The Hackley Varsity Football Team wins game against Riverdale, solidifying 7-0 undefeated season

Two weeks ago, the Hackley Varsity Football team beat Riverdale 35-16. The win was the team’s seventh in a row, marking the end of an undefeated regular season.

Marcus Song, Staff Writer • October 31, 2024

Photo credit: Charlie Perlman

Jonah Hootnick makes a run from the 50 after snatching the ball from Riverdale.

On an unusually warm Alumni Day, the stands at Pickert Field were filled with Hackley families, students, and graduates that spanned generations. This year’s game had extra meaning for two teams with a rivalry that goes back to 1925. The Hornets looked to earn their 50th win against Riverdale all-time and finish the season undefeated for the first time since 2016.

With a strong running game, the Hornets got off to a quick start in the first quarter as senior running back Hugo Everitt ‘24 scored the first touchdown of the game. Everitt scored again in the second quarter after a 40-yard run by junior J.P. N’gbokoli ‘25 got Hackley deep into Riverdale territory. Riverdale responded with two touchdowns of their own to take the lead back 16-14 in a tight back-and-forth game.

Will Belleville celebrates an exhilarating touchdown. (Photo credit: Charlie Perlman)

With 4 minutes left in the second quarter, J.P. N’gbokoli once again broke through Riverdale’s defensive line and dove in for a touchdown to put the Hornets up 21-16. Minutes later, sophomore quarterback Grayer Hong ‘27 threw a dramatic 35 yard pass to senior wide receiver Will Belleville ‘24 who made an incredible contested catch over two Riverdale defenders with no time left to end the first half 28-16.

After the half, the Hornet defense put pressure on Riverdale with a strong pass rush and some great open field tackling by the linebackers and secondary. The Hackley defense shut out Riverdale in the second half with a dominant performance. Outside linebacker Jonah Hootnick ‘27 put an exclamation point on the effort as he ripped the ball away from the Riverdale quarterback and ran it in for a 50-yard touchdown. After a few more stops, the game ended with Hackley on top 35-16.

Reflecting on the win and the season, Head Coach Joe McDermott credited team culture and senior leadership as the keys to the Hornets’ success.

“What’s special about this team is the camaraderie.” Head Coach Joe McDermott said. “I think our senior leadership is very good. There are a bunch of good kids in this senior class that are excellent role models….getting along well is important in a team sport like football because you care about the guy who is lined up next to you. If that’s the case, you’re gonna fight harder for your teammates and that’s gonna result in more success from the team.”

Taylor Safriet and Will Belleville get riled up after Belleville’s touchdown. (Photo credit: Charlie Perlman)

The Hackley Hornets are now the top ranked team in the Metropolitan Independent Football League (MIFL). The Hornets will once again face Riverdale in the league’s playoff semifinals on Saturday November 2 at 7:30 PM.

Looking ahead to the rematch against Riverdale, Coach McDermott warned against complacency as the Hornets look to keep the dream season alive.

“It’s always tough beating an opponent more than once in a given season.” McDermott said. “Remaining focused, not taking anything for granted, coming to practice and giving 100 percent effort every single day, if we can take care of those things and not overlook our opponent then we should be successful on Saturday night.”