West Essex defeats Hanover Pk

E. Orange 20-14 Mo. Knolls

East Orange Off To First Final
After Edging Morris Knolls

Story By Steve Tober For sidelinechatter.com

Highlights By Coach Carchietta For MCHSS.net

EAST ORANGE - In his four years as the East OrangeCampus head football coach Marion Bell has been knocking on the door while making the playoffs each and every season at the helm.

Now, he wants to see his team kick the door wide open.

Buoyed by two impressive second-half drives, one of which followed a turnover and was turned into a subsequent game-winning touchdown march, the Jaguars earned a first-ever trip to the playoff championship game with a pulsating 20-14 semifinal victory over Morris Knolls on Friday night before 2,000 fans at Paul Robeson Stadium.

“It feels real good and I’m proud of my coaches, who have spent so much time preparing for each game, and, of course, for the kids, who worked so hard and persevered,” said Bell. “Yeah, we’ve been knocking on that door and we certainly want to kick it in by winning a championship in two weeks!”

East Orange (10-1) will meet Saturday’s Ridgewood-Montclair winner in the North 1, Group 4 final, probably at Giants Stadium the weekend of Nov. 30-Dec. 2.

In a game where Jaguar standouts such as sophomore quarterback Quadir Pendleton, wide out Akeem Cunningham and wide receiver-safety Carlo Thomas all made big plays, it started out as a case where Morris Knolls was dominating on the ground for the game’s first half.

In fact, the Golden Eagles’ Kellan Cardio couldn’t believe how wide the alleys were that his Morris Knolls offensive line was creating as he and Frankie Trivigno were amassing impressive chunks of yardage on the ground against East Orange.

However, just one critical turnover was all that would matter as East Orange took full advantage of its golden opportunity, mounting a critical third-quarter drive off a fumble return en route to its victory.

“We were running through them like butter,” said Cardio, who finished with 24 carries for 95 yards, while Trivigno (13 for 180) was also breaking free for long gainers of 28 or more yards on four different rushes. “One turnover, which occurred when we thought we were going in to build our lead turned out to be huge.

“You have to give East Orange credit for taking advantage of what we gave them, but we felt like the game was there for us to win and we just couldn’t finish tonight.”

Morris Knolls, which also lost at East Orange, 26-17, two weeks ago in a final regular season game, finishes the season at 7-4.

The Golden Eagles led, 14-12, and were in the midst of an impressive 84-yard drive from their own 3 to the East Orange 13 on their first possession of the second half when the key turnover occurred. In a game where the veer’s familiar option pitch was rarely needed due to the huge holes for runs up the middle all night long for Cardio and Trivigno, its use in a rare instance at a key juncture turned out to be an event of misfortune for the Golden Eagles.

An errant pitch on a first-and 10 at the East Orange 13 was scooped up by the Jaguars’ Carlo Thomas at his own 5 and returned to the 25, setting the stage for a game-changing, 10-play, 75-yard drive that was capped by Hakeem Harvey’s 4-yard touchdown run with 2:49 left in the third quarter.

With a successful two-point conversion pass, East Orange took a 20-14 lead that would hold up.

“We were rolling before that fumble,” said Morris Knolls linebacker John Cordasco. “Watching our offense run the football so well against their defense for the first three quarters just made us feel we were in a good position to win the game, but, unfortunately, it just wasn’t meant to be.”

As an impressive follow-up to what proved to be its winning touchdown drive, East Orange mounted yet another time-consumming march down the field, eating up 8:50 of the fourth quarter as it ran 19 plays and moved from its own 13 to the Morris Knolls’ 16.

Although the drive ended with a fourth down incomplete pass, the damage had been done as the Golden Eagles had just 2:20 left in the fourth in order to try and mount a last-ditch drive to tie or win the game in regulation.

“At that point we were just trying to run out the clock,” said Bell. “If we scored, fine, but we wanted to keep control of the football and just knock off minutes, which we did.”

A 19-yard run by quarterback Nick DeRosa to his own 31 followed by the Golden Eagles’ first completion of the night with 1:13 left, an 8-yard toss from DeRosa to Ben Margolit, spurred Morris Knolls as it eventually moved to the Jaguars’ 48 on its last-ditch effort in the waning moments. However, a sack of DeRosa by East Orange defensive tackle Julio Geronimo for a seven-yard loss with 5.2 seconds left followed by a pass interception by East Orange’s Akeem Cunningham on the game’s final play closed the door on Knolls’ hopes and their season.

“I felt like I needed to make a play at that point and the sack felt great,” said Geronimo. “Our entire defense stepped it up on the second half and I think our depth may have worn them down a little in the fourth quarter because we had a lot of guys going one way and most of their guys were out on the field the whole time.”
Meanwhile, Knolls finished an eventful season in a very entertaining game, albeit in a loss to a very talented East Orange team.

