Sparta Ready to Face Ramapo in State Final

The Spartans are looking to take home their first state finals football win in nine years at Kean University on Saturday.

Sparta, seeded No. 5, will compete against second-seeded Ramapo High School in the North 1 Group 3 state final.

The Sparta High School football team is going into the game, which will begin at 4 p.m., after a strong season with a record of 9-1.

Sparta defeated River Dell High School on Friday in semifinals, and won against Mahwah High School in quarterfinals on Nov. 16.

Head Coach Frank Marchiano said this year's record is a testament to all of the team efforts since the summer.

"I think it's the leadership of our seniors and the hard work the guys have put in starting back in June," he said.

He said this year's team, which includes a mix of seniors and underclassmen, has had great leadership from the seniors.

"We have talent at all grade levels but our leadership comes from our seniors," he said. "They're a hardworking group that has put the time and effort to be successful."

The top seniors competing in Saturday's game are quarterback Jake Melville, running back Codie Aromando, running back/defensive back Mike Boryeskne, offensive lineman Joe Whitney, offensive lineman Rob Burns, offensive lineman/defensive lineman Mike Walsh, wide receiver/defensive back Tom Keller, and tight end/linebacker Nick Munro.

Marchiano said the seniors are all interested in playing football in college, and while no one has been signed yet, they're all actively being recruited.

Athletic Director Patrick Shea said this is the first time the team has made it to the state finals since 2005, when the Spartans lost to Hopatcong High School.

The last time the team won a state title was back in 2003, when they defeated Dover High School. The Spartans were 12-0 that year, which is the only undefeated team in Sussex County history, Shea said. 

The Spartans also made it to the states in 2008 and 2009, but lost in the semifinals both years.

Marchiano said while the team has been on the field getting ready for the big game, students have also been excited all week in school getting ready to support their classmates.

"There's definitely a buzz around the school right now," he said. "The players are excited, the students in class are excited about it. A lot of students are going down to the game, and they're going to help us cheer on."

He said the state championship is an exciting atmosphere for everyone in the school community, where the boys will be cheered on by the student body, faculty, and parents as they compete for the state title.

"They're going to go out there and play hard, and the ultimate objective is to win the game," Marchiano said.