On a night that reminded everyone that winter was approaching, Kinnelon and Harrison battled for 100 minutes in their Group 1 semi-final game and even that wasn’t enough. Forced to go to a shootout, Harrison moved on by virtue of a 5-4 advantage in the penalty kick phase of the game and goes on to play South River Saturday afternoon. For the Colts they will have to be content with their record setting season that included the program’s first sectional title.
The game did not begin well for Kinnelon as Harrison was quicker to the ball and was getting more opportunities, none of which materialized either because they were caught in the Colt’s offside trap, or goalkeeper Eric Makinen made one of his many outstanding plays in the net. As the game went on Kinnelon began to get more and more confident that they could stay with Harrison, a school that has won over twenty Group titles. The first half ended with out a goal scored but the sense that Kinnelon was about to take over control of the game was palpable.
The second half Kinnelon did have the better of the play. They continued their offside trap, frustrating Harrison to no end. Still, they were unable to generate a consistent attack of their own. Their best chance came with about 22 minutes remaining in the game. Terence Hausser sent in a corner kick that fell to the ground and was sitting near the goal line waiting for a Kinnelon foot to knock it into the net. No one was able to and Harrison recovered and cleared the ball out. Then late in the game Kolben Pritchard attempted a direct kick that bounced around in front of the net but none of his teammates was able to get a clear shot at it.
Both overtimes were just like the rest of the game; Harrison continued to hit long balls into the Kinnelon zone only to have Makinen get to the ball and clear it out before the Blue Tide could descend upon it. No one wanted penalty kicks but it certainly looked as though that would be the only way the outcome would be determined.
In the first round of penalty kicks Harrison led 3-1 but scores by Hausser and Pritchard forced a second round that is a sudden death format. Bryan Aguilar and Diego Diaz, the Harrison Goalie, converted their shots in the next round and Pritchard scored for Kinnelon but Hausser’s shot was stopped by Diaz to give Harrison the win and sent Kinnelon home.
Head Coach Nick Stokes told his team that he did not want to see any sad faces on any of his players. He told them what they needed to remember was that for 100 minutes they played with, and at some points better than Harrison did. He reminded his team that no one expected them to be where they were and that they need to be proud of what they have done to revitalize the program. He also said that they were not beaten in a game of soccer; that penalty kicks are like a lottery; no one knows how the outcome will come out.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Lakeland football playoff preview
As the 2008 season rapidly approached this summer the biggest question surrounding the Lakeland Lancers was how would senior Dan Deighan succeed as he switched from his familiar position at receiver to being the teams signal caller at quarterback.
Deighan very quickly answered those questions but as the Lancers piled up wins two more questions seemed to follow the Lancers around.
First who might get hurt next? Followed by who would step up and succeed in his place?
Such has been the life of the Lancers this season.
The injury bug started when Troy Bianchi suffered a leg contusion early in the season.
With Bianchi missing time Kevin Gormely, Zach Protin and Nick Zinhobl led a cast of many that made the Lancers one of the top defenses in the area.
After seeing Bianchi go down the Lancers then had to cope with the loss of senior running back Ray Capo. Capo, who was looking to build on a very promising junior year, suffered a knee injury that has prevented him from playing running back since very early in the season.
Up stepped junior Bobby Thompson who has erupted for a very solid season.
Last Friday in the Lancers final regular season game Lakeland suffered two more serious injuries. The first came when Thompson was forced to leave the game with an ankle sprain. Minutes later Erik Patricola suffered a broken leg that ended his season.
Even with two more starters on the bench the Lancers refused to slow down as Jake MacDonald stepped in at running back and John Barnable filled the hole on the line to help lead Lakeland to a 21-0 win over West Milford. With the win the Lancers won the 2008 Trends Cup and headed to the playoffs without a mark on their record.
While the number of injuries that have surrounded the Lancers in 2008 would cripple most teams they seem to have brought the Lakeland squad closer together.
Now as the Lancers head to the playoffs they may start to see some of their walking wounded return to the field.
Head coach Tom McCormack seemed confident that Thompson should be able to take the field against Ramapo. While Thompson may not be able to play running back the Lancers coach believes he will be able to man his position in the defensive backfield.
Should Thompson not be able to go on offense McCormack is more then confident that MacDonald can be successful.
In addition to the return of Thompson, McCormack is hoping that Bianchi will be able to take Patricola’s spot on the line.
