Boys Soccer: Kinnelon 2 - 1 Whippany Park

Kinnelon improved to 5-0 and handed Whippany Park its first defeat of the 2007 campaign. Whippany, now 4-1, cut a 2-0 deficit in half when John Gomez launched a shot toward goal from about 35 feet out. The shot deflected off the head of a Colts defender and arced over the outstretched arms of Eric Makinen with just 4 minutes left to play. Makinen was credited with four saves for the game. Makinen's best save save came in the 35th minute when the standout net minder leaped straight and barely deflected an arcing ball up and over the net.

Kinnelon opened the scoring in the Mike Tavares in the 12^th minute. Jeff Crum extended the Colts lead to 2-0 with an outstanding header in the 75^th minute. The perfectly placed ball beat Wildcat’s goalie Phil Funcia to his low right-side post. Crum’s goal would be the eventual game winner. Funcia recorded 12 saves on the day.

Scroll down for Video highlights from the game.

Swami & The Coach -- Week 3

Swami & ‘The Coach’ Tackle

Intriguing Week 3 Football Picks

The Coach from MCHSS.net: 8-4

The undefeated, unscored upon Sideline Swami: 12-0

Last Week: Coach 5-1, Swami 6-0

Thursday:

Montclair Immaculate at Kinnelon:

The Coach: Kinnelon will be 3-0 – you can take that to the bank. The Colts may have struggled
a bit with a pesky air attack of the Big Blue, but Immaculate is just not what they used to be. Neinstedt and DeVeau will have a field day, just as Bizzarro ( Whippany Park) did in week 1.
Kinnelon 45-0

Swami: Immaculate hung in all game long against Newark Academy and came close to pulling it out in 28-26 loss. Sophomore QB Marcus Hackett will be a good one in time, but this is an impossible situation against a Kinnelon team that can run the football very, very well with Chris einstedt and company. Kinnelon 35-7

Montville at Caldwell:

The Coach: All roads lead to Caldwell and the thoughts of Chief Football Pride are filling up the town. A 3-0 is very likely, but we all know that Montville has one of the best coaching staffs in Morris and will have the Mustangs ready for a second win. I’m sticking with my Morris Team here in a close one. Montville 14-12

Swami: Talk about fine coaching staffs, there are few that match the overall preparation and game time acumen of Caldwell’s, which probably has at least five head coach quality guys working ogether. What Montville is not ready for is the versatility brewing at Bonnel Field where new QB Derek Lawshe could be one of the real stars of this season’s Essex County gridiron scene and terrific role players like Buddy Francisco and Alex Carlough give the Chiefs plenty of room to keep getting better. Caldwell 24-14

Randolph at Livingston:

The Coach: Do not wake a sleeping giant! The rest of the Iron Division will have Mt. Olive to thank as a wake up call after the Marauders smacked down on the Rams last week. Do not expect another offensive field day against Randolph here. Look for Beltre to be the key focus of the
Lancer’s Defense – no surprise – allowing another back to spark the Rams … but which runner will it be? Randolph 28-14

Swami: Still waiting for talented Randolph QB Mike Suk to have a huge night and this could be the spot if the Rams can protect their signal caller from a potentially strong Livingston pass rush. Although the Lancers could be better than they’ve shown, they’re still not ready to knock off a Rams’ team that is hurting after last week’s bombardment at the hands of Mt. Olive. This could be closer than some people may think, but in the end. Randolph 26-18

Mendham at West Essex:

The Coach: Oddly enough no one (except The Star-Ledger) remembers that West Essex has not only be a force in Group 2 over the past 7 years, but returns plenty to dominate the Hills Division. Is West Essex a top 20 team? The talent is there; the coaching is definitely there and more importantly – THE DEFENSE is there! Mendham will have a very hard time gaining much yardage against a defense that will cause fits in the Minuteman backfield. A touch of trickery maybe needed if Mendham wants to stay in the game. This is West Essex’s first real test and we’ll see if this offense can put up the big numbers again. Despite the fact that Coach Kirk had the best landscaper in Morris County this summer, West Essex will be one of two undefeated Hills Division teams at day’s end. West Essex 28-6.

