Chiefs Chronicles - 2005 Season
Thanksgiving Day 2005
Caldwell Vs. Butler

1^st Half

 Caldwell kicked off to Butler to start the game.   The Bulldog�s ran seven plays before being forced to punt.  During the series Co-Captains Sean Romano and Noah Thrope teamed up for a sack and Zach Eitman downed Butler�s QB at the Bulldog thirty yard line after the center snapped the ball over his head.  Steve Alex returned the ball to the Caldwell forty yard line where the Chiefs took over.  

After Michael Petoia picked up four yards, QB Joe Dente passed to Michael Lawshe, who made a great, finger tip catch on a crossing pattern.  The completion picked up fifteen yards and a first down at the Butler fifteen yard line. On the next two carries, Petoia moved the ball to the Butler twelve, then Dente handed off to fullback Matt Kirbas and behind great blocking, he ran untouched into the end zone and put Caldwell on top 6-0.  Michael Boddie kicked the extra point to increase the Chief lead to 7-0.

 Caldwell and Butler traded possessions four times and neither team mounted any real scoring threat.  On the next series the Chiefs were able to move the ball into Bulldog territory on a nice twenty four yard Dente-Alex pass.  But two penalties against Caldwell followed by a Butler interception ended the drive.  Five plays later Butler capitalized on the turnover and scored a TD on a seventy five yard pass play.  They tied the game 7-7 and went into the locker room at the half sensing a shift in momentum in their favor.

 2^nd Half

 In interviews after the game, several Caldwell players were asked about what happened in the Field House during half time.  It didn�t appear that the Chief team that played the later part of the first half was the same team that played the third and fourth quarters. The offense scored three touchdowns on their first three possessions and the defense dominated holding Butler scoreless throughout the second half.

 On the first play from scrimmage following the kickoff, QB Joe Dente connected with Steve Alex for a fifty yard TD strike and Caldwell re-took the lead 14-7. 

 On the next series, the Chiefs ran twelve plays and moved the ball seventy five yards mixing the pass and the run. The highlights of the drive were a fifteen yard gain on a QB sneak (called at the line by Joe Dente who read the defense perfectly) followed by a twenty three yard touchdown pass from Dente to Michael Petoia who added some very nice moves before flying into the end zone. The touchdown and extra point by Michael Boddie gave Caldwell a comfortable 21-7 lead, but they weren�t done just yet.

 Butler had to punt after five plays and Petoia returned it to the Caldwell forty five yard line. Two plays later, Steve Alex threw an option pass to Sean Romano for forty five yards and a first down on the Butler fifteen yard line.  On the next play, the entire offense executed a perfect screen pass and Joe Dente passed over charging Butler defenders, picked up his blockers, cut across the grain, and scored the final touchdown of the game and the season.

 The third quarter ended with Caldwell on top 28-7.  It gave the seniors, coaches and players the entire fourth quarter to horse around a bit, savor the victory, Gatorade Coach Trimmer and Coach Trivino and bring an end to a very exciting season.            

Next Game, September, 2006 

www.thecaldwellchiefs.com is now looking for a new writer to take my place and chronicle the 2006 football season.  If your reading this and wondering if you�ll have the time or the energy to take on such a commitment, let me encourage you to: 

VOLUNTEER !

 The work pays outrageous dividends because you�ll get to know the players, the player�s parents and the coaches a little bit better and you�ll find out why Caldwell Football is more than just a game on Saturday afternoon�s. If you�re not a writer, volunteers can also host/work pasta parties, host the senior breakfast or work in the now famous, best snack stand in the State of New Jersey.  Whatever your passion, the work, the involvement and the people you�ll be working with is what makes it all so much fun.  Don�t let it pass you by. 

By Ken Jurgensen

Saturday, November12, 2005

Game 9: 

 Caldwell 28 � Chatham 35

 Upsets were the main story in the opening round of the 2005 Football State Playoffs, North 2, Group 2 this weekend.  Pre-season favorite and #2 seed West Essex lost to #7 seed Hackettstown.  #3 Weequahic lost to #6 Lodi and #4 Caldwell lost to #5 Chatham ending the playoff hopes for this years Chiefs squad.  The consolation, if one can be allowed, is that Caldwell came back again and again when other teams might have folded and fought to pull out a win until the final seconds clicked off the clock.  Chatham fought equally hard and it seemed as though both teams were taking turns trying to land the knock-out punch which would break the others will to win.  The result was an exciting game for the fans of both teams.  Next Friday night, #5 Chatham will face #1 seed Orange to decide who gets to play in the State Championship game on December 3^rd against #6 Lodi or #7 Hackettstown.

 1^st Half

 Caldwell kicked off to Chatham and they returned the ball to their thirty yard line.  A ten yard run and a personal foul on Caldwell gave the Cougars a first down on Caldwell�s 30 yard line. Three plays later, Chatham was faced with a fourth down and their quarterback, Chris Betz, picked up the seven yards they needed for a first down, and eleven more. An offside penalty on Caldwell, gave the Chatham a first and five on the Caldwell seven yard line.  The Chiefs goal line defense held, until it was fourth and goal at the four yard line.  Chatham elected to go for the touchdown and they completed a pass in the end zone to pick up their first six points.  A kicked extra point added another, and the Cougars took an early lead 7-0.

 Chatham squibbed their kick-off and it went out of bounds at the Chiefs thirty five yard line.  Michael Petoia, picked up fifteen quick yards, and a 1^st down at the Caldwell forty nine. Four plays later the Chiefs were forced to punt and Chatham took over on their thirty four yard line.

 Two plays later, Betz saw an opportunity to pick up some easy yardage and ended up breaking it for a touchdown and the extra point gave the Cougars a fourteen point advantage.  On their next possession, Caldwell committed a turnover but Chatham couldn�t convert it into points and the first quarter ended with Caldwell trailing 14-0, but in possession of the football.

 On the 1^st play of the 2^nd quarter, Michael Petoia picked up sixteen yards and a first down on a nice run. Two plays later, signal caller Joe Dente connected with one of his favorite targets, Steve Alex and the senior got Caldwell on the board and back in the game.  Michael Boddie kicked the first of four extra points on the day to make the score Caldwell 7 � Chatham 14.

 Chatham mishandled the ensuing kick-off, were called for a personal foul, and found themselves at their own five yard line.  On first and second down their attempts to run the ball were stopped cold, but on 3^rd and long they completed a 40 yard pass.  On the next play, Chatham�s QB tried the same sneak they scored on in the first quarter. It worked again, this time for a fifty five yard touchdown and Caldwell went right back in the hole 21-7. 

 The Chiefs battled right back with a nine play, 58 yard touchdown drive.  First Joe Dente passed to Steve Alex for nine yards.  On third and one, Dente used the QB sneak to pick up the first down.  In the �hurry up� offense now, he passed to Alex for five yards then changed targets and hit Michael Lawshe on a crossing route for a first down at Chatham�s thirty-eight yard line.  The Chiefs were unable to make any ground on the next three plays and had to face a fourth down and ten situation.  Down by fourteen points, Caldwell could have played it safe and punted, but a single elimination playoff game dictated that they go for it.  At the snap, Dente dropped back and rolled out looking for a receiver.  Chatham charged, and Matt Kirbas threw a key block which gave Dente time to find Vincent Graziosa running for the goal line where he hit him for six points.  Caldwell was again back in the game and just a touchdown down 21-14.

 But Chatham was playing in their first playoff game ever.   They too wanted to win and returned the ensuing kickoff to the fifty yard line, where they began a drive of their own.  Nine plays later their quarterback Chris Betz scored his third touchdown of the afternoon and re-established their fourteen point lead 28-14.

