Tensions were high and the student section was roaring as the Kinnelon High School Colts entered the field. The entire field was cheering for the KHS seniors on their special night. As the clock started running the Boonton Bombers ran the ball in for a touchdown. The Colts, fighting for a comeback, executed an impressive touchdown by junior Soren Porada (15) thrown by senior quarterback Zachary Grande (18). Porada stated, “Having good chemistry with your quarterback is crucial to having successful plays.”
This duo came through yet again with another touchdown in the 4th quarter with just 9:32 minutes left to go. This crucial play brought the score to 17-28 with Boonton in the lead. Grande assisted in every touchdown during his senior night, but also had mental goals, “There is always pressure, especially as a senior, you want to leave a legacy and be a leader on and off the field. I was able to learn from past seniors on how to be a good leader and try to pass that down this season to the underclassmen.”
In the end, the Colts just couldn’t surpass the Bombers with a final score of 23-35. Although the team did not win, the seniors were recognized for their hard work and dedication. Coach Dustin Grande celebrated their success and their hope for the future, “My message for all the seniors is to take all the life lessons they learned playing football over the years and apply them in their lives moving forward. Football has instilled traits such as teamwork, handling adversity, competing in everything they do, how to be a leader, and no matter what happens, always working to get better. Utilize these traits instilled through football and you will be successful in life.”
