Chiefs beat 49ers again, this time in the 30th annual Wyckoff Scooter Bowl

Marsha A. Stoltz, NorthJersey.com
Updated ·2 min read

WYCKOFF — It was the Kansas City Chiefs versus the San Francisco 49ers all over again, except this time it was Scooter Bowl 30.

The three-decade-old touch-football-on-wheels game created by former gym teacher John Fasciotti at Lincoln Elementary School has achieved cult status. This year's two teams of fourth and fifth graders were equally confident they would win. But first things first: about their team names.

"We picked our names before the Super Bowl teams were decided," Chiefs Co-Captain Matteo Bono said during warmups. "They copied us."

OK, that's settled. On to the pregame.

Wyckoff, NJ -- February 16, 2024 - The Chiefs at the end of the National Anthem before the 30th annual Scooter Bowl at the Lincoln School in Wyckoff. The game has been a tradition at the school as former players from Ramapo HS come back to attend the game.
Wyckoff, NJ -- February 16, 2024 - The Chiefs at the end of the National Anthem before the 30th annual Scooter Bowl at the Lincoln School in Wyckoff. The game has been a tradition at the school as former players from Ramapo HS come back to attend the game.

"Eye of the Tiger" from "Rocky III" blared from the speakers as the teams warmed up and Principal Patrick Lee negotiated seating. The school's four lion mascots prowled the gym practicing their growls for students in no need of encouragement to cheer, with hours left until their winter Presidents Day break.

"We cheer for both teams," Lion Anthony Nico said. "It's just so hot we haven't put our lion heads on yet."

Referees Dillon White and Mike Patanella supervised the placement of yard markers along the sides of the basketball court while parents drifted in. Mother Melissa McCarthy arrived carrying a sign supporting daughter Carolyn on the Chiefs team.

"My son Dylan played a couple years ago," McCarthy said. "They take this very seriously."

Some very tall students drifted in, this year's crop of 28 Scooter Bowl alumni attending Ramapo and Indian Hills high schools who traditionally show up to root for on their successors and be recognized at halftime.

"I played in fifth grade," said Ramapo senior Owen Wilson. "The best part is the whole school showing up to cheer."

The game, the win

Scooter Bowl is a co-ed seven-player version of football, with similar rules and the same scoring for touchdowns and field goals. The ball is moved by players holding the ball while pushing low scooters with their feet. Players must cross the goal line for touchdowns. Field goals are achieved by throwing the ball at a square above the basketball hoop backboard. Tackles are hands-only.

There are no formally designated positions. One student functions as quarterback, and the others play both offense and defense.

The game consists of four nine-minute quarters. In this contest, the first was scoreless. The 49ers team, in white jerseys, scored first with 5:26 left in the second quarter, followed by a touchdown by the Chiefs, in blue jerseys, with 4:25 left. The 49ers came back with a touchdown at 2:44, finishing the half with the score 49ers 14, Chiefs 7.

The Chiefs rallied in the third quarter with a field goal with 48.7 seconds left, a touchdown with 6:44 left in the fourth and a field goal with 2:55 left for a final score of Chiefs 20, 49ers 14.

Fourth grade team members promised a rematch in 2025.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Wyckoff Scooter Bowl XXX: Chiefs vs 49ers