RUTHERFORD — The jump from a 3-7 record one season to a 7-0 record the next is long and perilous, and requires quite a few things to break in the right direction.
Consider Rutherford, which has made that leap with gusto and is still looking for more heading into tonight’s NJIC Colonial finale against Waldwick/Midland Park.
The Bulldogs, the only undefeated team in the NJIC, have played strong defense and developed some nice skill players. They have averaged 39.5 points per game, and developed a top-shelf big play running back in junior Kevin Kosakowski.
But the biggest difference maker seems to be senior quarterback Nick Birchby. The 6-foot-1, 170-pounder is healthy for the first time in three seasons, and has become the spark that makes the Bulldogs go.
“He really is the general of our offense,” Rutherford coach Andy Howell said before Thursday’s practice at Memorial Park. “He has complete command of the offense, and even though we have athletes all over at the skill positions, Nick is the glue that keeps it together.”
In six games (one win was a forfeit over Ridgefield), Birchby has thrown for 996 yards and 11 touchdowns. He threw for a season-high 229 yards in an opening day win over Glen Rock, and threw four touchdown passes in an Oct. 16 win over Elmwood Park.
http://www.northjersey.com/sports/h-s-football-rutherford-eyes-a-perfect-season-1.1444868
