The Rams defeated the Orange Tornadoes at Bell Stadium 28-9 on Friday, Oct. 18, Orange’s senior night.
“This win was very important for the team,” senior Dustin McFarlane said after the game. “After some tough losses in the beginning of the season, being able to win and have a positive record really boosts the morale for the whole team.”
The Orange offense opened the game; however, after a first down, the Tornadoes struggled to move down the field because of penalties. After hard tackles from the Rams, the Tornadoes were forced to punt.
The Rams started their first drive on their own 36-yard line. Senior Gideon Ochieng ran with intensity, helping the Rams move down the field, with receptions from junior Joey Sommer and sophomore Matt Skrapits assisting.
Ochieng executed the Rams’ first touchdown soon after, making the score at the end of the first quarter 7-0.
The Rams defense continued its dominance into the second quarter as junior Joey Bosotina filled in running lanes, forcing Orange to punt.
The Rams stalled out on the offense and gave the ball back to Orange in the red zone.
The Rams defense was bent but didn’t break, as they only let through a field goal, bringing the score to 7-3. The score would remain the same as the game ran into halftime.
“The biggest thing on our minds was to finish,” senior captain Dean Mangiocavallo said. “There were many drives that we just couldn’t punch in, but coming into the second half, we recognized how important that was. There was no negativity throughout the team; everyone was confident that we were going to put it away and win the game.”
To start off the third quarter, the Tornadoes forced a fumble after a dangerous return from the Rams. However, after a sack from senior Ryan Collins and junior Logan Hankin, the Tornadoes lined up for a field goal.
The Rams’ defense was able to go all in and block the field goal, which was then picked up by junior Mason Wilson and returned past midfield.
The Rams were able to use this momentum offensively, as junior Jackson Magley connected with Sommer on a 37-yard pass to move the Rams down to the one-yard line. Ochieng then cruised into the endzone untouched to make the score 14-3.
Mangiocavallo then kicked off to the Tornadoes, but it was recovered by Sommer after a backward bounce. After a short drive, Magley found Skrapits for a short touchdown catch, making the score 21-3.
The Rams kept the momentum after a forced fumble by sophomore Brooks Koepke, which gave the ball back to the Rams.
The Rams D-Line was in the backfield all night with Mangiocavallo making big plays. He was able to put pressure on the quarterback and get balls away.
To end the game, Sommer was able to pick the ball off and take it all the way for a pick six, closing the door on the Orange Tornadoes with a final score of 28-9. Junior kicker Andrew Zeidman made all four extra points to help the Rams solidify their lead.
“We will use all the momentum we have to bring energy to practice and make sure we are locked in for this upcoming game,” Bosotina said.
Football fans can support the Rams in their last game of the regular season @ Mendham on Friday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m.
