By Chris Isemen – Record Sports Department

Decades have passed since the last time Rutherford was able to call itself a state champion.

The Bulldogs have had formidable teams over the past 50 years. They have come close to titles. They have flirted with the chance of breaking that long drought.

But they haven’t been able to do it.

This season’s team is hoping to change that.

The top-seeded Bulldogs will play No. 6 Hackettstown in the North 2, Group 2 final Thursday at MetLife Stadium at 5 p.m. The championship game will cap off a remarkable season for Rutherford, which won the NJIC title and will enter the sectional final undefeated at 10-0.

“I would tell them this is a great moment for them, especially now getting to play at MetLife [Stadium],” said Joe Merli, who played on the 1966 team. “They’re going to have a big crowd. The whole town’s behind them.”

That 1966 Bulldogs were similar to this season’s team in that they were also excellent defensively and would routinely come up with big, timely plays.

“It always seemed like it came down to some big play somewhere along the line. Usually the guy that made the big play, either breaking a long run or making a big tackle, was Eddie Berry,” Merli said. “He was the captain, he was a fullback, he was a linebacker. If he didn’t make the big play then one of the other guys did like Mike Schmeding or Gary Politika.”

But one difference was that the 1966 team didn’t have to win playoff games. Back then, state championships were awarded.

The ’66 team won its first eight games and won the league title in its first season in the BCSL. Its only loss came in a 12-0 defeat to Passaic in their Thanksgiving Day game.

Darren Cooper walks and talks 100 yards with Rutherford running back Billy Finn. Chris Pedota/NorthJersey.com

But by that point, the Bulldogs had already been crowned as champions.

Mike Schmeding, a right tackle and defensive end on the 1966 team, said what the 2017 team has to do to win a state title is more difficult.

But it’s also something he would’ve liked to have the opportunity to do.

“The playoffs are really grueling,” Schmeding said. “I wish they had it when I was playing.”

Senior linebacker Billy Finn, who has 68 tackles this season, said the Bulldogs know how long it’s been since Rutherford has won a sectional title but it’s not something they’re focusing on.

“We’re aware of that but it’s not really in the back of our mind,” senior linebacker Billy Finn said. “We just figure if we go out and play our game, history will take care of itself.”

The Bulldogs came close two years ago, advancing to the sectional final before falling to Madison, 27-6, at MetLife Stadium.

“I think the difference this time around compared to two years is we’re a little more focused where we understand that this is all business for us at this point,” coach Andy Howell said. “It seems like last time we were here, getting there was good enough and everybody was just happy to be there and they were excited to play at the Stadium. You can see it’s a different attitude this year.”

For the current seniors, going to the final in 2015 was a valuable experience despite the loss.

Now there’s no shock when they walk onto the turf at the Stadium. They’ve been there before. They know what it will be like.

“We’re all business,” Finn said.

Finn and the Bulldogs have played some of their best football of the season in the past few weeks. They’ve already played in high-pressure games after winning the NJIC Colonial Division to secure a spot in the conference playoffs.

Rutherford eventually beat defending champion Hasbrouck Heights in overtime, 14-7.

“I am the biggest advocate for the NJIC playoffs just because of that reason right there, “Howell said. “You have to be playing your best football at the end of the season, in November. You don’t want to peak too early.”

The Bulldogs didn’t peak early and now they’re one victory away from their first state title in 51 years.

“They seem to have a god group now,” Brundage said. “They’re firing on all cylinders.”

There’s no overstating how much that championship would mean to Rutherford.

It’s been decades since the Bulldogs were state champions. That could change soon.

“For the community, everybody would be thrilled,” Finn said.

Email: iseman@northjersey.com