The Hillsborough Jr. Raiders increased their record to 5-0 by defeating the Jr. Pioneers from Somerville-Branchburg United, 32-7, in a Skyland Conference varsity matchup Somerville.
The Raiders scored 30 points in the first half by dominating the line of scrimmage.
Nathan Estime led the way by scoring three touchdowns behind blocks from Jon Seaton, Adam Schebece, Ricky Sarkar, Tommy Haber and Michael Clerico. Nate converted his second score on a 4th and 7 from the Jr. Raiders 45-yard line by taking an option pitch from Tommy Ramsey 55 yards for the score.
Tommy Ramsey converted 3 of 4 PAT kicks, with excellent execution by snapper Luke Popadiuk and holder Sean Levonaitis. Levonaitis also added a score on a 22-yard touchdown run behind a kick-out block by TJ Schultz.
The Jr. Raider defense shut down the passing attack by an athletic Pioneer team. Kevin Klein and TJ Schultz led the way on the line. Matt Michinard and Kevin Rolon played well in the secondary.
The Jr. Raiders play the Jr. Canucks from North Plainfield on Saturday at Hillsborough High School at 7:30 p.m.
Skyland JV
Under the lights of Torpey Field, the Hillsborough Jr. Raiders JV team (5th & 6th grades) battled Somerville-Branchburg United and emerged with a 38-13 victory.
Following an electric opening kickoff return by Thomas Amankwaa, SBU buckled down and gave Boro quite a test. The first half ended with the Raiders leading, 18-13.
After a few halftime adjustments, Hillsborough shut out SBU on defense and scored three more times on offense.
Defensively, the Raiders were led by Sal Volpe in the middle, ends Jamie Mazuera, Andrew Santa Barbara and Will Dixon. Linebacker/safety Leo Schiro had a pick-six interception for a score. This was Schiro’s fourth swiped pass in three games.
Offensively, Boro was again paced by the amazing Amankwaa, who followed that kickoff return with three more scores. In the 2nd half, Ryan Vierbuchen capped a long drive with a touchdown plunge of his own. The Raiders offensive explosion was keys by offensive linemen Mark Gulla, Rohan Deb, Sal Volpe, Jason McLain, Evan Swearengin and tight ends Ethan McLaughlin and Mike Kondratiuk.
The Jr. Raiders host the No. Plainfield Jr. Canucks on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Hillsborough High School.