 With 2:08 left in the half, the Chiefs took over at their own thirty-five yard line following the kick-off.  Dente went right to work and found Michael Lawshe again on the crossing pattern for fifteen yards and a first down at the fifty yard line. Then he scrambled out of the pocket and picked up twenty four yards before he went out of bounds at the Chatham twenty-six.  On the next play, Michael Petoia broke off another long run all the way to the seven yard line. Just before the end of the first half, Joe Dente capped the quick four play drive with a QB keeper which brought Caldwell back to within striking distance 21-28.    

 2^nd Half

 Caldwell kicked off to Chatham to begin the second half and after three downs forced them to punt.  But just as quickly, Chatham intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown to go back in front by fourteen points 35-21. Just when one would figure that the Chiefs couldn�t come back, Steve Alex returned the ensuing kickoff 90 yards for a Chief touchdown.  Michael Boddie�s extra point brought the Chiefs back to within seven points 28-35. 

Caldwell and Chatham traded possessions and then the Cougars put together a four play drive resulting in another Chris Betz touchdown.  But a penalty on Chatham brought it right back. The Cougars were unable to rebound and five plays later turned the ball over to the Chiefs on downs.

 Caldwell responded and drove the ball to the Chatham two yard line, but a penalty on the Chiefs just before the end of the third quarter, brought them back to the Chatham twenty three yard line.  Five plays later the Chiefs had moved the ball to the Chatham five yard line, but Caldwell fumbled on 2^nd down and goal at the five and the Cougars recovered.

 Caldwell and Chatham traded possessions and then the Cougars fumbled.  Senior Matt Jurgensen recovered at the Chatham forty five yard line and the Chiefs, with a little under four minutes left in the game, were given one last chance.  Senior Michael Petoia picked up six yards on first and second down.  Joe Dente used the QB sneak to get the first.  Petoia picked up a couple more yards and then Dente tried the sneak again.  With two minutes left, Petoia picked up a first down on a sweep, but four plays later the Chiefs were unable to get another first down or score a touchdown and Chatham took over and ended the game taking a knee to run the clock out.

 Next Game, Thursday November 24^th (Thanksgiving)

 The Chiefs will face the Butler Bulldogs at Bonnel Field on Thanksgiving morning, November 24^th at 10:30 AM.  The Bulldogs are 2-7, but they�re a young team and this is a re-building year for them.  None the less, the Butler-Caldwell Thanksgiving game rivalry will surely motivate both teams and the Bulldogs will, no doubt, be coming to Bonnel Field looking the knock the Chiefs off to end their season on a winning note.  

Chiefs Chronicles - 2005 Season

By Ken Jurgensen

Saturday, November 5, 2005

Game 8: 

 Caldwell 20 � Madison 7

2005 Team Accomplishes 21^st consecutive winning season !

BODDIE KICKS TWO FIELD GOALS, TWO EXTRA POINTS

DENTE PASSES FOR ONE TD

J. SCHOMAKER SCORES TD, INTERCEPTION

ALEX CATCHES TD PASS

PETOIA RUSHES FOR 156 YARDS

Caldwell is going to the state playoffs, and today, they defeated a highly motivated Madison Dodger squad at Regan Field in Madison 20-7.  In doing so, the Chiefs picked up seven power points and moved passed Lodi and Chatham to earn a home field game in the opening round as the North Jersey Section 2, Group 2 fourth �seed�. 

 1^st Half

 Caldwell and Madison traded the first few possessions and then Caldwell started a thirteen play, fifty yard drive that resulted in three points from a Michael Boddie field goal just before the end of the first quarter.  During the drive, Madison was unable to stop Chief running backs Michael Petoia, John Schomaker and Matt Kirbas.  The trio picked up four first downs and gained three, four and five yards a carry behind the blocking of Center John Getchius, Guards Dan Flynn and Matt Jurgensen and tackles Joe Romano and John Love.  More importantly, the Chiefs demonstrated early that they could run the ball, chew up the clock and keep Madison�s offense off the field.

 After the kick-off Madison�s offense threw a scare into the Chiefs when they connected on a long pass.  But a block in the back penalty against the Dodgers brought it back and then the zebras put Madison on their own twenty nine yard line with a second down and twenty.  Three plays later, the Dodgers had to punt and Michael Petoia returned it twenty four yards to the Madison forty six yard line.  Caldwell�s various special teams did a great job all day and on the return Sean Romano and Steve Sirvan provided the key blocks which sprung Petoia and allowed him to give Caldwell great field position for the ensuing scoring drive.

 Having established the run, Caldwell kept pounding Madison with the run and Michael Petoia and Matt Kirbas shared the job.  Six plays later, the Chiefs were on the Madison eighteen yard line.  QB Joe Dente handed off to John Schomaker and he ran it off tackle through a gapping hole created by Joe Romano and Joe Love for a touchdown and six more points.  After a Michael Boddie extra point the Chiefs took a 10-0 lead.

 Madison was only able to manage an eight yard return on the kick-off, and on their first play from scrimmage John Schomaker intercepted their pass.   The Chiefs were unable to capitalize on the turnover and after Caldwell and Madison traded possessions, the Chiefs marched seventy eight yards in eight plays to the Madison two yard line.  Unfortunately, penalties against the Chiefs stalled the drive and Caldwell was forced to kick a field goal which put Caldwell on top 13-0 just before halftime.   

2^nd Half

 The Chiefs kicked off to Madison to start the first half and the Dodgers returned the ball to their own thirty yard line.  The Dodger�s needed a win to earn a playoff spot of their own, quickly demonstrated they hadn�t given up, and began marching down the field.  But a determined Chief defense, which gets particularly stubborn in the red zone, ended the threat at Caldwell�s twelve yard line and Madison turned the ball over on downs.

 Then it was Caldwell�s turn.  First Michael Petoia swept right end for thirty three yards and the gain gave the Chiefs a little room to operate.  Then QB Joe Dente turned a broken pass play into a six yard gain.  A penalty against Madison and a run by Kirbas and Petoia put Caldwell on Madison�s 34 yard line with a third down and three yards to go for a first down.  Dente dropped back and lofted a pass to the end zone and Steve Alex brought it down with six more points for Caldwell.  Another Boddie extra point gave Caldwell a commanding 20 � 0 lead just minutes before the third quarter ended.

 In the fourth quarter Madison put together a twelve play scoring drive and scored a touchdown on fourth down and goal from the ten yard line.  They added an extra point to make the score 20- 7, but the drive took almost eight minutes off the clock.  Sean Romano recovered the ensuing on sides kick and the Caldwell offense, lead by junior QB Ryan Redfern, effectively used the remaining time on the clock to end the game.  

 Next Game, Saturday November 12^th

 The Chiefs will face the Chatham Cougars at Bonnel Field in the opening round of the playoffs on Saturday, November 12^th at 1:00 PM.  Chatham is the # 5 seed, the Chiefs are # 4.  Chatham has a 5-4 record.  They�ve beaten two of the best teams in their conference (West Essex and Mendham).  The Cougars have an excellent quarterback, good sized skilled linemen and plenty of good players at the skill positions. Chatham hasn�t played in a playoff game in some time, and like Caldwell, the team is well supported by the community.  This should be an exciting game.     

