It is now Sunday night and Week 3 of the local high school football season is still not completely in the books.
After rain-washed away Friday nights contests between West Milford and West Side, Kinnelon and Montclair Kimberly Academy and Lakeland and Butler it seemed like the local football fans would have a full slate of games to watch on Sunday afternoon.
In West Milford the Highlanders improved to 2-1 on the season as they jumped out to a 21-0 lead then held on to beat the Roughriders 21-12.
In Montclair (the Colts game was changed from a home game to an away game) Kinnelon scored early and often as they beat MKA 40-7.
Meanwhile in Butler the only winner was the poor field conditions. Due to a water soaked field the Bulldogs and Lancers had to put their game off for another 25 hours.
The two NHC rivals will now take to the field at 3:00 p.m. on Monday but like their neighboring Colts the Bulldogs will lose a home game to field conditions as the game will now be played at Lakeland.
This weekend’s poor weather has also caused havoc on next week’s local football schedule. In one of the more anticipated games of the season, the Lancers were set to host the Delbarton Green Wave on Friday night.
Since the Lancers will be playing a game on Monday, Friday night’s game has been moved to Saturday night to give the Lancers an extra day of preparation.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Exhibit A for realignment
With the debate going on about the new realignment for high school sports in the state of New Jersey it seems the only thing that the NJSIAA has been able to do is not please anyone. Still, there is no better example as to why something has to be done, sooner rather than later, than Saturday’s game between Delbarton and Pequannock.
Because they are in the same conference of the same league, they face each other every year. In some sports, the schools can compete but in others, especially football, the disparity in the talent level makes this game a mismatch from the onset. Of course, it’s a challenge for Pequannock to face off against one of the better programs in the area but realistically, did anyone think that the Panthers had a chance, even when they jumped out to a 7-0 lead? The kids celebrated that lead, which they held for 3:45, and deservedly so, but it was just a matter of time before the Green Wave was going to get things straightened out and roll over them. The final score was 47-7.
It was obvious who the more talented team was but one could argue that the Pequannock team played just as hard, maybe harder, than their opponents did, and that is at the core of the struggle that faces officials as they try to make the schedules more balanced. Why should a small program like Pequannock play Delbarton every year and suffer the same fate? The past four years the Panthers have been outscored 163-25 losing all four games. What does it prove? It doesn’t help Delbarton; when they went out of their league to play St. Anthony’s of New York they got spanked 52-14, perhaps getting an idea of how life goes for everyone else. They haven’t won a state title in years so does anyone associated with their program really know how good they truly are by playing Pequannock, Butler, Caldwell, and Madison. What do lopsided victories prove, that they have better talent? Was that ever in doubt?
Plus, from a sportsmanship point of view, why was Delbarton throwing the ball after going up by 3 touchdowns? Leading 27-7 they passed for two more touchdowns in the final 1:40 of the first half to take a 40-7 lead. Then, on their first possession of the second half, they completed another touchdown pass that covered 70 yards. This wasn’t a short dump off aided by a bevy of missed tackles. It was a deep post down the middle of the field. Granted the forty-point lead led to a constantly running clock which helped speed up the game’s pace and yes, Delbarton did put in their reserves afterwards, so in essence, they called off the dogs, but it is games like this that helps turn the sentiment towards realignment and against the non-public schools.
Because they are in the same conference of the same league, they face each other every year. In some sports, the schools can compete but in others, especially football, the disparity in the talent level makes this game a mismatch from the onset. Of course, it’s a challenge for Pequannock to face off against one of the better programs in the area but realistically, did anyone think that the Panthers had a chance, even when they jumped out to a 7-0 lead? The kids celebrated that lead, which they held for 3:45, and deservedly so, but it was just a matter of time before the Green Wave was going to get things straightened out and roll over them. The final score was 47-7.
It was obvious who the more talented team was but one could argue that the Pequannock team played just as hard, maybe harder, than their opponents did, and that is at the core of the struggle that faces officials as they try to make the schedules more balanced. Why should a small program like Pequannock play Delbarton every year and suffer the same fate? The past four years the Panthers have been outscored 163-25 losing all four games. What does it prove? It doesn’t help Delbarton; when they went out of their league to play St. Anthony’s of New York they got spanked 52-14, perhaps getting an idea of how life goes for everyone else. They haven’t won a state title in years so does anyone associated with their program really know how good they truly are by playing Pequannock, Butler, Caldwell, and Madison. What do lopsided victories prove, that they have better talent? Was that ever in doubt?
Plus, from a sportsmanship point of view, why was Delbarton throwing the ball after going up by 3 touchdowns? Leading 27-7 they passed for two more touchdowns in the final 1:40 of the first half to take a 40-7 lead. Then, on their first possession of the second half, they completed another touchdown pass that covered 70 yards. This wasn’t a short dump off aided by a bevy of missed tackles. It was a deep post down the middle of the field. Granted the forty-point lead led to a constantly running clock which helped speed up the game’s pace and yes, Delbarton did put in their reserves afterwards, so in essence, they called off the dogs, but it is games like this that helps turn the sentiment towards realignment and against the non-public schools.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Week 3 picks
Week three offers some interesting games, so I will take out the old dartboard once again and try to improve upon my 8-2 record. The weather could make a shambles out of the schedule, but let’s hope not too badly.