Swami : The big games are waiting for Wessex as this season moves on with Morris Hills and Parsippany Hills down the line, but Mendham can’t be taken lightly with its ability to finesse teams to death and play well on specials. Still, this in the Knights’ house and the team is still a physical, defensive minded unit that will stop most people, led by standouts such as end Tom Bianchi, linebackers Sal Tobia, Tim Pierce and Anthony Hayeksafety Mike Agrofolio. Too much Hayek on he ground offensively to complement the resistance. West Essex 21-7

Friday:

Morris Knolls at Seton Hall Prep :

The Coach: I may never be able to show my face on the Eagles sidelines again, after taking Livingston last week (for my only loss). The sad part is that I went against a Morris team … hindsight is ... useless. The Pirates have answered everyone’s questions. But hey, those of you that know me, know that I am PUBLIC school guy through and through and I am all about the underdog! The Eagles gave the Pirates fits last year, as Seton Hall won by touchdown. They’ll do it again, but this time in victory. (At worst I give the SHP media people more of a reason bust my chops, plus I need to make up ground on the legendary Swami) … Morris Knolls 28-21

Swami: I think The Coach has been drinking too much of that rich Hazelnut coffee during morning homeroom. As great a head mentor as Bill Regan is, and he’s indeed special, this is too much to ask of the Golden Eagles to come into Verducci Field and upset a Pirates’ team that if at full strength could give St. Peter’s Prep and Bergen Catholic a run for their money in Non-Public, Group 4 come November. I like the quarterback Tyler Thomas, who throws a very nice ball, and the pound me, pound me some more running game behind sturdy center Chris Zarkoskie is unrelenting. SHP has had troubles stopping the veer at times but not here. Seton Hall Prep 24-7.

Morris Hills at Par-Hills: Marquee Match-Up of Week

The Coach: Somehow the hype shifted this year to the Knights and a shadow may have fallen upon the Hills of Parsippany. Let me lay it on the line for you. I was at Roxbury when Par Hills exploded out of the gates for a quick two-touchdown lead. I was at Hanover when the Vikings took the upper cut from the Hornets and responded with a dominant second half. But the situation arises where less than 48-minutes of strong play are crucial. You may have been fooled when Par Hills said they’d run more … not me. I wouldn’t call it more; I’d say they’ll do what they need to do to win the game. The Vikings passed efficiently to get the lead last Friday, then ran the ball when it came time to kill the clock. It’s all about balance. And this week, its balance they’ll need.Morris Hills on the other hand is bringing a ring back to Gifford Field that hasn’t been heard since Mike Sabo was a sophomore (any chance I get … I’ll bring it up) but I can tell you that this offense has the tools to make it happen. Offensively, as long as they’re within 14 points, and there are over 60 clicks on the clock, the game is within reach. Defensively, the patented Viking Fade will be non-existent to the side of Doug Dudek and there’ll be no mismatch in the secondary to exploit. The key here for the Knights is stopping “Thunder and Lightning” … Albano’s affectionate name for the Fowler and Kudlacik tandem. So which team will emerge 3-0? I’m going with the Scarlet Knight in a thriller … plus it makes a great story for next week as Morris Hills hosts West Essex with both at 3-0. Morris Hills 35-33

The Swami: I too saw Par-Hills dominate after the first few minutes at Hanover Park and the Vikings are indeed impressive at times. Their quarterback, Joe Scialmpo, is underrated and throws an exceptional ball when he has to. Danny DePugh is an emerging receiver and Eugene Fowler can be a 25-to-30 carry a game guy who seems to get stronger as the game wears on. Add that all to a big and strong offensive line and you have something. Still, I also like Morris Hills in this spot. Not only is Dudek exceptional, but veteran QB Dan Kellner is a very solid field general, plus veteran players such as guard-linebacker Nick Lusardi give the Scarlet Knights an added edge in nail-biters, which this could very well be. It will be an intriguing contest for sure, but the Red-clad team prevails. Morris Hills 21-20.

Volleyball - Week #1

Morris County - Week #1 (plus)

So far, no surprises ...

