New Dorp’s Central Cougars capped off their football season with a dramatic 24-16 win over Port Richmond on Friday night, ending their campaign with a 3-5 record.
Port Richmond, meanwhile, concluded a challenging, winless season at 0-8.
The game, played on New Dorp’s home field, was a showcase of determination and outstanding performances, particularly from junior quarterback Abdiel Gonzalez.
The Cougars struck early, taking the opening kickoff and scoring on their second play when JT Rose sprinted 60 yards to the end zone.
A successful two-point conversion gave New Dorp an early 8-0 lead, but the Richmond Riders responded with resilience.
Their quarterback, Jake Ficken, connected with Tayshaun Lewis for a five-yard touchdown in the second quarter, followed by a two-point conversion run by Tayvon Claxton to even the score.
Claxton made his presence felt again with a 38-yard punt return for a touchdown later in the quarter.
Ficken’s pass to Jayden Williams added the two-point conversion, pushing the Port Richmond senior high school football team ahead 16-8.
Aside from the deficit, Gonzalez’s dynamic running shifted the game’s momentum.
Gonzalez, who finished with an impressive 233 rushing yards on 28 attempts, scored his first touchdown on a six-yard run late in the second quarter.
He also converted the two-point attempt, tying the game at 16 just before halftime.
Without question, the second half belonged to New Dorp. Gonzalez struck again less than two minutes into the third quarter with a 35-yard touchdown run.
In addition, Anthony Luna added a two-point conversion, giving the Cougars their first lead since the opening minutes.
Gonzalez sealed the victory with a one-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, also completing the two-point conversion.
New Dorp’s defense delivered a strong performance in the second half, stifling Port Richmond’s offense.
Matthew Ruggiero led the defensive effort with eight tackles, helping the Cougars maintain their lead.
Port Richmond athletes struggled to replicate their early success as New Dorp’s defense tightened its grip.
Statistically, Ficken completed 16 of 24 passes for 150 yards for the Port Richmond football team, while Gonzalez managed 39 yards on 3-of-6 passing for New Dorp but more than compensated with his rushing prowess.
Port Richmond tallied 119 rushing yards, with contributions from Claxton, Wadell Tafe, and Robert Foye, while New Dorp’s ground game, led by Gonzalez, racked up over 300 yards.
New Dorp’s scheduled game against Petrides next weekend has been canceled, concluding their season.
Port Richmond will face Curtis on the road in their season finale on Saturday, Nov. 19, at noon.
