The North Bergen Bruins, who won the state football championship game two weeks ago, celebrated their title on Friday, Dec. 9 at 11:30 a.m. as fans and supporters gathered along the streets of Bergenline Avenue to cheer them on.
The Bruins won against the No. 1-ranked Montclair, who had entered the game with a perfect 11-0 record. The Bruins’ win came under the guidance of Coach Vincent Ascolese, who retires after this season, his 39th as head coach of the Bruins. It was his team’s first title since 1997.
“It’s hard to believe,” Ascolese said of the win. “It’s over. We did it.”
The Bruins captured the title Saturday, Dec. 10 in front of thousands at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands.
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The Bruins captured the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group IV state title Saturday, Dec. 3 in front of thousands at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands. Debray Tavarez caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from Sergio Rodriguez on the final play of the game, giving North Bergen a 14-3 upset over Montclair.
“I’m extremely proud of the hard work, dedication and heart these young men have shown,” said North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco. “It’s a win that will never be forgotten.”
Parading through
Players on the team gathered on the back of a flatbed truck and yelled to supporters who had made their way to Bergenline early Friday morning .
The North Bergen High School Marching Band and Color Guard – their second parade in one week after Winterfest – led the way as Sacco, Commissioner Hugo Cabrera, and Principal Paschal Tennaro waved to the crowd.
The parade ventured down Bergenline, up 76th Street, and eventually ended at the high school on Kennedy Boulevard.
“The Bruins Football team and Coach Ascolese deserved a great final send off, and the parade accomplished that very well,” said Sacco.
Stephen LaMarca may be reached at slamarca@hudsonreporter.com.