Dave Esteves Shines As River Dell Rolls Past Paramus 46-7 in North 1, Group 3 First Round

(Photo by Sunil Sunder Raj – Double G Media)

A week ago, the River Dell Golden Hawks (8-2) concluded the regular season defeating the Paramus Spartans at River Dell High School in convincing fashion 45-7. Fast forward a week on a cold and blustery night, the two teams’ squared off in the first round of the North 1, Group 3 playoffs and nothing would change as the Golden Hawks crushed Paramus 46-7.

The River Dell offense has been a juggernaut this season having scored over 40 points six times and averaging 36.9 points a game. They are on pace to eclipse the record of the 1966 team that averaged 35.5 per game.

“We made some plays and able to get some guys free for some decent yardage,” River Dell head coach D.J. Nimphius said. “Dave (Estevez) is an electric player and don’t think too many people talk about him. A tremendous leader and very special.”

Dave Esteves scored two touchdowns in last week’s game against the Spartans and once again was the catalyst, rushing for three scores and throwing for another. In the first quarter, Esteves broke free for a 40-yard touchdown but the extra point failed. He ignited a second quarter scoring outburst with touchdown runs of 70 and 37 yards, extending the Golden Hawks lead to 19-0.

“It was definitely no easier this week as they (Paramus) had an extra week to prepare for us and got us flustered in the first quarter and we had to settle down and that’s what we did and came out with the win,” said Esteves. “The wind was a little bit of an effect and kept the ball on the ground and line blocked well. It’s the whole team around, the line, receivers and coaches put in a good game plan for us every week.”

River Dell continued to step on the gas pedal as the first half came to an end with sophomore running back Dave Fletcher plowing through for a two-yard touchdown with 2:29 remaining. Estevez capped off the scoring with just 24 seconds left connecting on a 45-yard bomb to senior wide receiver Nick Sirico. In the second half, Paramus ended the shutout bid as sophomore quarterback Nick Tarabocchia tossed a 30-yard strike to senior wide receiver Mike Martinelli.

Next up for the Golden Hawks is a rematch with Ramapo in the semifinals of the North 1, Group 3 playoffs. Last season, the Raiders defeated River Dell twice, including a 45-15 rout in the state championship game at Met Life Stadium.

“We need to have a great week of preparation for Ramapo and better performance,” said Nimphius.

“Next week we play Ramapo, that is one of the best teams’ we have played all year so we have to be on our A game and can’t have any undisciplined play,” said Estevez. “Last year they beat us twice and two years ago we beat them in the semifinals and hoping to have some déjà vu. Our defense is playing well and communicating especially in the secondary. Ramapo has one of the best quarterbacks in the state and we have to work on the passing game as well as running.”