Lakeland is playing extremely well on both sides of the ball. They are 2-0, scoring almost 30 points a game, more than enough for their defense to hold. Still, with Delbarton on tap next week, the Lancers need to make sure that this is not a trap game for them against a Butler team that lost to the Green Wave last week. With their pride hurting, the Bulldogs will do all they can to show everyone that they are an improved team, but even then, and on a sloppy track, I think Lakeland wins this game.
Kinnelon beat Pingry in their opener but Kevin White was not pleased with his team’s effort offensively. Again, rain will not help, but they should be able to hold off MKA. Look for QB Brian DeVeau to have another big game while the Colt defense should be able to control the Cougars who have scored just one touchdown in two games while surrendering 86 points.
West Milford has their third straight tough game to open the season this time, its Newark West Side, the defending North 2 Group 3 champions. The Highlanders could have easily won last week against Wayne Valley and should be 2-0, but the Roughriders are an explosive and dangerous team. The weather could help slow down both teams, so if all things are equal, Newark has a slight edge. For the record, I have been wrong in choosing both West Milford games so before any complaints are hurled my way I thought I’d mention that.
Pequannock led for most of last week’s game before Caldwell came back with a 1-point victory. Coming back as they did after the Montville loss shows at least to me that this team has something going for it. Unfortunately, they have to go the Delbarton this week and they just don’t match up very well. They will play as hard and as tough as the Green Wave, but winning this game will be tough. Then again, someone probably said the same thing about Oregon State when they were to face USC last night.
Pompton Lakes has the look of a team that wants to make some noise. After two tough league wins on the road, the Cardinals get to play at home and should be to be unpleasant hosts to Waldwick that lost to Lodi last week 26-0. The Cardinals are playing typical Pompton Lakes football, a lot of heart, maximum effort, and with a chip on their shoulder. No team uses that “Us against the world” mentality better than Pompton Lakes. They are not going to lose their home opener.
Lakeland is playing extremely well on both sides of the ball. They are 2-0, scoring almost 30 points a game, more than enough for their defense to hold. Still, with Delbarton on tap next week, the Lancers need to make sure that this is not a trap game for them against a Butler team that lost to the Green Wave last week. With their pride hurting, the Bulldogs will do all they can to show everyone that they are an improved team, but even then, and on a sloppy track, I think Lakeland wins this game.
Kinnelon beat Pingry in their opener but Kevin White was not pleased with his team’s effort offensively. Again, rain will not help, but they should be able to hold off MKA. Look for QB Brian DeVeau to have another big game while the Colt defense should be able to control the Cougars who have scored just one touchdown in two games while surrendering 86 points.
West Milford has their third straight tough game to open the season this time, its Newark West Side, the defending North 2 Group 3 champions. The Highlanders could have easily won last week against Wayne Valley and should be 2-0, but the Roughriders are an explosive and dangerous team. The weather could help slow down both teams, so if all things are equal, Newark has a slight edge. For the record, I have been wrong in choosing both West Milford games so before any complaints are hurled my way I thought I’d mention that.
Pequannock led for most of last week’s game before Caldwell came back with a 1-point victory. Coming back as they did after the Montville loss shows at least to me that this team has something going for it. Unfortunately, they have to go the Delbarton this week and they just don’t match up very well. They will play as hard and as tough as the Green Wave, but winning this game will be tough. Then again, someone probably said the same thing about Oregon State when they were to face USC last night.
Pompton Lakes has the look of a team that wants to make some noise. After two tough league wins on the road, the Cardinals get to play at home and should be to be unpleasant hosts to Waldwick that lost to Lodi last week 26-0. The Cardinals are playing typical Pompton Lakes football, a lot of heart, maximum effort, and with a chip on their shoulder. No team uses that “Us against the world” mentality better than Pompton Lakes. They are not going to lose their home opener.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
What a win for Pompton Lakes
At times in Saturday’s game against Elmwood Park, you got the feeling it just wasn’t going to be Pompton Lakes' day. Yes, they were able to move the ball on the ground, but the stalwart of the team, the defense, was allowing big plays. Three such plays led to touchdowns for the Crusaders.
They were also the victim of some questionable penalty calls the most egregious was an unnecessary roughness call when Elmwood Park QB Baragon Bradley, who was obviously running towards the sideline , was pushed out of bounds. He had both feet in the field of play and I’m sure his intention was to go out of bounds but with his athleticism, which was on display all afternoon, he could have easily turned up field and picked up additional yards. Plus, if he truly was out of bounds, why wasn’t the whistle blown? Kids are taught to keep going on defense until the play is over. The hit wasn’t hard, if was merely a shove out of bounds. It was a bad call, pure and simple.
Anyway, that led to a score that gave Elmwood Park a 20-13 lead. It looked like it was going to be worse for Pompton Lakes when they had a punt blocked deep in their territory. The Crusaders took over at the Cardinal 11 with 0:18 seconds to go. Instead of trying a play or two into the end zone, their coach Garry Luciani decided to go for a field goal. The kick was missed.
