Park Ridge's second-half surge leads to a win over Bogota

The Park Ridge Owls (3-1), led by Patrick Randolph's four touchdowns, secured a 28-16 victory over the Bogota Bucs (3-2) at Feigel Field in Bogota, New Jersey.

Bogota opened the scoring with four minutes remaining in the first quarter, when quarterback Jayden Gonzalez connected with wide receiver Derek Cabana for a 36-yard touchdown pass.

Following the kickoff, Park Ridge's returner, Matt Grant, brought the ball back to the Owls' 42-yard line. The first four plays were all runs, but then quarterback Aidan O'Connor connected with Grant on a 43-yard pass, putting the ball at the Bucs' 7-yard line.

On the first play of the second quarter, running back Patrick Randolph took the handoff and powered into the end zone, leveling the score at 7-7.

Bogota regained the lead with seven and a half minutes left in the half. Wide receiver Jason Alvarado took a jet sweep run around the left side and sprinted to the end zone for a 40-yard touchdown. However, the two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 13-7.

Later in the quarter, the Bucs managed a solid drive deep into Park Ridge territory, which stalled, resulting in a successful 21-yard field goal by kicker Justin Rocca as time expired in the first half, giving Bogota a 16-7 advantage.

In the third quarter, Park Ridge's defense shifted the momentum with a key interception by defensive back Sam Fasola near the midfield line. The Owls then employed a ground-and-pound strategy, with their offensive line controlling the line of scrimmage, enabling running back Randolph to make crucial gains. They successfully converted a key fourth down inside the Bucs' 20-yard line.

Randolph capped off a 13-play drive that consumed seven minutes on a 3-yard touchdown run, narrowing the deficit to 16-14.

On Bogota's next possession, Fasola made another impact play with his second interception of the game. Facing a critical third down, quarterback Aidan O'Connor completed a 19-yard pass to Randolph, advancing the ball to the Bucs' 26-yard line.

In the fourth quarter, Randolph showcased his powerful running style, scoring a seven-yard touchdown to put Park Ridge ahead 21-16 with less than ten minutes remaining.

Bogota attempted to respond offensively, but Randolph intercepted quarterback Jayden Gonzalez's pass attempt. He secured the ball and sprinted down the left sideline for a 30-yard pick-six, extending the Owls' lead to 28-16 with eight and a half minutes left.

Park Ridge's secondary continued to shine, with linebacker Julian Ingala and defensive back Nate Shannon adding interceptions that sealed the victory.

The Owls will return to action on Friday, October 3rd, hosting Wallington at Park Ridge High School, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Meanwhile, Bogota will face Weehawken at home, with kickoff set for 6 p.m.