Blue Angels win, 26-6,
as Blum scores 2 TDs
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DENVILLE - Jonathan Blum scored two touchdowns and rushed for 111 yards when the Denville Blue Angels beat the Jr. Knights, 26-6, in a Morris County Youth Football League game played at Donatoni Park in Rockaway on Saturday (Nov. 6) night.
The Blue Angels finished their regular-season schedule with a 9-1 record.
Blum capped a first-quarter drive with a 3-yard TD run and Daniel Hagan ran in the extra point to give the Blue Angels a lead they never lost.
The Jr. Knights scored their only touchdown of the game later in the first period but the run for the PAT was stopped by the Blue Angel defense.
After a scoreless second quarter, the Blue Angels scored a pair of third-period touchdowns on a 30-yard run by Hagan and a 4-yard run for Blum's second TD. A PAT run by Michael DeNucci after Hagan's TD gave the Blue Angels a 20-6 lead going into the final quarter of play.
DeNucci scored the only points of the fourth period when he intercepted a Jr. Knights' pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown.
Blum got his 111 yards and two TDs on 11 carries; DeNucci rushed for 90 yards on 12 carries; Ryan McAndrew gained 20 yards on six carries and caught a pass for another five yards; Michael Landolfi carried the ball three times for 17 yards; Hagan's only carry of the day was his 30-yard TD run; and Nick Parente added another five yards rushing on two carries.
"Our offensive line of center Luke Malatesta, guards John Hardie and Jesse Decker, tackles Ronan Buckingham and James Johnsen, and tight ends Hagan and Corey Edwards dominated the line of scrimmage," said Blue Angel head coach Lee Blum after the game.
"Our defense gave up only two first downs all game. Matt Adetula had a fumble recovery and Gerard Varraneli and Sean Sullivan were also a force up front. Linebackers Luke Malatesta, Vincenzo Rocha, Hagan and Blum as well as defensive backs McAndrew, DeNucci and Landolfi have been solid all season.
"I've coached these kids since they were 5-years-old and they worked very hard in preparing for their first season of tackle football," Blum added. "The entire team played well and they really made it a very special season for all of us."
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Defense posts sixth shutout in 26-0 win over Madison
DENVILLE - The Denville Blue Angel pre-clinic football team got touchdowns from four different players and the defense posted its sixth shutout in a 26-0 victory over the Madison Gold in a Morris County Youth Football League game played at Gardner Field here on Sunday, Oct. 31.
Michael DeNucci scored on an 11-yard touchdown run; Jonathan Blum scored a TD on an 8-yard run; and Ryan McAndrew and Blum each ran for a one-point conversion as the Blue Angles took a 14-0 lead after one quarter of play.
McAndrew scored on a 30-yard run and Michael Landolfi added a 60-yard run for a TD in the second period to give the Blue Angels a 26-0 halftime lead and end the scoring for the game.
McAndrew was the team's leading rusher with 75 yards on three carries; Landolfi rushed once for 60 yards; Blum had two carries for 48 yards; and DeNucci added another 41 yards on only three carries.
Linebackers Daniel Hagan and Luke Malatesta led the defensive charge against Madison and Ronan Buckingham, Corey Edwards and Jesse Decker anchored an offensive line that had a solid day blocking, according to the Blue Angels' coaching staff.
The pre-clinic team ends its MCYFL season on Saturday, Nov. 6, when it travels to Donatoni Park in Rockaway Borough for a 6:30 p.m. game against the Junior Knights.
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Blum, DeNucci TDs help defeat Randolph, 13-0
DENVILLE - Jonathan Blum and Michael DeNucci scored touchdowns when the Denville Blue Angels pre-clinic team beat Randolph White, 13-0, in a Morris County Youth Football League game played at Gardner Field on Saturday, Oct. 23.
Blum scored on a one-yard run in the second quarter and DeNucci scored on a four-yard run in the third period with Ryan McAndrew adding the one-point conversion on a pass from Blum.
The win gave Denville a 7-1 record for the season.
DeNucci finished with 95 yards rushing on 12 carries and it was his 45-yard run in the third period that set up his TD run that gave the Blue Angels a two-touchdown lead.
Daniel Hagan, Luke Malatesta and Ryan McAndrew each had multiple tackles as they led a Blue Angel defensive effort that kept Randolph off the scoreboard.
Free safety Nick Parente had a solid game on pass defense, knocking down three passes and Luke Malatesta started at center for the first time all season and finished with a solid game, according to head coach Lee Blum.
"The team bounced back from its first loss last week and we had good performances on both offense and defense," Blum said after the game. "Randolph is a tough team and the kids did a nice job."
The Blue Angels pre-clinic team faces Madison Gold next Saturday, Oct. 10, in a 3:30 p.m. game at Gardner Field.
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DeNucci scored TD in 25-6 loss to Hackettstown
DENVILLE - Michael DeNucci's 60-yard run for a TD was the only score of the game for the Denville Blue Angels pre-clinic team in a 25-6 loss to Hackettstown in a Morris County Youth Football League battle of unbeatens played on the Hackettstown High School football field on Thursday, Oct. 14.