Chiefs Chronicles - 2005 Season

By Ken Jurgensen

Friday, October 28, 2005

Game 7: 

 Caldwell 42 �Pequannock 14

DENTE RUNS FOR TWO TD�S & PASSES FOR 2 TD�S

PETOIA SCORES ON 90YD KICK-OFF RETURN & 31 YD SCAMPER

LAWSHE & ALEX SCORE CATCH TD PASSES

BODDIED KICKS SIX EXTRA POINTS

SIRVAN PICKS UP A SACK

PETOIA AND DICKSON SNAG INTERCEPTIONS

A night game under the lights and perfect football weather set the scene for tonight�s contest in Pequannock.  Although the Chiefs lead by twenty eight points at the end of the first half, a stubborn Golden Panthers team kept themselves in the game until early in the 3^rd quarter when the final outcome became apparent.  From that point on, Caldwell coaches substituted as many players as they could and many players got a nice opportunity to pick up some playing time and add to their varsity experience.  These players held the Golden Panthers scoreless in the second half and preserved the needed victory for Caldwell.  Statistically, Michael Petoia played the best game of his varsity career making key plays on offense and defense, while Co-Captains Noah Thrope (11 tackles) and Sean Romano (8 tackles) continued to lead the defense.  Quarterback Joe Dente also had a great game, running and passing for four touchdowns.

 Pequannock kicked off and the Chiefs wasted no time getting their running game started and scoring on their first possession.  Three running plays and a Pequannock offside penalty gave the Chiefs a first down at their forty two yard line. QB Joe Dente hit Michael Lawshe on a down and in pass and thirty six yards later he gained a first down on the Golden Panther twenty yard line.  Caldwell coaches in the press box noticed that Pequannock wasn�t defending against a quarterback sneak and on the next play, Dente broke off a block by junior center John Getchius and raced twenty yards up the middle for the Chiefs first touchdown.  Michael Boddie kicked the extra point and Caldwell took a quick 7-0 lead which they never relinquished.  

 After the touchdown the Chiefs special teams pinned Pequannock on their own twelve yard line.  The defense, lead by Co-Captains Noah Thrope and Sean Romano picked up on the opportunity and three plays the Golden Panthers were forced to punt.  Senior John Schomaker returned the punt seventeen yards and this combination of good plays gave Caldwell excellent field position at the Pequannock thirty-three yard line.  Schomaker picked up four tough yards on first down, and then Michael Petoia picked up five. With third and one at the Golden panther twenty-four yard line, Caldwell had options. Dente passed to Matt Kirbas and the senior brought the ball to the Pequannock seventeen yard line.  On the next play, Dente kept the ball and ran around end for seventeen yards and Caldwell�s second touchdown.  Michel Boddie kicked the extra point and the Chiefs went up 14-0.

 On the ensuing kick-off, Michael Lawshe prevented a Pequannock touchdown at the Caldwell 40 yard line.  An additional ten yard penalty against Caldwell put the Golden Panthers on Caldwell�s 30 yard line.  Pequannock tried to run the ball twice, but were turned back by Sean Romano, Mike Zaorski, Thrope, Kirbas, and Joe Romano. Ryan Redfern broke up a pass in the end zone forcing Pequannock into a fourth down and three yards to go situation at the Caldwell 27 yard line.  The Golden Panthers, down fourteen points, decided to go for it and attempted another pass, but senior defensive end Zach Eitman deflected the pass and Pequannock turned the ball over on downs.

 The Chiefs fumbled their next possession at their own 30 yard line and Pequannock converted the turnover into seven points. But senior Michael Petoia brought Caldwell right back and returned the ensuing kick-off ninety yards.  Boddie�s extra point gave the Chiefs a 21 -7 advantage just before the end of the first quarter.

 Early in the second quarter Pequannock was forced to punt.  The ball hit a Golden Panther�s leg and senior Dan Flynn recovered at the Pequannock thirty two yard line.  Two plays later, senior Guard Matt Jurgensen and junior Tackle John Love opened up a huge lane for Michael Petoia and the senior RB ran thirty one yards for another Chiefs touchdown.  Boddie added the extra point and Caldwell pushed their lead to 28-7.

 Pequannock scored on their next possession, making the score 28-14.  After the kickoff, Caldwell took over eighty yards from pay dirt. After an incomplete pass on first down Petoia swept end for eleven yards and a first down.  Then he ran a thirty yard counter to the Pequannock thirty nine yard line. On first down, Dente dropped back and lofted a perfect pass to Michael Lawshe.  The senior never broke stride, and thirty nine yards later Caldwell had increased their lead to 35 � 14.

 Michael Petoia intercepted a Pequannock pass in the next series of downs and returned to ball forty eight yards to the Pequannock thirty four yard line.  On the next play, Dente connected with Steve Alex. The senior outraced several Pequannock defenders and his outstretched arms allowed him to get into the end zone.  Michael Boddie, Ryan Redfern and long snapper Joe Wilczewski teamed up one last time to add one more point to conclude the games scoring, and secure Caldwell�s fifth victory of the season 42-14.

During the second half junior DB Mike Dickson intercepted his first pass of the season and Steve Sirvan picked up a sack.

 Next Game, Saturday November 5^th

 Next Saturday the Chiefs travel to Madison.  Game time is 1:00 PM.  This game will be very important for both teams.  The Dodgers have a 4-3 record, but one of their losses was the result of a game they won, but later forfeited.  Last week Madison lost to DePaul 43-42, in overtime.  The Dodgers are a North 2, Group 1 school and they need a win on Saturday to secure a home game in the opening round of the playoffs.  A loss for Madison could drop them out of contention all together.  For the Chiefs, a win will secure a home game in the opening round of the North 2, Group 2 playoffs.  With so much at stake, there�s plenty of motivation for both sides and this should be a good game.

Chiefs Chronicles - 2005 Season
 

By Ken Jurgensen

Saturday, October 22, 2005

Game 6: 

 Caldwell 2 � Wayne Valley 17

SEAN ROMANO REGISTERS TWO SACKS & ONE SAFETY

ZACH EITMAN REGISTERS 2 SACKS

RYAN REDFERN PICKS UP ANOTHER INTERCEPTION

1^st Half

 Today, the Caldwell Chiefs and the Wayne Valley Indians battled each other in a game which turned the spotlight on the defensive skills of both teams.  For almost three full quarters, both teams produced turnovers, made key plays and gave their respective teams opportunities to put points on the board and break the game open.  But those same defenses came back, time after time, and denied each other the chance to score.  In the 4^th quarter, the odds finally caught up to the Chiefs, and the Indians were able to capitalize and come away with a 17-2 victory.

The 1^st quarter saw both teams run three plays and punt on several occasions.  During this time senior wide receiver and defensive back Steve Alex hurt his hand and had to leave the game and seniors Zach Eitman and Sean Romano each registered sacks. 

Wayne Valley moved the ball on their third possession and pushed into Chief territory on a sixty-three yard pass play.  But they fumbled and senior Michael Petoia recovered.  The Chiefs took over at their 22 yard line and on 1^st down, Petoia picked up 3 yards.  A screen pass to Sean Romano, a Joe Dente aerial to Petoia for twenty-two yards and a holding penalty against Wayne Valley brought the ball to the Indian 45 yard line.  QB Joe Dente ran a keeper, senior fullback Matt Kirbas added another 4 yards up the middle and a pass to junior WR Vincent Graziosa brought the ball to the Wayne Valley 40 yard line.  With a 4^th down and 2 yards to go Caldwell decided to go for it and Joe Dente surprised everyone with a quick kick. Graziosa raced down field and made a great play downing the ball on the Wayne Valley two yard line just as the 1^st quarter ended. 

Wayne Valley took over and tried to push the football away from their goal line, but a very tough Chief defense (which limited the Indians to 0 yards rushing on the day) kept them right at home. Caldwell seized the moment and on 3^rd down, senior, Co-Captain Sean Romano sacked Wayne Valley�s QB in their end zone for a safety and a 2-0 lead for Caldwell. 

