Jr. Raiders youth football teams advanced to championship games with convincing wins over the weekend.
The Jr. Raiders varsity defeated the Somerville-Branchburg Jr. Pioneers, 38-0, to advance to the JSFC finals. Sean Levonaitis returned the opening kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown, and the Jr. Raiders never looked back.
The Jr. Raiders offensive line of Michael Clerico, Tommy Haber, Ric Sarkar, Adam Schebece and Jon Seaton dominated the line of scrimmage. The Raiders scored on touchdown runs by Levonaitis (2), Nate Esteem and Joey Coviello. Tom Ramsey kicked 4 extra points.
The Jr. Raiders defense shut out the high-scoring Somerville offense behind the solid secondary play of Matt Michinard, Nick Fox, Anthony Shields and Alex Marsh. The run defense was led by Kevin Klein, Kevin Rolon, AJ Vinchur and Mike Swetz.
The Jr. Raiders will play Hunterdon Central at home on Saturday at 8 p.m. in the championship game.
Boro JVs over P’burg û
On a brisk fall evening, the Hillsborough Jr. Raiders Skyland JV team (5th & 6th grades) defeated the Philipsburg Little Liners in first-round playoff action Saturday at Hillsborough High School.
Boro jumped out quickly in the first quarter after Thomas Amankwaa returned a P’burg punt 47 yards to paydirt. Amankwaa scored all three touchdowns on the day, including a 75-yard blast over the left side behind blocks by FB Tyler Michinard, TE Ethan McLaughlin, flanker Ryan Vierbuchen and split end Mikey Kondratuik.
Amankwaa’s last touchdown was a 30-yard shot through the middle of the Liners defense behind blocks by center Sal Volpe, tackle Even Swearengen and downfield by guard Jason McLain. Kicker Vierbuchen made 2 of 3 extra points.
The third was a low snap scooped up by holder Michinard and tossed to Amankwaa in the end zone for the 1-point conversion.
Boro again received a full team effort defensively, with contributions from all over the roster. Boro was led as usual by middle linebacker Sal Volpe. The defensive line of Jamie Mazuera, McLaughlin, Marc Gulla, Swearengen and Will Dixon, was routinely in P’burg’s backfield and notched several sacks and tackles for loss.
With the win, the Jr. Raiders advance to the championship game Saturday, Nov. 21, at 5:30 p.m. at Hillsborough High School. They will host Watchung Hills team, whom they beat, 12-0, in week 2 of the regular season.
