Hasbrouck Heights Pulls Away Late in Win Over Park Ridge

The Hasbrouck Heights Aviators varsity football team (6-2) scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to defeat the Park Ridge Owls (4-3) at Depken Field in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey.

The first quarter ended scoreless, but Park Ridge broke the stalemate late in the second quarter when running back Patrick Randolph rushed for a five-yard touchdown.

However, the Owls' lead was short-lived. Hasbrouck Heights quickly responded with an electrifying 60-yard touchdown run by quarterback Nico Nipitella, who took the direct snap and burst through a gap in the middle of the field.

Following the touchdown, the Aviators opted for a two-point conversion, which was successful when running back Michael Napolitano took the handoff and powered into the end zone, giving Hasbrouck Heights an 8-7 lead.

After receiving the second-half kickoff and starting from their own 27-yard line, Park Ridge employed a strong running game, with Randolph carrying the ball seven times on a 10-play drive that took more than five minutes off the clock. Randolph finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.

The Owls also went for a two-point conversion, which paid off when quarterback Aidan O'Connor took the snap, navigated around the right side, and crossed into the end zone, putting Park Ridge up 15-8.

Hasbrouck Heights responded swiftly on their next offensive possession. Quarterback Nico Nipitella gained 15 yards on a run, followed by a personal foul that moved the ball to the Park Ridge 35-yard line. The Aviators continued to push down the field, and on second-and-goal at the four-yard line, Napolitano executed a jet sweep, turning the corner on the right side and gliding into the end zone for a touchdown. The ensuing extra point tied the game at 15-15 with less than four minutes left in the third quarter.

Later in the third quarter, showcasing his speed and agility, Nipitella broke through the Owls' defense with a 43-yard run, bringing the ball to the Park Ridge 17-yard line.

In the fourth quarter, Hasbrouck Heights faced a challenging fourth-and-20 at the 26-yard line, but Nipitella connected on a 21-yard pass to wide receiver Armani Mora, who made a spectacular diving catch to keep the drive alive.

On third-and-goal at the one-yard line, running back Michael Napolitano took the handoff and powered into the end zone for his second touchdown of the game. Although the extra point attempt was unsuccessful, the Aviators took a 21-15 lead with eight minutes remaining.

The Hasbrouck Heights defense quickly forced the Owls into a three-and-out on their next possession, giving the Aviators excellent starting field position at their own 42-yard line. It took Hasbrouck Heights just three plays to find the end zone again, as running back Nick Gaines took the handoff and sliced through multiple defenders for a 44-yard touchdown.

The Aviators wasted no time going for the two-point conversion, which was successful when Nipitella completed a pass to wide receiver Armani Mora, extending their lead to 29-15 and sealing the victory.

Hasbrouck Heights will return to action on Friday, October 24, facing Glen Rock (6-1) at Glen Rock High School, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. Meanwhile, Park Ridge will return home to square off against Lyndhurst (5-3), with kickoff also scheduled for 7 p.m.