Gov. Livingston Celebrates Senior Football Players, Cheerleaders, and Marching Band Members Before Facing Undefeated Bernards High

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ - On a beautiful fall Saturday afternoon at Frey Field, the Gov. Livingston Highlanders took a moment to honor their senior athletes before their game against the undefeated Bernards High School football team. Senior Day celebrations saw the Highlander Marching Band, Cheerleaders, and Football Players take center field, accompanied by their proud families, as they were recognized for their dedication and contributions throughout their high school careers. The stands were filled with cheers and applause as the seniors lined up, marking a significant milestone in their lives.

Senior Football Players Celebrated: (1) Francisco Londono; (3) Co-captain Lucciano Santamaria; (4) Chris D'Amato; (5) Ryan Benza; (7) Co-Captain Noah Brown; (10) Ryan Honey; (11) Logan Mitchell; (14) Michael Nelson; (21) Co-Captain Jack Dally; (22)Akshar Pradhanang; (24)Raymond Lo; (33) Matt Miller; (42) Owen Klasey; (50) Aimon Islane; (56) Aedan Sullivan; (64) Jack Bauer; (66) Co-Captain Dylan Randis; (71) Ryan Vapenik; (83) Kamr McLean; and Saigo Rucinski. Senior Highlander Marching Band members: Dominic Cole; Sanjana Lal; Lukas Londono; David Pattathil; and  Slade Rojas. Check back for the full list of seniors recognized during the ceremony including Cheerleaders.

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The celebration gave way to a tough football contest, as the Highlanders faced the formidable Bernards team, which entered the game with an 8-0 record. Gov. Livingston, holding a 3-4 record coming into the game, was determined to give their best performance on such a special day. However, the Bernards team proved too strong, showcasing their talent and efficiency throughout the game.

Game Recap: Bernards Stays Undefeated

The game started off with Bernards setting the tone early in the first quarter. Quarterback Nolan Walsh connected with Max Austin for a 12-yard touchdown pass, with Noah Ochab’s extra point giving Bernards a 7-0 lead. Later in the quarter, Terrence Hanratty powered his way into the end zone with a 1-yard run, extending the lead to 14-0 after another successful Ochab kick.

Bernards kept up the pressure in the second quarter, with Walsh throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Logan Stevens and a 45-yard bomb to Jack Morra. Both touchdowns were followed by Ochab’s successful extra points, pushing the score to 28-0 at halftime.

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The third quarter saw Bernards add to their lead with a 9-yard touchdown run by Logan Stevens, though the extra point attempt was blocked, leaving the score at 34-0. Despite the deficit, the Highlanders showed resilience and fight, especially in the fourth quarter when Chris D'Amato broke through Bernards' defense for a 5-yard touchdown run, with Mason Barker adding the extra point to avoid a shutout. The final score stood at 34-7 in favor of Bernards.

Although the Highlanders fell to 3-5, the day was all about celebrating the senior athletes and their accomplishments during their time at Gov. Livingston. Looking ahead, the team aims to finish the season strong as they prepare for a Friday night showdown under the lights against the 0-8 New Brunswick squad in New Brunswick.

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