Par Hills Sectional Champs

Group 2 - North 2 Friday

Parochial A - Finals

Highlights from the boys & girls Parochial A Soccer Finals at Passaic County Tech.

West Essex defeats Madison, 4-0

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Mendham takes Section

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Morris Hils tops Wayne Hills

SANTIAGO’S TRICK LEADS MORRIS HILLS 4-0

(* By Sal Guiliano for MCHSS.net -- Photos by Ken Emker *)

Rodrigo Santiago, Adam Katz, Tony Ramos and Mike Benvenuto wanted to make their last home game one they would never forget. As coach Kevin Rosenberg said,” Mission accomplished.” Santiago tallied three goals, Katz and Ramos both had assists and Benvenuto anchored the defense that registered a shutout, their 15th of the season, as Morris Hills rolled to a 4-0 win over Wayne Hills in North I Group III state tournament action.

The”Fab 4,” as their coach referred to them, are all four year letter winners for the Morris Hills soccer team. During that time Morris Hills has qualified for state tournament play four times, they have won a sectional championship and a Morris County Championship. Santiago’s first goal came at the 14:52 mark off an assist from Katz. Four minutes later the Knights were threatening again. Santiago appeared to put his team up 2-0 after hitting the back of the net off a throw-in by Ramos, but he was whistled for being offside’s on the play.

Seven minutes later it was Katz who almost put the Knights up 2-0 as his header off of Santiago’s free kick hit the crossbar. “We created several good opportunities and we knew we were playing well. There keeper did an outstanding job of denying us.” Said Rosenberg. “But eventually we were able to break through and get a few more.”

Santiago tallied his 2nd of the game, and 20th of the season, just before halftime. As he dribbled past a defender in the middle of the pitch he was tripped up resulting in a free kick about twenty yards from goal. Just like he did in the county final against Delbarton, Santiago left the keeper with no chance as he bent his shot around the five man wall and into the back of the net. Morris Hills then had another goal called back with less than a minute remaining in the first half. David Brand ran onto a through pass and cut it back to Santiago, who headed it into an open net, but the referee ruled that the ball had crossed the end line before Brand got to it.

Morris Hills put the game away eight minutes into the 2nd half. Tony Ramos settled the ball on the left side of the box and played a through ball to a streaking Santiago who buried the ball in the lower right corner to complete his hat trick. “ I was so proud of Tony on the play because just moments earlier he had missed a great opportunity to score himself,” said Rosenberg. “Instead of having a pity party he got his head back in it and assisted on his teammate’s goal. That is a great job by him.”

David Brand registered the final goal of the game on a wonderful individual effort. He collected a loose ball about forty yards from goal and dribbled down the right flank. He beat a defender off the dribble and then drilled a shot into the far post side netting from about eight yards out.
The only job left was to preserve the shutout for goalkeeper Rafael Diaz. As they had all game, the Morris Hills back line, lead by Benvenuto, continued to frustrate the Wayne Hills attackers. Wayne Hills registered just one shot on goal in the 2nd half that was easily handled by Diaz. “Our backs are the key to our success,” said Rosenberg. “When they play well, we are real tough to beat. Mike is the leader back there and he always does a great job.”

Morris Hills now moves on to play Ramapo, a 2-1 winner over Wayne Valley, in the section final. The game will be Friday afternoon at 2 pm in Ramapo.

(* Photos by Ken Emker *)

Chatham over River Dell

Playoffs: Coach & Swami Style!

Sideline Swami & The Coach Set To Tackle Playoffs With Gusto

The Coach’s recap: I guess I just need to admit to myself and everyone … the “Schwam” sees all and knows all. My Morris Knolls Golden Eagles held a 17-0 lead over state power East Orange … and The Coach was as shocked as most – except the Swami – when East Orange mounted a huge comeback and gave the Essex County Expert a two game lead with one month left.

