Andrew Martins, Managing Editor
Last weekend, the Hillsborough Jr. Raiders played a number of football and field hockey games with teams around the region.
The following is a submitted collection of the weekend’s results.
Jr. Skylands Football Conference
RARITAN DIVISION
Hillsborough Varsity Gold (Burke) vs. Voorhees JV Silver: Won 34-0
It was an impressive win for the Boro Varsity Gold Team under the lights at Voorhees. It was a fantastic team effort on both sides of the ball– the offense played like a well-oiled machine and the defense held their ground every chance they got. Here are some of highlights: two touchdowns for Sal Volpe punt block/receiving; one touchdown for Adam Movshin; one for Tyler Minchinard; one touchdown for AJ Johnson; one touchdown for Thomas Amanawanka plus gaining the Boro two extra points; and a catch by Jaime Mazuera. Final score 34-0.
Like the great Babe Ruth said, “yesterday’s home runs do not win tomorrow’s games.” We look forward to next week’s game against Pope.
Hillsborough Patriot JV Gold (Riccardi) vs. Voorhees JV Silver: Won 34-0
This past weekend, the Jr Raiders’ JV Gold team bested the Voorhees Jr. Vikings 34-0. The Raider offense was led by quarterback Tyler Van Cleef, who scored the Raiders’ first touchdown on a 13-yard run and later connected with Hudson Ruh for a 46-yard touchdown pass. Jake Battagliese and Daniel Allen each contributed a touchdown run of 20 yards or more. The Raiders’ special team’s unit had quite a night with four punt returns of at least 25 yards or more, including a 46-yard touchdown returned by James Ruh III. Cynthia Akosua, Ian McCauley, and Austin Quandt each tallied a successful PAT for the Raiders. Allen also had a late game fumble recovery after a punt.
Late in the second quarter, the Jr. Vikings made a push toward the end zone with a drive that included an 18-yard pass completion. However, the Jr. Vikings were held scoreless by the Raider defense, led by Pierce Skala, who had a stellar night with six recorded tackles, including two sacks and one tackle for loss. His performance was complimented by Battagliese, Ruh, Quandt, Tyler Jackson, and Jonathan Lobelo; each of whom tallied at least four tackles, including one tackle for a loss.
This week the Raiders will return home to face off against the Pope John Jr. Lions.
DELAWARE DIVISION – Varsity
Hillsborough Varsity Red (Shelton) vs. Phillipsburg Varsity Red: Won 14-6
The Varsity Red Raiders are 2-0 after defeating a very tough Phillipsburg team 14-6. Miller lead the offense, going 4-for-7 for 134 yards and two touchdowns from his quarterback position. Cole Thornton had two catches for 65 yards, including an outstanding 35-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Miller’s PAT was good and gave the Raiders an 8-0 lead. Phillipsburg scored a T.D. in the third quarter in cut the lead to 8-6. Joe Witcoski caught a 9-yard pass from Miller in the fourth quarter to put the game away. Thornton was also the leading rusher for the Raiders with 26 yards on four carries.
On defense, the Raiders were led by Witcoski who had eight tackles and caused a fumble that was recovered by Dalton Crater from his linebacker spot. Anthony Stewart was outstanding in his first game at the defensive end position. Stewart had four tackles while filling in for the injured Raider Charlie Volpe. Kevin Coakley also had four tackles.
The Red Raiders will be looking to improve to 3-0 when they travel to North Hunterdon next Saturday night under the lights.
Hillsborough Varsity White (Nussbaum) vs. Watchung Hills Varsity Gold: Lost 30-0
The Varsity White played host to the Delaware division leading Jr. Warriors under the lights on the Hillsborough High School football field. A malfunction with the National Anthem music produced the night’s first highlight. The Senior Recreational Cheerleaders saved the night and sang the National Anthem, impromptu, without any music.
The White team kicked off to open the game and produce the game’s first turnover as Ryan Tasetano recovered a fumble on the kickoff. Tough Watchung defense forced a quick three and out. The Jr Warriors returned the punt for a touchdown to open the scoring.
After another touchdown by the Jr. Warriors, the teams traded punts and fumble recoveries. Ryan Hauser and Patrick Walsh recovered fumbles for the Varsity White. The half ended with the Jr. Warriors scoring again to push the score to 22-0, each time kicking the extra point.
In the second half, behind the rushing of Dominic Stallard, Dominic Monsorno and the pass catching of Shane Donoghue, the Varsity White moved the ball into the red zone but drives were ended on turnovers.
The Varsity White returns to action in its own division next week as they play for the first time at the Triangle Football complex.