Hackettstown (7-0) took a 13-0 lead at the half, but Denville (6-1) closed the gap to a touchdown on DeNucci's third-quarter TD.
Hackettstown regained it two-TD advantage and added an insurance TD when the Little Tigers scored on two running plays in the fourth period.
"We fell behind early, but the kids never stopped fighting back and they never gave up," said head coach Lee Blum after the game. "We were within a touchdown going into the final quarter of play, but the fourth period was all Hackettstown.
"This was a very physical game and we both side showed great courage throughout. We gave it our best against a very good team and came up short ... but the kids are still excited about the season and we're looking forward to next week's game."
DeNucci finished with 105 yards and his one TD on seven carries; Jonathan Blum carried seven times for 85 yards; and Ryan McAndrew added 25 yards on four carries.
Defensive standouts included Luke Malatesta, Daniel Hagan, Sean Sullivan, DeNucci and Blum, according to Coach Blum.
The next game for the pre-clinic team is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 23, against Randolph at Gardner Field here at 3:30 p.m.
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Blue Angels post fourth straight shutout, 28-0
DENVILLE - Ryan McAndrew scored two touchdowns and the Blue Angel pre-clinic team defense posted its fourth straight shutout victory when Denville beat Boonton/Mountain Lakes, 28-0, in a Morris County Youth Football League game played at Gardner Field here on Saturday, Oct. 9.
McAndrew scored the first two TDs of the game, the first on a fourth-and-goal, 9-yard screen pass from quarterback Jonathan Blum on Denville's first possession of the game and the second on a 30-yard run.
Blum scored the third TD on a 41-yard run and Daniel Hagan scored the fourth and last Denville TD on a 20-yard run.
The Blue Angels were successful on all four PATs with Blum, Michael DeNucci and Nick Pasrente each run in one conversion and Blum passed to McAndrew for the other.
Blum finished with 85 yards rushing on eight carries and was 2-for-2 passing - both to McAndrew - for another 16 yards.
McAndrew carried twice for 39 yards; Daniel Hagan had two carries for 36 yards; DeNucci had six carries for 30 yards; and Michael Landolfi carried three times for 10 yards.
The defense has now held the opposition scorless for 19 straight quarters over a five-game span.
Defensive highlights for the Blue Angels include two fumble recoveries by Mathew Adetual; one fumble recovery by Luke Malaesta; and an interception by McAndrew. Center Anthony Varranelli anchored the offensive line.
The Blue Angels travel to Hackettstown on Thursday, Oct. 14, for a 6:30 p.m. game against the Little Tigers pre-clinic team.
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Blue Angels stop Madison for 3rd shutout in a row
DENVILLE - Jonathan Blum, Michael Landolfi, Ryan McAndrew and Michael DeNucci each scored touchdowns of 35 yards or longer when the Blue Angels defeated Madison, 25-0, in a Morris County Youth Football League pre-clinic game played at Gardner Field here on Sunday, Oct. 3.
The Blue Angels' defensive unit posted its third straight shutout and has not given up a point in its last 15 quarters of play
Blum opened the scoring with a 35-yard run; Landolfi scored from 40 yards out; McAndrew had a 35-yard touchdown run; and DeNucci had the longest scoring run of the day, a 55-yard TD run.
DeNucci also finished as the team's leading ground-gainer with 101 rushing yards on only six carries. Blum rushed for 40 yards on three carries; Landolfi rushed once for 40 yards; McAndrew finished with 35 yards on three carries; Daniel Hagan added 15 yard on three carries; Nick Parente had 15 yards on two carries; and Sean Sullivan gained 10 yards on two carries.
Defensive linemen drawing praise from the coaching staff include Matt Adetula, Nasir Kyle, Tommy Rooney, Sean Sullivan and Gerard Varanelli. The linebackers and defensive backs on the defensive unit include Luke Malatesta, Vincenzo Rocha, DeNucci, McAndrew, Parente, Hagan and Blum.
"The boys continue to give great efforts each game and have improved so much during the season," said head coach Lee Blum after the game. "This is a fun group to coach."
The pre-clinic team faces Boonton/Mountain Lakes in its next game, a 3:30 p.m. clash at Gardner Field here on Saturday, Oct. 11.
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Blum's 70-yard TD run beats Hanover, 6-0
DENVILLE - Jonathan Blum's 70-yard touchdown run in the second quarter was the only score of the game when the Denville Blue Angels pre-clinic team defeated Hanover, 6-0, in a Morris County Youth Football League game played at the Bee Meadow School in Whippany on Saturday, Sept. 25.
Blum followed a block by Michael DeNucci to get through the Hanover line and then got a downfield block from Ryan McAndrew to spring him into the endzone.
The shutout marked the 11th straight quarter the Blue Angels have not allowed a point.
The defense was led by linemen Matt Adetula, Sean Sullivan, Gerard Varanelli, Nasir Kyle and Justin Saul and linebackers and D-backs Michael Landolfi, Luke Malaesta, Vincenzo Rocha, Daniel Hagen, DeNucci, McAndrew and Blum.