The Swami’s take: First off, I must commend ‘The Coach’ for picking the exact score of last weekend's Chatham-West Essex game (21-0 Knights). At times, he’s right on the mark, but in other instances, such as in a couple of picks below, you’ll realize he can be overmatched, at least when it comes to matching wits with the sideline guru himself now that the ‘real’ season has arrived. It’s playoff time!!...So, without further adieu, let’s begin:

Friday:
Madison at West Essex (North 2, Group 2)
Coach: Yes, Madison suffered a tough “upset” last week at Orange forcing the Dodgers to fall to the 7 th seed and force a road trip to the West of all Essex. Morris County needs the Dodgers of Week #1 to show up, as they did against Delbarton, for a “MoCo Upset!” A key to a Dodger upset would be Madison’s use of their passing game. The Dodger will have to stay with a one TD lead and hope to have the ball last. But, one thing I have learned this year … do not pick against West Essex and their suffocating Defense … West Essex 21-7.

Swami: Unfortunately, for Chris Kubik’s Dodgers, this is not the same team we saw in September. Standout lineman Mike Hall is done for the season with a knee injury and star linebacker-wide receiver-placekicker Brian McLindon could be out with a bum shoulder. That aside, this is definitely a cauldron Kubik and company are entering. West Essex has allowed just three touchdowns all season, has posted six shutouts and has unmatched playoff pedigree. Coach Drozjock and his staff live for November and December football, when decisions at crunch time are so critical and the Knights generally come through every time. West Essex 20-7.

Saturday:
Delbarton at St. Joe's (Non-Public, Group 3)
Coach: I do not know how many people thought The Green Wave could make a run to the State Finals last year? It’ll be a tough task if the Wave plan on making a run again. The Joey’s beat Poly Prep 40-0 … Delbarton took down Poly 17-13. Common opponents can be helpful when making these picks. St. Joes: 28-14

Swami: Interesting brief reference by coach to last year. I was there when Delbarton shocked NP3 by crushing previously undefeated Pope John behind QB Jack McBride and WR Max Seligmann. New season, different faces in some cases, and St. Joe’s is just better balanced than Pope John was last year. These two teams have played some classic playoff football and Coach Brian Bowers will have the Wave plenty ready. Still, Tony Karcich and the Green Knights are very tough to beat in this spot. It could be a classic, but: St. Joe’s 28-24.

Belleville at Morris Knolls, (North 1, Group 4)
Coach: This is where the Super Swami has an advantage … the guy knows everything! I rarely travel east of the Passaic River. One thing I do know, stopping the Golden Eagles offense is not an easy task. You can stop the likes of Kellan Cardio and Dan Herr a few dozen times, but it only takes one perfect read, and … touchdown! No let down for the Eagles this week, who lead by two touchdowns in both losses this year. Morris Knolls 28-14

Swami: As we document in feature on our home page at sidelinechatter.com, Belleville has been one of the great stories of the 2007 high school football season. Just think, 24 months ago, the Bucs were on a 33-game losing streak. Today, they’re back in the playoffs for the first time in 23 years. And, as gutsy a bunch as they are, they’re entering another playoff-tested terrain here in Denville. Coach Bill Regan is a master at dealing with these types of totally unfamiliar foes. A consummate game plan orchestra leader, he’ll have the Golden Eagles set to do what they usually do in big games. Morris Knolls 31-18.

Cresskill at Mountain Lakes, (North 1, Group 1)
Coach: Jake Tripucka and Ryan Przyborowski must now lead the Herd into their new season. Mountain Lakes averaged a whooping 39 points a game while cutting through the Colonials Hills Conference like a hot knife through The Cougars’ only loss was to Hasbrouck Heights -- at Heights -- at the inauguration of their new field. The score: 14-11. The Cougars have exploded on offense, averaging 40.5 point in their final four games. This makes for an interesting match up between teams that dominated all season long. Cresskill 28-26.

