Ryan Vierbuchen Excels in Jr. Raider Opener

The Jr. Raider Division III (Grades 3-4) Princeton Tigers played a strong game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defeating them by a score of 13-0.  Princeton running backs Ryan Vierbuchen, Michael Kondratuik and James Vander Vliet had a successful day receiving hand offs from Quarterback Tanner Boczon.  Vierbuchen scored two touchdowns and Kondratuik scored the team’s extra point.  Vander Vliet was instrumental in helping the Tigers achieve much needed first down yardage.  The Tigers stingy defense held strong against the Knights with notable tackles by Dom Bonsignore, Mathew Lang, Aiden Lang and Joe Witcoski.  Bonsignore also recovered a fumble to set up the tigers for their second touchdown.  Ryan Vierbuchen emerged as the game MVP for Princeton.

The Flag League (Grades 1-2) Raiders enjoyed their opening game against the Steelers.  The scoring began on the first series when Raider Ian McCauley broke through the line for a 60-yard touchdown run.  On the 3rd series, Nathan Drab busted up the middle for a 10-yard TD run.  In the 2nd half, Raider Ryan Harris took a sweep for an impressive 25-yard touchdown.  The final offensive play by the Raiders was a 2 point conversion pass thrown by Max Treonze and caught by J. J. Lotiziero.

The Raider defense was led by super flag puller Jake Battagliese.  Standouts also included Eric Albee who anchored the right side of the line and Johnny Kelly who did a great job in the middle handling the big blockers of the Steelers.

The Rookie Kindergartners kicked off the season in exciting fashion as well.  The Cowboys White and Cowboys Blue battled at the Triangle football complex on Saturday morning.  All the boys ran the ball well and did a great job blocking.  The scoring for the season started for the Cowboys White with Nick McCauley taking a hand off from Myles Jackson for a 25-yard TD run around left end.  Jeremy Csobor-Bray and Justin Storipan had key blocks on the play.  The Cowboys Blue quickly answered with a 40-yard touchdown scamper by Will Vander Vliet.  There were some nice blocks at the line to spring Vander Vliet by Andrew Wallens and Peyton Rhodes.

The Cowboys White defense was stout.  Nick McCauley grabbed 8 flags to lead the White effort.  Myles Jackson also added grabbed 2 flags from his line-backer spot.  Jonas Ruderer and Simon Wasserman helped lead the charge for the White defensive line.

The Blue defense was swarming to the ball.  David Kandell led the charge with multiple flag pulls and penetration through the line for easy stops.  Anthony Mayo and Reece DeRoner also made key plays for the Blue defense.

The second half was a defensive struggle until Nathaniel Noris broke to the outside and scored a 40-yard TD run.  He showed his speed around the corner.  It was a beautiful morning to kick off the 2013 Rookie flag football season.