Trendspotters

Crampton's last stand

2009-03-22T00:01:00.002-04:00

His Kinnelon career over, Pete Crampton took the loss with the same class that he demonstrated when he was on the winning side. The only senior on the Colt roster saw this program go from a good team in the Haas Division to a state champion and now a state finalist. Though he lost, what better place to end his very successful high school career than on the ice of the Prudential Center. While his graduation will leave a big void to be filled on the team's first line, brother Mike is there to pick up the mantle passed to Pete from their cousin Tom Mongelli who was the captain of last year's team. The best thing about this year was that despite many players getting their first significant ice time of their careers, the team came within one game of winning back to back state titles. The truth is Ramsey played better today and deserved the win and congrats to them, but to Pete Crampton and everyone else on the Kinnelon team they will soon look back on this year with pride. The future is bright as well as the school tries to build an elite hockey program.

Not to be

2009-03-21T20:25:00.002-04:00

It just wasn't to be for Kinnelon today. They never seemed in synch and Ramsey took it to them. They lost 2-0 but had every opportunity with 40 shots on goal. That is incredible that they weren't able to convert on any of their shots. A lapse on defense and a power play goal was all they surrendered; Jeff Molner made saves on at least three or four breakaways.

It was a great year for the Colts but came up just a bit short. With just one senior though, they will be back.

last gasp?

2009-03-21T14:48:00.001-04:00

under 6 minutes, still down 2-0. a penalty on ramsey's ricky gnassi gives the colts a power play in what might be their last best chance to get into the game

ramsey's bunker mentality

2009-03-21T14:40:00.002-04:00

Ramsey seems content to pack it into the defensive end and play conservative on offense as they nurse their lead. Kinnelon seems off their game a bit today, just enough to be in trouble, down 2-0 with 8:32 to play

End of the second

2009-03-21T14:19:00.002-04:00

The Colts outshot the Rams 19-13 in the second but a power play goal by Ramsey's Tyler Bishop gave the Rams a 2-0 lead. Kinnelon is getting their chances, but Matt Braun is as tough in goal as anyone Kinnelon has faced. He has 28 saves through 2.

The third goal in a 2-0 game is critical. If Ramsey gets up 3-0, that could be the end for Kinnelon. If the Colts make it 2-1, then it is anyone's game. This is where the experience and leadership is needed for Kinnelon. They can not play short; the first penalty of the game came back to haunt them in just 9 seconds.

Defensively Kinnelon seemed to pick it up and Molner did thwart a couple of short handed breakaways. Its on the offensive side that Kinnelon is being frustrated. 28 shots and no scores is almost hard to believe. They are much more efficient at closing the deal and need to do so quickly in the third. With each passing minute, their task to get exponentially more difficult for them.

Power plays for Colts

2009-03-21T14:18:00.000-04:00

Up a man, Kinnelon attacked but Matt Braun in the Ramsey net stopped everything that went his way. Ramsey, down a man, had 2 breakways, but Molner did his thing. With 2:13 left in the 2nd, time is running out. Kinnelon needs to score quickly. Another power play with 1:30 left for the Colts, is giving them opportunities, but they need to take advantage. They end the second up in shots, 28-24, but have yet to break through.

Ramsey lengthens the lead

2009-03-21T14:09:00.000-04:00

A penalty called on Pete Crampton led to a power play goal by Tyler Bishop 9 seconds later. Down 2-0, Kinnelon needs to score the next goal. 3-0 is a tough deficit to overcome. Less than a minute after the power play goal, Mike Crampton got called for roughing. Not a good start for the Colts early in the second

End of the first period

2009-03-21T13:45:00.001-04:00

Ramsey leads 1-0 and has been the more dominant team. They lead in shots 11-9 and have dictated the pace. A late flurry by Kinnelon in front of the net almost led to a goal but they were unable to redirect a shot by Justin McLaughlin with about 10 seconds to go. Its a clean game, no penalties called on either team.