The second half was dominated by the PL defense. EP had the ball for just 5 plays in the third quarter one of which was a punt and another a safety that occurred on the first play for the Crusaders after a valiant goal line stand stopped PL on four successive plays from the 1. Bradley fumbled the next snap and the entire PL defensive line dove on him for the two points.
An illegal block penalty wiped out a 42-yard TD pass from Sean Carey to PJ Rodriguez in the fourth but the offense got one more chance with 3:51 left in the game. Taking over at their 40, Carey engineered a 10-play drive that was highlighted by a Doug Flutie-esque scramble to escape a sack before finding Steve Szwech for a 13-yard hook up and third and eleven. Three plays later, he found Scott Mathews for the game winning touchdown. It was his only catch of the day, but he made it count.
There is no telling what this game will mean to their season until the year is over, but if it ends in a trip to a certain professional Stadium in East Rutherford in early December, everyone will look at this game as the one that propelled them. It was just a great game full of big plays, questionable calls, hard hits, and a game winning two-minute drill.
They were also the victim of some questionable penalty calls the most egregious was an unnecessary roughness call when Elmwood Park QB Baragon Bradley, who was obviously running towards the sideline , was pushed out of bounds. He had both feet in the field of play and I’m sure his intention was to go out of bounds but with his athleticism, which was on display all afternoon, he could have easily turned up field and picked up additional yards. Plus, if he truly was out of bounds, why wasn’t the whistle blown? Kids are taught to keep going on defense until the play is over. The hit wasn’t hard, if was merely a shove out of bounds. It was a bad call, pure and simple.
Anyway, that led to a score that gave Elmwood Park a 20-13 lead. It looked like it was going to be worse for Pompton Lakes when they had a punt blocked deep in their territory. The Crusaders took over at the Cardinal 11 with 0:18 seconds to go. Instead of trying a play or two into the end zone, their coach Garry Luciani decided to go for a field goal. The kick was missed.
The second half was dominated by the PL defense. EP had the ball for just 5 plays in the third quarter one of which was a punt and another a safety that occurred on the first play for the Crusaders after a valiant goal line stand stopped PL on four successive plays from the 1. Bradley fumbled the next snap and the entire PL defensive line dove on him for the two points.
An illegal block penalty wiped out a 42-yard TD pass from Sean Carey to PJ Rodriguez in the fourth but the offense got one more chance with 3:51 left in the game. Taking over at their 40, Carey engineered a 10-play drive that was highlighted by a Doug Flutie-esque scramble to escape a sack before finding Steve Szwech for a 13-yard hook up and third and eleven. Three plays later, he found Scott Mathews for the game winning touchdown. It was his only catch of the day, but he made it count.
There is no telling what this game will mean to their season until the year is over, but if it ends in a trip to a certain professional Stadium in East Rutherford in early December, everyone will look at this game as the one that propelled them. It was just a great game full of big plays, questionable calls, hard hits, and a game winning two-minute drill.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Football picks, week 2
Following an OK 3-1 week, I will give this week's slate of games a shot.
Kinnelon plays their first game at home versus Pingry. This is the dawn of the Brian DeVeau era as his arm and legs will carry the team as far as he can take them. For this, the first week, the Colts should be able to handle Pingry. Yes, they have some questions on defense, but they should be able to work them out in the early games. I think they win this one convincingly and I made it my best bet of the week.
Lakeland square off against Madison and two things to take from the opening win, Dan Deighan can play quarterback and the defense, which was the team's strong suit a year ago, may even be better this year. Last year these two teams played in a double OT thriller, which Lakeland won 35-28. If the Lancers can take this game, they have a chance of being 3-0 before they get their bi-annual visit from Delbarton. First things first, but they should win this game.
The Pequannock Panthers will have the home opener Friday night as they host Caldwell. Last year the Chiefs took it to them winning 36-0 in their playoff season. They opened with a win against Millburn which Pequannock dropped their opener to Montville, 34-6. The Panthers put so much emphasis into the first game that getting the team up following the loss may be difficult. Caldwell should take this one, but if Pequannock can pick themselves off the mat, they should be able to make it a game.
West Milford, following their 14-0 over Teaneck, gets to host Wayne Valley. The Indians dropped their home opener12-7 to Clifton on their new artificial turf field. They will come out looking to make someone pay, but West Milford, who have lost the last three to the Indians, are coming off a big win that was spurred by the defense. If they can continue to play strong defense, when the offense comes around, it could make for an entertaining season. Pay back is the motivator for the Highlanders; they see a reeling Wayne Valley team and they will take advantage.
Butler opens the season Saturday afternoon at Delbarton. The Green Wave lost 52-14 to St. Anthony of NY. That's the kind of score by which Delbarton wins games. They surrendered just 160 points all last year, so they will not be in a very hospitable mood when the Bulldogs come calling. Tough way for the Bulldogs to open the year, but they get it out of the way.