“We had a great year with a lot of exciting games like this one, but it’s very disappointing to lose in the playoff semifinals,” said Cordasco, who helped lead a spirited effort by the Knolls defense. “We gave it our all out there tonight, but just came up a bit short.”

East Orange, led by its impressive sophomore quarterback Quadir Pendleton (8-of-15 for 103 yards and a touchdown), went on top 6-0 with 2:07 left in the first quarter on a beautiful 19-yard fade pass to Thomas in the left corner of the end zone to finish a 8-play, 73-yard drive.

Morris Knolls responded with an 11-play, 70-yard march capped by Cardio’s 1-yard TD run. Leo Trinidad’s first of two successful extra point placements game the Golden Eagles a 7-6 lead with 10:51 left in the second quarter.

East Orange re-took the lead on a 38-yard option pass from Cunningham to Thomas with 6:47 left in the half for a 12-7 advantage, capping a 7-play, 66-yard advance.

Morris Knolls took a 14-12 halftime lead on DeRosa’s 1-yard QB sneak with 3:03 left in the half to finish a strong 10-play, 71-yard drive.

Morris Knolls, which had a 311-173 edge on the ground on the night, held a resounding 179-57 rushing edge at halftime.

The Jaguars had 166 yards through the air to only 15 for the Golden Eagles.

MK (7-4) 0 14 0 0 -- 14
EO (10-1) 6 6 8 0 -- 20

EO- Carlo Thomas 19 pass from Quadir Pendleton (pass failed)
MK- Kellan Cardio 1 run (Leo Trinidad kick)
EO- Thomas 38 pass from Akeem Cunningham (run failed)
MK- Nick DeRosa 1 run ( Trinidad kick)
EO- Hakeem Harvey 4 run (Keion Wade pass from Pendleton)

Ramapo Rocks Morris!

The Coach has the Swami Sweating!

It’s Time For Immortal Swami & CoachTo Match Their Wits In Playoff Semis

The Coach’s Comments: Finally, I closed the gap, I scratched, I clawed … and YES!! I am finally even with the ultimate Swami. All tied up at 50-12, that's about 81% for all you non-math majors! But, I know not to count my chickens … or in this case, footballs … making picks this week is a little trying, and tons of research has gone into this analysis. Unfortunately, as most of you know, I do teach at Hanover Park and actually teach many football players, so to avoid hometown cooking (or souring), I have asked the great Swami to yield away from this IHC rematch. Now off to my picks …

The Swami: The secret is out! The venerable and erstwhile Coach, once hidden in some back room closet during lunch hour to hide his identity to the main student populace at Hanover Park-most of whom by the way read this weekly attempt at scholastic pigskin prognostication-is now a known entity at a particular Morris County high school. Tomorrow he’ll be signing autographs during home room. But, not so fast, the immortal Sideline Swami, with freshly glazed crystal ball, sewn turban in place, magic carpet dry cleaned and ready for takeoff, is set to soar back in the lead with his picks as the playoff semis take center stage this weekend. The Coach may be known to some now, but he’s simply an intrusive opposite number in the forecasting game where everyone knows “The Swami Rules!”

Friday night:
North 1, Group 4 -- Morris Knolls at East Orange (rematch #1)

The Coach: I was all over the Eagles two weeks ago when I was sure that Knolls would take down the Easterners of Orange, but alas, our 17-point halftime time was squashed. The campus rolled off 26 straight points en route to a stunning victory over the veer-y-perfect Eagles. The good news for East Orange is that they were able to face the “live” veer for 48 minutes, just two weeks ago. The bad news is that one of the best coaches in the state walks the Eagles sidelines and the Eagles will be ready to win this one! Morris Knolls advances 24-15

The Swami: We don’t believe a single coach has ever defeated a Bill Regan team twice in a season. It seems improbable indeed, but one of the several rematches that are part of this year’s semifinals include a second EO-Knolls encounter in Robeson Stadium. After a stopover at one of the nearby eateries, the Swami will land on the sidelines for this titanic match-up. The fleet-footed and opportunistic Jaguars would seem to be at a disadvantage in facing the immortal Regan for a Round 2, but somehow, we see Marion Bell’s squad doing just enough to make this one a memorable night for the home crowd in Robeson. I can see a Quadir Pendleton to Akeem Cunningham completed pass down the sidelines right now. It will be enough. East Orange 27-21

North 2, Group 1: Verona at Cedar Grove (The Rivalry Game! Round 1)