Blum finished with 121 yards on eight carries; DeNucci added another 30 yards on five carries; and McAndrew rushed two times for 15 yards.
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Blum, McAndrew, DeNucci spark 25-0 victory
DENVILLE - Jonathan Blum scored two TDs and Ryan McAndrew and Michael DeNucci each scored one when the Denville Blue Angels stopped Hopatcong, 25-0, in a pre-clinic game held at Gardner Field here on Saturday, Sept. 18.
Blum scored on runs of 55 and 27 yards and finished with 141 yards rushing on only six carries; DeNucci's TD was a 70-yard run as he rushed four times for 84 yards and also ran for the one-point PAT after Blum's second TD; McAndrew ran 30 yards for his TD and finished with 33 yards rushing on three carries.
Michael Landolfi rushed three times for 11 yards as the Blue Angels finished the game with 269 yards rushing. Blum was also 1-for-1 passing for 14 yards with McAndrew getting the completion.
The defense, which has now held opponents scoreless for the last seven quarters, featured safety Nick Parente's second pass interception of the season along with a 30-yard return.
"The offensive line was again led by center Anthony Varanelli, guards John Hardie and Jesse Decker, tackles Ronan Buckingham and Tommy Rooney, and tight end Corey Edward," said head coach Lee Blum after the game. "On defense, linebackers Daniel Hagan and Luke Malatesta and linemen Justin Saul, Nasir Kyle, Matt Adeltula, Sean Sullivan and Gerard Varanelli all had key tackles.
"This was a great team effort and our most complete game of the season ... our tackling has improved each game and the players are playing with great emotion."
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Blue Angels, trailing 6-0, rally for 20-6 vicory
DENVILLE - The Blue Angels pre-clinic team rallied from 6-0 first quarter deficit and, buoyed by a successful goal-line later, defeated Morristown, 20-6, in a Morris County Youth Football League game played at Streeter Field in Morristown on Saturday, Sept. 11.
Michael DeNucci scored two TDs and added a one-point conversion run and Jonathan Blum scored a TD and also scored on a conversion run to account for all of the Blue Angels' points in the game.
Morristown took a 6-0 lead and, after Denville went up by a point on Blum's 1-yard TD run and DeNucci's conversion run, the Blue Angels stopped Morristown on a first-and-goal from the Denville 5-yard line with 1:30 left in the first half.
Justin Saul, Nasir Kyle and Matt Adetula either made or were in on key tackles during the defensive stand.
Lifted by their defense, the Blue Angels scored an insurance TD in each of the third and fourth periods as DeNucci scored on an 18-yard run with Blum converting and DeNucci scored the final TD of the game in the fourth quarter when he punched it in from the 2-yard line.
The Blue Angels finished with 205 rushing yards for the game as the offensive line of center Anthony Varanelli, guards John Hardie and Jessie Decker, tackles Ronan Buckingham and Tommy Rooney, and tight ends Cory Edwards, Sean Sullivan, Luke Malatesta and Daniel Hagan had a solid game blocking, according to head coach Lee Blum.
"The boys played solid football on both sides of the ball," Blum said after the game. "But nice thing about the game was seeing them accept the challenge of playing from behind and come up with a great effort."
The next game for the pre-clinic squad is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18, at Gardner Field here against Hopatcong. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
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DeNucci, McAndrew, Blum, Landolfi score TDs
DENVILLE - Michael DeNucci scored two touchdowns and Michael Landolfi, Ryan McAndrew and Jonathan Blum each scored one when the Denville Blue Angels pre-clinic team opened its 2010 season with a 34-13 victory over Mount Olive in a Morris County Youth Football League game played at Gardner Field here on Saturday, Sept. 4.
Landolfi and McAndrew each broke off long first-quarter scoring runs to give the Blue Angels an early lead. Landolfi's 60-yard TD run and DeNucci run for the extra point gave Denville a 7-0 lead and McAndrew added a 50-yard TD run with Blum adding the extra point for a 14-0 lead at the end of the first period.
Blum scored on a 19-yard run in the second quarter and, after Mount Olive scored its first TD, DeNucci scored the first of his two TDs on a 20-yard run and Luke Malatesta ran in the extra point to give the Blue Angels a 27-6 halftime lead.
DeNucci scored on a 10-yard run in the third period and Daniel Hagan scored the final Blue Angel point of the day when he ran for the extra point. Mount Olive closed out the game's scoring with a TD in the final period.
"I have been coaching most of these kids since they were 5-years-old and we have been planning for our first game in pads for a long time," said head coach Lee Blum after the game. "This was a great start to our season ... the kids have been working hard all August for this and they played well."
The defense was led by nose guard Justin Saul, who had five tackles, and Nick Parente, who intercepted a pass. The offensive line of centers Anthony Varranelli and Cory Edwards, guards John Hardie and Jesse Decker, and tackles Tom Rooney and Keith Cramer did a solid job blocking, according to coach Blum.
The Blue Angels play their next game on Saturday, Sept. 11, against Morristown at Morristown's Streeter Field with kickoff set for 1 p.m.
