Hawthorne High School Bears varsity football ended the 2014 season with 5-5-0 record.  Although the Bears tried to show that they deserved a spot in the playoffs, they did not have the opportunity to secure a slot before the 41-27 against Elmwood Park—the only home-turf loss of the season.  The Bears then went head to head with Harrison High School, losing a heartbreaking 27-26, followed by a 30-21 win against Palisades Park. In the final game of the 2014 season, HHS won at home with a score of 35-14, leaving the seniors with a reason to walk off the field smiling.

Varsity quarterback Ryan VanderWerf, added, “I think this season our key players have been Rashawn Byfield, Rashawn  who has been a huge player with his runs, along with J.J. Occhipinti being a strong receiver, and our defensive line has been huge playmakers throughout this year.”

Head Coach John Passero is proud of his team, “I really like how our team has continued to compete even after being eliminated from the playoffs,” he said.  “Our players continue to work hard in the weight-room and on the practice field.”

Before the final game of the season, Passero commented on the challenges he was facing saying, “The challenge of the coaching staff is keeping the players motivated.  With only one game left, we are stressing that we want to send the seniors out with a win and end the season with two wins for the underclassman going into the offseason.”

Coach Passero got what he wanted, leaving the team with a win for their final game.