By Coach Carchietta - MCHSS.net (9-18-2007)

Friday, September 7 – Saturday, September 15

Quick opening Day in Morris:

The gyms were cleared out early on opening day as every Morris result came in 2-0, except Madison’s 2-1 loss to DePaul. Randolph knocked off Roxbury 2-0 lead by Vicki Jones with four kills and five aces. Parsippany, Kinnelon, Mendham, Montville and Chatham all won versus out-of-county opponents. West Morris, the perennial queen of Morris County Volleyball, opened with a 25-9, 25-15 victory over Morris Knolls. It looks as if West Morris is ready to play at the highest-level right out of the gates. A team to watch in Morris maybe Mt. Olive, who maybe overlooked by most considering they only won 6 times last year, and finished 3-11 in conference. The mature and experience squad over came Hanover Park, lead by new coach Charles DiGiacomo, 25-23, 25-16. The Marauders were guided by Amber Mosher's 8 kills, 9 digs, 3 aces and 2 blocks.

Saturday Sept. 8: Tournament Time - Roxbury hosted a pool play – tournament. Mt Olive came out 3rd in their pool finishing with a 5-3 record. Emily Hines recorded 20 assists and 10 digs. Kinnelon went up to Indian Hills and lost both to the host and Ramapo.

Monday 9/10: Morris Tech – most of you know the school as Denville Vo-Tech – played their 1st Varsity match ever, and fell to Hackettstown in two. Montville came out victors in the days “spotlight match.” The Mustangs took game #3 25-19 over Madison. Montville fell in the 1st game, but managed to take home the next two for the victory. Hanover Park gave their new coach his first victory with a 2-0 sweep of Summit.

Tuesday 9/11: Par Hills needed to rally, after dropping the 1st game to Randolph 25-10. The Vikings came back strong and took the final two, 25-14; 25-17. Montville improved to 3-0 with a victory over Mt. St. Dominic’s – 25-23, 25-21. But the shocker of the day came when Wayne Valley knocked off West Morris in three. West Morris fell to 2-1 on this young season.

Wednesday 9/12: Kinnelon rebounded from the weekend sweep, knocking off Morris Knolls in three at Morris Knolls. The final game was decided 26-24, so you know that the place must have been in going crazy. Mendham improved to 3-0 with a 25-17, 25-10 win over Westfield. Megan Lunch had 18 kills for Mendham. Madison knotted their first victory winning 2-1 against Passaic Tech.

Friday 9/14: Mendham & Chatham remained undefeated. Kinnelon went back over the .500 mark for the season with their third win.

Saturday 9/15: Parsippany improved to 2-0 with a 25-2, 25-6 pounding of East Orange. Madison fell to 1-3 with a loss to Watchung Hills.

Coaches: When I was coaching, I always had those days where it was difficult to call in the results, but it had to be done. Sometimes, after a loss or a long ride home stuck in traffic … you know the routine. Please call the Record and log in or call Ledger - no matter what there problems are, they have an obligation to you and your kids. Here’s what I need from you – as does the record and ledger: Once a week write up a little summary, some stats (if you have them); a few highlights; what’s coming up – JUST SIMPLY INFO! Coaches, parents, players LOVE to complain that they get no coverage, I am telling you (THE COACHES ONLY) – SEND stuff and you will. Other coaches busted my chops that my teams always were covered and had press – simple answer – because I supplied them with information as much as possible. I love chatting with, giving them ideas and info for their top 10, the best players I saw, etc. I know you read the forum. I know you read the papers and I know you want your kids to get press … start acting on it –

TheCoach@MCHSS.net

The Ledger's Coverage: It has not been the same since they went to the new format in '05. Sure it gets names in and gives you a section ... it's not bad. But the kids miss head lines. Sure Joey Batts covered a game or two a week, but I'd rather headlines. Once they get the computer system up, it should even out and become pretty darn cool. I really like the new set up, but it needs to work. They'll get there ... even though these kinks should have been ironed out in August. Getting back to when the Ledger changed formats, I was coaching volleyball. I was not happy and decided to, for once, take a stand. I posted on NJ.com for teams to protest and not call in until the Ledger gave us back our headlines. Bozo posters at njo proceeded to bad mouth me, berate me and tell me how bad my idea was. Hate to say it, but you should have listened. Now I read the forum and people complain about the one thing I tried to prevent ... one time I hate being right.

