Facing a Wallington squad mixed with Pee Wees, the Rutherford Bulldog Mighty Mites (6-7 year olds) battled fearlessly and remained unbeaten on the season. The Bulldogs struck first when Kiaan Kachhadiya burst through the line on a wishbone halfback dive and blazed 50 yards for his first touchdown of the season. Quarterback Kaiser Day and Vinny Oszmanski were a force, driving the ball downfield and absorbing big hits with tenacity. In the opening quarter, Vincent Fuccilli pounced on a loose ball to set up Rutherford’s first offensive series, and later Kaiser Day powered in the equalizer to tie the game. Clutch moments kept coming: James Schmeding notched his first big runs of the season, Vinny Oszmanski and Sean Ryan each hauled in receptions, and on the game’s final play Day chased down a Wallington back after an 80-yard breakaway—making the tackle at the 5-yard line as time expired to save a touchdown.
In the trenches, Bryson Wilson anchored the offense at center and clogged lanes at defensive tackle. Paul Rood was under the weather, and the team looks forward to having him back at full strength. Matias Leon turned in a rugged, physical game on defense, while Jordan Antiorio delivered two key backfield blocks and joined the pile on multiple stops at linebacker. On the edges, defensive ends Sean Ryan and James Schmeding racked up tackles all game. Linebacker Cameron Hennie patrolled the second level with several solo stops, while corners Kaiser Day and Kiaan Kachhadiya locked down outside runs. Over the top, Finn Innis playing safety and tight end, threw a statement block on a player nearly twice his size, and Tommy Rose matched the feat with his own emphatic block. Stephen Rusignuolo provided steady coverage at safety as well as linebacker, and Bradley Rocha contributed strong snaps on both sides of the ball.
The Bulldogs also rallied around John Rocco Della Fave, still sidelined but expected back this week. After a tough loss the week prior, the Rutherford Peewee Bulldogs (8-9 year olds) came out determined to make a statement and they did just that with a dominant performance over the Wallington Panthers. The Bulldogs (3-2) wasted no time getting on the board, as David Zurla took the opening kickoff all the way to the end zone for a touchdown, running behind great blocking from Vincent Centrella, Jameson Bohn, Cubby Byrne, Dominic Williams, Jeremiah Roman, Emmet Bohan, and Gianluca Caroprese. Momentum stayed on Rutherford’s side when Tommy LaGreca recovered the ensuing kickoff, setting the Bulldogs’ offense up with excellent field position. Quarterback Emmet Bohan led the charge on offense, operating behind a powerful offensive line featuring Roman, Centrella, Byrne, Marcelo DeBari, Luke Ruffins, Bohn, and Dean Dellafave. The line paved the way for another big play as David Zurla broke free for a 30-yard touchdown run to extend the Bulldogs’ lead. The kickoff unit once again showed their hustle and awareness, with Dominic Williams pouncing on a loose ball to give Rutherford yet another possession. The Bulldogs kept the pressure on, and this time Gregory Fletcher capped off another drive with a touchdown run. At that point, the Bulldogs’ dominant play proved too much, and the Panthers concluded their participation before the start of the second quarter. To make the most of the day, the Pee Wee Bulldogs turned the remaining time into an exciting intrasquad scrimmage, showcasing depth, teamwork, and effort across the roster. Dominic Williams continued to impress with several big plays, while Declan Barry, Charlie Olivo, Xavion Evans, Drew Bucey, Phoenix Blackwell, and Joel Velasquez all stood out with strong blocking and tackling. The RJF&C Juniors (10-11 year olds) were on a bye week. The Juniors (5-0) will be back in action next Saturday versus rival Lyndhurst. The Rutherford Senior Bulldogs (12-13 year olds) got back in the win column with a 28-0 victory over the Wallington Panthers. The Bulldogs (4-1) were in business after three defensive plays when Gavin Nimmo intercepted a Panther pass at their own 15 yard line. Mason Colon got the Bulldogs on the scoreboard when he took a handoff to the left side for the games first score. The extra point attempt failed and Rutherford had a 6-0 lead.  After a Panther turnover on downs, the Bulldog offense was right back at it.  This time Tyler Griffin hit Nimmo on a 20 yard pass that set the Bulldogs up at the 2 yard line.  Ryan Wilton took a handoff and went untouched into the endzone to put Rutherford up 12-0.  The extra point kick was successful as Lucas Schmidt put it through the uprights making it 14-0.  The Bulldogs were relentless on defense and didn’t give up any ground all game.  Leading the way were Jake Barnes, Joey Urgola, Owen Burbank, Brendan O’Rourke, and Chase Kuenzle.  They forced another turnover on downs and gave the ball back to the offense.  This time the Bulldogs marched down the field and Tyler Griffin ran in a score on a QB keeper.  Rutherford was now up 22-0 and it stayed that way as the extra point attempt failed. The final score of the night was a thirty yard touchdown pass from Frankie Wilton to Alejandro Castro who had a breakout game from the TE position.  That score sealed the game and gave the Bulldogs the 28-0 victory.