SADDLE BROOK — It was only one win, but it was probably bigger than any other victory in the long history of the Saddle Brook High School football program.
Well, maybe not as big as a state title, but the win over Sussex Tech on Nov. 14 in the consolation game that ended a 21-game losing streak was huge for the school. The Falcons finished with a 1-9 record for 2009.
The last time that a Falcons team tasted a victory before Nov. 14 was when it defeated Elmwood Park, 18-0, on the road on Oct. 27, 2007.
There were several other times this season that the Falcons could have ended the streak, but the breaks did not go in Saddle Brook's favor.
In the season opener, Saddle Brook lost, 14-7, to a state playoff-bound Glen Rock team in overtime on Sept. 12 at home. Then, on Sept. 19, the Falcons were leading at Manchester, but dropped a 22-15 decision after starting quarterback Marc Bonaventure missed the second half. On Oct. 24 on a muddy field, Saddle Brook's defense contained a potent Paterson Catholic before falling 8-6. A week later at home against Garfield, the Falcons dropped a 35-28 decision to the Boilermakers on Halloween.
"We played tough defense. That has been an exceptional part of our team all season long, but best demonstrated in these games," said Saddle Brook head coach Leo Ciappina about the close losses to Glen Rock and Paterson Catholic. "They are great teams and both made it to states and it goes to show how very close we are to becoming a successful team next year."
Saddle Brook finally got on the winning side of the ledger against Sussex Tech, 39-7, to end the losing streak.
"Another great game for us was against Sussex Tech when all aspects of our game clicked together and we earned our first win," said Ciappina.
It was a good feeling for the five seniors on the team that included senior defensive back Carmine Bufi, who was first-team All-Bergen Passaic Scholastic League. (BPSL) The other seniors were wide receiver/defensive back Anthony Traverso, Bonaventure, offensive lineman/defensive lineman Jose Mejia and offensive lineman/defensive lineman Brett Palanker.
The Falcons had four members of the second-team All-BPSL in sophomore linebacker Steve Longa, sophomore offensive guard Joe Camilleri, sophomore defensive back Matt Dickman and junior running back Alex Cimiluca. A pair of juniors was named to the honorable mention All-BPSL in Steve Attanasio and Larry Ratajczak.
"I believe with next year's group as long as everyone stays healthy we should have a successful season," said Ciappina. "We look to take this end of the season win with us into next season and hope to build a winning streak."
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