An E-mail that I actually liked:
This came the other days as a result of my posting on the forum asking coaches to email me. Here is one response I received, I think, from a parent – not a coach – but very knowledge and informative. I DO NOT WANT EMAILS FROM PARENTS – unless they are a thank you. I had my share of complaints and hate mail when I coached, I had enough – lol – but an email like this I will always entertain:

“I saw on the NJ SL volleyball forum that you were looking for some info on Morris County VB. The Ledger just came out with their first rankings of the season and for the first time ever, 3 Morris county teams are ranked in the top 20. Chatham is at # 4, Mendham is at #15 and West Morris Central is at #20. Many believe Chatham to be the best team in the state as they boast 2 all state players in Jr. setter Marika Racibarskas and Soph. OH in Casey Read, they also had a libero from Texas transfer in that solidifies their defense, Mendham may have the best all round player in the county with all state jr. OH Megan Lynch who is probably going to lead the state in kills per game. Finally, West Morris Central is the 7-time defending champ in Morris County and although they lost their top 7 players to graduation, Beth Grasso is the best coach in the county (one of the tops in the state) and her team is reloaded and will make a run at the title again. The game of the week this week is Mendham at West Morris Central on Thursday night."

To whom ever sent this: Thanks – just thought I’d let you know that I coached volleyball in this county for 6 years, so I know WMC’s history as well as that of their head coach. Now if only coaches were as enthusiastic and as well informed as you! You feel free to send info anytime, but how a little on the teams most people do not hear about – Montville, Parsippany, Kinnelon, Randolph, etc?

Team Spotlight: Mt Olive – The Marauders was 2-1 after their victory over Jefferson. The Flacons, in their first year, were handed a loss in their first ever home game. Mt. Olive attended their second tournament of the young season with 4th place in pool play at Clifton. Their opening two games were both losses to Lakeland and Wayne Valley. Mt. Olive finished 2-3 in the pool. This is a big week for Mt. Olive and one that could have a major influence on their season. They start today (Tuesday) at Randolph, with Parsippany Hills on Wednesday. They close the week at Vernon (a ride I did once as a coach and never again). Vernon was 2-2 entering today, coming off a loss to Sparta. With her 19th attack against Hanover Park, Amber Mosher became the career attack leader for Mt. Olive H.S. Mosher broke the record with 813 and had 842 entering today. Mosher also leads the team in Kills (19), blocks (5) and digs (29). The team leader in assists is Emily Hines with 28. The power serving Marauders have three players tied with 6 aces: Alex Day, Hanna Ensel and Kaitlin Behrens.

The Super-Seven (through Sunday 9/16):

1) West Morris: The Ledger dropped WMC to 20th (cough, laugh, spit) for a loss in three to #14 Wayne Valley. Ok, so I see the 15-20 if WV is #14, but I know Newark Science and have a lot of respect for the program, but in no way does Science beat WMC. They stay at #1 until they are knocked off by Morris or a non-top 20 team.

2) Chatham: Right where they should be 3-0 and will be untested for a while. Next toughie: Mendham on 9/27. The Cougars will definitely have some fun at the Bloomfield Tournament 9/22.

3) Mendham: Geez, I remember the days when Mendham did not have volleyball and now look at them. A Star Ledger top 20 and ready to knock off WMC in a big sister-school rivalry game on Thursday.

4) Montville: They may not have been thoroughly tested until this week. 3-0 going into Tuesday’s match-up with Sparta. Follow that with Caldwell next Wednesday and we’ll see where the Mustangs run.

5) Kinnelon: This is what I like, a small school that pads their schedule with tough out of conference battles. Sure the Colts came out 0-2 when they travel to Indian Hills, but they need those games to make a run in the MCT. Plus, people in Morris seem to underestimate the likes of MKA and Science.

6) Morris Knolls: Knolls may not have the size and middle presence of past teams, but DeNure does his magic and they’ll be ready when it counts the most.

7) Mt Olive: This is a very good team that can really pull an upset or two. You heard it here 1st.

Top 10 teams: Randolph, Parsippany & Par Hills


Trick Question: Can you find the coach in the picture? Click here to see Photo











This week’s action (all schedules come from www.highschoolsports.net – schools that do use this service may not be included). All games are 4:00 starts unless noted.

