The Alternative Press

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ - The undefeated New Providence Pioneers varsity football squad travelled to Bernardsville on Friday night and with a lackluster 165 yards of total offense coupled with red zone inefficiency, were trounced 42-3.

There were few bright spots for the Pioneers other than an interception by quarterback and free safety Michael Marchesano and a 35-yard field goal by one of the favorites of the fan section, David Gelormini. 

To the credit of the Pioneers, they fought until the last second of the game.  Sophomore Halfback Jack Harvey, Junior Punter and Linebacker Brian Urness, Senior Wide Receiver and Cornerback Mike Felezzola, Junior Runningback and Linebacker CJ Kliesch, Junior Wide Receiver and Cornerback Jeff Doran, and Senior Wide Receiver and Linebacker Ronnie Doyle were just some of the players that refused to quit, giving every play their all.

Bernardsville played a fantastic game on both sides of the football.  Runningback Jon Diamond had 115 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries.  The Bernards passing attack looked good with quarterback Devin Ray throwing for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns, plus an additional 95 yards rushing that were accompanied by a rushing touchdown. 

Pioneers coach Joseph Carollo told TheAlternativePress.com, “We did not execute the game plan.  This is 100% my fault.  We will learn from this loss and we will grow from this loss.  All the other teams can have fun and mock and kick us while were down, but if they truly believe that this is Pioneer football, they have got another thing coming.”

Kicker David Gelormini said he was "disappointed."  "(I'm) disappointed because we couldn't respond to adversity the way we should have. But we will take this as a learning experience and we will take this loss out on everyone in our way. And take it straight to the championship.”

This game was a real test for New Providence and the Pioneers will surely look to rebound.  Every team gets dealt adversity and what makes a great team is how you handle it.