The Indians had to punt the ball from their own 20 yard line after the safety and Michael Petoia made a nice return to the Caldwell 42 yard line.  Caldwell hoped to capitalize on the turnover and the safety but the Wayne Valley defense forced the Chiefs to punt after just three plays.  But just as quickly, the Chief defense stepped up, forced another turnover and junior Ryan Redfern intercepted on their first play of the series at the Caldwell 41 yard line. 

With momentum back on their side, the Chiefs tried to convert the miscue into points.  First Joe Dente passed to Sean Romano for 39 yards.  Then Kirbas ran up the middle for six. Dente followed with a pass to #3, junior Vincent Graziosa and he made a spectacular, nineteen yard, juggling reception which gave Caldwell a 1^st and goal at the Wayne Valley five yard line. The Chiefs made three attempts to get into the end zone, but faced with a forth down had to send in the field goal unit.  They faked the kick.  The pass fell incomplete. Wayne Valley dodged a major bullet, a potential 9-0 deficit and instead took over on their 20 yard line with a 1^st down.  The Indians ran the clock out to end the 1^st half.

2^nd Half 

#27, senior John Schomaker returned the second half kick-off twenty-five yards to the Wayne Valley 45 yard line to begin the 2^nd half.  The Chiefs had to punt after three downs and Wayne Valley took over on their 30 yard line. A combination of runs, passes and penalties moved the ball to the Caldwell seven yard line.  Indian running plays were stuffed on first and third down and #74, senior DE Matt Jurgensen knocked down a 2^nd down pass attempt.  Faced with a 4^th and goal, Wayne Valley decided to try a field goal and the Caldwell defense blocked the attempt preserving the Chiefs 2-0 advantage. Caldwell took over at the twenty yard line, but a Caldwell fumble put the ball right back in the Indians hands.  Wayne Valley moved the ball to Caldwell�s eleven yard line on a pass, but a tenacious goal line defense forced the Indians to try another field goal.  This time they made it and took the lead for the first time 3-2 just as the 3^rd quarter ended. 

An intercepted pass during the Chiefs next possession led to a quick touchdown for Wayne Valley and a 10-2 lead.  The Indians good fortune continued on the next series, and another intercepted pass was returned for a touchdown which pushed the final score to 17-2.       

 Next Game, Friday October 28^th

Next Friday evening the Chiefs (and their ever faithful fans) will travel to Pequannock to play under the lights.  Game time is 7:00 PM.  The Golden Panthers have been struggling so far this year and their record is 1-6.  However, Pequannock has a proud football history and the Chiefs are one of their major rivals and they�ll be ready to play.

By Ken Jurgensen

Saturday, October 15, 2005

Game 5: 

 Caldwell 28 � Millburn 8

John Schomaker scores two touchdowns

Joe Dente passes to Steve Alex for 1 touchdown

Dan Flynn leads goal line stand

Matt Kirbus rushes for 1 touchdown

Mike Boddie kicks 4 extra points

Ryan Redfern and Derek Lawshe each get a pass interception

Sean Romano, Joe Romano & Matt Jurgensen get sacks

1^st Half

 In a season marked by miracle comebacks, a double overtime victory, distractions from events centered around the JCHS mascot and long standing traditions why would eight straight days of rain and a saturated quagmire (Bonnel Field) cause the 2005 Caldwell Chiefs football team any concern ?  Well��. it wouldn�t. The Chiefs would simply move their home game against Millburn to DePaul High School�s turfed field (with lights), win the game and improve their record to 4 and 1.

 Caldwell won the coin toss and exercised its� option to kick-off to Millburn to start the game.  The Miller�s moved the ball down the field mixing their play selections with a few penalties which helped maintain their momentum.  A personal foul penalty against Caldwell gave Millburn a first and goal on the Caldwell four yard line.  Three plays later, with a 4^th and goal on Caldwell�s two yard line, Millburn decided to go for the gold.  But they fumbled, Caldwell linebacker DJ Merriweather recovered, and the Millers went away with nothing on the scoreboard.

 Caldwell went three and out and after the punt, Millburn took over at their own 30 yard line.  Two plays later Chiefs junior defensive back Ryan Redfern intercepted an Elliot Goldman pass at the Caldwell 39 yard line.  Caldwell wasted no time capitalizing and QB Joe Dente connected with John Schomaker for 20 yards and a first down at the Millburn 41.  Then he connected with Steve Alex, and his second and third efforts after he caught the ball earned the Chiefs six points. Michael Boddie added an extra point and Caldwell took the lead 7-0 with 4:33 left in the 1^st quarter.

 Millburn began their next possession at their own 38 yard line.  They demonstrated why they�re so highly respected, and came right back with their own four play scoring drive.  But a penalty nullified the 37 yard touchdown pass, and the Miller�s suddenly found themselves in a 2^nd down and twelve situation.  After a successful five yard screen pass, senior defensive lineman Steve Sirvan flushed Goldman out of the pocket and fellow defensive linemen Matt Jurgensen and Joe Romano sacked him forcing a Millburn punt which ended another scoring opportunity.

 Caldwell�s took over on their own twelve yard line with 0:23 left in the 1^st quarter.  A facemask penalty against Millburn, gave the Chiefs a little breathing room and Joe Dente quickly connected with Co-Captain Sean Romano for 22 yards. A Millburn personal foul added another fifteen yards and Caldwell had a 1^st down at the Millburn 38 as the quarter ended.  A controversial call by the zebra�s, gave the ball back to the Millers after they ruled that there was no forward motion on a pass attempt.

 An incomplete pass, a delay of game and an intentional grounding penalty caused by Caldwell�s DE Zach Eitman and DB Sean Romano quickly forced Millburn to punt.  Chief Michael Petoia ran for ten yards and then Dente passed to John Schomaker. After play ended, Millburn was charged with a face mask penalty and very quickly, the Chiefs found themselves in excellent field position on Millburn�s 23 yard line with a 1^st and ten. On the next play, Schomaker capitalized running the ball into the end zone for six points more.  Boddie kicked the extra point and extended Caldwell�s lead to 14-0.

Millburn scored their only touchdown of the game just before the end of the 1^st half.  But they missed the extra point kick leaving Caldwell ahead 14-6.  During the nine play, eighty yard drive, Millburn completed a 50 yard pass, Caldwell junior Ryan Redfern saved a TD and the Miller�s got a taste of the Chief�s goal line defense needing three attempts to make the touchdown from the five yard line.   

2^nd Half

 Senior John Schomaker had a great game for Caldwell, and he started the 2^nd half with a nice 20 yard return. Neither team could move the ball and they traded possessions.  On the next series, the Chiefs got the ball on their own 23 yard line.  Dente passed to Sean Romano for 22 yards and a 1^st down.  Then Matt Kirbus bulled for five yards more. Dente passed to Steve Alex twice and Michael Lawshe and the Chiefs were on Millburn�s 35 yard line.  Kirbus took the handoff and went up the middle for 19 yards and another first down.  Kirbus capped the 77 yard drive going up the middle again for 16 yards and the touchdown behind lineman John Getchius, Joe Romano, Dan Flynn and Matt Jurgensen.   Boddie added another point and Caldwell increased it�s lead to 21-6. 

After the kick-off Millburn started at their own 35 yard line but had to punt after three downs.  Caldwell took over on their own 12 yard line, and Joe Dente optioned to John Schomaker. Shoie faked out two or three defenders and then got a few nice down field blocks before he outran the rest of the Millburn defense on the way to an 82 yard touchdown.  Boddie added his fourth extra point of the game and Caldwell lead 28-6. 

