All week long, the pundits around town had been predicting it would be a tough game. New Providence was going to be out for revenge, they said, after being hosed by the Hillbillies two years ago. What’s more, the Pioneers would be pumped to deliver one last win for their retiring coach, Frank Bottone, who has been the face of New Providence football pretty much since there has been football there.
Verona didn’t win, but by coming as close as it did, the short end of a 20 to 19 score, it proved once again that pioneers don’t always have an easy path in life.
The Hillbillies packed on points in the first and second quarters, while New Providence stayed scoreless. Matt Rosenfeld connected with Billy Meade first, and then Bobby Kaslander. In the third quarter Rosenfeld, who had 171 yards on the day, took the ball into the end zone himself. Sam Bendsten also had a stand-out day as a key factor in three of Verona’s four sacks. New Providence recovered its bearings its bearings in the third quarter, however, and took the game–and Verona’s chances of a championship this season.
“It was a very disappointing loss”, said Verona Head Coach Lou Racioppe. “I feel badly for our players, especially our seniors. We had our chances, but it just seemed like New Providence made a few more plays on both sides of the ball.”
Fred Goode captured the highlights in the slideshow below.
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