Kinnelon has to find a way to deal with Ramsey's three lines. While they aren't rotating them equally, the first and second line seem to get in there more often, that depth can prove a problem as the game goes on into the 2nd and 3rd periods.

Kinnelon had their chances, but if they want to win they are going to have to slow down Ramsey's attack. Allowing 11 shots is not characteristic of Kinnelon but it is what Ramsey does; throw the puck on net and hope good things happen. The key for the Colts will be the defensive adjustments made between periods.

The game is close, one goal is nothing, but should Ramsey get up by two, then matters will be more complicated. No penalties is another key; in a close game Kinnelon can't afford a key player to be off the ice. It just exacerbates the lack of depth that already exists.

10:38 Ramsey scores

2009-03-21T13:24:00.002-04:00

John Kirk scores the games first goal from in close. he was assisted by Patrick Rutowski. Ramsey leads 1-0. A mintute later Jonathen Rainey had a break away but Jeff Molner made the save

not much happening

2009-03-21T13:18:00.001-04:00

The teams are feeling one another out, no serious threats. Shots are 4-3 in favor of Ramsey with 8 minutes left in the first. Seems like Pete Crampton is playing on both lines for now.

Opening minute....

2009-03-21T13:03:00.002-04:00

Ramsey's John Kirk got a shot on goal but Molner was able to seure it. Both teams look like they are skating well, no sign of nerves though Kinnelon almost left a puck behind in the defensive end. They were able to clear it before Ramsey could pounce on it.

The teams hit the ice

2009-03-21T13:01:00.001-04:00

It won't be long. Both teams are doing their skate around, sizing one another up as they do. Last year, Tom Mongelli told me the greatest thrill he had was coming onto the ice and seeing a sea of green shirts. This year the Colts are in white, so while the color of the sea may have changed, I'm sure the feeling was the same.

The Rock

2009-03-21T12:40:00.002-04:00

If you haven't been to the Prudential Center, then its time you do. Its a first rate facility, easily accessible from major highways. The place treats the teams like royalty as they prepare for the biggest game of their season. The crowd is getting bigger. Press row is behind the Kinnelon side so I will have to deal with the Colt Crazies as they cheer on their team. Ramsey is well represented as well; should be a great game.

Live from Newark

2009-03-21T12:22:00.001-04:00

Its about half an hour until game time, the crowd is milling in, the music is loud, perhaps too loud, but there is a sense of excitement. The ice is empty, freshly cut and awaiting the two teams to sully it's perfect sheen. I will continue to add entries as the game progresses; it is the next best thing to being here. OK, maybe not, but you will be able to get live updates as they happen and feel free to chime in with your feedback.

For what it's worth

2009-03-20T13:08:00.002-04:00

Hardly a hockey expert and granted I just saw Ramsey play twice, but I think Kinnelon is going to defend their crown Saturday for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they are good. Really good. The Crampton's up top are a devastating scoring duo and Jeff Molner is sick in net. Billy Huber is like another coach on the ice and he shores up the defense. He gets the puck and gets after anyone that dare enter their zone. Secondly, they played an entire season in arguably the toughest division in the state. Playing teams like Mo-Beard, Randolph, Morris Knolls, Pingry, and Chatham night after night is essentially a season of playoff games. Then add out of conference games like Montgomery, you realize the level of competition that this team has faced and how battle tested they are. Third, after the Verona game, talking to some of the players and coaches, they had that look. You know the one, the kind of look that shows a quiet confidence as they get nearer to their season's quest. They know what its like to play in and win this game. I get the feeling they kind of enjoyed that experience and want to do it again.

I'm not saying Ramsey can't win this game because they are a fine team as well. They have three lines to Kinnelon's two, and their goal tender is just as clutch and effective as Molner. They dominated their league but in fairness, the top three teams in the NBIAL had a 36-6-5 record while the rest of the seven teams were 29-59-9. Still you need to play the teams that get on the ice against you and I'm sure that they do not want their early spring trip to Newark to come up empty. I think it will be close, but Kinnelon's experience and battle tested toughness should win out. Final score, 4-2.

