No sweat for Passaic Tech over Hackensack by Chris Iseman of The Record
WAYNE – Matt Demarest and his players haven’t discussed last season’s sectional title too often.
This is a different group of players. They’re trying to earn their own championship.
“Every group of kids is trying to create their own story,” the Passaic Tech coach said. “I think that’s the most important thing. We talk more about memories: ‘What memory do you have?’”
The Bulldogs are one step closer toward achieving a big one.
Rahzik Starr carried the ball 19 times for 106 yards and two touchdowns to help lead third-seeded Passaic Tech to a 31-0 victory over No. 6 Hackensack in the first round of the North 1, Group 5 playoffs on Friday night.
Ahzir McGuire returned an interception 98 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, and Waleek Huffin threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Amado Rodriguez in the fourth.
This was Passaic Tech’s 11thstraight win over Hackensack.
The Bulldogs played strong defense throughout the regular season, holding opponents to just 12 points per game. Hackensack, though, rolled into the playoffs boasting a high-powered offense.
But the Comets just couldn’t get anything going, and were slowed at times by some costly penalties.
The Bulldogs’ offense clicked from the start.
Their running game, powered by Starr, helped them take a commanding lead by halftime.
“Hitting the hole and getting what you take,” Starr said. “That’s what he told me, ‘Hit the hole and get what you get.’”
The Bulldogs started their second drive of the first quarter at their own 32. They marched down the field with the help of a 14-yard reception and 20-yard run by Nasir Watkins. That set up a six-yard touchdown run from Starr to put Passaic Tech up early.
Hackensack then went three-and-out on its ensuing possession, giving the Bulldogs the ball back quickly.
They started at the Comets’ 40 and capitalized on the good field position.
Starr, who rushed for 100 yards in the first half, finished off the drive with a two-yard scoring run to give the Bulldogs a 14-0 lead.
Hackensack then had a chance to score, but couldn’t take advantage.
Bryce Drakeford hit Jevaughn Fahie for a 40-yard gain, helping the Comets get into the red zone.
They had a second-and-4 at the 15 and looked poised to score.
But that ended when McGuire picked off a pass at the 2 and took off down the left sideline, managing to elude defenders and stay inbounds to go 98 yards into the end zone.
Hackensack again went three-and-out, and Passaic Tech’s next drive ended with a 20-yard field goal from Nicholas Lepold to put the Bulldogs up 24-0 at halftime.
It was their game from there.
“We needed a guy that does what Rahzik does,” Demarest said. “And he did it.”