The homecoming game has arrived. Glen Rock meets Hawthorne on the gridiron to renew a rivalry older than anyone involved. Thanks to Hawthorne’s 7-6 win over Pompton Lakes last week, the Panthers are very much still alive and in control of their own destiny.

Last week at Harrison, senior Quarterback Ty Scherer and the offense bounced back big time putting up five touchdowns, with Scherer totaling three. 

Junior Andrew Sara also broke the pylon twice via the ground on his way to 10 carries, 136 yards, and two touchdowns on the ground. This was complemented by sophomore Hayden Yuzon, who took the rock six times for 69 yards. 

Senior Tommy Callahan continues to be Scherer’s favorite target, as he hauled in three receptions for 85 yards. Sara brought in one reception for 23 yards. Scherer finished just 4/9, but was able to rush the ball for two touchdowns, throw a long 37-yard touchdown pass to Callahan, and gather a total of 109 yards by air all without turning it over. 

Senior Ryan Burstiner accounted for the Panthers first defensive points of the season, sacking Harrison in their own end zone for a safety. 

Senior Nico Hernandez-Torre remains a perfect 11 for 11 on PATs this year, a major upgrade from last year’s kicking woes. 

Hawthorne comes into this game a perfect 3-0. It will take a win to extend the careers of the seniors we plan to celebrate this week. If they do not put up the game of their lives, it could be the last we see of Scherer, Burstiner, Callahan, Angelo Piazza, Hernandez-Torre, Danny Crawford, Edward Males, and Jack Strawhorn on Al Diett Field. 

In last year’s head-to-head, Glen Rock lost to Hawthorne by a score of 35-28. The defense struggled, but this year’s Glen Rock defense looks much different, having allowed only 28 points all season. 

Last year Scherer lit up the field throwing for 275 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. With this year’s defensive and special teams improvements, another game like this will virtually guarantee the Panthers keep their season alive.