Sports
Hopatcong Falls in State Football Playoffs
Chiefs' surprising season ends with loss to Ramsey in North 1, Group 2 postseason.
Hopatcong was no match for Ramsey, losing in the first round of North 1, Group 2, 35-6. The game was never close. The Ramsey offense had its way with the Chiefs' defense both with the ground game and in the air. The Rams scored what turned out to be the winning touchdown just 2:41 into the game, taking the opening kickoff and marching down the field for a 7-0 lead.
IN SHORT
The Rams' offense pounded through the Chiefs' defense all night long. In the first quarter, the Rams scored on both their possessions while the Chiefs offense was on the field only once in that quarter. It looked as though the Chiefs were going to go into halftime down by only two touchdowns but the Rams got lucky when a Nick Dispoto hail mary pass was caught by teammate PJ Scandariato in the end zone with no time left on the clock. The Rams went into half leading 21-0. The Chiefs scored their only touchdown early in the fourth quarter when quarterback Ryan Clark threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to teammate Vinny Marinoni. The extra point attempt was blocked.
CHIEF OF THE GAME
Austin Brown, running back/linebacker: the senior captain playing his last game for the Chiefs played both his positions with purpose.
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TOP CHIEF OFFENSIVE PERFORMANCES
PASSING Clark (6 of 10 for 64 yards; one touchdown and one interception) RUSHING Austin Brown (9 carries for 24 yards) AJ Bongiovanni (5 carries for 22 yards)
RECEIVING Vinny Marinoni (4 catches for 44 yards and one TD)
TOP CHIEF DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCES
TACKLING Feyi Olugbenga (6 total tackles, 3 solo and one sac), AJ Fasano (6 solo tackles), Wyatt Gehring (6 tackles)
TURNOVERS Marinoni (interception) Rieg Tommy (fumble recovery)
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THEY SAID IT
“The kids played so hard. I’m so proud of the. They’re (Ramsey) a very good team. It was going to be tough to stop them tonight.” — Coach Gary Andolena
“Playing my last game is a humbling feeling and it’s a bit bitter-sweet moment. I look forward to cheering on the Chiefs in the future though.” — AJ Fasano
“It’s exciting to be playing in a playoff game for my last game but I can’t believe it’s over. I really can’t believe it’s over. I will be playing in college, just not sure for what college.” — Eric Cucinella
