State Title Recap: Old Tappan 28 - Mainland 16

In a game that was tied 7-7 at halftime, the Old Tappan Golden Knights defeated the Mainland Mustangs. In the process, Old Tappan has been crowed the 2025 NJSIAA Champions of Group III.   There are a few difference makers that took over the game at various points. Their impact on either side of the ball, for either team, was felt and is everlasting in this memorable game.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Old Tappan Top Performances</h2>    As the game entered its later stages, [player_tooltip player_id='345431' first='Nicholas' last='Rossi']'s tough, hard nosed, and physical running style took over. For the game Rossi finished second amongst all participants in touches with his 16 carries, which accumulated 83 total yards and a score. Moreover, Rossi led all defenders in the game with 12 tackles (5 solo).   Showing his abilities on either side of the ball, Rossi produced tough yardage when his team needed it most. Offensively Rossi calls it a career with 280 carries, 1993 yards, and 27 touchdowns - 168, 1041, and 12 of which, respectively, came this season. Defensively he made 105 tackles this season (55 solo), 8 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. For his career he has been credited with 247 tackles (137 solo), 18 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 scoop & score.   What I loved most about watching Rossi over the play is his enthusiasm and excitement to play the game. Some college, somewhere, is going to get a quality football player who is totally stoked to play the greatest game God ever created.     Mister Do-It-All did it all again for Old Tappan. This time, he earned himself the right to be named a state champion. The entire gamut of skillset [player_tooltip player_id='539076' first='Alex' last='Orecchio'] possesses was on display as he completed the offensive scoring trifecta. Orecchio passed for a touchdown (1-1, 14 yards), rushed for a score on 15 carries for 57 yards, and caught a score on 8 catches that garnered 140 yards. As if that was not enough, Orecchio made 5 tackles (3 solo) and made all 4 of his PAT attempts.   A player that I am glad I finally got to witness live after all these years of covering him before it is too late, Orecchio's season numbers are:   11-25, 180 yards, 5 TD, 1 Int passing 79 carries, 505 yards, 12 TD rushing 51 receptions, 764 yards, 7 TD receiving 62 tackles (47 solo), 1 TFL, 7 Int defending 3-3 FG, 33-yard long, 43-48 PATs kicking 2, two-point conversions   For his career, his numbers are:   99-182, 1770 yards, 27 TD, 1 Int passing 171 carries, 1389 yards, 23 TD rushing 59 receptions, 857 yards, 8 TD receiving 66 tackles (54 solo), 1 TFL, 9 Int defending 3-3 FG, 33-yard long, 43-48 PATs kicking 2, two-point conversions   Although I am not sure what position he will play at the next level, I do know that Orecchio is a player that college coaches would use creatively and their team will be better for rostering him.     Despite graduating many seniors, the future looks bright due to the play of sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1540893' first='Shane' last='Small']. Small ended the contest with an exclamation point, sealing the victory with two consecutive sacks on back-to-back plays. Those two sacks represent half of his total tackles in the game. Prior to that, however, Small put the game just about out of reach by scoring on a 29-yard touchdown pass that represented the game's final score. In total Small made 2 grabs for 43 yards with that 29-yard score.   After one season of varsity ball, Small has been credited with 42 tackles (25 solo), 8 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks on defense; while making 14 catches for 296 yards and 6 scores, as well as converting 1, two-point conversion.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mainland Top Performances</h2>    There might not be a better set of circumstances to play your final high school football game as reigning state champions looking to defend your title with your younger brother by your side. This is exactly the situation [player_tooltip player_id='1002362' first='Rocco' last='DeBiaso'] found himself in when he woke up Sunday morning.   Although his Mustangs may have came up short, DeBiaso gave it his all as he rushed 12 times for 147 yards and a score. This score was a bit one, as it pulled Mainland within 5 points after Old Tappan went up 21-10. Additionally, DeBiaso made 2 receptions for 14 yards and 8 tackles (7 solo) in the contest.   The standout running back/linebacker finished the year with 177 carries for 1199 yards and 17 scores, amounting to a 256 carry, 1910 yard, 26 score career with an additional 405 yards and 6 scores on 21 receptions, and 107 tackles (9 solo), 18 tackles for loss, 6, sacks, and 1 pick-six to his ledger.   After Rocco's valiant effort in his final career game, I am sure younger brother and teammate Lucas DeBiaso came over, hugged him, had a moment, and promised redemption.     In this, his junior season, [player_tooltip player_id='1097477' first='Jake' last='Blum'] came as something of an offensive revelation for Mainland. Blum capped off his 53 reception, 1287 yard, 15 touchdown breakthrough season with a 3 catch, 51 yard, 1 score performance in the state final. Although he played more defense last season (29 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 FF, 2 Int, 1 pick-six as a sophomore), Blum was utilized on defense in the state final and made an immediate impact. The results were good: 11 tackles (10 solo) and first-half 1 interception that kept the game close.   As Blum enters the offseason, expect him to be a high riser in the state rankings.

In a game that was tied 7-7 at halftime, the Old Tappan Golden Knights defeated the Mainland Mustangs. In the process, Old Tappan has been crowed the 2025 NJSIAA Champions of Group III.