Pompton Lakes will try to go to 2-0 when they travel to Elmwood Park to face the Crusaders. Last week the Cardinals were in an old fashioned bar room brawl with Lodi winning 10-7. The defense looks solid but they will need to generate more offense if they look to make the playoffs again this season. At times the running game looked good as did the passing game, but at other times, the Lodi defense, especially the line, took over the game. Look for the Cardinals to open things up a bit more, stay solid on defense, and come away with a second BPSL victory.
Kinnelon plays their first game at home versus Pingry. This is the dawn of the Brian DeVeau era as his arm and legs will carry the team as far as he can take them. For this, the first week, the Colts should be able to handle Pingry. Yes, they have some questions on defense, but they should be able to work them out in the early games. I think they win this one convincingly and I made it my best bet of the week.
Lakeland square off against Madison and two things to take from the opening win, Dan Deighan can play quarterback and the defense, which was the team's strong suit a year ago, may even be better this year. Last year these two teams played in a double OT thriller, which Lakeland won 35-28. If the Lancers can take this game, they have a chance of being 3-0 before they get their bi-annual visit from Delbarton. First things first, but they should win this game.
The Pequannock Panthers will have the home opener Friday night as they host Caldwell. Last year the Chiefs took it to them winning 36-0 in their playoff season. They opened with a win against Millburn which Pequannock dropped their opener to Montville, 34-6. The Panthers put so much emphasis into the first game that getting the team up following the loss may be difficult. Caldwell should take this one, but if Pequannock can pick themselves off the mat, they should be able to make it a game.
West Milford, following their 14-0 over Teaneck, gets to host Wayne Valley. The Indians dropped their home opener12-7 to Clifton on their new artificial turf field. They will come out looking to make someone pay, but West Milford, who have lost the last three to the Indians, are coming off a big win that was spurred by the defense. If they can continue to play strong defense, when the offense comes around, it could make for an entertaining season. Pay back is the motivator for the Highlanders; they see a reeling Wayne Valley team and they will take advantage.
Butler opens the season Saturday afternoon at Delbarton. The Green Wave lost 52-14 to St. Anthony of NY. That's the kind of score by which Delbarton wins games. They surrendered just 160 points all last year, so they will not be in a very hospitable mood when the Bulldogs come calling. Tough way for the Bulldogs to open the year, but they get it out of the way.
Pompton Lakes will try to go to 2-0 when they travel to Elmwood Park to face the Crusaders. Last week the Cardinals were in an old fashioned bar room brawl with Lodi winning 10-7. The defense looks solid but they will need to generate more offense if they look to make the playoffs again this season. At times the running game looked good as did the passing game, but at other times, the Lodi defense, especially the line, took over the game. Look for the Cardinals to open things up a bit more, stay solid on defense, and come away with a second BPSL victory.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Uncharted Territory
When the Kinnelon boy’s soccer team dropped an improbable game to Mountain Lakes Wednesday afternoon, it was their first conference loss is two years. Moreover, the loss put them at 1-2. When was the last time this team had a losing record? Granted it’s just the third game of the year but unless things change quickly, they may find themselves is a place that hardly anyone on the team can remember; struggling to make the states. Of course, a loss like this could work to the team’s advantage. Listening in to the coach’s post game talk to the team, he was, in affect, challenging his team to look in the mirror and to try to figure out what kind of team they are going to be this year. There are 10 seniors on the squad, many of whom have a lot of playing experience the past year or two, so they know how to win. What they don’t know how to do is to be a team with a losing record. It’s very early in the season and they had to lose a conference game at some point, but did it have to be at home against their biggest rival?
There are degrees of losses. Had this come in the states, it would have left a bitter taste in their collective mouths as disjointed play and missed opportunities cost them the game by a score of 4-3. With many games still to go, Stokes can use this as a means to motivate his team to reach the heights that have visited the past two seasons and where they expected to be this year. Perhaps a game like this will show them that they can’t live off their past accomplishments. If this game does all that, then maybe in the end, it was a good thing.
There are degrees of losses. Had this come in the states, it would have left a bitter taste in their collective mouths as disjointed play and missed opportunities cost them the game by a score of 4-3. With many games still to go, Stokes can use this as a means to motivate his team to reach the heights that have visited the past two seasons and where they expected to be this year. Perhaps a game like this will show them that they can’t live off their past accomplishments. If this game does all that, then maybe in the end, it was a good thing.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Trying to change the dynamic
First year Pequannock girl's soccer coach Sean Palen has a tough job. He needs to turn around a program that has had little success. On Monday afternoon, they played their second game of the season and had to face Lakeland, one of the better teams in the area. He knew it wasn't going to be easy, playing the Lancers never is. It’s more like a track meet with their forwards racing to the ball setting up a numerical advantage in close and the score reflected exactly that. Lakeland won the game 5-0, but three goals came in an eight minute span of the first half and the other two within five minutes midway through the second. For the other 67 minutes, the Panthers played Lakeland evenly, matching them possession by possession. Their defense was solid. Melissa Murphy made many nice stops and in net and while they didn't get on the scoreboard, their effort never waned.
