The Rowan Profs were able to take down the Montclair State Red Hawks on a rainy Saturday, 38-26, in the second-ever edition of the Breakfast Bowl. With the win, Rowan is now 2-0 all-time in the Breakfast Bowl, cementing dominance in this rivalry, but at the same time, this game strengthens ties between community and competition. 

“I think that in any time we have a rivalry game, it really is something that you want to win every game,” head coach Pat Ruley said. “But those games, especially trophy games, there is just a little bit of an added incentive there.”

The Profs came from behind in the game, finding themselves down 13-10 at the half. After a relentless second-half surge, the Profs retain their famous flying pig trophy, a nod to the classic Jersey debate: “Pork Roll vs. Taylor Ham”. With this result, all of New Jersey will be saying Pork Roll for one more year.

The Breakfast Bowl, now in its second year, gives back to those in need. The Community Foodbank of New Jersey is able to raise money and awareness for the issue of food insecurity across the state. Fans donate under either the “Pork Roll” or “Taylor Ham” banner, with each side supporting a different regional food bank. 

“It’s about pride, community, and competition,” Ruley said. “And if we can do all that while helping people, that’s something this whole program can be proud of.”

Even though the Profs came out with a victory, the Redhawks came out swinging. Running back Diante Wilson rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns in the game, and his biggest run, a 37-yarder, gave Montclair State the lead at halftime. 

Quarterback Nate Maiers threw for 219 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Michael Zarfati five times for 82 yards and a score. Rowan’s offense, sluggish early, found its rhythm when it mattered most.

After the break, the Profs came firing back with some second-half adjustments that pushed Rowan to victory. 

“We didn’t play that great in the first half, but then we came out in the second half and really dominated the game” Ruley said. “So like, there were just a few things in the first half that are fully in our control that dictated us being down the scoreboard. So it was just about us cleaning it up, and we came out with a sense of urgency.”

The game turned around for the Profs when linebacker AJ Ryker brought home an interception for six.

“It just slipped right out through his hands and I just saw the ball pop up, I knew I had to catch it. And as soon as I felt the ball finally touch my hands, I knew that I had to definitely get in the end zone and not get tripped off,” Ryker said.

Ruley gave his reaction to the play.

” I call it a happy birthday interception,” Ruley said. “He didn’t do anything tremendous other than just exist on the field and not blow it.” 

From that point on, it was all Profs, on offense. Profs running Back Nunes Bukula IV stole the show with 90 rush yards and two touchdowns. His 32-yard breakaway late in the fourth quarter sealed the win, a moment of redemption after missing last year’s inaugural Breakfast Bowl due to a suspension.

“Yeah, that one meant a lot,” Bukula IV said. “I couldn’t play last year, so to come out and help the team win, especially in this rivalry, that’s special. It felt like a playoff game. Chippy, emotional, everyone was fired up, it was like Eagles, Cowboys. That’s football to me.” 

For defensive tackle Giaini Derameaux, the game meant more to him than just the result.

“Breakfast Bowl was fun, man,” Derameaux said. “They’re our rivals. Winning it again, that’s pride. We own Jersey. I like to say that. Like, we own Jersey.”

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