River Dell Golden Hawks JV Football Team displays gritty effort in 2025 season opener loss to Westwood

The River Dell Golden Hawks junior varsity football team began the 2025 season by hosting the Westwood Cardinals at River Dell High School in Oradell, New Jersey.

Westwood quickly scored the first points of the game in the first quarter. Quarterback Jask Casimiro lined up in the backfield, took the handoff, rolled to his right, and threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open receiver, Vincent Santaite.

The Cardinals attempted a two-point conversion. Casimiro took the snap and scrambled to his left, trying to make a pass. Ultimately, he decided to run towards the end zone, diving inside the left pylon. This play resulted in a score of 8-0.

With less than six minutes remaining in the quarter, Westwood regained possession of the ball and proceeded to advance into River Dell territory with seven consecutive running plays.

With fourth down looming at the Golden Hawks' nine-yard line, quarterback Jake Casimiro took the snap in shotgun formation. He sprinted to his right, evading a sack by fending off a River Dell defensive lineman. Casimiro then connected with wide receiver Vincent Santaite in the back of the end zone, increasing the Cardinals' lead to 14-0 by the end of the first quarter.

The Golden Hawks' offense finally found its rhythm during their next possession in the second quarter. River Dell employs a similar strategy to Westwood, gaining significant yardage on the ground thanks to the excellent blocking from their offensive line.

River Dell quarterback Brooks Esler demonstrated his passing skills by completing three passes, two of which were caught by Jathniel Iyonsi. The second pass was a spectacular 35-yard throw down the middle that advanced the ball to the Cardinals' five-yard line.

On first and goal, running back Teddy Schwanewede took the handoff from Brooks Esler. Schwanewede powered through a crowd of defenders and reached the end zone for a touchdown, narrowing the score to 14-7.

Westwood then had excellent field position for their next offensive series, as Vincent Santaite returned the kickoff all the way to the Cardinals' 45-yard line.

The Cardinals utilized a ground-and-pound strategy, including a crucial fourth-down conversion. On a third-down situation at the Golden Hawks' 44-yard line, quarterback Jake Casimiro threw a 40-yard pass to wide receiver Brett Ferraro.

On third and goal at the three-yard line, Casimiro lined up in shotgun formation. He handled a low snap exceptionally well, then grabbed the ball and darted to the left side of the line, sliding inside the left pylon. This play extended Westwood's lead to 20-7 at halftime.

River Dell received the kickoff to start the second half, with kickoff returner Dan Lee bringing the ball to midfield, giving the team excellent field position. The Golden Hawks quickly advanced the ball deep into the Cardinals' territory. Brooks Esler completed a ten-yard pass to Jaeden Raguindin, who then made a 17-yard run, placing the ball on the 11-yard line.

The Golden Hawks found themselves facing a fourth-and-goal situation at the one-yard line. Brooks Esler received the direct snap and, with the help of the offensive line, pushed forward into the end zone for a touchdown, narrowing the deficit to 20-14 with less than seven minutes remaining in the game.

River Dell's defense stepped up, forcing Westwood to go three-and-out quickly. Meanwhile, the Golden Hawks' special teams unit gained momentum when Jaeden Raguindin returned the following punt to the Cardinals' 35-yard line.

River Dell depended on their strong running game, led by the duo of Teddy Schwanewede and Jaeden Raguindin. The offensive line successfully created crucial openings, allowing them to advance the ball inside the ten-yard line.

A drive consisting of eight plays and spanning 35 yards took more than four minutes off the clock and ended with Brooks Esler scoring his second touchdown of the game, powering into the end zone behind a strong offensive line. Kicker Jake Van Wettering successfully made the extra point, giving the Golden Hawks a 21-20 lead with just 32 seconds left in the game.

In the fourth quarter, Westwood faced a third-and-11 from their own 29-yard line when quarterback Jake Casimiro used his arm strength to throw a 41-yard pass to wide receiver Brett Ferraro.

On the next play from scrimmage, wide receiver Vincent Santiate sprinted down the field on a jet sweep run, bringing the ball to the six-yard line.

Facing a second goal at the two-yard line, Jake Casimiro took the snap in shotgun formation, dashed to the left side of the line, and side-stepped a couple of players as he strode into the end zone.

The Cardinals were attempting a two-point conversion when Jake Casimiro skillfully managed a low snap that hit the ground. Showing impressive agility, he evaded a couple of defensive linemen and displayed relentless determination as he powered his way across the goal line, despite taking a fierce hit. This successful conversion put Westwood ahead, 28-21, with eight minutes left in the game.

River Dell responded immediately during their next offensive drive, utilizing the running skills of Brooks Esler and Jaeden Raguindin. Esler completed a critical 19-yard pass to Dan Lee, moving the ball to the Cardinals' 27-yard line.

With a crucial third down and 11 at the 25-yard line, Brooks Esler completed a vital 14-yard pass to wide receiver Jake Van Wettering. Van Wettering showcased his skill by skillfully ducking and weaving past several Westwood defensive players.

On first down at the Cardinals' 11-yard line, Golden Hawks running back Jaeden Raguindin received the handoff from quarterback Brooks Esler. Raguindin then raced around the right edge of the line and sprinted into the end zone for a touchdown. River Dell attempted a two-point conversion to take the lead, but the Westwood defense broke up Esler's pass in the end zone.

The Golden Hawks had one last opportunity to win the game as they got the ball back at their own 25-yard line with 30 seconds remaining.

On second down, Brooks Esler, under heavy pressure, rolled out of the pocket to his right and completed a pass to Harrison Roth, who galloped into Westwood territory for a 22-yard gain.

Unfortunately, minimal gains, an incomplete pass, and time ran out on River Dell as Westwood held on for the 28-27 victory.

The Golden Hawks will be back in action on Monday, September 8th, against the Northern Valley Old Tappan Golden Knights at River Dell High School, with kickoff scheduled for 4:15 p.m.