PASCACK VALLEY—The Hillsdale Hawks and River Vale Raiders youth football and cheer teams enjoyed spending the day together, Sunday Oct. 9, by attending the New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
Craig Kardell, president of the Hillsdale Hawks Football and Cheer Association, told Pascack Press this inaugural fundraiser for both associations was a huge success.
“The day started off with both football joining in the pre-game festivities by participating in a tunnel run out onto the field to join the Jets and Dolphins players for the national anthem. After watching the game, both teams collided in a friendly full-contact scrimmage game down on the field,” he said.
The Jets defeated the Miami Dolphins, 40-17. After the game, the Hawks and Raiders senior team, composed of 7th and 8th graders, played a 20-minute full contact scrimmage on MetLife Stadium turf. They were cheered on from the sidelines by junior and senior cheerleaders from both teams.
Kardell noted another highlight of the day: longtime Hillsdale resident and diehard Jet fan Al Giunchi crossed an item off his bucket list: he participated in the tunnel run, out with his grandson Travis Hirsch and the rest of the Hawks football players.
Kardell said, “It really was an amazing day all around. From the fantastic tailgate party up to the post-game celebration of both teams. Seeing all the smiles and excitement on the kids faces was an incredible experience to watch and hopefully will last a lifetime for the kids. At the end of the day it is all about them and I believe both associations nailed it with this day.”
He gave special thanks to Kelly DiFabio, Tricia Escobar, Bob McMorrow, the Hillsdale Hawks and River Vale Raiders Football and Cheer families. “Without their help and support this event could never have happened.”
Hillsdale Hawks Football and Cheer is open to children in grades 1-8 from Hillsdale, Montvale, and Woodcliff Lake. “The HFCA board consists of dedicated parents and community members who volunteer their time to consistently manage this amazing program. But, without you — our families, athletes and coaches — we would be unable to make the Hawks program the success that it is.”
Meanwhile, the Pascack Valley football program says online it’s “developed from the solid foundation that is built through our youth programs. Both our Hillsdale Hawks and River Vale Raiders football programs are rich in football tradition. Our parents and coaches understand teaching our boys the importance of sacrifice, toughness, hard-work, and teamwork. We sincerely thank all parents and coaches for their commitment to the game and wish the best of luck to all current and future Hawks and Raiders!”