 On Millburn�s next possession, DJ Merriweather stopped a run and after Millburn completed a pass, Sean Romano sacked Goldman for a 4 yard loss as the 3^rd quarter ended. The sack lead to a Millburn punt and Caldwell took over on their own 20 yard line. Caldwell turned the ball over on an interception at Caldwell�s forty-nine yard line.  Millburn moved the ball ahead to Caldwell�s forty yard line, but a pass interference and two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties gave the Miller�s a first down on the Chief ten yard line.  The Miller�s gained three yards on 1^st down and another five yards on 2^nd down.  Then Joe Romano and company stepped up big on 3^rd down and stuffed the Miller�s when they tried to go up the middle.  Down by two touchdown�s, Millburn had to go for it on 4^th and goal from the two yard line. But senior linebacker Dan Flynn and the rest of the Chief�s goal line defense were up the challenge and in a battle of will�s Caldwell withstood the Miller charge and ended their drive.   The Caldwell offense couldn�t budge the ball, and were forced to punt after three downs, but during the punt, the snap went out of the end zone and gave Millburn an automatic safety and two more points.

Millburn had two last chances to score before the game ended. But a sack by Matt Jurgensen and an interception by sophomore Derek Lawshe ended the game with the Chiefs on top 28 � 8.

 Next Game, Saturday October 15^th 

Next weekend the Chiefs will host Wayne Valley at Bonnel Field at 1:00 PM.  Last year, the injury plagued Indian team was 2-7.  This year, they�re vastly improved, pretty much assured a North 1, Group 3 playoff spot, have a 5-1 record and are coming off a 28-6 win over West Orange.  

 

By Ken Jurgensen

Saturday, October 8, 2005

Game 4:  Caldwell 7 � Delbarton 34

1^st Half

 The Caldwell Chiefs ran out of miracles on Saturday.  Delbarton returned the opening kick-off 90 yards to take a 7-0 lead.  A few minutes later they converted a fumble deep in Chief territory into eight more points and very quickly Caldwell had their backs against the wall.  Monsoon like rain, worsening field conditions and a few more turnovers didn�t help either, especially when you�re playing a very good football team on their home field during a homecoming celebration.

 Following the opening kick-off return, the Chiefs went three and out.  Delbarton took over on their 36 yard line and quickly completed a pass to the Green Wave 47.  DT Joe Romano sacked Delbarton QB Jack McBride and on the next play he fumbled.  Co-Captain Noah Thrope recovered it, giving the Chiefs some life and a 1^st and ten on the Chief 44 yard line.  Caldwell moved the ball, but unfortunately the drive stalled just twenty-three yards from pay dirt.  The Green Wave took over and picked up thirty three yards on a pass play.  On the next play DT Matt Jurgensen hit them for a three 3 yard loss.  Then Matt Kirbas and Sean Romano teamed up to stop a sweep and an incomplete pass forced Delbarton to punt.

 The Chiefs took over on their own thirty three yard line, but three plays later were forced to punt. The snap was a little high, bounced off some wet hands and even though it was recovered by Caldwell, the Green Wave took over on downs deep in Caldwell territory. A stubborn Chief goal line defense held, but five plays later McBride completed a one yard TD pass, Delbarton ran for two more points and Caldwell was down 15-0. 

Following the kick-off, Caldwell ran six plays but had to punt.  The Green Wave gained great field position and two plays later struck again.  Jack McBride ran up the middle for twenty nine yards and another six points.  Chief senior Matt Jurgensen was able to deflect the point after kick, but the Green Wave had now taken a commanding 22-0 lead.

 The Chiefs fumbled away their next possession deep in their own territory.  But a never quit defense forced Delbarton to attempt a field goal after just three plays.  Caldwell senior Zack Eitman deflected the kick, and the Green Wave was unable to convert the turnover into points. Three minutes later the half ended.   

2^nd Half

 Caldwell opted to kick-off to Delbarton hoping the strategy (and a little luck) might give them a chance to turn things around. But the Chiefs must have emptied the bank of good luck last weekend because Delbarton scored on a seventy yard pass during their first play from scrimmage.  The point after kick failed, but more damage had been done and the Green Wave increased their lead to 28-0.   Delbarton scored one more time, late in the 3^rd quarter to make the score  34-0. 

On the ensuing kick-off, John Schomaker made a nice runback and pushed the ball into Delbarton territory.  Senior QB Joe Dente scrambled three times and moved the ball to the Green Wave thirty-five.  Matt Kirbas took an option lateral and picked up another five yards. Dente passed twice to Steve Alex and the senior wide receiver took the ball to the Delbarton five yard line as the third quarter ended.  Dente finished the eleven play, 46 yard drive running it in for Caldwell�s only touchdown on the day.  Michael Boddie kicked the extra point to give Caldwell 7 vs. Delbarton�s 34.

 Next Game, Saturday October 15^th

 Next weekend the Chiefs will host Millburn at Bonnel Field at 1:00 PM.  Last year the Millers were 2-7.  This year an improved Millburn team is 2-2.  In their last contest Millburn beat West Orange.  

By Ken Jurgensen

Saturday, October 1, 2005

Game 3: 

 Caldwell 20 � Montville 17 (2 OT)

Joe Dente passes to Sean Romano for TD with 0:46 seconds remaining

John Schomaker recovers on side kick with 0:42 seconds remaining

Dente passes to S. Alex for TD & Boddie extra point ties game with 0:17 seconds remaining

Ryan Redfern intercepts to stop 2nd OT Montville drive

Noah Thorpe makes 18 tackles, including 9 first hits and 1 sack

Michael Boddie�s 42 yard field goal wins game in 2nd overtime

1^st Half 

The stands at Chief Bonnel Field were packed from side to side and the Class of 1955 used the game for a reunion.  Fans, students, parents, and citizens from West Caldwell & Caldwell visually displayed and vocally demonstrated their support for the Chiefs, their pride and their traditions. The three days leading up to this game were punctuated by events which seemed to touch everyone.  But in hindsight, these events were simply a prelude to the only type of game this could have been. 

The first half ended in an uneventful 0-0 tie. 

2^nd Half 

The second half mirrored the first until Montville scored toward the end of the 3^rd quarter taking a 7-0 lead.   

In the 4^th quarter the Mustangs increased their lead to fourteen points.  With two minutes left in the game, and their backs against the wall, Michael Petoia took a squibbed kick-off and ran it back to the Chief 27 yard line.  Dente completed a twelve yard pass to Sean Romano for a 1^st down.  Then he connected on two aerials to Stevie Alex.  John Schomaker crossed mid field after catching a shoestring pass from Dente for another seven yards.  The senior QB next completed a twenty yard pass to Alex.  Steve managed to escape from the clutches of a Mustang defender and raced to the Montville one yard line before he was knocked out of bounds.  Dente closed out the nine play, 73 yard drive with a one yard touchdown pass on a quick out to Co-Captain Sean Romano.  Mike Boddie added the extra point to make the score 14-7 in favor of Montville with 0:46 seconds remaining.  But, more importantly, The Miracle had begun�.. 

The next play took just four seconds.  It started with Michael Boddie dropping a high, end over end, on-side, fifteen yard kick into a herd of Mustangs at the Montville 46 yard line. It looked like every person involved in the kick off was somewhere in the pile of players.  But slowly they began to unravel.  First Michael Lawshe emerged, then Noah Thrope, followed by Michael Petoia, Ryan Redfern and Steve Sirvan.  Matt Kirbas and John Schomaker remained at the bottom of the pile.  Players from both teams, the referees and the coaches were all signaling wildly��and in different directions. Suddenly Schomaker stood up, casually flipped the ball to the �Zebra�and the place went wild as it became clearer and clearer that the Chiefs, some how, have recovered the kick !   

