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Sports
By Patrick Browne
LAKE LINDEN — In one of the most heartbreaking stories of the year, the Forest Park football team lost its first playoff game, ending their season with a loss to the Lakes of Lake Linden on Oct. 28.
Going into the final game of the regular season the Trojans sported a 7–1 record, were ranked one of the best eight-man teams in the state and had the opportunity to secure home field advantage for the playoffs. The team was rich with all-Conference players and instilled a cautious optimism amongst their faithful that this season they would make a run for the state championship.
Unfortunately, as is often the case in football and even more so in eight-man football, key injuries can greatly impact a team’s ability to compete. Hopes can quickly be extinguished when players are unexpectedly sidelined and this was certainly the case at Forest Park. For the past two seasons, a key injury to an offensive standout has led to a quick exit from the playoffs.
After dropping their last game of the regular season, the Trojans were forced to play at Lake Linden. The Trojans had a two-hour bus ride and were greeted by a covering of snow.
The Lakes were ready to play on their home field and made quick work of the Trojans, who were unable to score until the fourth quarter. The game ended 27–6 as the Lakes’ Sammy Roberts rushed for over 200 yards and three touchdowns.
Coach Brian Fabbri reflected on the season and the shortcomings that led to the loss.
“I am very proud of each and every player on the team,” he said. “We battled weekly and came up short against a very good Lake Linden Hubbell team. As a team, too many mistakes were made with turnovers, penalties, and not being able to take advantage of Lake Linden Hubbell mistakes.”
Fabbri thanked supporters and fans, the players and parents as well as the other coaches.
“Forest Park football does not operate without the help of so many,” he said. “Coach Nocerini and Coach Valesano put in countless hours watching film and showing up before practice and staying after practice. Volunteer coaches Spencer Burns and Geno Giuliani donate so much time and effort to the kids, I cannot thank them enough. Coach Dan Nocerini and Tim Wheeler are integral parts of the youth level and development of the players for the varsity team.”
Fabbri said that injuries held the Trojans back from making a special run with their eight-man team, adding that seniors Felix Quevedo, Gavin Rintala and Adan Brazeika would be missed next year.