River Vale Raiders football players and volunteer coaches
OLD TAPPAN, N.J. — The River Vale Raiders Junior Football Association proudly boasts more than 50 years in existence in River Vale. While we sadly see youth football programs in the area suffering due to a lack of participation, River Vale is an anomaly as our small town continues to grow its football and cheerleading program and has seen increased enrollment over the last 4 years. We attribute this to all the organization stands for. Our Raiders families can tell you it’s more than just football. The organization successfully seeks to create a wonderful experience for our athletes and their families. The feeling of belonging carries on and off the field and the lessons learned on the field are life lessons of commitment, teamwork, and unparalleled efforts. Our young athletes take this with them far beyond 8th grade.
When you are a Raider, you are family. Some of our proudest moments exist off the field when we present our players with their jerseys and bows at our tailgate. We support River Vale Town Day and various charity events such as the Mayor’s Golf Classic. The end of each season is capped off with an awards banquet that honors our 8th grade athletes and their coaches for years of commitment to the organization.
2020 was a different year for our organization as we were not able to celebrate the way we have grown accustomed to. We were unable to hold the events described above due to regulations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this year was one that brought great pride to our community. We were able to have an incredibly successful season both in competition on the field and in the health and safety of our members. We were saddened to learn our season would be cut short due to COVID-19 regulations. But we can look back on some of our moments of success and know that we did it THE RAIDER WAY!
Flag Football Teams
Kindergarten Flag
The Kindergarten flag players were finally able to play organized sports again and just be kids. It doesn’t sound like a significant milestone, but it was a way for the kids to have fun and learn the game of football. There were no organized games at this level, but the inter-squad scrimmage game at the end of the season was a great ending, leaving the kids looking forward to continuing their Raider careers next year.
First Grade Maroon Raiders: Head Coach Greg Pleeter
In Week 2, the Maroon Raiders ran the Philly Special for the first time scoring a TD against a tough Northern Highlands opponent. It was such an awesome play and so much fun. The coaches did not remember if they won or lost but do remember the opposing teams’ coaches “tip their cap” to the kids. Simply amazing.
First Grade Black Raiders: Head Coach Chris D’Arduini
In the last game of the season versus Cresskill, the Black Raiders were down 6 points with only seconds remaining. They ran a hook ‘n ladder that miraculously was executed to perfection and went for a TD to tie the game. The best part was that after they scored, the kids were so excited and wanted to end on that note that they cared more about having fun and bypassed the extra point to close the game with a tie.
2nd grade Raiders: Head Coach Scott Stern
Despite low numbers, the 2nd Grade Raiders went 4-1 for the season. The players were very excited each week they had a game as it allowed them to go out and have fun with their friends safely, and spend an hour not worrying about the current issues. The players were able to enjoy a great season and loved scrimmaging their 1st grade teammates throughout the week.
Coaches Take: Even though we had three distinct teams (two first grade teams and one for second grade), all of the players operated as one football family, working together as one team. Each player had two simple rules to follow:
1. Turn listening ears on for each practice/game so they can abide by the most important rule
2. Have fun!
Tackle Football Teams
Mighty Mite Raiders: Head Coach Jack Ward
Record: 2-6
The Mighty Mites closed out the season on a high note with a 27-6 win over Westwood showing the tremendous progress these boys made in an otherwise challenging year.
Coaches Take: Mighty Mites are the youngest team in the Raiders tackle football program. On this team, 1st and 2nd graders are given an introduction to tackle football with a focus on safety, teamwork, the fundamentals of the game and, most of all, having fun! Our 2020 Mites team consisted of 19 boys (11 second graders and 8 first graders) with only three returning players having prior tackle football experience. The 2021 season looks bright for the Might Mites with several players expected to return for another amazing season!
Pee Wee Raiders: Head Coach Sapan Amin
Record: 6-1
The highlight of the season was a 21-0 win over Waldwick on Nov. 7 to cap off an undefeated regular season.
Coaches Take: Despite a condensed season, this young team was able to put together a very impressive season with hard work and discipline all year long. The team went undefeated during the regular season, earning a division championship, and ranked as the #1 defense and #2 offense in the league. An absolute amazing job by the players!
Junior Raiders: Head Coach Martin Moreda
Record: 6-1
The highlight of the season was 27-6 win over Waldwick on November 7. Battling for the division, the Junior Raiders scored 4 TDs on 189 yards of offense, while the defense only allowed 75 yds (45 which came on one play).
Coach’s Take: After our first and only loss to start the season, our team never looked back. They worked hard day in and day out during practice and poured their hearts out on the field. We went undefeated the rest of the season, putting up 155 points of total offense, nearly double that of our closest rival. Our potent offense was overshadowed only by our tenacious defense that allowed only 25 points over the 7-game season. This Junior Football team is made up of the sweetest, most caring and determined group of boys out there. They will return and, rest assured, they will not forget the year that should’ve been but was cut short.
Senior Raiders: Head Coach Jeff Spezial
Record: 2-5
The Seniors’ highlight of the season was a 14-8 playoff win over Norwood on November 14. Heading into the playoffs as the #7 seed, the Senior Raiders raised their game and beat the #2 seeded Norwood Raiders and moved on to the Semi-Finals.
Coaches Take: Despite not having camp, the boys worked hard all season long and were in every game, always one or two plays away from having a different season. Each week they learned the necessary adjustments needed to be successful and never gave up. The game vs Norwood will be one of the best games this coaching staff will ever be a part of. Every player stepped up and played a significant role in that win.
A Fond Farewell
In parting, we would be remiss not to mention our 8th grade players. Almost every 8th grade player earned Marathon status, which is awarded to players who started their tackle career in 3rd grade on the Pee Wee team. This year the River Vale Raiders Senior team graduates seven 8th grade athletes. We wish much luck to Nick Buccola, Shane Burke, Alex Helou, Ashton Kazinci, Jaxon Kazinci, Logan Sun, and Anthony Tate as they head off to high school. Congratulations!
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