Sparta was able to hold off a tremendous comeback effort by Roxbury in the final four minutes to preserve the 20-13 win for the Spartans. Since conference and state play-off implications had already been decided, the only thing at stake here was if the Gaels could continue their path to only the second undefeated team in school history, the last (and only) being 75 years ago in 1934. Julian Farinola and Doug D'Angelo played phenomenal games for Sparta, eventually giving them the edge in the end. The Gaels pulled to within a single point with five seconds remaining, but a missed extra point and a turnover ended Roxbury's undefeated season.

The first quarter was started out humdrum, the teams combined for only 39 yards of total offense and neither team could run the ball on each other. On the third play of the second quarter however, D'Angelo found Farinola across the middle of the field open. Farinola cut the ball up field and bolted up the sideline to the endzone for 63 yards, making it 7-0 Spartans. That would wind up being the score at halftime.

In the third quarter, D'Angelo was picked off by Kevin Baker and taken back to the Sparta 39. It took Roxbury just 10 plays to score when Connor Rich took it in from 3 yards out to even the score.

Sparta's next possession would prove to be critical. On 3rd and 21 from the 45 yard line, D'Angelo avoided heavy pressure in the backfield from four different Gaels. He found enough time and enough room to launch an absolute bullet put right on the money to Mike Spekhart for 39 yards to the Sparta 6. On the next play, Zack Passarelle's touchdown run to the right side made it 14-7 Spartans. Sparta would get the ball and drive again, only to see a 37 yard field goal by Evan Costello blocked by Trevor Bartol, giving Roxbury the ball back.

That would set up Roxbury’s comeback drive. 80 yards and 16 plays later, Roxbury would put in the endzone. Parker Gordon would find Chris Meringolo on 4th down on 3 separate occasions to keep the chains moving for Roxbury. Gordon would run over two defenders at the goal line to score from 11 yards out to make it 14-13 Sparta. Unfortunately, the PAT was wide right, seemingly giving Sparta the W. But the game wasn't finished yet. Ryan Roumes came down with the onside kick giving Roxbury one final chance with four ticks left. The Gaels' tried the hook-n-ladder. Unfortunately, Sparta’s Farinola jumped the pitch lane and the ball inadvertently hit his helmet, he would then pick it up and fly 55 yards to the endzone as time expired to seal the upset.

Sparta (8-1) will host a home game against a team from Bergen County in the first round of the North I, Group III play-offs next Saturday. That bracket features #4 ranked Wayne Hills. Roxbury (8-1) will be the #1 seed entering the first round of the North I, Group IV play-offs. The Gaels will host either East Orange or North Bergen next Friday night in Roxbury.

Scoring By Quarters
Sparta- 0 7 0 13- 20
Roxbury- 0 0 7 6- 13

Scoring Summary
Sparta- Farinola 63 pass from D'Angelo (Costello kick)
Roxbury- Rich 3 run (Cosgrove kick)
Sparta- Passarelle 6 run (Costello kick)
Roxbury- Gordon 11 run (Kick failed)
Sparta- Farinola 55 fumble recovery as time expired

Game Balls
Roxbury- Parker Gordon
Sparta- Julian Farinola