By The TimesLedger
The defending champion Giants, coached by Frank LoRiggio and Abed Mustafa, met up in a match with last year’s No. 1 seeded squad, the Vikings, coached by Gary Semenetz.
As in last year’s game, the Vikings utilized a hurry-up offense in the second half to close the gap to 34-30, courtesy of Tony Vittiglio touchdown reception on an option-play pass from Adam Greenfield. But the Giants followed up on their next possession in the final two minutes with a breakaway touchdown run by Donald Gomer to nail down the victory.
The Giants’ key offensive players were quarterback Adam Mustafa, Frankie LoRiggio and Donald Gomer, who also got a safety in one defensive start to open the game, Max Bomser and Roy Kip. Defensive stars were Steven Fielder, who did an outstanding job as pass-rusher towards the end of the game, Dewey Frechette, Mike Leon, Joe Wylie and George Koutsouris.
The Vikings squad was led by Garret Semenetz, who did a great job, along with Chris Velasco, Tony Vittiglio, Adam Greenfield Matthew Memis, Anthony Ramos, Matt Mione and David Pireira.
The DAC Senior Division Jaguars advanced to the final game in the NFL flag football tournament played in Wayne, N.J. last Saturday. The team put a string of five exciting wins together, including two shutouts, before losing a hard-fought finale.
The Jaguars had family and friends cheering wildly as they advanced through the tournament with an explosive offense and relentless defense. The offense was led by the spectacular play of quarterback Mike Atzlan, who throughout the day scored on the ground and through the air. Receiver Teddy Rojas ruled the end zone, catching several TDs. Matthew Vision was a constant offensive force, rolling up big yardage as both receiver and running back. Center Jared Belfer snapped the ball flawlessly game after game. Jordan Last caught a short pass and rumbled 40 yards for a touchdown. Derek Cafasso fired a TD and several extra point passes and played solid run defense.
Stefano Tsipas rushed the opposing quarterbacks all day, disrupting plays and sacking ball carriers. Joe Cornetta played tenacious run and pass defense, picking up several sacks and a big interception. Matthew Helenek ran down opposition running backs all day and came up with a crucial interception. Keith Fernandez was all over the field on defense, stopping runs and breaking up pass plays. The Jaguars played an inspired brand of team football and provided a day of intense excitement that will not be soon forgotten.