Another big piece that has helped the Lancers in 2008 has been the heart of Capo. Despite a knee injury that would have ended most players seasons Capo has continued to battle for the Lancers. While he has not been able to return to his spot at running back he has dedicated himself to his work on the defensive side of the ball at linebacker.
Considering the fact that the Lancers have successfully battled injuries all season the sky is the limit for Lakeland, especially if more of their injured players can come back to the field and contribute.
Deighan very quickly answered those questions but as the Lancers piled up wins two more questions seemed to follow the Lancers around.
First who might get hurt next? Followed by who would step up and succeed in his place?
Such has been the life of the Lancers this season.
The injury bug started when Troy Bianchi suffered a leg contusion early in the season.
With Bianchi missing time Kevin Gormely, Zach Protin and Nick Zinhobl led a cast of many that made the Lancers one of the top defenses in the area.
After seeing Bianchi go down the Lancers then had to cope with the loss of senior running back Ray Capo. Capo, who was looking to build on a very promising junior year, suffered a knee injury that has prevented him from playing running back since very early in the season.
Up stepped junior Bobby Thompson who has erupted for a very solid season.
Last Friday in the Lancers final regular season game Lakeland suffered two more serious injuries. The first came when Thompson was forced to leave the game with an ankle sprain. Minutes later Erik Patricola suffered a broken leg that ended his season.
Even with two more starters on the bench the Lancers refused to slow down as Jake MacDonald stepped in at running back and John Barnable filled the hole on the line to help lead Lakeland to a 21-0 win over West Milford. With the win the Lancers won the 2008 Trends Cup and headed to the playoffs without a mark on their record.
While the number of injuries that have surrounded the Lancers in 2008 would cripple most teams they seem to have brought the Lakeland squad closer together.
Now as the Lancers head to the playoffs they may start to see some of their walking wounded return to the field.
Head coach Tom McCormack seemed confident that Thompson should be able to take the field against Ramapo. While Thompson may not be able to play running back the Lancers coach believes he will be able to man his position in the defensive backfield.
Should Thompson not be able to go on offense McCormack is more then confident that MacDonald can be successful.
In addition to the return of Thompson, McCormack is hoping that Bianchi will be able to take Patricola’s spot on the line.
Another big piece that has helped the Lancers in 2008 has been the heart of Capo. Despite a knee injury that would have ended most players seasons Capo has continued to battle for the Lancers. While he has not been able to return to his spot at running back he has dedicated himself to his work on the defensive side of the ball at linebacker.
Considering the fact that the Lancers have successfully battled injuries all season the sky is the limit for Lakeland, especially if more of their injured players can come back to the field and contribute.
West Milford football playoff preview
Twenty-four hours after playing Lakeland in their final regular season game this season many of the West Milford players had to watch what one can only imagine was the most nerve raking game of the season for the Highlanders.
No, West Milford did not have to play their second game in as many nights, but they did have to sit back and watch Fair Lawn and Pascack Valley play a back and forth game that would determine if West Milford would or would not make the 2008 playoffs.
A Cutter win and West Milford would be hosting a consolation game. A Indian’s win and West Milford would be playoff bound.
In the first half alone the Highlanders had to sit back and watch as Fair Lawn held leads of 7-0, 14-7 and 28-14.
When Pascack Valley tied the score at 28 to open the second half things looked for West Milford if for only a split second as Fair Lawn retook the lead 35-28.
From there the Indians took over as they scored 21 straight points to take a lead that they would not relinquish and send the Highlanders to the playoffs.
While the excitement of making the playoffs was a big boost for the Highlanders when the brackets came out the next day seeing that they would be playing at top seeded Wayne Hills the excitement may have diminished.
Everyone knows the story surrounding Wayne Hills. The Patriots have won 49 games in a row and have not lost in the playoffs since 2003.
Despite the daunting task that is in front of them the Highlanders will head into Wayne on Friday night intent on not letting their 2008 season come to an end.
No, West Milford did not have to play their second game in as many nights, but they did have to sit back and watch Fair Lawn and Pascack Valley play a back and forth game that would determine if West Milford would or would not make the 2008 playoffs.
A Cutter win and West Milford would be hosting a consolation game. A Indian’s win and West Milford would be playoff bound.
In the first half alone the Highlanders had to sit back and watch as Fair Lawn held leads of 7-0, 14-7 and 28-14.
