Rumson-Fair Haven continues dominant season into playoffs
RUMSON, N.J. — Rumson-Fair Haven football has had plenty of impressive wins over the course of their season. However, last Friday’s 37-0 rout of Oakcrest was easily their most dominant performance of the year. The first-round playoff victory was made possible largely by the efforts of quarterback Colin Kennedy, who accounted for four total touchdowns, and an unbreakable defense that surrendered a total of five yards on the night.
The Bulldogs, ranked 12th in the state, entered postseason play with the top seed and home field advantage in the Central Group 3 side of the playoff bracket. That set up a date with Oakcrest, who snuck into the playoffs with a subpar 3-5 record.
Scoring opened in the first quarter with a 2-yard run from Kennedy. Later in the quarter, running back Geoff Schroeder added a score of his own on a ten-yard run. Despite leading the team in rushing yards and touchdowns, Schroeder was held to just 42 yards on eight attempts. It was Rumson’s dual threat quarterback who did most of the offensive damage, scrambling for two more touchdowns and 85 yards. Through the air, Kennedy threw for another score on a 12-yard pass to receiver Markus Brown in the fourth quarter.
Despite their success on offense, the true story of the game was Rumson’s otherworldly defense. Oakcrest quarterback Aaron Bullock was harassed all night, failing to lead his team to a single first down. While the passing game was awful Oakcrest’s run game netted -7 yards. The Bulldogs defense also forced three turnovers, recovering two forced fumbles and grabbing an interception thanks to junior Ryan Kalman.
So, where does the team’s true strength lie? A ball-dominant offense or an impenetrable defense?
“It just depends on how it’s going,” head coach Jerry Schulte told NJ.com in October. “We don’t think about any specific unit. It’s all about what can get the job done for us. That’s what we’re happy with.”
Much of Rumson’s success starts up front, as their offensive line is routinely tasked with creating enough space for the team’s talented runners to make a play.
“Our offensive line is definitely one of the best around,” Schulte said to NJ.com. “Geoffrey and Dan (Garvey) along with Colin (Kennedy) are pretty good runners. It’s the combination of an excellent line along with pretty good runners. It works for us.”
Kennedy, who entered the season as a first-time starter, has always been quick to praise his protectors up front.
“(Our offensive line), they are like no other,” Kennedy told the Shore Sports Network in September. “They’re 250 pounds, all two or three-year starters except for one first-year starter, and every single play the hole was easy to see.”
There won’t be much time to soak up the win for Rumson. They host Burlington Township next Friday night in a marquee showdown of 8-1 teams.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.
