You knew what kind of game it was going to be when Kinnelon High School’s opening drive ended in a Patrick Yeates interception. There were several more Verona interceptions and field-length runs in the first game of the NJSIAA N2G2 playoffs and, in the end, VHS corralled the Colts into a 50-14 win on Verona’s frigid Sellitto Field.
Frank Riggio had perhaps the dominant game of a dominant season, piling up six touchdowns and 260 rushing yards. Riggio logged 62 yards on one carry and 92 on another that had the well-bundled crowd roaring with every step. He broke tackles like they were construction paper chains and, with the Hillbilly offensive line clearing the way, set a straight course for the end zone.
Steven Luehs expertly delivered every point for Verona, including the one that was his 100th career extra point.
Other game highlights: Jake McConnachie intercepting a Kinnelon pass and turning it into a 55-yard run deep into Hillbilly territory, O-liner Nick Algieri swatting a key Colts’ toss to the turf and Jake Maisano capping the Verona scoring at 50 late in the third quarter.
The win sends Verona to the N2G2 semifinals next Friday, November 15. That game will be at Verona again, with the #1 seed Hillbillies hosting #4 Newton, which barely survived its Friday night game against #5 Glen Rock. Game time is 7 p.m.
Photos copyright Joanna Breitenbach. Used by permission.
