OCTOBER 24, 2015
BY DARREN COOPER
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS COLUMNIST | THE RECORD
RUTHERFORD — Rutherford didn’t get the shutout, but it got the fire trucks, a share of the NJIC Colonial Division title, and senior linebacker Van Foley got a kiss from his girlfriend, Natalie Else.
“A league title,” Foley said. “I never thought I would have one of those, but hard work pays off.”
Foley helped lead a spirited defensive effort as the Bulldogs stopped Garfield, 27-6, Friday night to improve to 6-0. A win next week against Waldwick/Midland Park would give Rutherford the league title outright.
It has been a long couple of years for the Bulldogs’ football program. They were 3-7 in 2014 and 2-7 in 2013.
“The past two seasons weren’t at all fun,” Foley said. “[Quarterback] Nick [Birchby] was hurt, we had a few more injuries, but we stepped up this year. It was frustrating, but we are all family and we knew that if we stuck together, we would win games.”
“Our coaches and our players are just so excited to be playing in meaningful games,” Rutherford coach Andrew Howell said. “I think we have brought a lot of pride back to the Rutherford community.”
