Monday's Slate

Wow, it’s still cold. I guess you don’t need me to tell you that … but it is! Hope you enjoyed the weekend.

You can always find records (conference & overall) for Baseball (and a new top 10) & Softball. As long as the games are reported to the papers or I get legitimate score reports from coaches, I’ll have results posted for Baseball & Softball and Lacrosse. These are games only involving Morris County schools and give you an easy, 24-hour a day reference.

Monday offers a great slate of games, let’s take a look:

Baseball games of interest:

Kinnelon at Verona: Look for Bierman to get second start in an important CHC game.

Seton Hall Prep at Morris Knolls: Rick Porcello (Sports Illustrated Article), a Chester native, should be on the mound as the Golden Eagles have every reason to make their first of 2007 a very memorable one.

Morristown at Roxbury: The spotlight is on Morristown and why not? It has been noted to me, by a few county coaches that Roxbury is definitely a contender for the IHC-Iron with Randolph and Seton Hall Prep. These are big words considering the expectations for those two teams. This should be a great game to watch.

Par Hills at Morris Hills: Every IHC game will be important, but look for this to be an instant classic as these two meet in Rockaway.

Mt. Olive at West Morris: West Morris is 0-2 … a tough schedule to someone that hasn’t been paying attention could make you over look the Highlanders. Don’t be fooled. I’ll just say it again, every IHC clash make for great baseball.

West Essex at Mendham: The Minuteman must be excited to finally be playing game #1. The Scarlet Knights are a question mark until we see them play. Mendham has exciting hurler Fred Orchard on the mound in the Hills Division match up.

Jefferson at Montville: A night game in scenic Montville. This out of conference match up should be fun to watch, although I prefer 3:00 games when it’s supposed to be 48 degrees as opposed to 7 pm when it’s a COLD 39! Either way, you have to love the night time atmosphere that is created under the lights.

Softball games of interest:

Villa Walsh at Madison: The Dodgers will get to meet the freshman chucker from Villa. Madison is capable of challenge the traditional upper tear team in the NHC and Morris County. This is a great test early on.

Randolph at Livingston: The Rams gave up 7 runs in one inning and Mt. Olive took advantage. Here’s a chance for Randolph to regroup as they meet a new look Livingston team that was hit hard by graduation.

Caldwell at Pequannock: In the preseason write, I, somehow, did not mention Pequannock as a team with the toughest schedule. Besides the rough and tough Northern Hills conference, the Panthers knocked heads with two top 20-worthy teams and await a loaded Caldwell squad today. This one has the makings of another instant classic, as this match up has created one of the best softball rivalries in the state.

Morris Catholic at Newark Academy: I definitely was shocked that Newark Academy was back in the picture as a Top Essex County Team. I was shocked that they entered the always loaded MSD tournament, but they proved that they are ready to compete. This is test and a good measuring stick for the Crusaders who have outscored their opponents 39-0 thus far. Pitching for Morris Catholic is solid, game like this are won in the field.

Mendham at West Essex: As you know, Mendham (who has had great seasons piling up the past few years) is on the path to their best year yet. West Essex has a ton back from last years team that won North Jersey Group 2, Section team.

Boys Lacrosse:

Jefferson at Mendham: Jefferson is off to a 2-0 start. Mendham responded from an opening loss to Mtn Lakes with a 8-5 win over Morristown and a 15-3 victory over Livingston. Looks like MorrisCountyVarsity.net will be at the morning match-up.

Hanover Regional at West Essex: Hanover opened a few eyes giving Seton Hall Prep all they could handle. Park Regional battled through their extremely tough schedule last season and maybe ready for a break out season.

Morristown at Randolph: Randolph responded from an opening loss to Delbarton and cannot over look a scrappy and tough Morristown team. This should be a fun game to watch.

Girls Lacrosse:

Caldwell at Madison: Madison should be strong and this should be a early test for the Dodgers. This looks like it’s the season opener for both schools.

Morris Hills at Clifton: How incredible would it be if Morris Hills would win their first game toady at Clifton? This is the first game at the Varsity level for the Scarlet Knights and a win is very possible.

Tennis:

Hanover Park at Chatham: Could be a great match for two teams looking to make noise in the IHC.

Special side note:

My entire life, I have always loved reading the comics and the sports page with a bowl of cereal of a cup of coffee. This is a religious everyday ritual for me since I was 10 or 11. It is only fitting that I send my thought out to a man who made me smile every day:

Johnny Hart, cartoonist for “B.C.” and my favorite “The Wizard of Id” died at age 76.

CNN Article from the Associate Press