With no time left, poised, senior signal caller Joe Dente immediately went right to work and found Schomaker on the sideline for twenty four yards and a 1^st down at the Montville 22 yard line. An incomplete pass stopped the clock at 0:32 seconds.  Montville had been blitzing their linebackers all day and they tried it again on the next play.  But Dente and blocking back Matt Kirbas, picked it up.  Dente rolled out, saw an opening, tucked the ball away and scrambled 18 yards.  He finished the run at the Montville one yard line, picked up a 1^st down but couldn�t get out of bounds.  On the next play he grounded the ball to stop the clock and Montville followed with a timeout.  Both teams prepared for the next play, and after the ball was snapped Dente found Stevie Alex in the end zone which put the Chiefs one point away from tying the score.  Senior long snapper Joe Wilczewski joined forces with holder Ryan Redfern and Michael Boddie kicked the extra point forcing the game into overtime.   

1^st Overtime 

Caldwell won the coin toss and they were given the first opportunity to score from the 25 yard line. Stevie Alex picked up three yards on an end around and then Dente passed to him for nineteen.   With the ball on the Montville six yard  line Dente was stopped on the line of scrimmage for no gain.  Caldwell called a time out and on the next play, Dente was sacked creating a 4^th down, 30 yard field goal attempt for Michael Boddie who put Caldwell ahead 17-14.   

Montville now got their turn from the 25 yard line. On their first play, Steve Sirvan chased and pressured the Montville QB and he threw an incomplete pass.  An incomplete pass and a quarterback keeper left the Mustangs with a 4^th down and two.  Montville decided to go for the win, ran a sweep and stayed alive picking up a first down at the Chiefs thirteen yard line.  After picking up nine more yards on the ground, Montville had a second and goal at the four yard line.  But a goal line stand, led by DE Zach Eitman and Nick Casale, stopped the Mustangs and Montville had to settle for a field goal, a 17-17 tie and a second overtime period.

 2^nd Overtime 

Montville got the ball first, ran four times in a row and scored a touchdown.  But a penalty nullified the score and brought the ball back to the 10 yard line.  On the next play, Montville decided to pass and junior DB Ryan Redfern intercepted in the end zone.  The play ended the Mustang drive and gave the ball back to the Chiefs on the Montville twenty five yard line. 

Caldwell was unable to pick up a first down. On 4^th down, Boddie led Wilczewski, Redfern and the rest of the field goal team back into the field and Boddie completed The Miracle, booting an amazing 43 yard field goal to secure the win for the Chiefs 20-17.

 Next Game, Saturday October 1^st 

Next weekend the Chiefs will travel to Morristown and face Delbarton at 1:00 PM.  The Green Wave is a Parochial, Group 3 School and is currently on top of the Northern Hills-Suburban Conference with a 4-0 record.  In 2004 the Green Wave finished the season with an 8-2 record, but lost in the opening round of the playoffs. 

Saturday, September 24, 2005

Game 2: 

 Caldwell 10 � DePaul 7

SCHOMACHER RUNS FOR 53 YD TD

BODDIE KICKS 26 YD FIELD GOAL

J. ROMANO RECORDS 3 SACKS AND A FUMBLE RECOVERY

JURGENSEN PICKS UP 3 SACKS

1^st Half

Neither team put many points on the board.  But fans were treated to an exciting, heart stopping game punctuated with outstanding defensive efforts (from both teams) which lasted from the opening kick-off until the final seconds ticked off the clock.  For Caldwell, many different players made big plays and when it was finally over, the Chiefs held onto ten second quarter points to win the game by a field goal 10-7. 

 The Chief defense recorded 12.5 sacks (+ or -) and put so much pressure on DePaul�s highly regarded quarterback, # 2 Chaz Cervino, that they limited him to just 8 completions in 21 attempts for 145 yards and 1 TD.  Caldwell�s Joe Dente passed 26 times and completed 16 for 166 yards.

 Early in the game both teams put together drives which ended in the red zone.  Caldwell�s defense sparkled with sacks from Michael Petoia, Matt Jurgensen, Joe Romano, John Love and Mike Zaorski and stellar pass defense from Stevie Alex who knocked down two Cervino passes, one of which was in the Caldwell end zone.

 Caldwell began its only touchdown drive from their 30 own yard line.  First Michael Petoia swept an end for five yards.  Then he broke loose for a long gain, but it was nullified by a holding penalty.  Undeterred, quarterback Joe Dente came right back and connected with tight end Michael Lawshe for twenty yards and a first down at the DePaul 40.  Caldwell dropped into a hurry up offense and Dente hit Stevie Alex for another seven yards.  Petoia kept the drive going and swept end for four tough yards.  Finally, John Schomacher capped the drive on a counter play, bursting thru a huge hole and racing untouched for a 47 yard touchdown.  Michael Boddie kicked the extra point and the Chiefs took the lead 7-0.

 After the kickoff, the Spartans were forced to punt after three plays and the Chiefs took over on the Caldwell 32 yard line.  Dente passed to Sean Romano for thirteen yards, Steve Alex for thirteen and scrambled out of the pocket for another five yards. Matt Kirbas bulled his way to the DePaul 25 yard line and then Dente hit Alex for seven yards and a first down on the Spartan 17.  Kirbas kept it going with five yards up the middle and Dente passed to Schomaker for two yards.  A DePaul roughing the passer penalty gave the Chiefs a first and goal but on the next play, Caldwell fumbled.  Luckily, Michael Petoia recovered it at the DePaul 24 yard line.  Quickly, Dente connected with Steve Alex for nineteen yards and Caldwell called a time out with four ticks left on the clock.  The field goal team came in, and in what might be considered the play of the game, junior Ryan Redfern took a low snap from center, coolly set it straight, and enabled Michael Boddie to boot a 26 yard field goal just as the first half ended giving the Chiefs a 10-0 lead.

 2nd Half

 The Spartans kicked off to Caldwell to start the second half.  But the Chiefs were forced to punt after three downs and DePaul took over on their own 45 yard line.  Joe Romano and Matt Kirbas sacked Cervino.  Then Matt Jurgensen sacked him.  But Caldwell got penalized for a personal foul and the Spartans got an automatic first down.  On the next play, a lofted pass from Cervino was tipped and #88 Brain Gambuzza grabbed it and raced 53 yards for a touchdown.  DePaul kicked the extra point and a motivated Spartan team was within three points, 10-7.

 Caldwell�s next drive stalled after eight plays and they were forced to punt. Cervino was forced out of the pocket but still managed to pick up a first down scrambling to the Caldwell 44 yard line.  On the next play Sean Romano trapped Cervino in the backfield for no gain.  After an incomplete pass, DePaul tried the screen pass they ran successfully in the first half, but Noah Thrope was waiting for it and forced DePaul into a 4^th down and seven yards to go. The Spartans decided to go for it and Joe Romano and a host of other Chief defenders sacked Cervino and Caldwell took over on downs.

 Now it was Joe Dente�s turn to scramble and he picked up a first down at the DePaul 35 yard line.  An illegal procedure penalty made it 1^st and fifteen.  Petoia ran twice for small gains.  But after an incomplete pass, Caldwell had to punt and John Schomaker skillfully angled it out of bounds at the DePaul one yard line.

 With six minutes left in the game Caldwell and DePaul traded turnovers to start the 4^th quarter. But Caldwell�s defense kept making big plays.  First Mike Zaorski and Matt Jurgensen teamed up to sack Cervino.  Then it was Sean Romano making two of his twelve tackles on the day behind the DePaul line of scrimmage.  Next Joe Romano recovered a Spartan fumble.  Then Michael Petoia came out of no where to make a game saving shoe string tackle on Caldwell�s 12 yard line after DePaul intercepted a Chief screen pass.

