The Rutherford Jr Football & Cheering Mighty Mites (7 year olds) delivered a complete team effort this weekend, coming out on top with contributions up and down the roster. On offense, Bryson Wilson anchored the line at center, while Matias Leon battled in the trenches and Sean Ryan was outstanding at offensive guard. Quarterback Kaiser Day guided the attack with a touchdown, several long keepers, and a few great passes. The backfield of Vinny Oszmanski, Vincent Fuccilli and John Rocco Della Fave kept the chains moving. Oszmanski punched in a score, Fuccilli delivered key lead blocks and Della Fave reached the end zone twice including an electrifying scoop-and-score after a defensive takeaway. The defense set the tone early. At nose guard, Cameron Hennie lived in the backfield with a slew of solo tackles. Defensive ends James Schmeding and Sean Ryan set the edge all game, while cornerbacks Kaiser Day and Kiaan Kachhadiya locked down the perimeter. Linebackers Finn Innis, Jordan Antiorio, John Rocco, Della Fave, and Vinny Oszmanski clogged the middle and shut down inside runs. Over the top, safeties Bradley Rocha, Stephen Rusignuolo, Tommy Rose, and Paul Rood prevented big plays. From line play to skill positions, every player stepped up for an all-team performance the Mighty Mites can build on in the weeks ahead. The Pee Wee Bulldogs (8-9 year olds) opened against the Hasbrouck Hts Aviators. HH struck first in the opening half with a long touchdown run, followed by a successful one-point conversion to take a 7–0 lead. The Bulldogs battled back late in the second quarter when quarterback Emmett Bohan connected with Jameson Bohn for a big passing touchdown. The conversion attempt came up short, but Rutherford cut the deficit to 7–6 heading into halftime. In the second half, the Bulldogs’ defense tightened up, holding Hasbrouck Heights scoreless through much of the third and fourth quarters. However, with under two minutes left in the game, the Aviators broke free for another long touchdown run, extending the lead. The Bulldogs couldn’t answer in the final moments, falling by a final score of 14–6. Despite the loss, Rutherford showed grit on both sides of the ball, especially with their strong defensive effort in the second half. The Rutherford Junior Bulldogs (10-11 year olds) started their 2025 season with a powerful performance, overcoming an early deficit to defeat the Hasbrouck Heights Aviators with a final score of 28-6. The home team got on the board first, with the Aviators finding the end zone on a touchdown run in the first quarter. But the Bulldogs remained poised, and quarterback Wyatt Bohn connected with tight end Brendan Caughey for a crucial touchdown pass in the second quarter. After a successful extra point, Rutherford took a narrow 7-6 lead into halftime. The second half belonged entirely to the Bulldogs. The momentum shifted immediately when Luke Barnes recovered an onside kick, giving Rutherford's offense excellent field position. From that point on, the Bulldogs' defense was relentless. The unit, featuring Jackson Condon, Harry Adams, Harrison Byrne, Luca Ventura, Brendan Caughey, Luke Barnes, Kevin Calabrese, Charlie Lagreca, Archer Modica, Mark Gordon, and Desmond Fabiano completely smothered the Aviators' offense. They limited Hasbrouck Heights to minimal yardage and recovered a key fumble to stop a potential scoring drive. The offense capitalized on the defensive effort, scoring on all three of its second-half possessions. The ground game proved unstoppable, with two powerful touchdown runs by Charlie Lagreca and another score by Kevin Calabrese. The Rutherford Junior Bulldogs now hold a (1-0) record. The Rutherford Senior Bulldogs (12-13 year olds) started their season off with a thrilling 16-14 victory over the Hasbrouck Heights Aviators. The Aviators got on the board first after hitting a long touchdown pass as the first quarter came to an end.  The extra point kick was successful. Rutherford’s next possession ended in a turnover on downs. The Aviators went right back to the touchdown play but Frankie Wilton intercepted the pass. The Bulldogs went on a nice drive of their own and Ryan Wilton capped off the drive with a three-yard rushing touchdown. The extra point kick was successful and the score was tied up at 8-8 at halftime. Rutherford received the second half kickoff and kept possession of the ball for the entire third quarter. Tyler Griffin, Gavin Nimmo, Mason Colon and Wilton took turns moving the ball down the field as Joey Urgola, Lucas Schmidt, Owen Byrne, Declan Moran, Austin Villa, Alejandro Castro and Jake Barnes opened the running lanes. The fifteen play drive into the fourth quarter resulted in a touchdown as Griffin hit Wilton on a 15-yard catch and run. The extra point kick was successful to put the Bulldogs up 16-8.  Hasbrouck heights was able to put a drive together that resulted in a touchdown and set up a crucial extra point attempt. The kick was short as the Bulldogs were able to apply pressure and keep the lead at 16-14. The Bulldogs recovered the onside kick and were able to run out the clock for the victory. The RJF&C Bulldogs will be at home next Saturday versus visiting NArlington Vikings.