The first step in revitalizing a team is to change the attitude; you won't win if you don't think you can. If you enter a game defeated, the effort is lax and will become even less after falling behind quickly early in the game as they did yesterday. The thing is they didn't quit. Did Lakeland have better players? Yes, they did. They were also more confident going about their business. The best way to share what I saw on the field for Pequannock came late in the second half. With maybe five minutes to go, Lakeland was on a break away. It looked like a scoring opportunity for them but Courtney Graziano had something to say about it. She trailed the play, running down the middle while the ball was moving down the left side. Then as the move was made to come inside, she took the proper angle and broke up the play with a slide tackle. While it will not show up on a stat sheet and had no impact on the outcome, it was a play that for me, spoke volumes. It said that there was no quit and that is as big of a moral victory that you can have.
The first step in revitalizing a team is to change the attitude; you won't win if you don't think you can. If you enter a game defeated, the effort is lax and will become even less after falling behind quickly early in the game as they did yesterday. The thing is they didn't quit. Did Lakeland have better players? Yes, they did. They were also more confident going about their business. The best way to share what I saw on the field for Pequannock came late in the second half. With maybe five minutes to go, Lakeland was on a break away. It looked like a scoring opportunity for them but Courtney Graziano had something to say about it. She trailed the play, running down the middle while the ball was moving down the left side. Then as the move was made to come inside, she took the proper angle and broke up the play with a slide tackle. While it will not show up on a stat sheet and had no impact on the outcome, it was a play that for me, spoke volumes. It said that there was no quit and that is as big of a moral victory that you can have.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
What defensive problems?
When attending a West Milford football game last season many people expected to see a shootout.
Last night to the amazement of many of the fans at Teaneck High School the Highlanders and Highwaymen staged an epic defensive struggle.
Standing on the sideline, I was able to hear countless big hits as both defense’s bent but refused to break. As the game entered the fourth quarter the scoreboard looked the exact same as it did when the game started. Zero points for the home team and zero points for the visitors.
With the tension apparent even for a reporter Brian Mizerek calmly scored two fourth quarter touchdowns (both from one-yard out) to give West Milford a 14-0 victory.
While Mizerek stole the post game spotlight for his two scores the fact that the Highlanders defense was not the focus of the game may have been the most impressive thing. As West Milford coach Shawn Poppe pointed out after the game, the WM defense knew what they did (or did not do) last year and they were not about to have a repeat performance this season.
Against the Highwaymen the Highlanders defense may have already set the tone for a turnaround season.
For a complete recap of the Highlanders victory make sure to pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Suburban Trends.
Last night to the amazement of many of the fans at Teaneck High School the Highlanders and Highwaymen staged an epic defensive struggle.
Standing on the sideline, I was able to hear countless big hits as both defense’s bent but refused to break. As the game entered the fourth quarter the scoreboard looked the exact same as it did when the game started. Zero points for the home team and zero points for the visitors.
With the tension apparent even for a reporter Brian Mizerek calmly scored two fourth quarter touchdowns (both from one-yard out) to give West Milford a 14-0 victory.
While Mizerek stole the post game spotlight for his two scores the fact that the Highlanders defense was not the focus of the game may have been the most impressive thing. As West Milford coach Shawn Poppe pointed out after the game, the WM defense knew what they did (or did not do) last year and they were not about to have a repeat performance this season.
Against the Highwaymen the Highlanders defense may have already set the tone for a turnaround season.
For a complete recap of the Highlanders victory make sure to pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Suburban Trends.
Pompton Lakes holds of Lodi, 10-7
Pompton Lakes opened the 2008 football season with a hard fought 10-7 win over Lodi. Mike Ward scored on a six yard run and a field goal by Paul Mason in the second quarter was all the scoring the Cardinals needed as a stout defense made it hold up.
The game was a battle of wills and attrition as the ultra humidity caused numerous players to experience debilitating cramps that slowed the pace of the game and resulted many key players on both squads shuffling in and out.
For their part, the Lodi Rams were physically bigger than Pompton Lakes. In the beginning and towards the end, that physical advantage looked to be a determining factor in the contest. Lodi was able to run the ball with ease on their first possession but eventually the middle of the Cardinal defense, led by Tommy Duncan, Taylor Majka, Alan Ren, and Mike Ward was able to shut down the Rams down.
Pompton Lakes got their offense rolling in the second quarter. Sean Carey connected on two big pass plays, 18 yards to Steve Szwech and 21 yards to Mason, to set up Ward’s run.
Ward then picked off a pass from Lodi QB Robert Colon and returned it to the Ram 25. Eight plays later Mason, assuming the placekicking duties this year, then hit a 28-yard filed goal to extend the lead to 10-0.
Lodi cut the lead on their next possession. Colon connected with Joe Leeman on a 53-yard catch and run to the Cardinal 19. Following a holding penalty, Lodi faced a fourth and 21, but Brian Quintero was able to get behind the defense, caught Colon’s pass at the goal line, and tumbled into the end zone. That made the score 10-7.