 Joe Romano caught Cervino for his 3^rd sack. DePaul got penalized five yards for delay of game.  Kirbas and Thrope stopped a quarterback sneak and amazingly, DePaul got yet another delay of game.  With third down and twenty, Michael Petoia blind sided Cervino and picked up his second sack of the game.  Faced with a 4^th down and 23 yards and just 2:44 on the clock, DePaul decided to punt from its own 35 yard line and the 18 yard kick went out of bounds on the Caldwell 17 yard line.

 Trying to run out the clock, Petoia ran twice and picked up three tough yards.  Seeing time running out, DePaul called time out.  Petoia lost three yards on his next carry and Caldwell took a delay of game penalty which allowed the clock to wind down to 1:36.  On 4^th and 7, John Schomaker connected for his longest punt of the day, a 60 yard beauty which pushed DePaul all the way back to their own 31 yard line.

 By now, the Caldwell defense had really pounded the Spartan QB, but he was still able to complete another pass.  Then Caldwell received a pass interference penalty and DePaul got a 1^st down at the 50 yard line. Cervino connected with Gambuzza for a first down on an out of bounds sideline pass at the Caldwell 34 yard line.  But that was it for the Spartans and the last four pass attempts fell incomplete, Caldwell took over on downs with 0:37 seconds left and ran out the clock to secure the win. 

 Next Game, Saturday October 1^st

 The Chiefs will host again next week to Montville High School at Bonnel Field. Game time is 1:00 PM.  The Mustangs have only nine returning seniors and last year they finished the season with a 2-8 record.  But this junior dominated team has won four of its last five games going back to 2004.  Yesterday they beat Pequannock 36-0.   The Group 2 Mustangs, like the Chiefs, are part of the Northern Hills-Suburban Conference. 

By Ken Jurgensen

Friday, September 17, 2005

Game 1:  Caldwell vs. Governor Livingston

 Caldwell 21 � Governor Livingston 0

DENTE PASSES TO SCHOMACHER,

ROMANO & M. LAWSHE FOR 3 TD�s

MERRIWEATHER PICKS UP 2 SACKS

ALEX INTERCEPTS 2

1^st Half

Crowd pleasing TD passes, interceptions, sacks and a dominating defensive effort combined with the effects of high temperatures and humidity (�..and maybe even some platinum hair coloring compliments of Panico Salon & Spa and Mr. Harris) helped the Chiefs secure their first victory of the 2005 season yesterday in Berkeley Heights.

The way this game started IS NOT the way it ended. A fresh, confident, Governor Livingston team took the opening kick-off and started driving the ball down the field.  But after eight plays Caldwell�s defense collected themselves, made a few adjustments and forced the Highlanders to punt.  Then the offense had to exercise their demons and on Caldwell�s first offensive play of the season, the Highlanders intercepted a pass at the Chief twenty yard line. But that was really it for Governor Livingston and the Chiefs started turning things around.  First Matt Jurgensen and Sean Romano teamed up for a sack. Then Romano intercepted his first pass of the season in the Chiefs end zone.  Wisely he kneeled and decided not to try and run it out.

Caldwell couldn�t convert the turnover and traded possessions with Governor Livingston. But Caldwell started to make plays.  Quarterback Joe Dente settled down and got back on track passing twice to Stevie Alex, once to Michael Lawshe and once to John Schomaker.  Michael Petoia reeled off a nice fifteen yard sweep.  The same thing was happening on defense. Junior DJ Merriweather got the first of his two sacks, Co-Captain Noah Thrope was in on tackle after tackle and as the first quarter came to an end supportive Caldwell fans could feel the momentum shifting.

Caldwell took over deep in Highlander territory.  Dente ran a keeper for five yds and Matt Kirbas rumbled through a gaping hole for twenty yards more.  Then Dente passed to Alex for fifteen.  On the fourth play of the 85 yard drive Dente threw a 53 yd bomb to John Schomacher and the Chiefs had their first TD of the season.  Michael Boddie kicked the extra point and the Chiefs lead 7-0.

Caldwell kicked off to Governor Livingston and the Highlanders turned it over on their first play allowing Stevie Alex to pick up his first of two interceptions.  The Chiefs couldn�t convert and the first half ended.

2nd Half

Governor Livingston opened the second half kicking off to the Chiefs and Michael Petoia wasted no time turning it into a thirty yard return.  But the Chiefs fumbled and gave the ball right back.   Fortunately the Highlanders couldn�t run and couldn�t pass. Three plays later, they had to punt and Stevie Alex picked up some nice blocks, added some shifty moves and collected a 25 yard punt return.  Petoia carried three times for twenty six yards and that put the ball on the Governor Livingston 25 yard line.   On the next play, Dente threw to Sean Romano at the two yard line and his second effort stretch put the ball in the end zone and put up another six points for the Chiefs.  Michael Boddie added his second extra point and Caldwell finished the 3^rd quarter ahead 14-0.

The final quarter of the game saw the heat and humidity taking its toll on the players. Many developed leg cramps and had to come out of the game.  Fortunately, the Chiefs have enough depth and skill, particularly on the line, and it enabled the coaching staff to substitute freely on both sides of the ball from the opening kick-off.   This luxury paid dividends throughout the game and allowed the offensive line, lead by junior Center John Getchius, Guards Dan Flynn, Matt Jurgensen, Nick Casale and Tackles Joe Romano, Pat Mooney and John Love to give their Quarterback great pass protection all day.   Ultimately, it was this pass protection which led to Caldwell�s final score toward the end of the game.     

First, Junior Mike Zaorski sacked the Highlander quarterback forcing another punt.  Seventy yards away from the Highlander goal line, Matt Kirbas got things going rushing twice for ten yards.  Then Dente passed to Derek Lawshe for fifteen.  Derek swept the right side for another ten yards and a Dente pass to John Schomaker picked up ten. Dente capped the seven play scoring drive with two straight passes to Michael Lawshe, the last one a fifteen yard TD toss.  Kicker Michael Boddie added his third extra point and the game ended with the Chiefs on top 21-0.

2005 Home Opener, Next Saturday @ 1:00 PM

With their 1^st win now in hand, the Chiefs can start to focus on their next opponent, DePaul High School.   DePaul has been highly touted in pre-season high school football previews. They have an excellent quarterback and talented players back at the skill positions.  The Group 2 Spartans (and the Chiefs) are part of the Northern Hills-Suburban Conference.  In 2004 they had a 7-5 record and reached the second round of the State Parochial playoffs.

Highlights

Sean Romano's first quarter end zone interception end�s the Highlander�s only threat.

Joe Dente and the Chiefs first TD pass of 2005, a 53 yd strike to #27 John Schomaker.

Dente completed 12 of 15 passes for 181 yards.

#24 Sean Romano seconds after he hauled

in a 24 yd TD reception from #17 Joe Dente.

# 84 Michael Lawshe catches his 1^st TD pass of the season, a 15 yard

strike from Joe Dente which  puts the Chiefs up 20-0.

# 26 Steve Alex making his 2^nd interception of the game.

# 22 Michael Petoia breaks free for a long gain.

The defense holds Governor Livingston to 32 yards rushing.

Chiefs Chronicles - 2005 Season

By Ken Jurgensen

Friday, September 9, 2005

SCRIMMAGE:  Caldwell vs. New Providence 

Caldwell 19 � New Providence 15

M. LAWSHE & PETOIA SCORE TD�S

DENTE PASSES FOR 1 TD

BODDIE KICKS 2 FIELD GOALS

D. LAWSHE INTERCEPTS 1

1^st Half

 After trading 1^st half possessions, Caldwell got on the board first with a five play drive covering 73 yards.  Work horse Michael Petoia rushed three times for 29 yards and one first down.  A 35 yard TD pass from senior QB Joe Dente to TE Mike Lawshe and a Michael Boddie extra point put the Chiefs on top 7-0.