The Coach: The Hillbillies rolled off 7-staright victories since their sole loss to Mountain Lakes. Things look good in Verona with 21 or more points in each of those wins. Unfortunately, all seven of those games were not against a defense as solid as that of the Panthers. How can you argue with the stunning victory over Hoboken and not expect a state final in the Grovers’ future … Cedar Grove 21-7

The Swami: This is the start of six days of the neighborhood arguments over who is the better football team where some Hillbillies’ backyards actually border Panther territory. Verona showed us a great deal with its ultra-impressive road win at Brearley in the playoff opener, and Coach Lou Racioppe and his staff have regrouped with gusto after an early-season lopsided loss to Lakes. Carlo Calabrese and company will try and will Verona to victory. (BTW, can it get any more exciting than this in public school football circles?) Carlo could have gone to Bergen or Bosco but stayed home to be part of a game like this. He’s a player, and his teammates combine to form a dangerous road team, but, this is Grove. The Panthers’ skill-position people are varied in their abilities and they’re more experienced as a group. Plus, the swarming defense that Ed Sadloch’s crew presents is perhaps even underrated. With all that being said, this could be a classic in the best sense of the word with the home team holding a slight edge. Cedar Grove 24-21

Saturday:
North 2, Group 3: West Side at Morristown

The Coach: The Roughriders snapped a two-game losing streak with their 26-6 victory over Union Hill. Morristown knocked off the defending champions, New Brunswick. Again, you all know how I feel about Morristown’s triple threat of Bass, Carter and Colvin. West Side has the power to match up with Morristown, score for score … but I think Mo-town’s stingy defense will be enough to get them to the final. Morristown 28-14

The Swami: I had the fortune to see Morristown in a tremendous football game earlier this season in the one game it has lost this year. What impressed me beyond the fact that the team is physical and persistent on defense is the fact it can potentially beat you with Michael Colvin’s passing to Jerry Carter, and it can blaze past you with the running of George Bass. West Side has done a splendid job, led by the dynamic quarterback Anthony Baskerville and backs Jonathan Quallis and Carlos Cox, but I don’t think the Roughriders are ready for the lock-down defense of the Colonials. Morristown 20-13

North 1, Group 2: River Dell at Lenape Valley

The Coach: The Super-Schwam really threw a wrench in The Coach’s tricycle here. The Golden Hawks have it all … an explosive offense and a defense that just does not give up points. The Jefferson Falcons learned that the hard way … and you know that give the Dell a ton more confidence going into this game against another SCIL team. Matt Connolly, Dan Chiarello and Blake Crouch can get the Hawks to the end zone quickly and often. Lenape Valley beat Jefferson 34-7 earlier in the year. Trevor Stempert and Mike Moschella have been key players for Lenape. Who will prevail, the Patriots’ rocket charged offense or River Dell’s airtight defense? I will always go with “DEFENSE” this time of year. The Lenape Valley following got a little free game time last week and may get more this week – you get a OT here too. River Dell 21-14 in OT!

The Swami: During his past life as one of the architects of the Glen Rock run-and-shoot offense, River Dell Head Coach D.J. Nimphius proved to be a dynamic coordinator. In his four years with the Golden Hawks his teams have kept taking a step up. My contacts in Bergen County indicate that now, they are ready to soar right toward Giants Stadium in two weeks. Lenape Valley survived in two overtimes against Mahwah. The SCIL did not have a terrific year outside of Kittatinny’s incredible campaign. The best of the BCSL gets the better of Sussex in this one. River Dell 28-14

North 2, Group 2: Chatham at Morris Hills (rematch)

The Coach: I heard that even John Garzone is going to be this game and that Coach Sabo has asked the 1989 MH Football alum to make the pregame speech - not only that ... Sabo has also called on Ralph Natoli to sing the national anthem in his home town of Rockaway Boro!! That rascal that vandalizes the NJO forum may be be leading the alumni section in the house that Verdun built! Let me tell you, they know how to treat Press there at MoHills. Preferred parking, plenty of booth space and Mr. Lusardi passing along rosters to all who walk near that great snack booth that is only second to one at West Essex! (thanks for the chicken sandwich!!) But I know you really care about the game. Chatham was close to knocking off Hills earlier this year, but the Scarlet Knights’ defense came up big near the goal. Chatham looked great against Caldwell and really played perfect ball while dominating the Chiefs. Chatham can pound the ball at you and reminds me of the old-school Bill Parcells’ NY Giants that controlled the ball and punched it in. Chatham has cut down on their red zone mistakes and this should come up big against a Morris Hills’ that was just flat out sloppy in the 1 st half against Bernards. I did love the air-Sabo attack of Morris Hills last week and that may be the difference in this game. If Hills gets a 2 TD lead at any point, consider this one over. Morris Hills will be going to the show for the 1 st time since 1989 – no way I can pick against my flesh and blood here! Morris Hills 28-14