The second half was where the conditions began to affect the players. Seemingly, trainers had to come out on almost every play, as cramps would be attacking the players’ legs. It slowed down the game’s pace, but not the intensity. Eventually, Lodi’s size seemed to turn the momentum to their side but when it counted, the Cardinal defense stepped up when it was needed, which was the entire half as Lodi’s defensive line was dominating Pompton Lakes’ offense.
Ward was a force in stopping the run and pressuring the passer, but Lodi never quit. They had the ball and they were moving it downfield before Mason made the game ending interception with 1:37 left in the game. The Cardinals ran out the clock and came away with a much deserved 10-7 win. Next week the travel to Elmwood Park and look to go 2-0.
Ward led with 56 yards rushing on 20 carries and Szwech had 46 receiving yards. Carey passed for 74 yards.
The game was a battle of wills and attrition as the ultra humidity caused numerous players to experience debilitating cramps that slowed the pace of the game and resulted many key players on both squads shuffling in and out.
For their part, the Lodi Rams were physically bigger than Pompton Lakes. In the beginning and towards the end, that physical advantage looked to be a determining factor in the contest. Lodi was able to run the ball with ease on their first possession but eventually the middle of the Cardinal defense, led by Tommy Duncan, Taylor Majka, Alan Ren, and Mike Ward was able to shut down the Rams down.
Pompton Lakes got their offense rolling in the second quarter. Sean Carey connected on two big pass plays, 18 yards to Steve Szwech and 21 yards to Mason, to set up Ward’s run.
Ward then picked off a pass from Lodi QB Robert Colon and returned it to the Ram 25. Eight plays later Mason, assuming the placekicking duties this year, then hit a 28-yard filed goal to extend the lead to 10-0.
Lodi cut the lead on their next possession. Colon connected with Joe Leeman on a 53-yard catch and run to the Cardinal 19. Following a holding penalty, Lodi faced a fourth and 21, but Brian Quintero was able to get behind the defense, caught Colon’s pass at the goal line, and tumbled into the end zone. That made the score 10-7.
The second half was where the conditions began to affect the players. Seemingly, trainers had to come out on almost every play, as cramps would be attacking the players’ legs. It slowed down the game’s pace, but not the intensity. Eventually, Lodi’s size seemed to turn the momentum to their side but when it counted, the Cardinal defense stepped up when it was needed, which was the entire half as Lodi’s defensive line was dominating Pompton Lakes’ offense.
Ward was a force in stopping the run and pressuring the passer, but Lodi never quit. They had the ball and they were moving it downfield before Mason made the game ending interception with 1:37 left in the game. The Cardinals ran out the clock and came away with a much deserved 10-7 win. Next week the travel to Elmwood Park and look to go 2-0.
Ward led with 56 yards rushing on 20 carries and Szwech had 46 receiving yards. Carey passed for 74 yards.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Tough night in Montville
When you get down to it, Montville was just a better team but there was that one moment in the game when Pequannock felt they were in the game. When they made a play that was a difference maker. Following the Mustang's second TD which put them up 14-0, Joe Ruggiero took the ensuing kick off coast-to-coast. As he broke through the Montville contain he turned on the after burners and was actually pulling away from his pursuers as he got nearer to the end zone. The sideline was going nuts as soon as it became apparent what was going to happen on the play.
The Panther side of the field, that no doubt had to face the same traffic snarls that I met which occur anytime it rains in northern New Jersey, braved the elements, sitting in a steady, heavy mist to support the team. I give them credit; they sat and got wet watching and supporting a team that has not had much recent success. They were also going crazy when Ruggiero crossed the goal line. Granted Montville scored on their next play from scrimmage, but the fact that the team and their fans could revel in a high point just accentuates the fact that when they break this losing streak, the celebration will be incredible as they lift what has to be a 10-ton weight from their collective backs. The feeling was fleeting, but real.
High School sports are supposed to be a diversion and another means of education as it teaches life's lessons in a competitive and physical means. They are supposed to be fun and while the team may enjoy the hard work, friendships made and bonds forged, the losing has to get to them at some point. I don't know which game it will be, but they are going to get one this year. Hopefully the enthusiasm and support will still be there to help them enjoy what will be a great sensation of relief, a validation of their efforts and testimony to their spirit.
The Panther side of the field, that no doubt had to face the same traffic snarls that I met which occur anytime it rains in northern New Jersey, braved the elements, sitting in a steady, heavy mist to support the team. I give them credit; they sat and got wet watching and supporting a team that has not had much recent success. They were also going crazy when Ruggiero crossed the goal line. Granted Montville scored on their next play from scrimmage, but the fact that the team and their fans could revel in a high point just accentuates the fact that when they break this losing streak, the celebration will be incredible as they lift what has to be a 10-ton weight from their collective backs. The feeling was fleeting, but real.
