Old Tappan Extends Undefeated Streak to 14 with Dominant Win Over River Dell in North Jersey Section 1, Group 3 Quarterfinals

The Old Tappan Golden Knights (9-0) extended their undefeated streak to 14 games with a convincing 37-0 victory over the River Dell Golden Hawks (6-4) in the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group 3 Tournament Quarterfinals held at Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan, New Jersey.

Old Tappan wasted no time jumping out to an early lead after receiving the opening kickoff. Golden Knights quarterback Zach Miceli completed three consecutive passes, quickly advancing the offense into River Dell territory.

On first and ten at the Golden Hawks' 19-yard line, Miceli threw a pass to wide receiver Joey Crescitelli, who made a spectacular sliding catch in the end zone for the first score with seven and a half minutes remaining in the first quarter.

The Golden Knights' defense quickly forced the River Dell offense into a three-and-out on their next possession. Old Tappan's offense continued to excel as Miceli completed a 54-yard pass to wide receiver Leo Etter, moving the ball to the Golden Hawks' two-yard line.

On first and goal, running back Damian Du Toit received the handoff and powered his way into the end zone, extending Old Tappan's lead to 14-0 with three and a half minutes left in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Golden Knights were back in business when Miceli connected on a 36-yard pass that set up first and goal at the River Dell eight-yard line. On first and goal, Miceli took the snap and handed the ball to wide receiver Leo Etter, who pushed his way into the end zone, increasing the lead to 21-0 with 8:45 left in the half.

The Old Tappan defense continued to assert its dominance, forcing River Dell's offense deep into its own territory after the kickoff, resulting in another punt that gave Old Tappan excellent field position at the River Dell 36-yard line. Running back Devyn Radoian then broke off a 24-yard run to further advance the ball into Golden Hawks territory. Radoian bulldozed through defenders on consecutive plays, ultimately capping off the drive with a one-yard touchdown plunge to make it 28-0 with five minutes to go in the half.

On River Dell's next offensive series, Shane Small recorded a sack, forcing yet another punt. However, a mishandled snap in the end zone resulted in a safety, increasing Old Tappan's advantage to 30-0.

Old Tappan maintained its momentum after receiving the ball back following the free kick. Zach Miceli continued his impressive performance, completing a pair of passes, including one for 51 yards to wide receiver Christakis Nicolaou, which set up first and goal at the Golden Hawks' three-yard line. On first and goal, Miceli threw a pass to Nicolaou, boosting the Golden Knights' lead to 37-0 at halftime.

In the second half, River Dell received the kickoff and managed to control much of the third quarter but failed to score, as the Old Tappan defense held strong, forcing an incomplete pass on fourth down at the Golden Knights' 27-yard line.

The Golden Hawks had one last opportunity to score late in the fourth quarter, but the clock ran out on their chances as Old Tappan players rushed the field to celebrate their victory.

With this win, the Golden Knights advanced to the North Jersey Section 1, Group 3 Tournament Semifinals, where they will host the fourth-seeded West Milford Highlanders (9-1) on Friday, November 7, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. West Milford is coming off a significant 21-7 victory over Montville, marking their first home playoff win in 22 years.