Bridgewater, NJ — For the first time in seven years, the Bridgewater-Raritan football team advanced in the playoffs, narrowly defeating Irvington, 34-33, in an overtime thriller during the NJSIAA North 2, Group 5 playoff opener on Friday night.
With the score tied at 27-27 after regulation, Bridgewater-Raritan (4-6) struck first in overtime. Declan Kurdyla connected with Jordan Johnson on a 21-yard touchdown pass, and Joe Squicciarini’s extra point made it 34-27, proving to be the game-winning point.
Irvington (4-4) responded with a 1-yard touchdown run to bring it within one point. However, their attempt to tie the game faltered as the extra point bounced off the upright, sealing the victory for the Panthers.
Bridgewater-Raritan will face top-seeded Union City next Friday at their rooftop stadium in Hudson County for the second round of the playoffs.
The Panthers had to battle back in regulation, trailing 27-20 before Kurdyla launched a 27-yard touchdown pass to Johnson in the final moments, with 1:42 left in the fourth quarter. Squicciarini’s extra point knotted the game at 27-27, sending it into overtime.
Kurdyla had an impressive outing, throwing four touchdown passes, including a 23-yarder to Nick DiEsso earlier in the fourth quarter and an 8-yarder to Mikey Bratus right before halftime. Squicciarini’s extra point after Bratus’ score brought the Panthers even at 13-13 going into the break.
In addition to his reliable extra points, Squicciarini contributed with two field goals and launched a 70-yard punt during the game, showcasing his versatility and helping propel Bridgewater-Raritan to victory.