High School sports are supposed to be a diversion and another means of education as it teaches life's lessons in a competitive and physical means. They are supposed to be fun and while the team may enjoy the hard work, friendships made and bonds forged, the losing has to get to them at some point. I don't know which game it will be, but they are going to get one this year. Hopefully the enthusiasm and support will still be there to help them enjoy what will be a great sensation of relief, a validation of their efforts and testimony to their spirit.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Week 1 game preview
Friday night's football games include Pequannock travelling to Montville and Lakeland at home facing Passaic County Tech. As shown on the pages of Wednesday's Trends, we have now added football picks to our sports section. Hopefully everyone will view this strictly as a fun exerecise and that nothing we predict has merit because we are hardly experts, especially considering that we haven't seen any of the teams in action. Having said that, I stand by my picks, so for Friday's games, I chose Lakeland and Montville.
The Lancers will debut their new quarterback but will return most of one of the more stingy defenses in the area. The running game goes from a combo of speed and power to more of a power running game with Ray Capo. Teaming with Greg Bardzell last year the pair accumulated over 1,000 yards and a dozen scores. Lakeland beat PCT last November in their run for the playoffs 28-13. Their QB also was a WR last year, Tyriek Noble. He is as much a threat with his legs as his arm making him a threat to Lakeland but since this is the opener and they are the home team, they should prevail.
Pequannock goes to Montville and while their game last year was close, 14-0, Montville played the game missing some of their starters. They were a near playoff team a year ago moving to Group 3 and are looking to make a statement this year. The Panthers' plight is well chronicled, a winless 2007, two wins out of 30, if any school needs a win, it's Pequannock. Their schedule is tough but second year coach Ed Kopp can make this promise, the team will play hard each and every week. As I've said before, it's hard not to root for this team, but it will be a difficult task to knock off Montville.
Saturday's games include Pompton Lakes travelling to Lodi to face the always tough, playoff tested Rams. These two BPSL rivals have not met since 2006 when Lodi got the best of the Cardinals. Both have something to prove and both play with that chip on the shoulder attitude. A win here, which I think they will get, will go a long way towards propelling Pompton Lakes on another playoff run. It won't be easy, but Sean Carey at QB with a year under his belt and a slew of defenders coming back make this a difficult but somewhat confident pick.
Saturday night has West Milford going to Teaneck to face the Highwaymen. This game could go either way, the Highlanders are returning the soon to be most prolific passer in school history while Teaneck has many new faces, including first year head coach Art Mazzacca. Playing in the NNJIL and having to face powerhouses Ridgewood, Montclair, Kennedy, Don Bosco, and Hackensack, this will be viewed by them as a winnable home game. It could be a shootout, but in the end, I think Teaneck will scrape by at home.
Once again, please, do not take these predictions to heart. Its all in fun and in no way shape or form will they cloud my perspective while covering them for the paper. I will be in Montville Friday night and Lodi on Saturday. Check back with us here at Trendspotters for the most up to date info concerning this weekends games and to get more coverage, pick up the Trends on Sunday and Wednesdays.
The Lancers will debut their new quarterback but will return most of one of the more stingy defenses in the area. The running game goes from a combo of speed and power to more of a power running game with Ray Capo. Teaming with Greg Bardzell last year the pair accumulated over 1,000 yards and a dozen scores. Lakeland beat PCT last November in their run for the playoffs 28-13. Their QB also was a WR last year, Tyriek Noble. He is as much a threat with his legs as his arm making him a threat to Lakeland but since this is the opener and they are the home team, they should prevail.
Pequannock goes to Montville and while their game last year was close, 14-0, Montville played the game missing some of their starters. They were a near playoff team a year ago moving to Group 3 and are looking to make a statement this year. The Panthers' plight is well chronicled, a winless 2007, two wins out of 30, if any school needs a win, it's Pequannock. Their schedule is tough but second year coach Ed Kopp can make this promise, the team will play hard each and every week. As I've said before, it's hard not to root for this team, but it will be a difficult task to knock off Montville.
Saturday's games include Pompton Lakes travelling to Lodi to face the always tough, playoff tested Rams. These two BPSL rivals have not met since 2006 when Lodi got the best of the Cardinals. Both have something to prove and both play with that chip on the shoulder attitude. A win here, which I think they will get, will go a long way towards propelling Pompton Lakes on another playoff run. It won't be easy, but Sean Carey at QB with a year under his belt and a slew of defenders coming back make this a difficult but somewhat confident pick.
Saturday night has West Milford going to Teaneck to face the Highwaymen. This game could go either way, the Highlanders are returning the soon to be most prolific passer in school history while Teaneck has many new faces, including first year head coach Art Mazzacca. Playing in the NNJIL and having to face powerhouses Ridgewood, Montclair, Kennedy, Don Bosco, and Hackensack, this will be viewed by them as a winnable home game. It could be a shootout, but in the end, I think Teaneck will scrape by at home.
Once again, please, do not take these predictions to heart. Its all in fun and in no way shape or form will they cloud my perspective while covering them for the paper. I will be in Montville Friday night and Lodi on Saturday. Check back with us here at Trendspotters for the most up to date info concerning this weekends games and to get more coverage, pick up the Trends on Sunday and Wednesdays.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Opening Day
There is nothing better than the opening of the high school football season. Whether it's Friday night or Saturday afternoon, the occasion is marked with enthusiam from players, coaches, students, fans, and parents. The sometimes inevitable heartbreak of the tough loss has yet to occur. That untimely slip or dropped ball seems like something that won't happen. It does as we all know that is why we keep going back to watch football at this level because you never know what's going to happen.