DELAWARE DIVISION – JV
Hillsborough Patriot JV Red (Minetti) vs. Phillipsburg JV Red: Won 18-6
On a hot and humid Saturday morning Hillsborough JV Red won our home opener this weekend 18-6. Ryan Seamon started off the scoring with a 20-yard scamper off the left side. Jack Minetti and Matthew Gaspar also found the end zone for their first touchdowns of the season. Ryan Baker and Anuj Mathur sealed the ends allowing the backfield to continually gain yards on the outside. Defensively the Raiders held Phillipsburg to minimal positive yardage. Alex Reiling and Ryan Baker both had interceptions reading the quarterback perfectly. Jack Falk was continually in the backfield forcing Phillipsburg to scramble. Rishib Chintamani and Ryan Gear both had touchdown saving tackles coming up big in the secondary.
Hillsborough JV Red will be on the road this week traveling to North Hunterdon for an evening game against the Jr. Lions.
Hillsborough Patriot JV White (Drab) vs. Watchung Hills JV Gold: Lost 0-19
It was ‘Saturday night lights’ at Hillsborough High School as JV White battled the Watchung Hills Gold team. The offensive line fought hard led by Gavin Bailey, Xander Borowski, Joey Battoglia, Giuseppe Cicciari, Matt Corson and Jayden Wacaster but it would be tough to move the ball consistently against a big defensive line. Ben Wolen and Garrett Meyer ran tough and would lead the team in carries and yardage. Wolen filled in for the injured Nate Drab at quaterback and put up a gutty performance but would fall short of the end zone.
On defense, the cornerbacks helped seal the edges with Corey Iannucci leading the defensive backfield in tackles. Meyer and Borowski led the linebackers to help stop the run and lead in tackles, but in the end wound end up on the short end of a 0-19 loss.
DELAWARE DIVISION – Pee Wee
Hillsborough Patriot Pee Wee Red (Goldberg) vs Ridge Pee Wee Red: Lost 24-7
It was a game of two halves. While Ridge came out and dominated the first half, the Boro Red squad came out after halftime and responded. Marching down the field scoring on a 10-play drive capped with a two-yard touchdown run by Kyle Simonitis and a successful extra point run by Jayden Carter. The offense was led by a Jayden Carter with 13 carries for 67 yards, Anthony Mayo 10 carries for 22 yards, Kaden Shepler four carries for 16 yards, and Kyle Simonitis with seven carries for 16 yards and an exciting pass in the second half to Matthew Siegelaub for 15 yards.
The defense had a strong game, especially in the second half holding Ridge to just six points. The defense was led by Matthew Seigeluab with three tackles and Jayden Carter and Kyle Simonitis with two tackles each. Also contributing to the defensive effort were Keanu Whittlesey, Zachary Johnson, John McLain, Owen Miller and Ashton Goldberg. Great Effort and focus by everyone! Go Boro!
Hillsborough Patriot Pee Wee White (Amato) – Rockaway Rockets: Scrimmage
Pee Wee White was up to the challenge against Rockaway (an all fourth grade team) in an out of conference scrimmage. After a sluggish first half Pee Wee White dominated the second half. Great offensive line blocking opening big running lanes led by Gavin Wacaster, Reece De Roner, Nick Duarte, Chris Byrns, Mike Araujo, Danny Gaffney and Jeff Progin. Damian Amato rushed for 125 yards, two touchdowns and five pass completions, Andrew Schwarz had 35 yards rushing for one touchdown, Nick McCauley had 45 yards rushing and an extra point conversion, Nick Britanak had 30 yards rushing, Liam Roarty had four receptions for 25 yards and Mason Westlake had one catch for five yards. Defense played strong as a unit led by Aiden Herrera, Tommy Marcketta, Cole Dockhorn, Bradley Thomas, Aiden McKenna, Jack Pankowski.
DELAWARE DIVISION – Flag
Hillsborough Flag Jets (Albert) vs. SBU Bears
The Jets defense played great in this battle against the SBU Bears. They were anchored by tenacious line play from Merrik Brott-Turpie and Logan Call. Jack DeAntonio and Connor Marley provided great support in the defensive backfield.
The offensive standout was Lukas Richards who exploded for two rushing touchdowns. The last one was a 60-yard lightning blot on the last play of regulation. Grant Scholma and Jay Babaria delivered some crushing blocks to free Lukas.