Check here during the game as I try, and let me stress TRY to Blog live. Add some comments, especially if it proves that I have no idea what I'm talking about!!!!!!

Live blogging from the Rock

2009-03-20T12:56:00.002-04:00

If all goes well, I will attempt to Blog live from the Prudential Center during tomorrow's championship hockey game between Kinnelon and Ramsey. Being technically challenged, it may not work out as well as it seems in my head, but I promise to do my best.

Kinnelon falls to Randolph 2-0

2008-12-18T09:02:00.004-05:00

Last year Kinnelon lost two games all year, now after five games the Kinnelon hockey team has equalled that number. On Wednesday afternoon they got a welcome to the Mennen Division when two-time defending cup champion and NJSIAA Public A semifinalist Randolph outskated them. The game was close and for their part the Colts played extremely well. They are young and will make their share of mistakes as the newer players get their first extensive ice time facing some of the best teams the state has to offer but make no mistke, Kinnelon is in that upper echelon of teams and they got there the old fashioned way; they earned it.

The teams skated evenly but the Rams were able to score twice, on the exact same play to take the lead after two. In the first Nick Kovary was able to follow up a shot by Kyle Kepple at the 10:15 mark. In the second period the Colts came out flying and seemed to be getting their offense untracked but consecutive penalties had them skating one man down for four full minutes. Back at full strength Kovary and Kepple pulled off the same play as they did earlier to make the score 2-0.

Down 2-0, Kinnelon knew they needed to score quickly, put themselves down one score, which would give them a chance, but they never got that goal in spite of outshooting Randolph 10-6 in the period. Dan Fullam was outstanding in goal for the Rams stopping all 24 shots. Kinnelon's Jeff Molner allowed two goals but was solid in the net all game. He withstood 21 shots in the first two periods and had 25 saves on the day.

With a 3-2 record they get to play Jefferson, the team they last played at the Prudential Center in the state championship game. That game will be played Saturday at Skylands. The Colts will look to get back to their winning ways. They need to win the games against those in the Halvorsen as their Mennen schedule is going to be challenging. It shouldn't be a problem though, this team has accepted and met every challenge thrown their way. How that plays out as wins and losses remains to be seen, but they know they are up for it and that's all for which you can hope.

Kinnelon ousted on penalty kicks

2008-11-19T00:40:00.001-05:00

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.

Lakeland football playoff preview

2008-11-14T01:01:00.001-05:00

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.

West Milford football playoff preview

2008-11-14T00:32:00.001-05:00

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.

Pompton Lakes football playoff preview

2008-11-14T00:14:00.000-05:00

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.

Week 10 picks

2008-11-13T17:22:00.004-05:00

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 football playoff preview

2008-11-11T17:27:00.002-05:00

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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

Week 9 Picks

2008-11-07T09:52:00.001-05:00

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

Week 8 picks and playoff possibilities

2008-10-30T09:04:00.002-04:00

Week 8 for most teams which means the cutoff for the playoffs. Lakeland, Pompton Lakes, Kinnelon, and West Milford are all still alive in the hunt to varying degrees. Their games this week can determine where they will be seeded as well, so here goes. Can’t believe the season is in its final weeks.

Lakeland plays DePaul Friday night in Wanaque. Last week the Spartans were demolished by Delbarton by 30 points, a team which the Lancers beat. Not that that means a whole lot, but the fact is Lakeland is playing so well on both sides of the ball, they have the strength and the speed to take away what DePaul does best. The Lancers currently are in third place with 47 points. A win here will give them at least 12 more and should be enough to keep them in that spot. Should they win and West Orange knock off Wayne Valley, the Lancers could vault into second place; a good spot to be because then you would not have to face 4-time reigning champion and presumed top seed Wayne Hills until the final. A loss, and wins by Pascack Valley, Sparta, and Fair Lawn could drop them to seventh place, so this game is huge. The pick is Lakeland.