When Pascack Valley tied the score at 28 to open the second half things looked for West Milford if for only a split second as Fair Lawn retook the lead 35-28.
From there the Indians took over as they scored 21 straight points to take a lead that they would not relinquish and send the Highlanders to the playoffs.
While the excitement of making the playoffs was a big boost for the Highlanders when the brackets came out the next day seeing that they would be playing at top seeded Wayne Hills the excitement may have diminished.
Everyone knows the story surrounding Wayne Hills. The Patriots have won 49 games in a row and have not lost in the playoffs since 2003.
Despite the daunting task that is in front of them the Highlanders will head into Wayne on Friday night intent on not letting their 2008 season come to an end.
Pompton Lakes football playoff preview
Last Saturday afternoon Pompton Lakes’ senior lineman Matt Grosser came within a few inches of blocking a punt in the second quarter of the Cardinals game against Manchester.
Grosser actually got a piece of the ball but he was not able to completely change the direction of the ball as the punt traveled ten yards down field.
After the teams returned to the field in the second half Grosser got a second chance and he did not come up short in his second attempt.
On the Falcons first drive of the second half Grosser broke through on a fourth down play and he fulfilled every line man’s dream as he not only blocked the punt but he recovered the loose ball and scored a touchdown to all but end the game.
This Friday night Grosser and his teammates will once again be looking to take full advantage of a second chance when they take on Hasbrouck Heights in the first round of the North I, Group I sectional playoffs.
Last season the Aviators ended the Cardinals season with a 35-7 win in their first round playoff encounter.
Hasbrouck Heights went on to win the sectional crown in 2007.
The matchup between the two schools will be the third time in four years that they have met with the Cardinals picking up their win in the 2005 sectional finals played at Giants Stadium.
As the teams ready for the playoffs the Cardinals (7-2) hope to be welcoming back two of their big offensive weapons as Sean Carey and Steve Swech will be returning from injuries that kept them out of the regular season finales.
While Carey and Swech will be looking to lead the Cardinals offense, a squad that has averaged more then 23 points per game in the regular season, it will be the defense that will determine just how far Pompton Lakes will go in this years playoffs.
In their nine regular season games, the Cardinals defense recorded five shutouts and allowed only 82 points all season.
Hasbrouck Heights, on the other hand has relied heavily on their offense as they compiled an 8-0 record so far this season. The Aviators offense has amassed 354 points this season. Hasbrouck Heights low scoring game of the season came in week 3 when they beat Creskill 31-7.
The Avaitors defense has allowed 15 points per game this season.
Grosser actually got a piece of the ball but he was not able to completely change the direction of the ball as the punt traveled ten yards down field.
After the teams returned to the field in the second half Grosser got a second chance and he did not come up short in his second attempt.
On the Falcons first drive of the second half Grosser broke through on a fourth down play and he fulfilled every line man’s dream as he not only blocked the punt but he recovered the loose ball and scored a touchdown to all but end the game.
This Friday night Grosser and his teammates will once again be looking to take full advantage of a second chance when they take on Hasbrouck Heights in the first round of the North I, Group I sectional playoffs.
Last season the Aviators ended the Cardinals season with a 35-7 win in their first round playoff encounter.
Hasbrouck Heights went on to win the sectional crown in 2007.
The matchup between the two schools will be the third time in four years that they have met with the Cardinals picking up their win in the 2005 sectional finals played at Giants Stadium.
As the teams ready for the playoffs the Cardinals (7-2) hope to be welcoming back two of their big offensive weapons as Sean Carey and Steve Swech will be returning from injuries that kept them out of the regular season finales.
While Carey and Swech will be looking to lead the Cardinals offense, a squad that has averaged more then 23 points per game in the regular season, it will be the defense that will determine just how far Pompton Lakes will go in this years playoffs.
In their nine regular season games, the Cardinals defense recorded five shutouts and allowed only 82 points all season.
Hasbrouck Heights, on the other hand has relied heavily on their offense as they compiled an 8-0 record so far this season. The Aviators offense has amassed 354 points this season. Hasbrouck Heights low scoring game of the season came in week 3 when they beat Creskill 31-7.
The Avaitors defense has allowed 15 points per game this season.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Week 10 picks
Welcome to the playoffs, cue the NFL films music and resurrect the voice of God, John Facenda. Four local teams made it to the post season this year and while every team that qualifies is a good team, none of the locals got a favorable draw in the first round. Still they get to play a meaningful game with a chance to make it all the way to Giants Stadium, which is the dream of every high school football player.
