Homecoming Win Keeps Bernards Football Unbeaten

The Bernards High School football team celebrated homecoming with solid victory Friday night against Roselle Park 36-7.  A strong defense and an aerial attack gave Bernards their sixth straight win this season.

In the first possession of the night, Devin Ray took to the air and found his favorite target, John Maddaluna for two big catches and a touchdown. Before the night was over, Ray threw for 225 yards on 13 completions, six of those to Maddaluna for 209 yards and three touchdowns.  Maddaluna would add an acrobatic punt return for 65 yards to add to his scoring.  Jon Diamond would add a touchdown with a diving leap into the endzone.

Led by Michael St. Onge and Phil Garubo, the Bernards defense kept Roselle Park from mounting any offense for the greater part of the game.  The Mountaineer's held Roselle Park until a late game blocked punt gave the Panthers the ball on the 13 yard line.

Part of the evening's festivities included the presentation of the Homecoming King and Queen, Alec Stransky and Andrea Zazzarino.  Rounding out the halftime celebration was the drawing for a new Jeep Wrangler won by Virginia Brach, of Bedminster.

MOUNTAINEERS OF THE GAME

Mike St. Onge - "Mike spun the game for us.  He had a 'big pop' and he had a great game at linebacker for us." - Bernards head coach Jon Simineau

Phil Garubo - "He played a great game with a heavy heart, his grandmother passed away two days ago.  Phil didn't miss a beat.  He ran the pep rally today and doing everything with that heavy heart, we are really proud of him." - Bernards head coach Jon Simineau

John Maddaluna - Maddaluna scored three touchdowns and had 209 yards receiving and a 65 yard punt return.

Devin Ray - Ray threw for 225 yards going 13 for 19.

COACH'S TAKE

"We were afraid we would have a let down, but believe it or not, they gave us a gem.  Their head coach came out and was spitting all over the field.  That really offended our kids, it really hit us.  It actually fired the kids up. They pointed it out 'This guy's spitting all over the field coach.'  If we had any fear of a let down, that guy just fired us up.  They came up to stuff our run game, so we opened up the passing game.  Take something away from us, were are going to do the other thing.  The boys did a great job and I am real proud of them.  It is a lot about your heart and your fight and not so much what you look like in pads." -Bernards head coach Jon Simineau

NEXT UP - Bernards will travel to Bound Brook 10/19 at 7 p.m.