Pequannock senior runningback Joe Ruggiero blasted this past weekend for 216 yards on 32 carries and three touchdowns in the Golden Panthers 34-26 defeat over Morris Catholic. This effort helped Ruggiero’s team basically clinch a playoff birth. Ruggiero’s output also earned him NJAC Sports Center’s Week 6 Player of the Week.

We caught up with Ruggiero to talk about his teams momentum, who the best player he faced this year and who should play his coach on screen.

How good does your team feel about itself right now?
Each week we feel confident. We practice how we play. When we have good practices it usually reflects on the field and the scoreboard.

What level of success will satisfy you guys?
Our first goal was to reach the playoffs and the win last week virtually sealed that deal. So what would satisfy us now would be to go far into the state playoffs.

How psyched was your team when they found out that Joe Heck was going to transfer back to your school?
We were all psyched adding Joe to the QB position and moving Ryan Griffin to the wide receiver. It just puts more fire power to our offense, making our team that much better.

Who is the unsung hero of your team?
Joe Diffin

Who is the most athletically gifted?
Ryan “Money” Afflito

Who is the toughest?
Pete Lobosco. It’s the “Rudy Effect.” His hard work and perseverance is contagious. It’s a rare quality in a sophomore.

What was the highlight of your season so far?
Our first week against Dover, we ran a screen to our fullback Joe Diffin and I blocked three opponents while he scored a 90 yard touchdown.

Who was the best athlete you played against so far?
The kicker from Butler.

What goes through your head right before you are about to take a hand off?
All week long we drill and take notes from the coaches so running the ball becomes second nature. My focus lies in reaching the end zone.
What was the funniest thing your coach said this season?
Coach once asked me if I needed a water break during triples in the dead heat of August.

Okay Joe, it’s tradition that we ask the Player of the Week some pop culture questions. Let’s see how you do.

I could not live without... Cherry chapstick. Pursuing high speeds causes severe windburn.

My dream vacation spot is... It’s a toss up between Muscle Beach in Venice or the A&A Scrap Metal yard in Bayonne. There’s something about the sight of twisted metal that just revs my engines.

Pure relaxation is... The evanescing burn I get when I put up 16 plates on the leg press.

I love… The sound of the crowd.

The best place to rest is... Rest? You mean the best place to wrestle? I gave that up when they told me to cut weight.

My favorite meal is... Six raw eggs and a scoop of whey

My best friend(s)... The end zone

___________ exhibits paranormal activity. Ryan Griffin. His catches are out of this world.

Biggest DVR obsession. Who needs one? We have Rudy, Braveheart and the complete collection of Rocky.

Trend that should die a slow death. Uggs boots

Best thing about fall. The Friday night lights
Song playing on my iPod right now. Iron Maiden’s The Number of the Beast

__________ should play my coach on screen. Christopher Walken

Joe, congrats again on being our Week 6 Player of the Week and best of luck the rest of the way!

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