St. Mary High School and Hasbrouck Heights faced each other for the first time since the 2023 season during the NJIC crossover where Hasbrouck Heights won 28-11. Coming into this game the St.Mary Gaels lost their first game on the road at the Verona Mountaineer Classic to Verona 14-8. Hasbrouck Heights also lost their first game by the final score of 14-13 against Wallkill Valley.
In the first half of the game there was just straight defense from both teams. Both offenses weren’t consistent until Hasbrouck Heights Aviators’ running back Nick Haines ran the ball into the endzone for a six-yard touchdown and kicker Brady Shine nailed the field goal which gave the Aviators a 7-0 lead. At the end of the first half it was 7-0 in favor of the Aviators.
In the third quarter, the St. Mary Gaels would respond in a big way. St.Mary’s running back James Williams ran down field which set up a touchdown as quarterback Thomas Messina ran for a three-yard touchdown. Williams completed the two-point conversion to give the Gaels an 8-7 lead. The next possession would be all the same as Messina ran up the middle for a 75-yard touchdown. Williams would convert for a two-point conversion again and after the third quarter St. Mary was up 16-7.
In the fourth quarter, momentum started to shift as the offense for the Aviators started to regain poise. Aviators quarterback Nico Nipitella completed two passes where eventually he had a six-yard rushing touchdown and field goal kick by Shine to cut the lead to 16-13.
St. Mary’s offense went cold as Hasbrouck Heights defense started to come through. The Aviators forced the Gaels into having two penalties. It was third and long then Shine intercepted a pass from Messina. With Hasbrouck Heights having possession Nico Nipitella made a short pass to shine who pitched to Haines running into the endzone for the touchdown.
Hasbrouck Heights rallied in the fourth completing the comeback resulting in a win against St. Mary 20-16. Hasbrouck Heights plays against New Milford next at home on Friday at 7 p.m. St. Mary next plays against Wood-ridge on the road this Friday at 7 p.m.
