OLD TAPPAN, N.J. —— In what was a stellar season for the Old Tappan Golden Knights, Coach Brian Dunn said his team needed one last push of resiliency to overcome an early deficit and beat back challengers Mount Olive in the North 1, Group 4 state sectional championship.
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The Golden Knights team emerged victorious in this recent trip to MetLife Stadium, winning a state championship and celebrating an undefeated 12-0 season.
In its path to the title, Coach Dunn said the team was led by its seniors, all driven by work ethic and focus.
Photo by John Puleo
In the championship game, Old Tappan played from behind throughout the first half after Mount Olive took an early lead. On the strength of senior running back Marquez Antinori’s two first half touchdowns, Old Tappan kept up with Mount Olive, bringing a 14-14 tie into the locker room at half time.
In the second half, Old Tappan was able to take an early lead on a field goal by Eric Rodriguez, but then fell behind 20-17 after Mount Olive scored in the third quarter.
That’s when Old Tappan’s senior leaders took over.
Senior quarterback Nick McNerney would throw a 55-yard touchdown to Bryan Baker in the fourth quarter, before later finding junior John Lohrer in the end zone to take a 31-20 lead.
While Mount Olive would score again, the Golden Knights held on to clinch the victory, 31-28.
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To reach the championship game, Old Tappan had to dispatch rival Wayne Hills (42-7) in a semifinal game, after first beating Teaneck in the opening round (46-7).
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The Golden Knights finished as The Record’s top ranked public school football team.
“We are top ranked in North Jersey. That is a nice honor and source of pride for our school, families and alumni—but not what we play for,” said Coach Dunn. “We strive to be the best by our own estimations and expectations. Not others’ view of us.”