Looking to remain undefeated in the 2020 regular season, the Clifton Mustangs (4-0) quickly found themselves in an early deficit at 13-0 to Montclair with seven and half minutes left in the first quarter at Woodman Field(Montclair High School) on Saturday afternoon. A pair of miscues leading to the Mounties finding a way into the end zone.
However, the Mustangs offense managed to bounce back with a 12-play 65-yard drive that consumed almost six and half minute of the clock. A key play with junior quarterback Kyle Vellis gaining a first down on fourth and two that set up first and goal at the Mounties nine-yard line. Lined up in the wildcat formation, senior wide receiver Caleb Boneparte plowed ahead for the score.
Trailing 16-7 in the second quarter, the Clifton defense came up with a big play as senior cornerback Dahmier Soria recovered a fumble at the Montclair 30-yard line. Working with a short field proved to be advantageous for the Mustangs offense. Facing another fourth down play with fourth and four at the Mounties 24-yard line, Vellis fired a strike to Boneparte down the middle of the field with 1:15 remaining.
Caleb Boneparte on the first half, “When it was 13-0 I came over and told the players we should just keep our heads up and have a positive attitude.” “We still have a lot of game left and it was only 13 points.”
With Montclair receiving the second half kickoff, the Mounties offense quickly moved into Clifton territory. The Mustangs defense put the clamps on with junior cornerback Donovan Swasey intercepting a pass from Montclair senior quarterback Michael Robinson.
Aided by a couple of personal fouls, Vellis gaining 20 yards on a QB keeper and completing a 20-yard pass to junior wide receiver Michael Kristof the Clifton offense reached the Mounties five-yard line. On third and goal from the one, Boneparte took the direct snap and crossed the goal line with less than six minutes left in the third quarter.
Clifton Head Coach Ralph Cinque on the team’s resiliency, “It was everything, it shows that we’re fighting and cutting the deficit.” “It shows we don’t give and this team will never lay down.” The blueprint of what Clifton football is it revolves around our defense, whether they are having a great or average game they are always going to play hard.”
In the fourth quarter, the Mustangs defense again stepped up to the plate with junior cornerback Omar Muheisen picking off a Robinson pass. Starting out at the Montclair 48-yard line with nine and half minutes to go, the Clifton offense kept the ball on the ground by running the ball seven consecutive times. Capping off a spectacular individual performance, Boneparte found just a enough daylight on a fourth and goal at the two-yard to stretch the ball across the goal line that extended the Mustangs advantage to 28-16 with five minutes left.
“We were only down by two points entering the third quarter and told the team we had to come back and get a three and out,” said Caleb Boneparte.” “Once we narrowed the score I knew it was going to be our game.”
Just when it seemed a double digit lead was safe the Mounties offense roared back on the ground with Robinson gaining 11 yards on a QB keeper coupled with sophomore running Jordan Williams churning out 33 yards. Robinson finished the drive off with a 12-yard running score that trimmed the deficit to 28-23 with 3:21 remaining.
That would be the last time the Montclair offense would see the ball as Vellis completed two critical third down passes while junior running back Jacob Maldonado sealing the 28-23 victory with a first down run on fourth and 1 at the Mustangs 44-yard line.
Caleb Boneparte on the win, “Montclair is always a tough game, they came in looking to win and didn’t want to lose at home.” “I like the competition out there, we had to come in and get the job done so we can have a perfect season and aiming for in my senior season. We play Woodbridge next week that is a top 10 team in the state and really going to test our toughness.”
Head Coach Ralph Cinque on the victory, “I think they are the best one and three team, they are banged up and young but that’s a good football team (Montclair Mounties).” “Anytime you can beat Montclair no matter the year, that’s a statement win for your program.”
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