Swami: I’m a little surprised that The Coach picks Cresskill, but it’s not illogical by any means. Bob Valli is another playoff tested coach and the Cougars will be a handful indeed for the Herd. Still, it’s hard to go against Doug Wilkins, his trusty defensive coordinator Charlie Roche and the rest of the Herd in a first-round home game. The last time Mountain Lakes opened the playoffs against a BCSL team was in 2005 when it was physically handled by Hasbrouck Heights. This is a better Herd squad with enough to get by here. It won’t be easy. Still, have to go with the 300-win sage and his guys. Mountain Lakes 21-14.

New Brunswick at Morristown, (North 2, Group 3)
Coach: Wow is this tough Section! Morristown not only survived the rough and tough IHC-Iron, claiming a hare of the crown. New Brunswick is 5-3, but that means nothing now … New Brunswick is the defending N2-G3 champions, as you already know. Their nickname is the Zebras … how do you think the refs feel about that? Their conference schedules have these two ready for this game, but this year, it’s the Colonial’s turn! Morristown 21-14

Swami: Another game I was fortunate to see last year was New Brunswick’s playoff semifinal win at Morristown. This is definitely a different Zebras’ team and a totally transformed Colonials’ squad. Yes, New Brunswick still has the wonderful quarterback Brandon Smith, and the expert coaching of John Quinn, but the team is not nearly as good, and Morristown has a much improved Michael Colvin at QB and the ever-elusive George Bass running or catching the football. Plus, Chris Hull’s team is hungry. You could see it even in its only loss so far this season in the opener at Seton Hall Prep. With a whole lot more at stake here, there will be no prisoners. Morristown 28-13.

Chatham at Caldwell, North 2, Group 2
Coach: Talk about two teams that have had opposite seasons … Chatham, making a huge surge to run table until falling to West Essex in the season finale. I really like Chatham’s pound-the-ball-at- you attitude that reminds me of the good ole’ days in the IHC … yes, there was a time when only Mt. Olive threw the ball and everyone else ran the wing-T. I even like the Cougars more knowing that Caldwell is on a three-game losing streak. You can bet the Cougars want revenge on Morris Hills and West Essex! It all starts here. Chatham 28-7

Swami: Although it was two years ago when these two teams last met at Bonnel Field, I remember it like it was yesterday. Chris Betz and Tim Lutke were leading a memorable Chatham team on a historic playoff run that started against Caldwell. It was a dandy of the game, won by the Cougars; however, 24 months later, these teams are, of course, entirely different, and although Chatham has shown considerable gusto in most of its games this fall and has a bevy of young, promising athletes, such as junior Campbell Wood. But, Coach Dayon and company are taking on another seasoned playoff program, one with an outstanding coaching staff and an equally bunch of gutsy kids, led by the elusive QB Derek Lawshe and one of the state’s top sophomores in fullback-linebacker Chris Eucker. This could be another classic like in 2005, but I just think the Chiefs will reclaim some of the magic that helped them win at Lakeland and DePaul earlier this season. Caldwell 24-21.

Football North I & II -- Group 3

All standings, record and points are taken from information from www.gridironnj.com:

North I – Group 3 (after 8 games)

1. Wayne Hills (8-0; 72)
2. Wayne Valley (8-0; 71)
3. Paramus (6-2; 69)
4. NV-Old Tappan (7-1; 59)
5. Mount Olive (4-4; 39)
6. Teaneck (4-4; 37)
7. Passaic Valley (5-3; 36)
8. Parsippany Hills (5-3; 32)

North I – Group 3 - A look at the teams

1. Wayne Hills (8-0; 9-0; 72)

The perennial Group III power has outscored opponents 359-41 in their nine victories. The Patriots have won sectional titles in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006 with undefeated seasons in ’05, ’06 and thus far in ’07. Dan DeCicco is an offensive power as the Patriots look for their fourth in a row. The Patriots beat Indian Hills 64-20 last week.