Kinnelon is in for just the second time in the school’s history. That’s pretty amazing but what’s more amazing is the job that the kids have done in the three years since Kevin White took over the program. Once a joke, the Colts are now a team that other’s don’t want to play. Winning seven games put them in but irony has a cruel way of rearing itself; they must play Mountain Lakes, their 8-0 arch-nemesis and annual Thanksgiving opponent. An informal discussion with AD Scott Rosenberg at the boy’s soccer game on Tuesday revealed that according to former Kinnelon coach Bob McLain, Kinnelon beat Mountain Lakes in football one year on Thanksgiving after Lakes played a tough playoff game against Butler and had a number of key players out of the game. The Colts won’t get that kind of break this time, as Lakes will be loaded and looking to squelch the dreams of their rivals. This game cannot turn into a track meet. Kinnelon needs to control the ball and keep the high-powered Lakes offense off the field. Imagine the Giants game plan in Super Bowl 25 (I don’t do Roman numbers) in 1991. Even with Brain DeVeau and a hard hitting, opportunistic defense, I don’t think the Colts can keep up in the game. I’d like to see it happen, but Mountain Lakes, playing at home in a loaded bracket should have enough to move on to the second round. Hey, in 12 days they get to play again so Kinnelon has a chance at redemption and a share of the Colonial Hills title.
Pompton Lakes makes the trek to Hasbrouck Heights for the second straight season to open the playoffs. In fact, the Cardinals last three playoff games have been against the Aviators. In 2005, Pompton beat them for the championship and last year Height exacted their revenge. As usual, Heights is an offense juggernaut both passing and running. Strength upfront can harass passers and stop backs dead in their tracks, so this will not be an easy contest for Pompton; then again the Cardinals love being in the role of underdogs that are not given a chance. They have to play mistake free football to win this game. Mike Ward needs to have a big game running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield. Paul Mason will need to show his versatility running, catching, and yes, passing. Sean Carey needs to show he is fully recovered from the hit he took at Glen Rock and play his best. The offensive line needs to control the point of attack. On defense, the pressure will be on the secondary to control the airways. Heights’ attack is similar to that of Glen Rock, explosive with speedy receivers that know how to get open with a QB that can get them the ball. A turnover or two could change the momentum of this game. It will not be easy, but something makes me think that Pompton Lakes has a surprise or two up their collective sleeve and they will pull off the upset in a very close game.
Lakeland gets to host a game and for their great season get to play Ramapo, a Bergen County power that has had a resurgent season. They can run, pass, and play defense. They come from a proud program that was the last team to beat Wayne Hills, in the 2004. They also put the last playoff loss on Hills in the 2003 State title game. Lakeland also has a proud tradition and this year has been storybook; undefeated, wins over Delbarton, DePaul and rival West Milford. The team has overcome injuries and led by their outstanding QB Dan Deighan, the multi-threat speedster, who can single-handedly change the outcome of any game, I think they get the win and move on to the next round.
West Milford makes the postseason for the first time in three years and all they have to do is play Wayne Hills. The public school Don Bosco has seniors on the squad that have never lost a game. Under Chris Olsen, this school has been doing things that public schools aren’t supposed to be able to do. This has been a strange year for the Highlanders as they have been winning more with defense and special teams than with offense. A win is a win, Head Coach Shawn Poppe is not particular how his teams gets more points than the other guys, but to beat Hills you need to play a perfect game. You can’t miss an assignment on defense, not get your pads on a pass rusher, or not catch a catchable ball. Runners have to follow their blockers and not miss the hole. Most importantly, they cannot turn the ball over, not once. A difficult task for them but someone has to play Wayne Hills and if you had any aspirations to get the title, you would have to play them at some point anyway, why not in the first round? Should they win it would be the biggest upset in New Jersey High School football in recent memory. It would make for a great story for the players, staff, school, and town to talk about for years, but being a pragmatist, I don’t see it happening.
In two consolation games, I think Pequannock gets their second win of the year over Manchester and Butler will lose a close one to New Milford. The Knights have a record-breaking running back, AJ Scoppa, who is six yards shy of the Bergen County rushing mark of 5,180.