• Mon 9/17 Randolph at Livingston
• Mon 9/17 Madison at MSD
• Mon 9/17 Kinnelon at Northern Highlands
• Mon 9/17 Columbia at West Morris
• Mon 9/17 Jefferson at Woodbridge 5:00
  

• Tue 9/18 Morristown at East Orange
• Tue 9/18 Morristown-beard at Kinnelon
• Tue 9/18 Sparta at Montville
• Tue 9/18 Mendham at Par Hills
• Tue 9/18 Hanover Park at Parsippany
• Tue 9/18 Mt Olive at Randolph
• Tue 9/18 Morris Knolls at Roxbury
• Tue 9/18 Chatham at West Essex
• Tue 9/18 Science at Whippany Park
  

• Wed 9/19 Parsippany Hills at Mt Olive
• Wed 9/19 Madison at West Orange
• Wed 9/19 Chatham at Whippany Park
• Wed 9/19 West Morris at Hunterdon Central 5:30

• Thu 9/20 Jefferson at Sparta
• Thu 9/20 Kinnelon at University
• Thu 9/20 Montville at Madison
• Thu 9/20 Mt Olive at Vernon 4:30
• Thu 9/20 Par Hills at Hanover Park
• Thu 9/20 Parsippany at Chatham
• Thu 9/20 Roxbury at Morristown
• Thu 9/20 Whippany Park at Mo-Beard
• Thu 9/20 Parsippany at Chatham
• Thu 9/20 Parsippany Hills at Hanover Park
• Thu 9/20 Montville at Madison
• Thu 9/20 Columbia at Morris Knolls
• Thu 9/20 Roxbury at Morristown
• Thu 9/20 East Orange at Randolph
• Thu 9/20 Mendham at West Morris 7:00

• Fri 9/21 MKA at Kinnelon
• Fri 9/21 Sparta at Morris Knolls
• Fri 9/21 Immaculate Conception at Whippany Park
• Sat 9/22 Chatham at Bloomfield Tournament TBA

Montville Wins a Family Affair

Mustangs gets 1st win, 14-0 over Pequannock
by Andew Sidebottom for MCHSS.net

Montville and Pequannock both opened up their conference schedule in Montville looking to bounce back from opening weeks loses. Montville came in needing to regain their swagger after six turnovers in their lost to Newark West Side, while Pequannock looked to give new coach Ed Kopp his first victory. Also, Montville needed a win to start off on their journey to repeat as conference champs. Coach Kopp is Coach Gerry Gallagher’s nephew-in-law so bragging rights at the holiday gatherings were at stake.

After the Montville defense stopped forced a punt, the Mustang offense drove for what turned out to be the deciding score, when Jim DelGrosso scored on a 9 yard run with 2:35 in the quarter and Eric Toporoff made the score 7-0 with the PAT. That drive was fueled by a 40 yard run by DelGrosso and a 14 yard reception on a 3-14 by Anthony Chierici on the down preceding the touchdown. The score remained 7-0 until the third quarter as both defenses controlled the line of scrimmage.

After the half, Montville extended their lead to 14-0 on their second drive of the half. The Mustangs were able to drive to the Golden Panther four yard line with the help of their new attack offense, where faced with a 4-goal, Coach Gallagher called the split end reverse to Chierici and he ran easily for the score at 1:35 and Toporoff’s second PAT of the day gave Montville a 14-0 lead. The Mustang defense dug in for the rest of the game only letting Pequannock in the Montville half of the field after an interception.

Montville's defense, seen here in a preseason scrimmage, recorded their 1st shut out of the season.

Montville ran for 167 yards and had 224 yards on offense for the day. Montville was lead by Toporoff with 67 yards on 22 carries and DelGrosso with 62 yards on 8 carries and a touchdown. Chierici caught three passes for 52 yards along with his touchdown run. On defense, Toporoff was all over the field recording 11 tackles and Phil Benevenga seemed unblockable logging 8 tackles and a sack. After the game Montville ran over to where they had buried and burned the game ball from last week’s shameful performance and stomped on it to show they had moved on. Montville moves on to face the Caldwell Chiefs on Thursday at 4 at Bonnel Field, while winless Pequannock and Butler face in Pequannock on Friday with 1 team getting a win.

________________ 1 2 3 4 - F
Pequannock (0-2) 0 0 0 0 - 00

Montville. (1-1) 7 0 7 0 - 14

Montville – Jum DelGrosso 9 yard run (Eric Toporoff kick)
Montville – Anthony Chierici 5 yard run (Eric Toporoff kick)

Mendham 19 - Chatham 7 OT