2. Wayne Valley (8-0; 9-0; 71)

Conference champions in 2005 & 2006 in the Northern Hills - Skyline, Matt Dortch and Derrick Bligh can punish defenses. The Indians are averaging just about 40 points a game. A 30-3 victory over Caldwell ended the regular season for the Indians.

3. Paramus (6-2; 6-2; 69)

T.J. Chickanos is a formidable passer while Jonathan Rizzitello is a key back handling the ball carrying duties. The Spartans are on a 3-game winning streak, with a Thanksgiving game vs. Ridgewood in the wings.

4. NV-Old Tappan (7-1; 7-1; 59)

Seniors Kyle Jansen and Jaime Rowe are scoring threats for the Golden Knights. Coach Dunn’s team is 5-0 on the road this year. The Knights are coming off a 41-21 victory over Mahwah.

5. Mount Olive (4-4; 4-5; 39)

A lot has changed for the Marauders who started the season 4-0. Injures coupled with the tough Iron Hills Conference schedule has taken its toll. Mt. Olive enters the playoffs under .500 and on a 5 game losing streak.

6. Teaneck (4-4; 4-4; 37)

The Highwaymen were finding wins in every other week until they met up with Eastside and Montclair on back-to—back weeks. Facing a must win to get in to the playoffs, Teaneck took down Ridgewood 21-14. Rashad White is a key receiver for QB Damian Miles.

7. Passaic Valley (5-3; 36)

Senior Quarterback Jim Niland is smart, fast, agile and accurate. Mike Governali is a key target for Niland, as is Dominick Corio out of the backfield. Niland threw three second half touchdowns and ran for two as the Hornets scored 6 times to come from behind and defeat West Milford earlier in the year.

8. Parsippany Hills (5-3; 32)

Eugene Fowler is top back in Morris County and Dan DePugh. The Vikings defense is strong and they’ll need Greg DePugh to fill in for injured QB Joe Scialampo. Fowler ended the Vikings regular season with 150 yards on 25 carries and scored three TD’s in a 28-8 victory over Weequahic.

North II – Group 3 (after 8 games)

1. Irvington (8-0; 89)
2. Morristown (7-1; 73)
3. West Side (7-1; 64)
4. Scotch Plains (6-2; 56)
5. Colonia (6-2; 55)
6. Union Hill (7-1; 50)
7. New Brunswick (5-3; 45)
8. South Plainfield (5-3; 41)

North I – Group 3: A look at the teams

1. Irvington (8-0; 8-0; 89)

The Blue Knights are nothing short of impressive this year. After losing a heart breaker to New Brunswick last year, you can be sure the Knights have tunnel vision peering straight to Rutgers. Explosive, the Knights are averaging 33 points a game. They have already beaten Scotch Plains and West Side.

2. Morristown (7-1; 8-1; 73)

The Colonials are co-champs of the rough and tough IHC-Iron. Morristown can be explosive. A come from behind victory over Morris Knolls was a key victory this season. Their loss came to Seton Hall Prep on opening day when the Colonials went for two, but were stopped. Colvin, Cater and Bass are key to the Colonials offense.

3. West Side (7-1; 7-2; 64)

The Roughriders are now on a two game losing streak. Their latter of the two coming to Irvington, 30-8. West Side needs to break out of this two game losing streak with a victory over Union Hill in order to meet up with either Morristown or defending champion New Brunswick.

4. Scotch Plains (6-2; 6-2; 56)

The Raiders caught Union on the upside of the Farmer’s season. That was one of the two losses Scotch Plains has suffered. The other came at the hands of Irvington.

Michael Chervenyak and Anthony Taylor spark the offense for past Kinnelon Coach Jim DeSarno.

