The Jr. Raiders varsity defeated the North Hunterdon Jr. Lions, 35-0. The Jr. Raiders started their first defensive series with an interception by TJ Schultz. On the first offensive play Nate Estime dashed for a 30-yard touchdown. Tommy Ramsey completed the PAT kick.
The Jr. Raiders scored on their next possession with a 46-yard touchdown pass from Ramsey to Gavin Houser. The defense held strong behind Justin Dietrich, Kevin Klein, George Ma and Mike Swetz. Matt Michinard intercepted a pass.
Offensively, Dietrich, Schultz and Sean Levonaitis scored on rushing touchdowns behind dominant blocking by linemen Jon Seaton, Rick Sarkar, Michael Clerico and Tommy Haber.
The Jr. Raiders are now 3-0 and will travel to Ridge next Saturday to face the Jr. Red Devils.
Skyland JV (5th and 6th Grade)
The Hillsborough Jr Raiders JV team (5th & 6th grades) thwarted the upstart North Hunterdon Jr. Lions (2-0), 35-0, on Saturday under the lights at Hillsborough High School.
The Jr. Raiders got contributions from a host of players. Tailback Thomas Amankwaa broke loose on one of his signature long runs to score the game’s first touchdown.
He was matched this night by Mayson Lane, who notched his first score of the year on a 50-plus yard scamper of his own to cap the scoring on the night. In between, the Raiders marched up and down the field behind tough runs and bruising blocking by fullbacks Ryan Vierbuchen and Andrew Santa Barbara.
Offensive star of the night goes to Tyler Michinard with two touchdowns, including the team’s first TD reception, connecting with QB Jamie Mazuera on a score in the 2nd quarter.
Defensively the Jr. Raiders stymied the Jr. Lions all game. Led by middle linebacker Sal Volpe, ’Boro’s stout run defense forced North into a one-dimensional passing attack. DEs Will Dixon and Mazuera were up to the task, with each notching two tackles for loss. Feasting on all that pressure, LB/safety Leo Schiro picked off two passes on the night.
The Jr. Raiders (3-0) look forward to visiting rival Ridge (3-0) in a mid-season clash of titans on Saturday, Oct 3, at 5:30.