First FNL: Mendham vs. Morristown
Photo taken and edited by Anna Brodhead
October 14, 2019
Friday night lights are usually filled to the brim with Mendham spirit, vibrant colors, and the overwhelming smell of baby powder. But last Friday night, September 20th, Mendham had a real reason to celebrate.
By half-time, the Mendham Minutemen were down 21-to-nothing, but they were not discouraged. By the third quarter, they scored their first touchdown and extra point of the season. Kontely (11) the quarterback threw a pass to Rob Smith (26), resulting in a 7-21 score. Next, Ruffolo (9) had an interception and ran it back 80 yards for a touchdown, bringing the score to 14-28. In the fourth quarter, Kontely (11) had a one-yard touchdown run and McKevitt (84) caught a 2 point conversion, bringing the score to 29-28. Unfortunately, the Morristown Colonials drove down the field with two minutes remaining, leaving the minutemen not enough playing time to score another touchdown.
Although they lost, Mr. Ressler expressed his extreme pride in the team, “I’m so proud of these guys for the effort they showed and the heart that they showed. And at the end of the day, I know the score says 34-29 but to climb out of a 21 nothing hole at half-time and fight like they did, they have nothing to hold their heads for.” Mendham showed their true colors creating successful plays and defensive stops. “Its energy; its resilience; its everything you want in a football team” said Mr. Ressler. The Mendham Moshpit matched this energy, heightening the Mendham spirit. The bleachers were alive radiating a positive attitude and support, as the fans cheered the Minutemen on.
The Mendham Minutemen are optimistic about their future, especially after their first win this past Friday against Millburn. They are looking forward to their next game at Morris Hills on Saturday at 1:30.