Kinnelon is in for just the second time in the school’s history. That’s pretty amazing but what’s more amazing is the job that the kids have done in the three years since Kevin White took over the program. Once a joke, the Colts are now a team that other’s don’t want to play. Winning seven games put them in but irony has a cruel way of rearing itself; they must play Mountain Lakes, their 8-0 arch-nemesis and annual Thanksgiving opponent. An informal discussion with AD Scott Rosenberg at the boy’s soccer game on Tuesday revealed that according to former Kinnelon coach Bob McLain, Kinnelon beat Mountain Lakes in football one year on Thanksgiving after Lakes played a tough playoff game against Butler and had a number of key players out of the game. The Colts won’t get that kind of break this time, as Lakes will be loaded and looking to squelch the dreams of their rivals. This game cannot turn into a track meet. Kinnelon needs to control the ball and keep the high-powered Lakes offense off the field. Imagine the Giants game plan in Super Bowl 25 (I don’t do Roman numbers) in 1991. Even with Brain DeVeau and a hard hitting, opportunistic defense, I don’t think the Colts can keep up in the game. I’d like to see it happen, but Mountain Lakes, playing at home in a loaded bracket should have enough to move on to the second round. Hey, in 12 days they get to play again so Kinnelon has a chance at redemption and a share of the Colonial Hills title.
Pompton Lakes makes the trek to Hasbrouck Heights for the second straight season to open the playoffs. In fact, the Cardinals last three playoff games have been against the Aviators. In 2005, Pompton beat them for the championship and last year Height exacted their revenge. As usual, Heights is an offense juggernaut both passing and running. Strength upfront can harass passers and stop backs dead in their tracks, so this will not be an easy contest for Pompton; then again the Cardinals love being in the role of underdogs that are not given a chance. They have to play mistake free football to win this game. Mike Ward needs to have a big game running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield. Paul Mason will need to show his versatility running, catching, and yes, passing. Sean Carey needs to show he is fully recovered from the hit he took at Glen Rock and play his best. The offensive line needs to control the point of attack. On defense, the pressure will be on the secondary to control the airways. Heights’ attack is similar to that of Glen Rock, explosive with speedy receivers that know how to get open with a QB that can get them the ball. A turnover or two could change the momentum of this game. It will not be easy, but something makes me think that Pompton Lakes has a surprise or two up their collective sleeve and they will pull off the upset in a very close game.
Lakeland gets to host a game and for their great season get to play Ramapo, a Bergen County power that has had a resurgent season. They can run, pass, and play defense. They come from a proud program that was the last team to beat Wayne Hills, in the 2004. They also put the last playoff loss on Hills in the 2003 State title game. Lakeland also has a proud tradition and this year has been storybook; undefeated, wins over Delbarton, DePaul and rival West Milford. The team has overcome injuries and led by their outstanding QB Dan Deighan, the multi-threat speedster, who can single-handedly change the outcome of any game, I think they get the win and move on to the next round.
West Milford makes the postseason for the first time in three years and all they have to do is play Wayne Hills. The public school Don Bosco has seniors on the squad that have never lost a game. Under Chris Olsen, this school has been doing things that public schools aren’t supposed to be able to do. This has been a strange year for the Highlanders as they have been winning more with defense and special teams than with offense. A win is a win, Head Coach Shawn Poppe is not particular how his teams gets more points than the other guys, but to beat Hills you need to play a perfect game. You can’t miss an assignment on defense, not get your pads on a pass rusher, or not catch a catchable ball. Runners have to follow their blockers and not miss the hole. Most importantly, they cannot turn the ball over, not once. A difficult task for them but someone has to play Wayne Hills and if you had any aspirations to get the title, you would have to play them at some point anyway, why not in the first round? Should they win it would be the biggest upset in New Jersey High School football in recent memory. It would make for a great story for the players, staff, school, and town to talk about for years, but being a pragmatist, I don’t see it happening.
In two consolation games, I think Pequannock gets their second win of the year over Manchester and Butler will lose a close one to New Milford. The Knights have a record-breaking running back, AJ Scoppa, who is six yards shy of the Bergen County rushing mark of 5,180.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Kinnelon football playoff preview
Head Coach Kevin White took a few minutes away from looking at film to discuss his team's playoff game with Mountain Lakes. It is the school's first post season football game since 1998 and while the task is daunting, you'll read that he is optimistic that his team will be ready and if they are, anything can happen. TF
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When Kinnelon clinched their playoff spot with Friday night’s win versus Boonton, everyone came off the field thinking that they would be playing Glen Rock in the first round of the playoffs. With the quirkiness of the power point system, Glen Rock was able to hold onto the top seed which meant that Kinnelon, at seven, would face the second seed and for them is was a team with which they are all to familiar, Mountain Lakes.