The Swami: One of the most enjoyable times this scholastic sports pundit has had in the last decade was jumping on the bandwagon of Chatham in 2005 during a memorable playoff run that included classic-like road wins at Caldwell and Orange before running into a bigger and stronger team in Lodi in the North 2, Group 2 final at Giants Stadium. It’s tough to compare teams. Don Dayon’s latest edition is a ground-oriented machine in the making with an occasional breakaway Cam Wood kick or punt return thrown in. Morris Hills, on the other hand, has shown a resiliency in picking up the pieces after a lopsided loss to West Essex earlier this season to play impressive football over the past month. Justin Doniloski, a very important two-way player for the Scarlet Knights, is healthy again, and his presence at halfback and linebacker is huge. Plus, the Ken Kellner to Doug Dudek pass-catch combo is ever present. Chatham is on the rise, but the feeling is the home team is Meadowlands-bound. Morris Hills 21-13.

Non-Public, Group IV: St. Peter's Prep-Bergen Catholic

The Coach: The Swam is also at a big advantage here, as I really do not brush up on these teams and … well … he knows everything. So I am not going to tell you anything that you do not already know. Bergen Catholic’s only loss came to Don Bosco. St. Pete’s averages almost 50 points a game. The skill goes deep on both squads, but I watched St. Peter’s just reload as the heat set at Giants Stadium. I am sure that the Crusaders have the same loaded arsenal in the wings – Bergen Cath. Man-handled Red Bank Catholic. All I know is that this should be great football when you can build All-Star teams of this magnitude: Bergen Catholic: 35-28

The Swami: Give Fred Stengel and company credit. A lot of folks were bidding him adieu even before the season started after last year’s less than satisfactory campaign. But, B.C. has bounced way back this fall, behind a strong offensive line and a wealth of competent defenders. It is not an explosive team, nor is it as athletic as St. Peter’s Prep, which, of course, boasts the state’s No. 1 player in Florida-bound Will “The Thrill” Hill. The Thrill has taken over enough games in the past two years. He’s certainly capable of doing it one more time before having to face No. 1 Bosco. St. Peter’s Prep 31-24

Live from Indian Hills - Girls

Mendham vs. Ramapo

7:30 -- game on!
7:37 -- (corrction) Graziano scores: Mendham scores on a bouncer past the goalie (6th Minute)
7:44 -- Curtiss scores on a low liner (12th Minute)

8:13 -- Halftime -- Mendham leads 2-0
8:25 -- 2nd half underway. PO has taken two long shots and looks to challenge Mendham from the perimeter.Mendham leads 2-0! (35:00 left)
8:26 -- RAMAPO SCORES -- another long shot and Ramapo Katie Wiederhold connects with 33 left...

8:37 -- both teams are taking chances, but neither has converted ... 24:00 left

8:44 -- PO keeps launching shots, quick pace, but still no scoring ... 18:40 left

8:49 -- Ramapo still attacking, no luck yet ... 12:10 left
8:56 -- Mendham's Pierson makes an unreal save, sprawling out to the corner and stopping a sure goal from with 5 yards ... rebound is hit wide. Ramapo is really pressing ... 5:30 left ...
Mendham leads 2-1

8:58 -- Ramapo -- a direct kick from #2 Shulte goes through traffic and finds the inside of the far post, trickling in ... TIED GAME ... 3:25 left.

9:03 -- Tied at 2 --- OVERTIME

9:18 -- Tied after 1st OT (Pierson made a siving save with about 1 minute left to keep it tied!)

9:25 -- 3:01 into 2nd OT RAMAPO BECCA COOKE SCORES!!!

RAMAPO WINS!

Great Season Mendham!!

Live from Indian Hills - Boys

Boys Soccer:

Par Hills vs. Ramapo

5:21 pm: Ramapo leads 2-0 with twenty minutes left in the 1st half
5:29 pm: #21 Ramapo makes it 3-0
5:46 Halftime
5:58 Start of 2nd half
6:06 still 3-0 Ramapo - PH just missed a header that sailed over the net
6:16 Still 3-0 (19:00 left)
6:22 Ramapo Scores (4-0)#17 Solecitto scores on a open goal off a shot that hit the post.

6:24 Ramapo Scores (5-0) #21 Santaniello on a break away. (12:50 left)

6:34 (2:40 left) still 5-0 Ramapo
6:38 (FINAL) 5-0 Ramapo


Scoring Summary:
1 - RAM Fiorenzo (1st half)
2 - RAM Breauklt (1st half)
3 - RAM Santaniello (1st half)
4 - RAM Santaniello (2nd Half)
5 - RAM Santaniello (2nd Half)

Chatham wins Group 2

North 2 - Group 2 (saturday)