River Dell Golden Hawks Varsity Football rolls past Matawan in the 2026 regular season opener

The River Dell Golden Hawks Varsity Football Team (1-0) faced a postponement of the 2026 regular season opener against the Matawan Huskies (0-1) at Matawan Regional High School in Aberdeen Township, New Jersey, due to severe thunderstorms and lightning. Despite the long highway trip and the early 11 a.m. kickoff on Friday, River Dell still won handily, 27-7.

In his first varsity start under center, junior quarterback Brooks Esler delivered a spectacular performance, completing 6 of 7 passes for 120 yards, throwing two touchdown passes, and rushing for two scores.

In the first quarter, Esler established himself in the pocket immediately, hurling a 55-yard touchdown strike to junior wide receiver Nick Cordts to put the Golden Hawks in front 6-0.

“We saw something with running the play, and Nick could be open, so we went to it, and he was right there,” Brooks Esler explained. “It was a great way to start the game and a big momentum swing.”

In the second quarter, Brooks Esler muscled in for a two-yard score to widen the lead to 13-0. Ian Rossig took over at quarterback and completed a 24-yard pass to Nick Cordts to help set up the drive.

“Football is a lot about momentum, and Ian was able to pass the ball to Nick, so we got inside the two-yard line,” Esler said. “We just went up tempo and scored.”

River Dell led 13-0 at halftime. Esler said Head Coach DJ Nimphius told the team, “It’s like a 0-0 game. Matawan is very talented, and it could take two plays for them to tie the score.” He added, “We just have to keep going, maintain momentum, and not get complacent while keeping the foot on the gas.”

The Huskies cut the deficit to 13-7 in the third quarter on a two-yard touchdown run by running back Sean Euell.

River Dell answered with Esler’s second rushing score, extending the lead to 20-7. “That was big, and anytime you’re up by two touchdowns it feels more comforting than one,” Esler said. “The O-line blocked great, Coach Nimphius called a great play, and we executed it well.”

The Golden Hawks' pound-and-ground strategy worked well, producing 146 rushing yards. Junior running back Jackson Lee led the team with 42 yards on six carries.

When the fourth quarter began, the Golden Hawks put the game away with Esler’s second touchdown pass of the game to Iain Rossig.

“That was a great feeling to put the game on ice, and Iain made a great catch,” Esler said. “It’s always important to win the first game.” He added that it was frustrating not to be there on Thursday and to make the long car ride back, but the team stayed together and said they were winning no matter what. He also said it was comforting to hear from the people in the stands and that the team appreciated those who made the trip.

“It was a complete football game: defense, offense, and special teams. There’s still more to improve on, but we did enough to win the game.”

Brooks Esler said, “There’s just a bunch of playmakers on the field, and I know whoever’s getting the ball can make the play. I trust all my teammates and coaches, and it’s nice to know the guy next to you can make a play at any time.”

River Dell’s defense dominated in the trenches, with senior linebackers Luke Van Damn(17), Eric Raimondi(16), and Mike DeGroat(12) combining for 45 tackles.

Esler said of Head Coach DJ Nimphius’ postgame comments, “Coach’s message was that we executed our game plan well and played a clean game. We played with a lot of energy the whole game and great tenacity.”

After time on the freshman and JV Football teams over the past couple of years and quality time at quarterback on varsity last season, Brooks Esler has assumed the high-pressure job of starting quarterback. He is following in the footsteps of arguably one of the best quarterbacks in River Dell Football history, Zion Yoon.

“You got to take a lot of pride in your work every day, on and off the field,” Esler said. “You got to do the right things, and Zion set a great example for me. I was under his wing the past couple of years, and he really set me up to succeed and was a big factor in my success.”

“Last year was very important because I was trying to be a sponge and soak up all the information I really can. It helped me excel.” Esler added, “Seeing everything and trusting and knowing what my receivers, offensive line, and running backs are going to do.”

Next up for the Golden Hawks is the annual ‘Bird Bowl’ against the Westwood Cardinals (0-1) on Friday, September 4th at Westwood Regional High School in Westwood, New Jersey, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. Westwood has won the last four Bird Bowl games.

“This game coming up is highly anticipated, and not one kid on this team has seen that birdcage trophy or felt it,” Esler said. “We really want to be able to, and on Friday night we want to feel that victory and beat those guys.”

Esler said, “There’s not a time when your adrenaline is not pumping, and the crowd is always into the game. You hear a lot of stuff, but it’s a good environment to play in, and you want to play in it every Friday or Saturday.”

Esler said, “That’s a game we circle on the calendar, and there’s a lot of anticipation coming into it. We’re preparing very hard and excited for the game.”