“Emerson was going to jump up and be the seventh seed if they won and we were going to be the eighth and play Glen Rock, but they lost, so pick your poison. We knew whatever draw we were going to get it would be a great team”, said Head Coach Kevin White. “At this time of year you expect to play outstanding football teams and Mountain Lakes truly epitomizes that word. I think we’re excited about it, we recognize the unique challenge that it presents, and we realize we’re going to have to make it our kind of game and not theirs. We can’t let it be a track meet. We have to make it a nice sloppy grind it out physical kind of game and hope that we can prevail in that kind of matter”.
If there is one team in the bracket, which Kinnelon knows, it’s Mountain Lakes. White knows what they will try to do and it is the responsibility of his coaching staff and his players to go out there and stop what is perhaps the best team in the area, despite being Group 1.
“Going in we know Mountain Lakes, we know they will run the wing-t. We know the things that they like to do, but there is another side to that. Mountain Lakes knows us, they know what we like to do and how we do it. Ultimately it’s going to come down to which side wills their way to play the style of game that they want”, said White.
Kinnelon does not make trips to the playoffs that often, in fact, this is just their second time, but they are not just satisfied with making it. They want to win and while they face a tough task in the first round, they look at it as a challenge. White knows what his team has to do. Whether or not they can will be the difference in the game.
“Can we go on methodical thirteen, fourteen play drives? We’ll have some stuff in there to create big plays to take some pressure off us but ultimately, we have to control the clock, limit their snaps on offense, and punch it in when we get down there. If you leave points out there against them, you will live to regret it”, said White.
This has been a great year for Kinnelon football and White has gotten this program to where he wanted it to be in three years. The future looks bright as well; the fortunes of this program do not reside solely on the efforts of the senior class. Still, with quarterback Brian DeVeau having an amazing season running the ball behind a senior laden offensive line, this is as good a chance the Colts may have in knocking off their rivals.
“You go out and do the best job you can. You do the best preparing that you can. We just want to make sure we want to do everything right through Friday to get us ready to compete and then on Saturday, I have to coach smart and we have to play hard”, said White. “Let’s play our best game and if our best isn’t good enough so be it, but if we play our best, you have to feel good about your chances”.
Should they lose this game they will get to play Mountain Lakes again on Thanksgiving and if they can win that game, it will give them a share of the league title along with Mountain Lakes and Verona.
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When Kinnelon clinched their playoff spot with Friday night’s win versus Boonton, everyone came off the field thinking that they would be playing Glen Rock in the first round of the playoffs. With the quirkiness of the power point system, Glen Rock was able to hold onto the top seed which meant that Kinnelon, at seven, would face the second seed and for them is was a team with which they are all to familiar, Mountain Lakes.
“Emerson was going to jump up and be the seventh seed if they won and we were going to be the eighth and play Glen Rock, but they lost, so pick your poison. We knew whatever draw we were going to get it would be a great team”, said Head Coach Kevin White. “At this time of year you expect to play outstanding football teams and Mountain Lakes truly epitomizes that word. I think we’re excited about it, we recognize the unique challenge that it presents, and we realize we’re going to have to make it our kind of game and not theirs. We can’t let it be a track meet. We have to make it a nice sloppy grind it out physical kind of game and hope that we can prevail in that kind of matter”.
If there is one team in the bracket, which Kinnelon knows, it’s Mountain Lakes. White knows what they will try to do and it is the responsibility of his coaching staff and his players to go out there and stop what is perhaps the best team in the area, despite being Group 1.
“Going in we know Mountain Lakes, we know they will run the wing-t. We know the things that they like to do, but there is another side to that. Mountain Lakes knows us, they know what we like to do and how we do it. Ultimately it’s going to come down to which side wills their way to play the style of game that they want”, said White.
Kinnelon does not make trips to the playoffs that often, in fact, this is just their second time, but they are not just satisfied with making it. They want to win and while they face a tough task in the first round, they look at it as a challenge. White knows what his team has to do. Whether or not they can will be the difference in the game.
“Can we go on methodical thirteen, fourteen play drives? We’ll have some stuff in there to create big plays to take some pressure off us but ultimately, we have to control the clock, limit their snaps on offense, and punch it in when we get down there. If you leave points out there against them, you will live to regret it”, said White.
