Mountain Lakes Drowns Chiefs in Season Opener

While it had its moments on both sides of the ball and impressed their coaching staff with an inspired effort against the defending Group 1 champs, Hopatcong fell to Mountain Lakes, 31-0, in its season opener on Saturday.

"It may not show up on the scoreboard, but the entire coaching staff is so proud of their effort today," head coach Gary Andolena said. "Our kids have been working so hard all summer, and they played their hearts out today. We just came up short against an outstanding team."

While it didn't affect the final score, the Chiefs were able to pound the ball inside for consistent gains against the Lakers' defensive front. Fullback Austin Brown carried the ball 11 times for 69 yards on the day. He was also a force at linebacker against Mountain Lakes' running game.

"Austin is a heck of a ball player, and a team leader," Andolena said. "He's a tremendous competitor who truly loves the game."

After the Chiefs opening drive stalled at their own 35, Mountain Lakes drove 62 yards in 11 plays. Robby Rohan capped off the drive with a touchdown from two yards out to give Mountain Lakes the lead.

It never looked back.

Hopatcong handed Mountain Lakes a second score just over a minute later when Chiefs' quarterback Tom Vicedomini fumbled deep in Chiefs territory due to a big hit from Mountain Lakes' lineman Mike O'Rourke. Linebacker Dylan Walsh picked up the loose ball and raced into the end zone to put the Chiefs down two scores.

After the Chiefs' ensuing drive stalled at their own 38, Mountain Lakes put together another long drive that ended with a 16-yard touchdown pass from halfback Dylan Muti to wide receiver Conner Winter.

Hopatcong was able to put together its best offensive drive of the day on its next possession. After starting on their own 11-yard line due to a holding call on John Ferguson's kickoff return, the Chiefs drove all the way to the Mountain Lakes 2-yard line thanks to powerful inside running from Brown, Ferguson and junior running back Feyi Olugbenga. But the Chiefs were stuffed at the goal line four straight times by the Mountain Lakes defense and came away empty handed at halftime.

It appeared Mountain Lakes would return the favor when Rohan put the ball on the ground deep in Hopatcong territory and Vinny Marinoni pounced on it at the Chiefs' 16. But Hopatcong gave the ball right back when Brown, who had broken through the middle on an inside run and appeared to be headed for a huge gain, had the ball punched out from behind by Tim Labeau. Connor O'Leary fell on it for Mountain lakes to end another Chiefs' drive.

"When we're playing a team the caliber of Mountain Lakes, we can't make those types of errors," Andolena said. "While we were pleased with a lot of the things we were able to do, we can't keep turning the ball over and expect to win."

"Unfortunately, sometimes football games are decided by who makes fewer mistakes," Brown added.

The Chiefs will not get much rest after this tough loss as they will have a short week of practice before hosting Kinnelon Thursday night.

"The short week is tough, but we need to shore up some areas of our game and get ready for the next game," Andolena said.

"The first thing we need to do is forget about this game and focus on Kinnelon," Ferguson said. "They're also a good team. Things aren't going to get any easier for us."

H     0    0   0   0 - 0

M   14   7   3   7 - 31

Scoring plays

First quarter

M- Robby Rohan 2-yard run [Conner Winter kick], 9:22

M- Dylan Walsh 9-yard fumble return [Winter kick], 10:36

Second quarter

M- Winter 16-yard pass from Greg Cuccinello [Winter kick], 6:51

Third quarter

M- Winter 40-yard FG, 7:25

Fourth quarter

M- Labeau 19-yard pass from Cuccinello (Winter kick], :06