It had been 33 years since Wayne Hills last played a 7-0 game at home, but it happened on Oct. 17, when the Patriots won a hard-fought, 7-0 contest against Northern Valley/Old Tappan, in Wayne, on ‘Senior Day’.
The win improved Wayne Hills’ record to 3-0, marking the first time the team was 3-0 since 2015. (The Patriots finished 12-0 in 2016, but lost its season opener that year, to Pahokee, Fla., before later being awarded a forfeit victory at the end of that season).
The Patriots will play at Northern Highlands, in Allendale, on Oct. 23, in a 6:15 p.m. kickoff. It will be the first meeting between the schools in five years. Hills leads the all-time series with Highlands, 29-16, and won the last meeting 41-13, in 2015, in Allendale. The schools have also met four times in the playoffs, most recently in 2013, with Highlands winning, 17-14.
Wayne Hills head coach Wayne Demikoff was happy with his team’s effort against Old Tappan.
“They’re always tough games with Old Tappan,” said Demikoff. “We have a lot of respect for them. They’re well coached and play hard. We knew it would be that kind of game. With the schedule we’re playing this year, there’s little room for mistakes.
“On offense, we need to finish drives a little better, and I think we’ll do that. Our defense has been good, but we have to continue that, as well.”
The game’s only score came in the second quarter, when senior quarterback Noah Abida threw a 44-yard touchdown pass to Dean Imparato, followed by Jordan Thiel’s kick.
Abida had another solid game, completing 11-of-14 passes for 173 yards and the scoring pass. Imparato led the receiving game for Hills, with give catches for 93 yards and a score. Joe Brunetti had another solid game, with three catches for 49 yards.
On defense, Dan Daly was stellar again, with 10 tackles and a sack. Defensive standouts included Nick Hogan, Jake Grosjean, Stanley Oseback, Abida and Imparato, who also had a key interception. Grosjean also had a pair of sacks.
Hills improved its overall record against Old Tappan to 40-9-2, dating back to 1972. The teams have split its last eight games, since 2013. The shutout win was Hills’ first against Old Tappan, in 20 years.
Demikoff was also pleased the Old Tappan game was moved back a day, because of rain.
“You have to remember, we’re outdoors all the time now,” said Demikoff, referring to the fact the team cannot access the locker room. “It rained pretty hard on Friday, and to have kids outside, during halftime, isn’t the best.
“I’m glad the kids and their parents could enjoy Senior Day, with good weather, and follow it up with a win.”
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