Friday night was Verona’s senior night, and a very special group of seniors took to Sellitto Field for the very last time. Before the game, the senior football players, cheerleaders and band members were honored on their home field. The annual tradition came as Verona took on a very strong opponent in 5-2 Hanover Park, and played ferociously until the very last whistle, ultimately losing 14-7.
The game started with Verona choosing to receive the ball. The ball was caught at the 31 by #81 John-Paul Alfano. Immediately, a throw to #23 Zach Garmont was lateralled back to #44 Bodie Maisano. This trick play managed to deceive the defense, and Verona got past midfield. The drive continued with Connor Demasi-Garmont connections, resulting in a touchdown. Kieran Patel, #2, kicked the extra point to make the score 7-0 Verona. Hanover Park’s counterattack fizzled, but Verona could move the chains only to within 30 yards of the endzone. Verona missed a long field goal attempt, keeping the score 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Hanover tried to run the ball more in the second quarter, finally scoring to tie the game. As the quarter drew to a close, Verona’s #11 Jesse Wagner intercepted the ball, but the offense could not score before the end of the half.
Hanover Park made progress at the start of the third quarter, but tackles by #52 Shane Costigan, #73 Michael Girgis, and Maisano turned the ball back to Verona. During the next drive, Demasi suffered a hit to the head, and, out of concern for a possible concussion, he was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Garmont took over as QB and his natural rushing ability, along with those of Maisano and #42 Marc Nigro, and a pass to #5 Gianluca Checchetto, moved the chains for a time, but there was no new scoring by either side. A pass breakup by Checchetto at the start of the fourth quarter caused a Hanover Park punt, which Verona was unable to capitalize on. Tackles by Nigro, #12 Ethan Fersch, and #13 Salvatore Santos-DiTrani slowed the Hornets.
Hanover Park then attempted a very long pass, which up to that point had been checked by skilled pass coverage from the entire corps of Verona’s defensive backs. This time the pass got through and Hanover Park’s touchdown and extra point brought the score to 14-7 with a little over 4 minutes remaining. A return by Wagner got Verona just past the 40, and passes to Checchetto and Nigro kept moving the ball forward. However, Garmont attempted a long pass that was intercepted by Hanover Park. Tackles by Alfano, #50 Aidan Cifaretto, and a full-on gang tackle caused a 3 and out with limited time on the clock for Verona. After two unsuccessful attempts to move the ball, there was time for one more play. Verona attempted a Hail Mary pass, but couldn’t complete the miracle.
The loss did not count for Verona as they had already played eight games. Because of the strength of Verona’s opponents and the two wins Verona had, Verona made the playoffs as the last seed. They will travel to play #1 seed Butler on Friday night.
We asked the seniors four questions about their football careers and their plans for the future. These were their responses:
How long have you been playing football?
#9 Michael Demasi (receiver): 7 to 8 years.
#27 Daniel Kozachuk (defensive end): 2 years.
#72 Michael Castner (defensive tackle): My whole life… around 12 years.
#58 Jackson Garthwaite (offensive tackle): As long as I can remember… 1st or 2nd grade.
#50 Aidan Cifaretto (guard, defensive tackle): 14 years now.
#52 Shane Costigan (guard, defensive end): Since 2nd grade.
#2 Kieran Patel (kicker): For 5 years.
#14 Landon Ruggiero (defensive end): I’ve been playing football my whole life.
#42 Marc Nigro (running back, defensive end); 10 years, since second grade.
#23 Zach Garmont (receiver, safety): I’ve been playing for 10+ years.
What are your future goals?
Demasi: Hopefully get into a good college, be able to get a good job, and have a family.
Kozachuk: I’d like to go to college and major in computer science and graduate and become Mr. Wertz.
Castner: Get some lifts in and go to college for track.
Garthwaite: To go to college and study business and actually get a job.
Cifaretto: To go to college and major in criminal law, after that I’m undecided.
Costigan- To go to college and figure out what to do with my life.
Patel: My goals are to continue my football career in college and get a degree.
Ruggiero: Go to college and pursue a job that is involved in sports.
Nigro: I’m looking forward to graduating and becoming successful in any career I choose.
Garmont: Getting a good education and continuing my athletic career playing Division I college football.
What is your favorite memory from the last 4 years in football?
Demasi: Getting to play with my brother for the last 3 years, and with all my friends.
Kozachuk: Probably last year when I played on varsity for the first time and I got a tackle, causing a turnover… It was my first big tackle.
Castner: Freshman year getting to play with my brother, and proceeding to play through my high school career.
Garthwaite: My favorite moment was week 1 of this year. Walking out on the field for the first time as a starter was amazing.
Cifaretto: The happiest was Madison because it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever worked for… It was a beautiful Saturday… you just couldn’t be more happy with a win.
Costigan: Upsetting Madison this year.
Patel: Just spending time with the guys, many fun memories in games, practices, pre-game meals, and team bonding events.
Ruggiero: Making the playoffs with all my friends.
Nigro: Making big plays and hearing the crowd cheer.
Garmont: My favorite memory is surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for this season.
What life lessons has football taught you?
Demasi: Control yourself, because even in the heat of the moment you can’t lash out. You have to keep it under control.
Kozachuk: Never give up and if there’s something you really want you have to work hard to get it. Even if you work hard you might not get it, and that means you need to work even harder.
Castner: Definitely learned how to stick up for yourself. I think a lot of people are missing out… I don’t think enough people are doing it nowadays.
Garthwaite: I’ve learned that work ethic gets you places and hard work beats out talent.
Cifaretto: Football has taught me to be a coachable person and take constructive criticism to be a better person and leader.
Costigan: How to work hard for what I want, that nothing comes easy, and that not everything in life goes the way you want it to go.
Patel: I’ve learned that in life things don’t always go your way. You’re going to encounter a lot of hardships in life and you need to learn to overcome them.
Ruggiero: If you make a mistake, move past it. “Don’t think just do”- Coach Haveron
Nigro: Give it your all in everything you do.
Garmont: Football has instilled a sense of dedication and commitment that no other sport can.
This group of seniors has made outstanding achievements, such as Garmont’s leading the state in receiving yards or Patel’s #4 finish in yards per punt. From the practice field their freshman year to leading the team their senior year, every person in the class of 2024 has undoubtedly made a giant impact on the organization that is Verona football. This team will try to pull off one of the biggest upsets this year in their match on Friday, but one couldn’t imagine a more qualified and experienced group of Verona players to do it.
Photos copyright Mike Perry. Used by permission.
