Greater NJ AYF Raritan Division
Hillsborough Varsity Gold (Burke) vs. Hunterdon Central Varsity Gold: Won 22-0
Hillsborough JV Gold (Minetti) vs. Middlesex 11U: Lost 33-0
Hillsborough JV Gold suffered a devastating loss this week to the hands of out of conference opponent Middlesex. The first defensive series nose guard Xander Borowski had three quick tackles in the backfield and it looked like Hillsborough would be in good shape. The next offensive drive Nate Drab lead the offense down the field before losing momentum and eventually being forced to punt. From that moment, Middlesex took over and never looked back. Hillsborough will bounce back strong this week with it’s first in-conference game vs. Hunterdon Central Red Devils.
Greater NJ AYF Delaware Division
Hillsborough Varsity Red (Ruh) vs. Hillsborough Varsity White: Lost 12-18
Red Raiders came out of the gate strong with a Pick 6 by Tyler Van Cleef and a fumble recovery for a touchdown on the kick off. All in all, the Red Raiders played well except for two big mental mistakes, one on a kick-off return and one on a blown pass coverage. The Raiders played their hearts out and the coaches were proud of them. We have Pburg this Saturday, we have a lot of work to do to get ready.
Hillsborough Varsity White (Shelton) vs. Hillsborough Varsity Red: Won 18-12
In a very hard fought game, the Hillsborough Varsity White team edged out the Hillsborough Varsity Red team 18-12.
In the first quarter, the Red team jumped out in front and a 45-yard interception return by Tyler Van Cleef after a big hit from Nick Santa Barbara on White QB Ryan Laties. The extra point was no good.
Kevin Shelton took the ensuing kickoff all the way back to the 50-yard line. But after several first downs, the first quarter ended. The White Raiders then got on the board in the second quarter after a 2-yard run by Shane Powell. The extra point was no good and the game was knotted up at six points a piece.
On the very next kickoff, Daniel Rymarkewicz kicked the ball deep to Santa Barbara who took the ball up the middle and was hit hard and fumbled, only to be scooped up by Red’s Van Cleef who rumbled 55 yards for his second touchdown of the game. Again the extra point failed and Red Raiders held a 12-6 lead with halftime approaching.
The offensive line of James Barone, Nick Koll, Jack Miller, Jack Myers, Ryan Vladyka, Nick Deluca and Jayden Wacaster along with TE’s Connor Decker and Remarkewicz, controlled the line of scrimmage for most of the game. The potent running game could not have been without this group.
The White Raiders will now prepare for a crossover game this coming Sunday with Montclair.
Hillsborough JV Red (McLain) vs. Voorhees JV Red: Won 7-0
After a soggy week of practice, the weather finally broke and made for a beautiful evening as JV Red traveled to Voorhees for a ‘Saturday Night Lights’ battle.
The Jr. Raiders came out ready to play, as a staunch defensive effort shut down the Vikings from the first snap. The defensive line plugged up holes which paved the way for linebackers, led by Kyle Simonitis with a team high six tackles, to step in and shut down the run. On the flip side, the Jr. Raiders offensive line led by Matty Miller, Zach Johnson, Ayden Herrera and Brandon Lew, blew open holes which allowed the offense to run the ball effectively and dominate in time of possession throughout the first half.
Voorhees did manage to move the ball in the fourth quarter as they pounded their big fullback up the middle, gashing the Jr. Raiders Defense. They marched deep into Jr. Raiders’ territory with under five minutes remaining in the game. But once again, the defense dug deep and on a 4th down and inches, the game on the line, the Voorhees run was stuffed by the defensive. What could be the coaching call of the game, head coach Tom McLain called a safety blitz with Kyle Simonitis shooting the gap and helping to stuff the runner in the backfield. The turn over on downs would then allow the Jr. Raiders to salt away the clock and seal the game with a 7-0. The JV Red squad avenged last week’s loss and is now 1-1 on the season.
Hillsborough Pee Wee Red (Albert) vs. Philipsburg Pee Wee Red: Won 12-0
The Pee Wee Red Raiders bounced back with an impressive 12-0 shutout of Phillipsburg on Saturday afternoon. The team defense was outstanding! Cornerbacks Logan Redziniak and Chase Shepler played excellent contain forcing the Pburg backs to run up the middle and into the waiting arms of Owen Miller who seemed to be everywhere. Miller led the team with 10 tackles and several in the backfield. He also contributed 87 yards rushing on the offensive side of the ball.