I'm looking forward to a few things and these are the story lines that I think will be of interest to everyone, not just me.
Pompton Lakes made the playoffs last year despite their sideline looking like a M*A*S*H unit at times. Many younger players got quality playing time and that should bode well for them provided that the same number of injuries can be avoided.
Kinnelon is now in Kevin White's hands for the third year and while he has made the team more competitive than it has been in years, the season has always ended in disappointment as they closed out last season with four straight losses. In 2006 a tough start, 1-3, could not be overcome. This is a key year for the team and they have to do it without Chris Neinstedt.
Butler showed some offensive explosiveness last year but many of those that fuled it are graduated. They face some tough teams, Delbarton, Lakeland, Caldwell, DePaul, and New Providence, but they also have some games where they can compete and win if they play well.
Lakeland has a new quarterback in Dan Deighan who just happened to be the team's best receiver. If he could pull a Bugs Bunny and throw the ball to himself, then the Lancers would really have something special because this kid can really throw. Still, Lakeland has enough to be formidable and should be competing for the playoffs again.
West Milford is bringing back many players, including their QB Brian Mizerek who can light up the field when given time to throw. The team has played well at times and poorly at others and they just seem to fall a bit short the past two seasons. The schedule starts out difficult with consecutive games against Teaneck, Wayne Valley, and Newark Westside. It gets a bit easier until the last game, a return of the rivalry as they square off against Lakeland at home on 11/7.
How can you not root for Pequannock? As a reporter I have to stay objective, but these kids have won just two of their last 30 games. No one deserves that but in talking to their head coach Ed Kopp over the summer, he thinks that the losing may provide motivation for these kids. They played hard, never quit, and those are honorbale qualities to show in the throes of the streak they now find themselves. I hope they get their first win early on so they can experience the sheer jubilation that only ending such a streak can provide.
I'm looking forward to a few things and these are the story lines that I think will be of interest to everyone, not just me.
Pompton Lakes made the playoffs last year despite their sideline looking like a M*A*S*H unit at times. Many younger players got quality playing time and that should bode well for them provided that the same number of injuries can be avoided.
Kinnelon is now in Kevin White's hands for the third year and while he has made the team more competitive than it has been in years, the season has always ended in disappointment as they closed out last season with four straight losses. In 2006 a tough start, 1-3, could not be overcome. This is a key year for the team and they have to do it without Chris Neinstedt.
Butler showed some offensive explosiveness last year but many of those that fuled it are graduated. They face some tough teams, Delbarton, Lakeland, Caldwell, DePaul, and New Providence, but they also have some games where they can compete and win if they play well.
Lakeland has a new quarterback in Dan Deighan who just happened to be the team's best receiver. If he could pull a Bugs Bunny and throw the ball to himself, then the Lancers would really have something special because this kid can really throw. Still, Lakeland has enough to be formidable and should be competing for the playoffs again.
West Milford is bringing back many players, including their QB Brian Mizerek who can light up the field when given time to throw. The team has played well at times and poorly at others and they just seem to fall a bit short the past two seasons. The schedule starts out difficult with consecutive games against Teaneck, Wayne Valley, and Newark Westside. It gets a bit easier until the last game, a return of the rivalry as they square off against Lakeland at home on 11/7.
How can you not root for Pequannock? As a reporter I have to stay objective, but these kids have won just two of their last 30 games. No one deserves that but in talking to their head coach Ed Kopp over the summer, he thinks that the losing may provide motivation for these kids. They played hard, never quit, and those are honorbale qualities to show in the throes of the streak they now find themselves. I hope they get their first win early on so they can experience the sheer jubilation that only ending such a streak can provide.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Thanks for stopping by
This year we at the sports department of the Suburban Trends will be entering the blogosphere. It's an attempt to keep more current with the exciting high school sports seasons that are coming up. While we try to provide our readers with the most up to date stories as possible, the fact that we publish on Wednesday and Sunday can make the reports of results a bit old. By coming here to the blog, you will be able to read up to date results from sports other than football, which conveniently play their games seemingly around our deadlines.
In addition, it will allow our readers to comment on what we have to say. Just keep it civil, we don't care if you disagree with what we may write. As much as we like to think we get things correct all the time, we don't.
There are other things that we can do once we get this thing up and running; live posts from events, fan interaction, live updates, and probably a few more things that we technically challenged writers have never tried to do before.
Let's make this a community thing, fun for all, back and forth, a discourse on local sports. Afterall, sports is the toy department of life.
In addition, it will allow our readers to comment on what we have to say. Just keep it civil, we don't care if you disagree with what we may write. As much as we like to think we get things correct all the time, we don't.
There are other things that we can do once we get this thing up and running; live posts from events, fan interaction, live updates, and probably a few more things that we technically challenged writers have never tried to do before.
Let's make this a community thing, fun for all, back and forth, a discourse on local sports. Afterall, sports is the toy department of life.
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