5. Colonia (6-2; 6-2; 55)

The Patriots last two victories have come in overtime, 10-7 over South Plainfield in 2 OT’s and 3-0 over Carteret. These may be the Cardiac Kids of 2007, The Pats also have a 20-19 victory over Monroe as well as a 28-26 loss last week to Sayreville on their record. Colonia is led by D1 recruit Eric LeGrand

6. Union Hill (7-1; 7-1; 50)

The Hillers only loss was to Hudson Catholic three weeks ago. Tommy Velasquez and Jorge Evora are key to the Hillers offensive attack. A 7-0 victory over Hoboken is the Hillers standout victory this season.

7. New Brunswick (5-3; 45)

Another name that haunt the Mendham faithful for a few years … a Zebras loss to JFK would have gotten the Minutemen in, but John Quinn’s crew refused to help us out up here in MoCo. First, the Zebras had to win to be in … and they did. New Brunswick is the defending N2-G3 champions, as you already know. Marquis Hamm’s interception for a touchdown gave NB a 19-6 lead, and proved to be the nail in the Minutemen’s coffin.

8. South Plainfield (5-3; 41)

The Tigers are now a mortal enemy of Mendham, who they should pass on a tie-breaker. A 24-22 victory over North Plainfield basically secured the state birth. A key win for the Tigers came over Monroe when the Tigers had trailed 22-0 during the course of the game. Troy Russell's kickoff return for a touchdown helped start the comeback. Little did we all know the impact.

Football North I & II -- Group 2

All standings, record and points are taken from information from http://www.gridironnj.com/ :

North I – Group 2 (after 8 games)

1. Kittatinny (8-0; 69)
2. River Dell (8-0; 55)
3. Lenape Valley (7-1; 55)
4. Lakeland (6-2; 45)
5. Pascack Valley (5-3; 43)
6. Jefferson (5-3; 42)
7. Mahwah (5-3; 39)
8. Tenafly (6-2; 36)

Key: Seed. Team (1^st 8 games, over-all; power points)

1. Kittatinny (8-0; 9-0; 69)

The Cougars are an offensive juggernaut, outscoring the SCIL 238-65. Kyle Hayes is an accurate and versatile passer while Richie Joseph and Ryan Carroll lead the rushing attack. The Cougars won the SCIL.

2. (or 3) River Dell (8-0; 9-0; 55)

The Golden Hawks have it all … an explosive offense that has scored 301 points and a defense that has only yielded 21 points. Six of the nine victories were shut outs. Matt Connolly, Dan Chiarello and Blake Crouch can get the Hawks to the end zone quickly and often.

3. (or 2) Lenape Valley (7-1; 7-2; 55)

Before the cutoff, the Patriots’ only set back has come at the hands of Kittatinny. They lost to Pope John last week. In their seven victories, the perennial Group 2 contender has put up 216 points with 3 shutouts. Trevor Stempert and Mike Moschella can get the ball in end zone.

4. Lakeland (6-2; 7-2; 45)

The North Hills conference team has rolled off three staright victories after falling to Delbarton on Ocober 13^th. Greg Bardzell and Ray Capo get the ball moving via the ground game. Lou Montegari is a strong passer who connects with Danny Dieghan and Tyler Johnson, amongst others.

5. Pascack Valley (5-3; 5-3; 43)

The Bergen County School enters the playoff on a two game winning streak. Donald Wiezik is a solid QB for the Indians, who are 4-1 at home. This does not fair well for the Indians since the #5 seed almost guarantees that they played their last home game this year.

6. Jefferson (5-3; 6-3; 42)

The Falcons are lead by John Kaschak’s 11 touchdowns. Travis Smith has 5 of his own. Dom Macaluso has missed a few weeks due to injury, but sophomore Gavin McCarney has filled in just fine. Both QB’s split time this Saturday against Wallkill Valley. The Falcons defense stopped the Rangers twice as the Wallkill Valley was about to score. Both times, the Falcons intercepted passes in the end zone.

7. Mahwah (5-3; 5-3; 39)

Greg Stripe, Dylan Meola and Anthony Negron handle the rushing duties for the Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds lost to Pascack Valley 28-14 three weeks ago and followed that up with a loss to Northern Valley-Old Tappan.

