Bergen Tech dominated from start to finish to beat Fort Lee, 35-0, making big plays on offense, defense, and special teams. The star of the game was Francis Gargiulo who had three touchdowns, while Joe Sciglitano led the defense by constantly constantly disrupting things.
First Quarter: Gargiulo returned the opening kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown to put the Knights out in front 7-0 before anybody could blink. The Knights created an opportunity for themselves several plays later when Quincy Barr intercepted to give Bergen Tech the ball on the Fort Lee 43, but ended up punting. Late in the quarter, Gargiulo intercepted for the Knights, returning it to their own 47 with 20 seconds left in the quarter.
Second Quarter: This time, Bergen Tech took advantage, driving to the 4-yard line to set up a 21-yard field goal from Nazar Fedorko and a 10-0 midway through the quarter. The Knights stayed on the ground behind runs by Bradley Mika and Tanner Deriso. Bergen Tech added to their lead when Fedorko kicked another field goal from 19 yards to make it 13-0 with 2:38 left in the half. The score was set up on a bobbled shotgun snap the Knights recovered on the 7-yard line.
Third Quarter: Fort Lee fumbled on the second half kickoff, with Bergen Tech recovered on the 30. After a 21-yard run by Gargiulo, the Knights fumbled two plays later with Fort Lee recovering on the 10. The Bridgemen were forced to punt and Bergen Tech drove again, this time to the 7. But once again, the Knights fumbled with Fort Lee recovering on the 4. A mishandled shotgun snap by Fort Lee resulted in a safety to give Bergen Tech a 15-0 lead.
Fourth Quarter: This quarter was all Bergen Tech starting on the first play when Gargiulo ran 62 yards to the 12 and two plays later, he scored on a 12-yard run for a 22-0 lead. Gargiulo struck again, returning a punt 40 yards for a touchdown with four minutes left. And just over a minute later, Mika scored on a 54-yard run to close out the scoring.
Summary:
After some rough years, it was good to see Bergen Tech come out with a win. Not only was it a win, but they were in command of all three phases of the game: offense, defense, and special teams. Gargiulo scored three touchdowns: on a run, kick return, and punt return to lead the way, rushed for 104 yards on 10 carries, and intercepted a pass on defense. Mika ran for 102 yards on 10 carries.
Defensively, Bergen Tech held Fort Lee to three first downs, all in the first half, and 39 yards of total offense. They also had five sacks – 2-½ by Sciglitano, and Jason O’Hagan also provided heavy pressure.
Comments:
Bergen Tech head coach Ryan Lynch: “This team is the definition of perseverance. They stuck it out through the storm when they could have quit. The seniors stuck around and are true leaders. I also appreciate my staff for sticking it out.”