Vikings finish with 4-5 record

The Vernon Township High School football team compiled a 4-5 record during its challenging schedule this fall.

The Vikings were fourth in the Super Football Conference Patriot Red Division with a 2-2 record against division opponents.

After a 20-7 loss to Warren Hills on the road in the season-opener, the Vikings reeled off three straight victories, outscoring Dover, Parsippany Hills and Jefferson by a combined score of 75-14.

The team then lost four games in a row to Sparta, High Point, Mount Olive and Lakeland. In its final game, Vernon shut out West Milford, 21-0.

“Getting off to a solid start was nice,’’ head coach Steve Down said. “However losing tight to Lakeland (21-14) in the last minute is one that stings and will always sting. The way we played against a five-win West Milford team was a great way to finish off the season.’’

The Vikings offense showed strong leadership, the coach said.

“Luca Vizzini overall did a little bit of everything for us. He led our team in interceptions (three), had many games with 10-plus tackles. He had 17 receptions for a touchdown and also had eight carries and two touchdowns. He also handled all kicking and punting duties.

“(Quarterback) Aden Karwoski, through numerous injuries at multiple positions, he was able to work with any replacements. He finished the season 100 of 141 (71 percent) with 12 passing touchdowns and rushed for 135 yards on the season.

“Upfront Mason Rivera, Danny Rendon, Sebastian Castro, Quinn DiGiovanni provided strong effort to propel the offense and multitude of players who had the ball in their hands.

“Thomas Benson was a mainstay, rushing for 441 and a touchdown. Gavin Pych rushed for 302 yards and two touchdowns.

“Gavin Bruno did a little bit of everything offensively, rushing 36 times for 246 yards and five touchdowns and hauling in 15 catches 225 (yards) and two touchdowns.

”Josh Jean was our biggest threat receiver; he had 24 catches for 286 yards and five touchdowns.’’

Vernon also was strong on defense all year.

“Defensively, we were led by great linebacker play,’’ Down said. “Chase MacLean led in tackles with 84, four tackles for loss and one sack. Gavin Wilczewski had 54 total tackles, seven sacks and six tackles for loss. Syrus Castanaga had 51 total tackles and two sacks in seven games. Matt Baumann had 42 tackles, one interception and one fumble caused in seven games. Matt Vecharello had 42 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack. Roman Drupka, Brad Kurdziel, Phil Pritchard and Diego Gonzalez added a solid defensive line rotation.’’

Looking ahead, Down said, ”Our freshman team went 7-1 and the JV team went 8-0. We return six starters on both sides of the ball.’’