On Sunday, Sept. 8, the Hillsborough Dukes played the second home game of the season at Hillsborough High School.
The Dukes opened their season on Aug. 25, where all five Dukes teams had successful games with wins on all levels. This week’s competition proved to be another successful weekend for most of the teams, as well. Next weekend, the Dukes will be traveling for the first road trip of the season.
8U Team
On Sunday, Sept. 8, the 8U Hillsborough Dukes hosted the Hamilton Revolution.
Despite a tough loss for the 8U team, there were some standout plays by the Dukes.
The first half was lead offensively by Mason Smith with several long runs. Defensively, Matthew Gubitosa, Jackson Karsay, Ta’Marie Fair Drakeford and Josiah Malek made key tackles. Jake Jones stopped a two-point conversion.
Offensively in the second half, Mason Smith ran for a touchdown. Defensively, Cameron Fitchett, Wyatt Mankowski, Matthew Fedora and Gavin Mankowski came up with a big tackles. Mason Smith recovered a fumble.
The team will travel next week on Sunday, Sept. 15, to Staten Island.
10U Team
In a defensive battle, the Dukes 10U team pulled off a tight 7-6 victory against the Staten Island Lions on Sunday, Sept. 8.
The turning point in a 0-0 stalemate, happened late the first half when Gavin Glazewski and Jack Schmelzer blocked a punt. Once the Dukes picked up momentum, on the next set of downs, Xavier Harrigan ran for a 20-yard touchdown to put the Dukes up 7-0.
Ryan Spinelli added to the offensive battle with runs converting multiple first downs.
The win was solidified after the Dukes defense kept the Lions from converting their point after touchdown and held them for a 7-6 victory.
The 10U team will travel to Bayshore for the upcoming week’s game.
12U Team
On Sunday, Sept. 8, the Dukes were at their home field playing against the 12U Hamilton team. The Dukes started the game off fast with Cole Hayden running for a 70-yard touchdown, a 65-yard touchdown and a 60-yard touchdown, as well.
The offensive line performed great, too, making holes for William Hayes, Logan McDermid and Cole Hayden.
Cole Hayden scored a fourth touchdown, as well on special teams, where he returned a punt.
Defensive standouts for the day were Brenden Barker, Kevin Jones and William Hayes.
On Saturday, Sept. 14, the Dukes will meet the undefeated Edison Jets in Edison under the lights.
14U Team
The Dukes 14U Team secured another win this weekend. The Dukes out played the Bridgewater Panther, bringing home a 27-6 victory.
The 14U Team will hit the road this coming weekend, when they face off against the South River Knights on Sunday, Sept. 15.