OLD TAPPAN – In a thrilling season opener, senior quarterback Zach Miceli showcased his skills as he led Old Tappan to a 35-26 victory over Ramapo on September 4. The game, part of the Super Football Conference, saw the Golden Knights rally in the second half, demonstrating their potential as serious state title contenders.
Miceli's performance was pivotal, as he rushed for three touchdowns in the latter half of the game. His scoring runs of 58, 5, and 10 yards not only propelled Old Tappan ahead but also secured the win with just 2:08 remaining on the clock. Earlier in the game, he had already made his mark with a 2-yard touchdown run just before halftime, allowing the Golden Knights to enter the break tied at 14.
Coach Brian Dunn celebrated a significant milestone with this victory, marking his 200th career win in his 26th season at the helm of the Old Tappan football program. Dunn becomes the 10th coach in North Jersey history to reach this impressive achievement, underscoring his long-standing impact on high school football in the region. "I thought we played a great, gutsy second half," Dunn remarked after the game, reflecting on his team's resilience.
On the opposing side, Ramapo's sophomore quarterback Luke Magerko also had a noteworthy performance, scoring two touchdowns on 1-yard runs in the second half. Magerko's earlier contribution included a 46-yard touchdown pass to senior Hunter Randolph, which briefly gave Ramapo a 14-7 lead in the second quarter. However, the team could not maintain their momentum as Old Tappan surged ahead in the second half.
Old Tappan, currently ranked No. 1 in the North Jersey Public Super 20 and No. 10 in the New Jersey Super 25, demonstrated their readiness for the season ahead. With Miceli's leadership and Dunn's extensive experience, the Golden Knights appear poised for a strong campaign as they look to build on this opening victory.
This win not only sets a positive tone for Old Tappan's season but also highlights the growth and development of their players, particularly Miceli, who will be a key figure to watch as the season progresses. As the team continues to build chemistry and refine their strategy, they will undoubtedly aim to capitalize on this momentum in the coming weeks.
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