The Verona High School football team went into last night’s game against Caldwell with a long string of wins over the Chiefs. It was backed by a large contingent of fans, buoyed by a long line of Eagles and varsity cheerleaders and the Class of 1980, which was in town for its pandemic-delayed 40th reunion. But all that, and some astute plays, wasn’t enough to carry the evening: Verona fell to Caldwell 31-6.
Verona’s lone touchdown, by Joey Petro, came on a 30-yard pass from Cael Zebrowski, who added another 124 yards to his high school career tally. But the point-after kick was blocked, along with all of Verona’s subsequent scoring drives.
While two Caldwell players, Harry Boland and Pat Capozzoli, earned triple-digit rushing yards, Verona’s rushers were constrained to the doubles: Senior PJ Shaw led the pack with 47 yards. Wide receiver Derek Bernardino, a fellow senior, led the receiving yardage with 40. Capozzoli scored three of the Chiefs’ five touchdowns.
Verona, which is now 2-2 on the season, hosts Mountain Lakes next Friday at 7 p.m.
Photos copyright Mike Perry. Used by permission.
