featuring the school Alma Mater, “Magnificent 7,” and “Lullaby of All The Pretty Little Horses.” The 22 member strong Mustangs Cheer Leading squad was very impressive as they roused the faithful.

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

Don Seidenstricker has a 174-77-1 (.693) record as coach of the Mustangs, who have a career record of 315-195-8. The results of the 518 games played in the history of the South Western Mustangs are a career .618 winning percentage and a .624 non-losing percentage.

Next week the Mustangs host the Golden Tigers of Hollidaysburg. Hollidaysburg opened the season with a 57-6 loss to the powerful Little Lions of State College. The Mustangs played great offense and great defense in their season opener. They are looking to continue in their winning tradition and make the 50th anniversary season one to remember. GO MUSTANGS GO.

THE GRIDIRON 1 – 2009

By Dick Engelhardt

It’s great to be back on THE GRIDIRON again as The CUTTERS of Fair Lawn High begin their 67th season with a record of 304-279-14 (.521) It all started September 13th, 1943 when FLHS opened without seniors, who stayed at Paterson Eastside, Hawthorne and Ridgewood to graduate in 1944. Coach Marty Fischbein led the CUTTERS to a fine 9-4-2 (.692) record in independent action in 1943 and 44 after starting up with 3 JV games. Some called the new team the COMETS because they scored quickly in their first game, a 7-6 loss to Lodi, and others called them the CLIPPERS. Word has it that some team members would leave school early to visit Doc Gurney, after whom Gurney Terrace is named, for taping and disappear for a time forcing Coach Fischbein to wait for the arrival of these "cutters" before he could run a full practice. And then, before the Leonia game, team captain Jack Van Olden led Tony DiNegri, Art Jaeggi, Jack Knowles, Al Livingstone and Bill Perkins on a sneak trip to the Rivoli Theater in Paterson to see a movie during school hours. The miscreants were caught and coach Fischbein kept those “cutters” out of the game. With the LIONS up 12-0 he put our heroes in and Fair Lawn roared back to win 13-12. Livingstone, who passed away, last year, took a pass from Van Olden and ran it 43 yards for a TD. In the 4th quarter, he ran 20 yards for a TD and plunged for the extra point winning the game. The student body, having chosen Crimson and Gray as the school colors, said “The CUTTERS won the game!” They insisted that the athletic teams be known as “The Cutters of Fair Lawn High.” And so it is 66 years later!

Our heroes have given us plenty to cheer about over the years. In 1945 legendary coach Frank Bennett, a member of the FLHS Athletic Hall of Fame after whom the gymnasium is named, came to Fair Lawn as our CUTTERS ended their independent status and joined the Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League (B-PIL), which had been formed in 1943 by Bergenfield, Bogota, Hawthorne, Lyndhurst and Ramsey. Bennett’s CUTTERS won the B-PIL title in 1945, 1946 (with the BUCCANEERS of Bogota), 1947 (with the GOLDEN BEARS of Lyndhurst), 1953 and 1955. The B-PIL became the Northern Bergen Interscholastic League (NBIL) in ’56. Fair Lawn moved up to the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League (NNJIL) in 1959 and Frank Devens’ Cutters won NNJIL titles in 1965 and 1966 when they finished off a 24 game non-losing streak that was started in the 3rd game of the 1964 season by Ed Sheehy’s CUTTERS. Pete Natale’s CUTTERS shared the NNJIL title in 1980 with the FIGHTING MUSTANGS of Clifton High and the HORNETS of Passaic Valley. The CUTTERS moved back to the NBIL in 1984 and Natale’s teams won the NBIL Division 1 title in 1984, 1985 and 1987. Mike Alberque’s CUTTERS were NBIL Division 1 champs in 1989. The playoffs began in 1974 and Natale’s CUTTERS were in them in 1979, 1980, 1985 and 1987. Alberque’s CUTTERS were in the playoffs in 1988, 1989 and 2000.

On opening Day, Friday, September 11th, at 4:15 at SASSO FIELD our CUTTERS take on the KNIGHTS of Paterson’s John F. Kennedy High in a new North Jersey Tri-County Conference (NJTCC) crossover game. Paterson Central was the Turkey Day rival of the GHOSTS of Paterson Eastside. 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). As the rivalry is renewed, from here it looks like Fair Lawn 21 – JFK 14. GO CUTTERS GO!!!