Hillsborough Flag Raiders (Ross) vs. Hillsborough Flag Steelers
The Raiders played great in the second game of the season against a talented Steelers team. The offense was led by Collin Tucker with a long 20-yard run and EJ Risher with a tough 10 yards blast up the middle. Gavin Ross showed his speed and capped off a second half opening drive with an electric 20-yard touchdown run. The offensive line was anchored by Matthew Simonitis at center with solid blocking by Aiden Desatnik, Dante Mayo, Bennett Thomas and Jonathan Albanese. Defensively the Raiders played strong with great efforts by Ryan Shimp and Kevin Van Cleef keeping things locked down in the secondary and awesome flag pulling by Anthony Shrewsbury, Chris Seamon, EJ Risher, Collin Tucker, Gavin Ross and Patrick Murphy who all had at least one flag each. Overall an exciting game and a great team effort on both sides of the ball.
Great game by the Steelers against the Raiders with a last second touchdown. Offense led by Justin Amato with two touchdowns with 55 yards rushing, Matteo Cicciari with 20 yards, Mason Jacquish with 17 yards, Jonah Bergman with nine yards, Ethan Canterbury with three yards and Robbie Jugan with three yards and extra point conversion. Defense was led by Max Communale with two flag pulls, James Casey, Devin Cozine and Brody Walton all had one flag pull.
Jr Raiders FIELD HOCKEY
Little Stix Gold (3-4) vs North Hunterdon 24-1
Little Stix teamwork continues to shine as had their second-straight win 4-1 against North Hunterdon 24-1.
Miranda Trevino, one of our first-year players, nailed the defensive position today knocking the ball out to the sides of the field several times for some great saves in the first half. Sydney Russo kept our offensive line intact as middie while Alexis Shumaker, Brianna Gibson and Samantha Dandy showed of their aggressive attack as midfield in the first half.
Madisyn Freeman and Sara Thompson gave the gold team its second straight win with two goals each. Kaylin Agaman took the ball up and down the field like lightning as she played wing for the first time.
In the second half, Laura Weintraub had some great ball contact as center and had some great breakaways in wing. Peyton Wallace tackled the ball in midfield along with Amelia Patterson and Jessica McKelvey, both also in midfield in the second half.
Little Stix Maroon (3-4) vs Washington 24-1
Little Stix Maroon fought hard at their home game against Washington 24-1, yet finished with a loss of 1-5.
In the first half, the game was tight at 1-2, with Morghan DiGanci scoring a goal, supported by strong wings Alexa Gasper and Taelyn Fedo. In the second half of the game, it was more intense with Washington scoring three more goals. Center Jane Rodriguez played hard, almost scoring a goal with the help of wings Megan Vogt and Anna Antonelli. Strong middie work by Madelynn Taras and Bella Ruh put the pressure on along with defense player Devin Redziniak. Milan Citarella had aggressively fast center plays and the team generated a few corners.
We also wanted to recognize Bella Ruh for a scoring a goal at last weekend’s game against Branchburg.
Junior Stix Maroon (5-6) vs Washington 56-1
The Junior Stix Maroon squad faced-off against a veteran Washington Township team this sunny Sunday afternoon at Woodfield Park.
The first half was played very tough by the Maroons, limiting Washington to two goals. Gabi Mazzeo played great in goal, making multiple saves and kick-clears against the tenacious visitors.
Strong defensive plays by Hailey Vogt and Lexi Kobryn helped change field position through powerful drives out of the circle. This worked especially well in the second half where the mindset was to create some offense. These clearing drives resulted in consistent offense where Maroon players were able to outrun the opponents up the field.
Sophia Jordan made two strong runs late in the game that resulted in corner opportunities for the good guys. The final score was 0-6, Washington on top. The Maroons clap sticks versus the Junior Stix White team at Woodfield next Sunday. Great officiating by the dynamic duo Payton Altman and Jen Myers.
Junior Stix Gold (5-6) vs Franklin 56-1
The Junior Stix Gold Team had a great second game of the season. Despite the 4-1 loss, the girls played with great energy and determination.
Addison Harkin had her first goal of the year, as well as the team’s. The goal was assisted by Emily Enna who received a great pass from Shannon Rice. Shannon did a great job bringing the ball up the field. Team gold is looking forward to next week.
The game was complete with the instructional expertise of our officials Megan Kirby and Payton Altman.
Junior Stix White (5-6) vs Washington 56-2
Junior Stix White played away this week in Washington Township to unfortunate loss being outscored 6-0 by Washington.
After early goals, the Jr Raiders shored up their defense the rest of the game with strong play by Samantha Biondi, Maia Minakas, and Charlotte Maloney.
Mini Chix K-2
Our K-2 coaches and Jr Coaches did a tremendous job at this program’s second week, continuing to inject the love of field hockey into its 27 players. With help from seasoned “senior” clinic players Scarlett Russo & Gianna Sica, the K-2 Mini Chix has great promise and showed that great things come in small packages.
