Panthers grab Homecoming victory in last minute

Glen+Rock+and+Lodi+huddle+up+before+Glen+Rock%E2%80%99s+Matt+Sapoff+rushes+for+the+game+winning+touchdown.+

Photo Credit: James Boisits

Glen Rock and Lodi huddle up before Glen Rock’s Matt Sapoff rushes for the game winning touchdown.

by James Boisits, Assistant Sports Editor

Dominic Patania led Glen Rock (3-3) to a fifteen play drive that ended the game with a winning touchdown run by senior captain Matt Sapoff, as they defeated the Lodi Rams (1-5) at Glen Rock High School on homecoming weekend saturday.

Glen Rock stretches its winning streak to three after starting out the season with a 0-3 record.

Lodi took the lead away from Glen Rock with around six minutes to go after senior receiver Carlos Pepin caught a pass for a touchdown in the fourth quarter making the score 20-16. Glen Rock fired right back with a long, impressive drive to snatch back the lead.

Lodi had twenty-six seconds to respond with two timeouts but Will Scherer picked off a desperation throw by Lodi to seal the victory for the Panthers.

This victory gives the team confidence into their next game vs Lyndhurst on Friday, Oct. 27.

Lodi’s Pepin starred in the game. Pepin had two receiving touchdowns and a huge interception in the fourth quarter that ultimately led to a score.

“He was definitely someone we were aware of,” said Kurz. “We did our best, it’s no easy task covering him but he’s a heck of a football player,”

Pepin and the Rams dug out of a 14-0 hole that was created in the first half and responded with three touchdowns in the second half. Two receiving and one rushing. However, it wasn’t enough.

Sapoff’s go ahead rushing touchdown saved what would have been a devastating loss to the team.

“Drew Famularo gave me a great block, which made it a wide open lane to run. I knew I wasn’t going to be stopped because of him and how well the linemen did their job,” Sapoff said.

Sapoff also had a touchdown run previously in the second quarter.

The team looked into Lodi as a team they couldn’t take lightly. Even with the record that they have, they still had some talented players to be aware of. Glen Rock needed the win as they need to win out to make the state playoffs.

Will Scherer made some great completions and certainly stood out for Glen Rock. Scherer did not play last season for the team and this year is his first varsity season.

“I have a lot of faith in Will. He catches everything and he’s definitely a go to target for me.” Patania said.

“For someone who didn’t play last season, it has been a blessing to have him back,” Kurz said.

Senior captain, offensive and defensive lineman, Jimmy Gilmartin, forced a big safety to give Glen Rock a 16-14 lead. This would be huge points to give them some momentum and the victory.

Glen Rock is looking to increase their winning streak to four games against Lyndhurst and will try to squeak into the playoffs.

“We are just gonna keep fighting, and we aren’t giving up yet,” Sapoff said.