Mason Westlake used an uncommon combination strength and speed to steamroll his way to 112 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Joandel “Bull” Nebot-Toro and Reece Deroner dominated on the offensive line to open holes for Westlake and Miller.
Gavin Ross showed off his canon going 2-3 throwing the ball for 25 yards to his favorite target – Chris Byrns. Byrns also combined with Conor Albert for a sack.
Hillsborough Pee Wee White (Ughetta) vs. Hunterdon Central Pee Wee Red: Won 12-6
Flag
Hillsborough Flag Chiefs (Lewis) vs. Hillsborough Flag Jets (Abline)
The Chiefs could not keep up with the running game and clock management of the Jets. Ultimately, the Chiefs’ defense was worn down by the Jets’ offense. There were bright spots for the Chiefs despite their 12-0 loss. James Davis led the way on offense with impressive running. Marley Norin, Bennett Thomas and Dylan Araujo led the way on defense with two flag pulls each.
Hillsborough Flag Chargers (Cebula)
The Chargers were on a bye week, but took the opportunity to have a practice and further install our playbook.
Hillsborough Flag Raiders (Zagari) vs. Somerville 1/2
The Raiders took to the field on a bright, sunny Saturday morning. The Raiders started off the game on defense and made some great stops in the backfield and recovered a fumble. The offense was led by Joseph DiNuzzo at QB. Joe had some nice runs and showed off some great footwork. Ryan Zagari at RB, scored a touchdown on a long run up the middle and kept some drives going with some hard rushes through the middle of the defense. The touchdown and offensive drives were made possible by good blocking. Shaan Mansukhani made many key blocks on the OL and opened up the hole for the touchdown run. Jaxon Kipila was a strong blocker and helped pave the way for the running game and was stout defensively. Overall, every Raider played hard and with a lot of energy. The coaches and the fans were proud of the Raiders sportsmanship and look forward to the next game.
Hillsborough Flag Eagles (Horta) vs. Somerville K
The team played well as unit with good blocking from Xavier Avila-Mejia, Chayce Malbon, Benjamin Steinhauser, Parker Shimp and Oliver Sprague. That opened up lanes for five touchdown runs. Liam McKenna and Jaxon Grant both used their speed to get to the outside and run away from the defense for their touchdowns. Jackson Shrewsbury took a hand-off and ran up the middle and side stepped one defender to take it in for a touchdown. Sophia Montes and Konstatine Ivanko used some shifty moves to score a touchdown each. On defense, we had good play from Sophia Montes, Konstaine Ivanko and Lillian Orr.
Coed
Hillsborough introduced a new football program this past Sunday. For the first time in two weeks, the sun was brightly shining for over 100 kids as they ascended on the Triangle Football complex for the first weekend of Coed Flag football. The new program is comprised of two coed divisions (3-5 graders) and (6-8 graders). This weekend’s games all proved to be highly competitive with many of the kids having the opportunity to play quarterback and receiver. Throughout the coming weeks stay tuned as we update you on the weekly results of the league. There is still plenty of time to sign up to play in this fun Sunday morning coed football league.
Jr Raiders Field Hockey
Mini Chix (K/1) (Fedo)
Despite the heat, the young girls have been learning tons about field hockey! We continue to practice holding our sticks right and dribbling up and down the field. Fun games like steal the bacon and scrimmaging bring the best out of the girls. Keep up the great work!
Little Stix Maroon (2-4) (DiGanci) vs. Lebanon: Lost 0-3
Little Stix Maroon lost a hard fought game to Lebanon in their season opener. After not playing or practicing for over a week, Maroon played Lebanon to a scoreless first half. Lebanon scored three quick goals early in the second half to take the lead.
Maroon wingers had some exciting battles as they worked hard to keep the ball on our offensive line. The center and mid-fielders continued with the offensive pressure while the mild-fielders and defense worked together to protect the net.
The game gave us a great foundation of what the girls are capable of.
Little Stix Gold (2-4) (Vogt) vs. Lebanon: Tie 1-1
It was a beautiful Sunday at Woodfield Park East to finally start the 2018 Little Stix Gold season. The opponent was from the western New Jersey town of Lebanon. The first half was controlled mainly by the Gold, with Bella Ruh and Alexa Gaspar maintaining consistent offensive pressure and registering a few corner opportunities. The score was 0-0 at the half.