8. Tenafly (6-2; 6-2; 36)

The Tigers ended a two game losing streak by defeating their next two opponents by a combined score of 90-12. Brian Sherman is a solid senior running back who guides the Tiger’s offense.

The Question: Will Kittatinny’s rocket charged offense and River Dell’s air tight defense meet up in the finals? (Hopefully, Dell will get the 2-seed and let it be a possibility.)

North II – Group 2 (after 8 games)

1. Morris Hills (7-1; 56)
2. West Essex (7-1; 55)
3. Hanover Park (5-3; 32)
4. Chatham (5-3; 30)
5. Caldwell (4-4; 30)
6. Ridgefield Park (5-3; 28)
7. Madison (4-4; 26)
8. Bernards (4-4; 22)

North II – Group 2

1. Morris Hills (7-1; 8-1; 56)

The Scarlet Knights features a dangerous multifaceted attack lead by Dan Kellner, Colin Be, Justin Dolinowski, Derric Torres and Luke Mirabella. Now that Dolinoski back from a shoulder injury, the Scarlet Knights offense should overwhelm defenses, setting up the Knights-rematch with West Essex, who the lost to 28-7.

2. West Essex (7-1; 8-1; 55)

The Scarlet Knights boast one of the best defenses in North Jersey. Six of their eight wins are by shut out. They have not let up more than one touchdown in a game and 20 point over-all! Anthony Hayek – who is almost ready to return - is a dominate force on both offense and defense. The Scarlet Knights have a handful of talented and able backs ready to carry the ball including Andrew Cross, Mike Agrifolio and John Locascio.

3. Hanover Park (5-3; 5-4; 26)

The Hornets battled through a stint without standout Ryan Hinton. Phil Gatti, Alex Ardolino, Evan Picariello and Pete Nagy stepped it up when the Hornets needed it most. Hinton’s touchdown spurred

Hanover Park to a 7-6 upset victory over West Essex in Week 7. The Hornets have lost tough, tough games to Morris Hills, Chatham and Mendham – all of which were very close.

4. Chatham (5-3; 5-4; 30)

Another IHC team that has been in ever game until the end. The Cougars may have found their stride just at the right time. Cam Wood and Kyle McDoughna are as powerful as any back in the Hills Division. All three of the Cougars losses have been heart breakers. West Essex shut out the Cougars, but many wondered if the Cougars stayed vanilla knowing that the game had no effect on there post-season and conference.

5. Caldwell (4-4; 4-4; 30)

The Chiefs have dropped three straight entering the playoffs. One touchdown losses to Madison and Montville have haunted the Essex County School. Quarterback Derek Lawshe and RB Corey Patterson help aid the Chiefs offense.

6. Ridgefield Park (5-3; 6-3; 28)

A good record, but a lack of power points drops the Scarlets to #6. Craig McLean, Pete Kraljic and Hasham Sohail all contribute to the offense. The Scarlets rolled off four straight victories after opening with two losses. They enter the playoffs on a two game winning streak.

7. Madison (4-4; 4-4; 26)

The Dodgers almost knocked off Delbarton in week 3, but moral victories account for zero power points. An unexpected 14-7 loss to now 3-6 Orange really confused many who tried to figure out the seeding this section. Junior QB Sean Allen can pick apart defenses. A win against Pequannock in week 7 secured up a postseason seat for the Dodgers and 1^st year coach Chris Kubic.

8. Bernards (4-4; 4-5; 22)

The Mountaineers are actually heading into the states with a losing record. The new addition Skylands-Raritan League had to win three straight to qualify and did just that. Wins over North Warren, South Hunterdon and Somerville allowed the ex-Colonial Hills Conference team into the show.

The Question: Many though this was a cake walk section for West Essex, but This could be a very solid section. Madison was seconds away from upsetting Delbarton. Hanover Park has beat West Essex and was close with Morris Hills and Chatham was on a roll and has been in every game until last week … so who can beat West Essex?

