Old Tappan’s football team suffered its first loss 31-24 of the season to their rivals, the Ramapo Raiders, on Friday night.
Old Tappan’s first drive stalled around midfield, which led to Ramapo scoring the first touchdown. However, junior Robert Agans blocked the extra point and Old Tappan responded with a touchdown of their own. Senior Nico Ottomanelli increased the score 10-6 with a 50 yard field goal. In doing so, he also set a new school record. “I’ve been working towards it [the record] for years and now actually having it is a big accomplishment,” Ottomanelli said.
Ultimately, stopping Ramapo senior Zach Schnorrbusch was too tall of a task for the Knights. On defense, the senior had two interceptions and on offense he put up 11 catches for 192 yards. It was Schnorrbusch receiving a touchdown from an intercepted pass right before the half that set up junior Charlie Wingfield’s touchdown to give Ramapo a 20-10 lead.
In the third quarter, the Knights’ defense got a stop and forced a Ramapo field goal before, James Magerko’s rushing touchdown put Ramapo in front 31-10 heading into the fourth quarter.
Old Tappan turned the tide at the top of the fourth quarter, when junior Alex Orrechio found Brooks for his second touchdown of the game. Senior Michael Miceli then got a crucial interception, setting up the Knights in Ramapo territory. That’s when Orrechio found junior Ronan Malady for a 39-yard touchdown. With plenty of time left, Old Tappan trailed just 31-24.
While the defense was able to get two stops to set up potential game-tying drives, the Knights were unable to punch in the equalizing touchdown.
This is the fifth year in a row Old Tappan was defeated by Ramapo. “At the end of the day, we practiced hard and should’ve come out like we did against any other team.” Orrechio continued, “Many of us, including myself, believed we would be able to walk in and dominate and unfortunately, that is not the mindset that any team can have going into a game.”
The Knights will try to further improve their record at their next game on Friday October 20, against another long time rival, the NVD Norseman.