Verona football started its season on the right foot last Saturday when they destroyed Newark East Side, 48-16.

Verona put up 27 points within the first 10 minutes of the game. Their first of four touchdowns happened when freshman C.J. Lavery ran the opening kickoff back for a 75 yard touchdown. Then the defense took the field and forced a quick three and out.

Touchdown number two happened on the offense’s first play from scrimmage, a 56-yard touchdown run by quarterback Frank Ferrari. Then the Hillbilly defense caused another three and out.

Then it was the Ferrari duo who connected on a play-action rollout pass for a 34-yard when Frank threw a touchdown to his brother, Bill Ferrari. VHS led by 21.

Once Verona got the ball back, it only took six plays for Matt Intili to find the endzone. At the end of the first quarter, Verona led East Side, 27-0.

The second quarter was controlled by the Hillbillies. Mark Riggio and Jimmie Crawford both scored touchdowns on short runs. With a half of football played VHS was up 42-0.

When the Hillbillies took the field at the start of the second half, it was the JV in place of the varsity team. They played the entire second half and only gave up 16 points to East Side’s varsity team. But Verona also scored another touchdown when junior cornerback  Anthony Guliano returned an interception for a touchdown.

Verona won the game 48-16 and played every player on their roster who had dressed for their game.

The Hillbillies did not let the weather bother their spirit, but it did have some impact on the VHS cheerleading squad, who donned a new uniform because of the rain, and the Marching Maroon and White, who did not get the opportunity to premiere their halftime show because of the rain.