After what Coach Wojciechowski called a hard and long week of practice, the Hawthorne High School Bears went to Dumont Friday night, November 30, 2012, prepared for battle against New Milford. In the end, however,  the Bears were defeated in the State semi-finals by the New Milford Knights, 35 to 14.

Due to field conditions at New Milford High School, the game was relocated to Dumont High School, but the Knights remained the home team—in both position and attitude, as the Knights fans outnumbered Hawthorne fans.

In the first quarter, the Knights came out fast with a touchdown and extra-point kick. In the second quarter, the Knights really took command scoring another touchdown, and again the kick was good. The first half closed with the Knights 14 and the Bears 0.

At the opening of the second half, New Milford scored yet another touchdown, making it 21-0. As a shot at victory for the Bears was fading away, an explosive touchdown pass from Tom Walls to Rich Garzon kept the Bears “in it to win it.” Grofsick’s kick was good making the game 21-7. The fans got loud again, and it seemed like the Bears were ready to make a comeback. After many efforts and close-call plays, the Bears could not deliver in the rest of the third, but hope was still alive.

Early in the fourth quarter, a terrific play came from Dwayne Miele resulting in a touchdown. Grofsick’s kick was good. The score was 21-14. The Bears were in sight of tying it up by making it just a one possession game. The Bears squared to kick the ball away but surprisingly sprinted out in an onside kick attempt. A pile of players jumpted on the ball and possession was unclear. After all players were removed from the pile, it was decided that New Milford had the ball. Many believed this was the wrong call. Fans booed, coaches screamed; it was turning into a harsh night in Dumont. The rest of the fourth was tough for the Bears. There were interceptions, bad calls, players trash talking and fighting. The New Milford Knights scored two more touchdowns making the final score, New Milford 35, Hawthorne 21.

With the team suffering a tough loss, it was clear that the Bears have some of the best fans ever. As the team headed for the buses, many fans applauded the team for its outstanding effort and great season. There was nothing but comfort from many fans with kind words and hugs for the players, coaches, and especially the seniors.

The entire experience Friday night was upsetting but was also a perfect example of “Bears Pride.” Congratulations to the team, the coaches, and definitely the seniors for a terrific season.