This has been a great year for Kinnelon football and White has gotten this program to where he wanted it to be in three years. The future looks bright as well; the fortunes of this program do not reside solely on the efforts of the senior class. Still, with quarterback Brian DeVeau having an amazing season running the ball behind a senior laden offensive line, this is as good a chance the Colts may have in knocking off their rivals.
“You go out and do the best job you can. You do the best preparing that you can. We just want to make sure we want to do everything right through Friday to get us ready to compete and then on Saturday, I have to coach smart and we have to play hard”, said White. “Let’s play our best game and if our best isn’t good enough so be it, but if we play our best, you have to feel good about your chances”.
Should they lose this game they will get to play Mountain Lakes again on Thanksgiving and if they can win that game, it will give them a share of the league title along with Mountain Lakes and Verona.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Week 9 Picks
It’s the last week before the playoffs begin and right now Lakeland and Pompton Lakes are already in, congratulations to both teams. Kinnelon and West Milford are probably in; Kinnelon needs a win tonight in Boonton and West Milford just needs for the house not to collapse.
Butler travels to Montville still looking for that first win of the season. While Butler has struggled, they can do some things, problem is, and Montville is just a better team right now and should win this game.
Pequannock hosts Passaic Valley enjoying a one-game winning streak. Could there have been a more emotional story than that of this team, rallying behind their quarterback Ryan Griffin who attended his father’s funeral that morning? I’ve followed this team all season and while my reporting was always objective, you could not help but pull for these kids. They worked their butts off every week. I’d like to say that they will keep the streak going, but I don’t think that will be the case.
Kinnelon travels to play Boonton and with a win, probably secure a playoff spot. Park Ridge losing last week helps the Colts out in the combinations that space does not allow me to include them all. The Colts will take care of business and wait to see what else falls out. In all likelihood, they will be the seventh seed and play Westwood or the sixth seed, which would have them, face Hasbrouck Heights. Nothing is official and things change, so check out the paper and the blog to get the latest info.
Pompton Lakes hosts Manchester Saturday at home. The Cardinals will take this one easy, resting players as much as possible as they prepare for next week. Manchester is not a strong team so PL should win this one handily. I’m even guessing the defense will pitch another shut out.
Lakeland and West Milford renew their rivalry with the first regular season scheduled game since 2005. They played a consolation game in 2006. Lakeland is 8-0, probably the three seed and playing great football. Dan Deighan was incredible in leading his team back against DePaul. West Milford is 5-3 and all but in the playoffs and while conventional wisdom says the teams shouldn’t risk getting players hurt in a game with no playoff implications, this IS West Milford and Lakeland; a border war that will be played to the hilt. I like the Lancers to get their 9th win in what is shaping up to be a very special
Butler travels to Montville still looking for that first win of the season. While Butler has struggled, they can do some things, problem is, and Montville is just a better team right now and should win this game.
Pequannock hosts Passaic Valley enjoying a one-game winning streak. Could there have been a more emotional story than that of this team, rallying behind their quarterback Ryan Griffin who attended his father’s funeral that morning? I’ve followed this team all season and while my reporting was always objective, you could not help but pull for these kids. They worked their butts off every week. I’d like to say that they will keep the streak going, but I don’t think that will be the case.
Kinnelon travels to play Boonton and with a win, probably secure a playoff spot. Park Ridge losing last week helps the Colts out in the combinations that space does not allow me to include them all. The Colts will take care of business and wait to see what else falls out. In all likelihood, they will be the seventh seed and play Westwood or the sixth seed, which would have them, face Hasbrouck Heights. Nothing is official and things change, so check out the paper and the blog to get the latest info.
Pompton Lakes hosts Manchester Saturday at home. The Cardinals will take this one easy, resting players as much as possible as they prepare for next week. Manchester is not a strong team so PL should win this one handily. I’m even guessing the defense will pitch another shut out.
Lakeland and West Milford renew their rivalry with the first regular season scheduled game since 2005. They played a consolation game in 2006. Lakeland is 8-0, probably the three seed and playing great football. Dan Deighan was incredible in leading his team back against DePaul. West Milford is 5-3 and all but in the playoffs and while conventional wisdom says the teams shouldn’t risk getting players hurt in a game with no playoff implications, this IS West Milford and Lakeland; a border war that will be played to the hilt. I like the Lancers to get their 9th win in what is shaping up to be a very special
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