Friday Night Football Highlights

Dover 20 - Parsippany 0
West Essex 21 - Chatham 0

Football North I & II -- Group 1

All standings, record and points are taken from information from http://www.gridironnj.com/ :

North I – Group 1 (after 8 games)

1. Hasbrouck Heights (8-0; 47)
2. Hawthorne (8-0; 47)
3. Westwood (7-1; 46)
4. Mountain Lakes (8-0; 43)
5. Cresskill (7-1; 33)
6. New Milford (6-2; 32)
7. Glen Rock (5-3; 28)
8. Pompton Lakes (4-4; 26)

Key: Seed. Team (1st 8 games, over-all; power points)

1. Hasbrouck Heights (8-0; 8-0; 47)
The Aviators boast one of the best nicknames in the state and look to return to the state finals, but this time walk away victorious. The rocket-fueled offense has really turned it up in this season scoring almost 31 points a game. Their key victory came with a 14-12 victory over Bogota. Senior tailback Andrew Nass and Junior quarterback Bobby Kistner spark the offensive power.

2. Hawthorne (8-0; 9-0; 47)
Undefeated and tied with Heights, it looks like the Bears will be the #2 seed, according to NJGridiron.com. The Bears are loading up the points, averaging almost 31 ppg. Defensively, the Passaic County school as recorded four shut outs, three in a row before yielding at TD in their finale. Middle linebacker Steve Hein is force in leading the solid defense. Quarterback Jim Zenock calls the shots for the potent offense.

3. Westwood (7-1; 7-2; 46)
The Cardinals averaged 31 points a game in their 6 victories. Westwood then shut out Queen of Peace out of North Arlington before losing to undefeated River Dell in their regular season finale. The offense is lead by the explosive James Taylor. Alex Macchio can fluster quarterbacks in the defensive backfield.

4. Mountain Lakes (8-0; 9-0; 43)
The Herd may have replaced 18 seniors from last year’s state finalist, but there’s no doubt that Jake Tripucka and Ryan Przyborowski can get Mountain Lakes back to Giant’s Stadium. The Herd averaged a whooping 39 points a game while cutting through the Colonials Hills Conference like a hot knife through butter. No one, even perennial Group 1 power Verona, has challenged the impressive small Morris County School and they must be prepared for a completive game. Coach Wilkens, a recent new member of the 300 win club, has been here many times and will have this squad ready.

5. Cresskill (7-1; 7-1; 33)
Kyle Elliott is an efficient passer for the Cougars. Cresskill's only loss was to Hasbrouck Heights-- at Heights -- at the inauguration of their new field. The score: 14-11. The Cougars have exploded on offense, averaging 40.5 point in their final four games. They are scheduled to play New Milford on Thanksgiving.

6. New Milford (6-2; 6-2; 32)
Another team that has fell to Wood-Ridge, the greatly improved Knights are well ahead of last season’s 5-5 campaign. New Milford is lead by Rob Hackett and Will Walsh. AJ Scoppa is a force out of the backfield.

7. Glen Rock (5-3; 5-3; 28)
Chuck Stewart has a knack for finding the end zone and is a versatile offensive threat. The Panthers rally took one in the chin against Paterson Catholic this week and will have to have to recovery quickly if they hope to contain high powered Hawthorne. The Panther defense was not able to stop The Bears on September 15, as Glen Rock fell 42-36 to Hawthorne – remember the Bears have 4 shut outs. The good new is that they did put up 36 points on the #2-seed.

8. Pompton Lakes (4-4; 5-4; 24)
Scott Mahoney and the Cardinals are in at #8. Pompton Lakes only averages 16 points a game and will need a stellar effort from their defense if they are going to stop the Aviators offensive barrage. The Cardinals lost to Hawthorne 12-0 and the only team to hold the Bears to under 26 points!

Potentially best game for the football fan:
(1st) Mountain Lakes at Hasbrouck Heights – great Defense vs. great Offense
(2nd) That winner vs. Hawthorne.

