On the day North Rockland officially cut the ribbon on their new football stadium, the Red Raiders produced one of their biggest wins in maybe five seasons.
Jaquan Johnson ran for 200 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries as North Rockland beat three-time Section 1 champion Carmel, 37-27, to improve to 3-2 on the season.
“Today’s win over Carmel was big,” North Rockland coach James Hickey said. “Our players showed tremendous resilience all throughout. We have a group of tough, physical and relentless young men. Getting a win over a really talented and well coached football team proves that our hard work and preparation are paying off.”
North Rockland entered the game off a 49-12 win over New Rochelle where Johnson also scored three touchdowns. On the season, Johnson has rushed for 535 yards, averaging 8.5 yards per carry, and has 12 total touchdowns in five games.
Chase Perini completed 9 of 15 passes for 147 yards, including a 41-yard strike to Ryan Jaslow for a touchdown.
Carmel had a 19-14 lead at the half before the Jaslow touchdown grab (Tweet incorrectly identified for the receiver).
“Our coaching staff is working overtime week in and week out to help put our players in a position to be successful,” Hickey said. “I am very proud of our coaches and players but it’s time to put this game to bed. Each week is the biggest game of the season because it’s the next one.”
North Rockland extended its lead on a punt return touchdown by Amari Occena early in the fourth quarter.
North Rockland returns to action on Thursday with a home matchup against unbeaten Scarsdale, which stands at the top of the Class AA standings in Section 1.
Carmel, which has lost back to back games, next has a home matchup on Thursday against Arlington in a rematch of last year’s Section 1 Class AA championship game.