 Despite a sack by junior LB DJ Merriweather, New Providence answered with an eight play, 70 yard drive of their own which ended with a 20 yd TD run.  The Pioneers completed a pass and posted two additional points to take an 8-7 lead.

 Caldwell�s defense led by linemen Steve Sirban, Mike Zaorski, Joe Romano and Matthew Jurgensen, DB�s John Schomaker, Steve Alex and Ryan Redfern stopped New Providence on their next series, but late in the second quarter the Pioneers scored again.  This drive covered 45 yards and their QB completed the march running the final seven yards into the end zone.  New Providence kicked the extra point and went into the half up 15 � 7.

 2nd Half

 After a brief halftime, Noah Thrope didn�t intercept a pass.  He didn�t score a TD and he didn�t throw a pass for a TD.  But he did electrify Chief fans, inspired his teammates and changed the momentum of the scrimmage on a special teams kickoff return during which he pierced the Pioneers kick-off wedge and tackled their returner with a devastating hit that echoed around Bonnel Field.  That�s why Noah Thrope is one of this year�s captains !

 Two plays later, Thrope chased down the New Providence quarterback and sophomore Derek Lawshe picked off his hurried pass giving the Chiefs the ball on the Pioneer 49 yard line.

Wasting no time, QB Joe Dente quickly passed to Steve Alex and picked up eight yds.  Then he connected with Mike Lawshe for 12 more.  Linemen Matt Jurgensen and John Getchius then opened a huge hole, right guard Dan Flynn trap blocked and lead RB Matt Kirbas to an eight yard gain.  Kirbus ran twice more, picking up another fifteen yards and put the ball on the Pioneer two yard line.  Michael Petoia finished the seven play drive with a touchdown to make the score Chiefs 13 Pioneers 15.

 Caldwell kicked off to the Pioneers and on their 1^st play of the series, they fumbled a handoff and Chiefs sophomore Roland Francisco recovered the ball. Now it was junior QB Ryan Redfern�s turn to lead the team and turn a mistake into a score and on the first play he picked up seven yards on a quarterback keeper.  Center Joe Wilczewski, guards Nick Casale and Mike Boddie cleared paths for DJ Merriweather, Derek Lawshe and Redfern and together they pushed the rock into Pioneer territory.  Then Redfern passed to Derek Lawshe for 9 yds and ran for another eighteen yards on two successive keepers.  A tough Pioneer defense stalled the drive, but Michael Boddie was able to kick a fifteen yard field goal to put the Chiefs in front to stay 16 � 15.

 After the kickoff, Caldwell�s defense led by Craig Robbie, Mark Watkins and Anthony Miloscia sacked New Providence�s QB and they were forced to punt.

 Chiefs Sophomore QB Eugene Hajduk, handed off to RB Lawrence Nastleton and he swept the left side for 25 quick yards.   Frank Schomaker followed Nick Casale for another twelve yards. Hajduk found sophomore WR William Holloway on a twenty yd. pass to the New Providence five yd line with linemen Joe Tempesta, Cihan Hazer, Kyle Christianson and Jonathan Harris providing the needed blocking and pass protection.  Unfortunately, a penalty stalled the drive, but Mike Boddie was able to add three more points with his second field goal to end the scrimmage 19-15 in Caldwell�s favor.

Next Saturday, September 17th, the Chiefs will open their 2005 season at Governor Livingston High school in Berkeley Heights at 1:00 PM.  The Group 2 Central Jersey Highlanders play in the Mountain Valley-Mountain Conference.  In 2004 they had a 6-5 record and reached the second round of the State Playoffs.  Last night the Highlanders opened their 2005 season with a win, beating Newark Central 42-0.

Friday, September 2, 2005, SCRIMMAGE:  Caldwell 14 � Dover 14

LAWSHE & ALEX SCORE TD�S

DENTE PASSES FOR 2 TD�S

ROMANO INTERCEPTS 2 

Jody Alex was smiling last evening.  The 2005 Chiefs were on the field at Dover playing the Group 2 Tigers in a �game conditions� scrimmage and they were hitting.  Jody loves it when the Chiefs are hitting.

 The Tigers received the opening kickoff and began a drive toward the end zone until Co-Captain Sean Romano picked off a pass at the 20 yard line and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown.  Unfortunately a penalty, erased the TD, and brought the ball back to the 30 yard line. On the next play Joe Dente hit Steve Alex with a 20 yd pass and he ran the ball to the Dover 15 yd line. But, another penalty erased this play too and Caldwell was forced to punt.

 The Chief�s defense lead by nose tackle Mike Zaorski, DT�s Joe Romano, Matt Jurgensen and John Love, LB�s Matt Kirbas, Lawrence Nastleton, Co-Captain Noah Thrope, �sparrow� DJ Merriweather, DB John Shomaker and DE Steve Sirvan, stepped it up a notch and Dover went three and out. 

 After the Dover punt, Caldwell started their next drive on their own 30 yd line and Dente quickly hit TE Michael Lawshe for 20 yds.  Then Lawshe ran a crossing pattern, caught another pass from Dente and scampered another 30 yards for a touchdown and six points.  Michael Boddie added the extra point and the Chiefs lead 7-0.

 Dover responded on their next possession and tied the score in the beginning of the second quarter 7-7.  The Tigers sustained their long drive with multiple running plays and their QB completed the drive with a 20 yd run.

 Caldwell and Dover exchanged the next several possessions.  During that time, John Schomaker nailed a beautiful 45 yard punt and Junior Ryan Redfern connected on two 20 yd sideline passes, one of which was caught by Steve Alex.

 The 3^rd quarter began with a second interception by Sean Romano at the Caldwell 30 yd line which he returned to the Dover 45.  Senior QB Joe Dente quickly threw a screen pass to Michael Petoia and he followed his blockers C John Getchius and G Dan Flynn to the Dover 35 yd line.  Dente passed to Lawshe for another 15 yards, but the drive stalled and Caldwell couldn�t convert the turnover into more points.

 Dover�s next possession ended quickly and during the series DT Joe Romano got a chance to realize every defensive lineman�s dream.  He tipped a pass, juggled it several times, saw nothing but green and 30 yds to the goal line��..but he couldn�t find the handle��

 After a Dover punt, Dente threw a dart to Shomaker for 10 yds, ran a keeper and picked up a critical 1^st down. Petoia ran for 5 yds and then 4 more.  On 4^th and 1, Dente ran a quick QB sneak for the 1^st down.  Caldwell shifted into a hurry up offense, and Dente passed to Sean Romano for 10 yds and another 1^st down.  Dente followed with two consecutive 20 yd strikes to Lawshe and Caldwell found itself on Dover�s 3 yd line.  Dente finished the scoring drive with a TD pass to Steve Alex and that put the Chiefs in the lead 14-7 as the 3^rd quarter ended.

 Dover knotted the score 14-14 on their next possession despite the efforts of defenders Mike Dickson, Mark Watkins, Tucker Gilligan, Nick Casale, DT Ken Lombardi, DB�s Frank Schomaker, Tom Harris, John McNamara, LB Craig Robbie and nose tackle Anthony Miloscia.

 After the kick off Caldwell�s offense responded and Mike Kane and Ryan Redfern led the charge.  Redfern ran for 15 behind a nice block by G Nick Casale.  He then ran QB keepers for 12 and 5 yds. Kane picked up 15 yds on a broken play and 11 yds more behind the blocking of C Joe Wilczewski, T Cihan Hazar and TE Dave Dierksen.  Redfern completed the drive, finding Mike Miele in the end zone for a 5 yd TD pass.  But a penalty called it back