Note switch that order if the 1 & 2 seeds are flopped.

North II – Group 1 (after 8 games)

1. Belvidere (7-1; 49)
2. or 3 - Brearley (7-1; 44)
3. or 2 - Cedar Grove (8-0; 44)
4. New Providence (7-1; 43)
5. Secaucus (7-1; 40)
6. or 7 - Hoboken (6-2; 37)
7. or 6 - Verona (7-1; 37 or 38)
8. Becton (6-2; 32)

Key: Seed. Team (1st 8 games, over-all; power points)

1. Belvidere (7-1; 7-1; 49)
The County Seaters are tallying up the points, averaging over 38 points a game in their 7 victories. Their only loss came at North Plainfield. Mike Mottola is threat to score on the ground as well as bring a recipient of Ian Schreffler’s aerial attack.

2 or 3. Cedar Grove (8-0; 8-0; 44)
The Panthers were knocked out last year by Mtn. Lakes and are hungry to win a title. Cedar Grove lost to Ramsey last year, its only loss in ’06, and evenged that defeat this season with a 7-0 victory. Coming in off three straight shutouts, look for the Grove to battle through this tough section. Sean Smith and Mike Risimini are a great one-two punch out of the backfield. Steve Adams adds another threat to the powerful Panther offense. Drew Evangelista is a steady and experienced place kicker and can be game breaker in the playoffs.

2 or 3. David Brearley (7-1; 7-1; 44)
Earlier this season the Kenilworth-based school, knocked off Rahway, the only team to defeat New Providence, yet New Providence is the only team to knock of Brearley . The Pioneers are also the only team to score more than 7 against the Bears stingy defense that has FIVE shut outs to their credit. Steve Margolin is a big offense threat.

4. New Providence (7-1; 7-1 43)
The Pioneers have rolled off six straight victories since falling to Rahway in Week #2. The perennial Group I contender may looks eager to get back to finals. The last two weeks of October saw NP shut out both Dayton and Hillside. The Pioneers play Governor Livingston on Thanksgiving.

5. Secaucus (7-1; 7-1; 40)
Lucas Litwin, Todd Tartaglia and Bob Roesing can get to the end zone for the Patriots. Coach Charlie Voorhee’s crew has won all seven games since their opening loss to Ramsey – the last a 34-0 victory over Harrison.

6 or 7. Verona (7-1; 7-1; 37 or 38)
The Hillbillies are focused and ready to get back the state finals. Carlo Calabrese is one of the finest linebackers in the state and frustrates defenses offensively. He is without a doubt a key D-1A prospect. The Hillbillies needed to add the Academy of the New Church from Bryn Athyn, PA to grad an 8th game. They suffered a 34-6 defeat at the hands of Mountain Lakes, but have rolled ever since. They will meet Cedar Grove on Thanksgiving.

6 or 7. Hoboken (6-2; 6-2; 37)
While outscoring opponents 302-49 (6-14 in their two losses), the Redwings are the team you want to avoid until the finals. Collin Edwards, Desmond Bates, Jason Montalvo and Cadeam Stevenson allow the Redwings to pound the ball right their opponents. Hoboken has only played two home games all year and the Red Wings look to get back to the finals while on the road.

8. Becton (6-2; 6-2; 32)
The Wildcats had to roll off six straight wins to get to the post season … and they did. Becton averaged almost 41 points in their last 4 victories. They will need to continue that offense prowess if they hope to knock off the County Seaters.

Notes: Cedar Grove & Brearley are tied at 44, but according to http://www.gridironnewjersey.com/ the Panthers should win the tie-breaker; http://www.sidelinechatter/ has the Bears at 2, thus matching up Cedar Grove and Verona two weeks in a row. Either way, here's one time you are you hopingto LOSE THE TIE-BREAKER! That is, unless you want to beat the scarest team in the bracket off the bat.