POMPTON LAKES – The wooden bleachers lining each side of the football field at Hershfield Park were filled to capacity, leaving hundreds of spectators leaning on the chain-link fence surrounding this NJIC football showcase.The standing-room-only crowd was treated to the type of game the conference hoped would unfold when it hatched the idea for a playoff format.
Hasbrouck Heights and Pompton Lakes battled on the grass field as momentum shifted. But in the end, the Aviators emerged as champions.
Historic champions.
“It is so awesome being the first team to ever do this,” quarterback Frank Quatrone said.
Quatrone’s third-quarter touchdown run and ensuing two-point conversion pass, along with two late key Hasbrouck Heights defensive plays, lifted the Aviators to a 14-13 victory over Pompton Lakes in the inaugural NJIC final on Saturday.
“Great football game,” Heights coach Nick Delcalzo said. “We played a great football team in Pompton Lakes.
“What a way to start this new championship.”
The stage was set for a memorable contest. The teams delivered.
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