The teams flipped sides to start the second half, and eventually, so did the momentum. Alexa Gaspar netted the first goal of the season to allow the Gold to take the lead. At this point, a certain determination took hold of the visiting Lebanon team. The Gold’s defense was put to the test. The entire fourth quarter was played in the Gold’s defensive half of the field. Megan Vogt was a confident and decisive playing sweeper, closing out five or six one-on-one opportunities for Lebanon. After a prolonged attack, with a few corners for good measure, Lebanon finally potted one to tie the game. Megan again swept out the dangerous balls for the final minute of the game, helping to secure the tie.
The entire Team Gold showed that the hard work they put in at practice, especially the extra Saturday practice, turned out to be beneficial against this tough opponent. Sylee Damle & Bailee Wolfe played very strong in the midfield, while Brielle Emmich, Addison Daisey and Olivia Kay played very well in the one-on-one wing boxes.
The Little Stix Gold will cross sticks next Sunday at Branchburg.
Little Stix White (2-4) (Kiernan) vs. North Hunterdon: Lost 2-5
After not practicing all week, we couldn’t have been prouder of our girls. They fought through the entire game and battled the heat! We only had three subs, so it was a lot of work. They knew their positions, and I’m so happy to say they also knew when and when not to go into the circle. Our first goal was scored by Anna after a breakaway with her great stick stills! Our second goal was scored by second grader Sadie. She powered one into the back of the net from just inside the circle with her amazing power.
Junior Stix Maroon (5/6) (Redziniak) vs. Northampton 5/6-1: Lost 1-4
Junior Maroon played their opening game of the season out in Pennsylvania. It was the first field hockey game for many of our new players, and it was great to see how much progress the team is making as a whole.
Highlights from the offense – Northampton scored the first goal, and Maroon responded with Madelynn Taras as Center scoring the next goal to tie the game, supported with an assist from wing Hannah Herterich. They had a few more shots on goal, with a pass also from wing Rebekah Redlich, but their tough defense was able to block it.
Our Mid Fielders and Defenders worked hard today. Highlights this week go to Sophia Bambaci, playing Goalie for the first time, who blocked over six shots. Devin Redziniak as Defender saved the team from more shots on goal and was able to continuously drive it out of the circle. Mid Fielders Evelyn Reese and Isha Swamanathan were aggressive and worked to move the ball past the mid line. Yet, Northampton was able to get three more shots in.
We look forward to next week’s game and watching the team improve each week!
Junior Stix Gold (5/6) (Citatella) vs. Northhampton: Won 6-1
Team Gold had another fantastic win over Northampton 6-1. Hannah Bianchino had another dominating field presence as right wing. Hannah scored two goals both assisted by center Victoria Byra. Hannah then assisted left wing savage player Addison Harkins who also put two goals on the board. Hannah also assisted center Milan Citarella to make it 5-0. Shannon Rice then added the final goal after Northampton scored to make it 6-1 final score!
Kerry Lydon was a beast as sweeper helping Keira Kruchowy, our amazing goalie, keep the opposing team to only one goal. Karolina Dul made excellent efforts bringing the ball up as wing. Natalia Simcak played a great game at midfield causing the defending team to turn the ball over. Jessie Timler played great defense as well, putting pressure on the defense and taking control of the ball. Team Gold is now 2-0 in the season.
Junior Stix White (5/6) (Minakas) vs. Wilson: Won 2-1
The Jr Stix White team came away with a strong victory against Wilson on Sunday afternoon in Hillsborough. Excellent pressure in the opposing circle resulted in two first half goals by Mackenzie Smith, one of them a converted penalty corner assisted by Isabella Franks and Demiana Moleski. Miranda Trevino showed confidence as Goalie with the first half shutout.
Hillsborough was close to converting several second half opportunities, but Wilson showed pressure throughout and was rewarded with a second half tally. Outstanding tacking by Zaina Ahmed and great two-way hustle by midfielder Lindsey Buisson helped to maintain a one-goal lead. The excitement went into the final seconds as second half Goaltender, Maia Minakas, made huge save on a Wilson breakaway, preserving the win for Jr Stix White!
Junior Stix Grey (5/6) (Romano, Freeman, Hand) vs. Wilson: Lost 3-5
Hillsborough Junior Stix Grey 5/6 field hockey team shook off a sluggish first half only to suffer a tough 5-3 defeat to the Wilson 5/6-2 field hockey team. Goalkeeper Kaylin Agaman made several fantastic saves to keep the game close in the first half. Alexis Shumaker, Autumn Pina, and Sara Thompson scored for Hillsborough, with Thompson’s goal coming in the last minute of play. The Junior Stix Grey Team looks to rebound next week at home against North Hampton. Please come out and support our girls.