Emerson defeats Old Tappan to cement top spot in the charity game

New Jersey’s football community came together to lend support Molly Mack of Whippany Park, who was injured in a car accident earlier this year.

Initial posted on Facebook and because participation would be limited to the boys’ and girls’ teams at Whippany Park, news of the accident spread and teams in North Jersey gathered.

A good example: Emerson and Old Tappan. Not only was the game a Big North vs. NJIC crossover between two of the respective conferences’ top schools, but it was also played for a good cause.

Between both teams and spectators, the teams donated about two garbage bags’ worth of winter coats for a separate coat drive and raised about $500 for Molly Mack, Emerson coach Rich Compagnone said.

In the actual match, Emerson, who is the top seed in North 1, Group 1 for the first time in years and was 16-2-1, defeated Old Tappan 3-0.

Emerson moved to 17-2-1 thanks to goals from Leo Mandile, Matt Sabatella and Michael Graf, while goaltender Brayden Blanken made six saves in his 11th shutout of the season and fifth in a row.

The Cavos open their state tournament on Tuesday hosting 16th-seeded Hopatcong.

Old Tappan, the No. 5 seed in North 1, Group 3, hosts 12th-seeded Roxbury as OT falls to 10-7-1.

Jake Aferiat can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him up @Jake_Aferiat.

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