By Sean Farrell / Record Sports
OAKLAND – In the end, Glen Rock left no room for debate.
Not even Ramsey or rain or the referees could get in its way.
The Panthers are the kings of Bergen County after outmatching the Rams with a 3-0 win in Saturday’s final, giving them the first tournament title in program history. Ben Zakowski scored twice and Ryan McCarthy added a goal in a contentious championship game that at times left both sides unhappy with the officials and each other.
“It’s their determination, their hunger, their heart,” coach Casey Schick said. “All that. They wanted to leave a legacy as a senior class and they’re leaving a legacy. But we’re not done. We’re not happy or satisfied. We want to get that state championship.”
The victory helped the Panthers (18-0-1) finish off one of the greatest runs by a small-school and made them the first NJIC program to win since Waldwick in 1995, well before the conference even existed.
The results, however, showed that Glen Rock was only an underdog in its size and seed (or lack, thereof). The overpowering Panthers scored 16 goals and gave up only two in the postseason, en route to the biggest win the program had ever seen.
Key play
The opening goal by Zakowski in the 16th minute held up as the winner. Oscar Horwitz fed him a pass in the right corner and Zakowski took care of the rest, getting past a few defenders and the Ramsey goalie with a low shot.
“He helps us settle the game down when he scores,” Schick said. “We’re able to play a little bit. He keeps us composed for the most part as much as he can.”
Zakowski tacked on another goal about eight minutes later, while McCarthy all but ended the night on a rebound late in the second half.
What it means
Glen Rock is set up for a deep run in the state tournament. The Panthers are the second seed in their section and could see No. 1-ranked Ramsey again in a final. Saturday’s shutout is certainly an encouraging sign for Glen Rock, but many of its players were careful not to put too much stock in one result.
“It gives us a lot of confidence going into the state tournament,” senior defender Owen Corry said.
“But then again, you see what happened last year. We were the No. 1 seed and got knocked off by the eight seed. We’re keeping that in the back of our minds and just taking each game one at a time.”
By the numbers
►Glen Rock and Ramsey both came in winless in Bergen County finals with a combined 0-3 record. The Panthers made one previous trip to the championship in 1987, falling to Don Bosco. The Rams were finalists in 1980 and 1990.
►The Bergen title has now gone to a public school for nine straight years. That’s the second-longest streak since a decade-long run upon the tournament’s inception in 1972.
►Glen Rock goalie Noah Beverin made 13 saves. Ramsey’s Justin Siegel stopped five shots.
Game ball
There’s no doubt that Zakowski was the best player for Glen Rock and the MVP of the entire tournament. The undersized striker scored nine times in the postseason, including an overtime tally against Don Bosco. He was responsible for the winning goal in four of his team’s five county matches.
“Everybody always says that Ben is a little small,” senior Nick Rogers said. “How is he good? I’ve always stood up for him. I’ve always said that Ben is one of the best forwards I’ve ever played with for my entire life. I still live by it.”
“Because we’re all talented enough to win it, it’s about work rate. If we match or up the other team’s intensity, we’re going to win the game.” –Glen Rock’s Ben Zakowski