West Milford versus Millburn should be a relatively easy win for the Highlanders, but last week’s loss to West Orange has put them in peril. Yes, with 37 points they are currently in seventh place but Ramapo has thirty and plays Demarest and Northern Highlands, two imminently winnable games that would allow them to pass. Paramus also has 30 points and two games, one easier than the other game. Should they win both however, including over Bloomfield, a Group 4 team that may have five wins, they too can shoot past West Milford. The Highlanders take this one then sit back and hope that the Rubik’s cube of playoff permutations falls in their favor.

Pompton Lakes has earned their spot so their game against Glen Rock is for seeding. A win and the Cardinals could be the third seed in all likelihood unless Westwood or Hasbrouck Heights stumbles which could move them up. Mountain Lakes has many points still on the board for the taking as they face Glen Ridge and Cedar Grove. If they sweep those, Pompton would be the fourth seed. A loss and Pompton could drop behind Park Ridge as well into sixth place. The Panthers will be the toughest game for them this side of Paterson Catholic but in 2005, they got past Glen Rock en route to the title. That was a playoff game; this one will only seem like one. It’s at Glen Rock but I have a hunch that when pressed, the team will respond with what some will consider an upset.

Kinnelon plays Newark Academy and they will get the win. Then they face Boonton and will need to win that game in order to qualify. There are so many combinations but suffice to say, if the Colts win both games they will earn around 7 more points, giving them 27. Emerson with 19 points can get as many as 11 power points if they win over winless Ridgefield and Pascack Hills, 3-4. Both are Group 2 schools. If that happens, the Colts, currently in eighth place, could be 7-1 and miss the playoffs. That would be an unpleasant way to end the season and sort of spells out some of the flaws in the power point system. Kinnelon will win, but they need help, especially from Pascack Hills on November 7.

Butler and Pequannock face off and the only good thing to say about this game is that one of these teams will win the first game. Two proud but struggling programs will each be out there giving it their all trying to avoid remaining winless. I’ve seen both teams and this will be an evenly matched contest but Pequannock should find a way to win. Sorry Bulldogs but you still have Montville and Caldwell after this one so perhaps you can get the win out of one of those.

Week 7 picks

2008-10-24T07:47:00.000-04:00

Week seven and to borrow a phrase from the sport of kings, down the stretch they come. With the cutoff for playoff spots nearing, teams need to add precious power points in order to solidify their seeding.

Pequannock’s best chance for a win was last week against Madison and they fell, 24-0. This week Orange comes to play and they just lost to Lakeland 10-0. There could be many reasons for that, we’ll get into that in the Lakeland pick, but the thing the Tornadoes do have is speed. The Panthers will have to contend with that as well as the mounting pressure that comes with each loss. The questions as to when they are going to win can now be replaced by if they are going to win. I have been supporting them all season, and I still want to be there when they win. I just don’t think it’s this week, so the pick is Orange.

Butler travels to Madison to take on the Dodgers. After losses to DePaul and New Providence, the competition is more to their liking, but the Bulldogs, on the road, will probably not get this one. That means Halloween night, Butler and Pequannock will square off for what will be each team’s biggest game of the season.

Kinnelon has their biggest game of the year on Saturday at Verona. The Colts are unbeaten but in the playoff race, have 18 power points, putting them in seventh place. Problem is there are three teams with 17 points and with games against Newark Academy and Boonton, Group 1 schools with a combined 3-9 record, if they don’t get this one, Kinnelon can expect seven to eight addition points. That may get them in, but would put them at the seventh or eighth seed and that means Hasbrouck Heights or Glen Rock in the first round. This will be a close game but as long as the Hillbillies can’t do what everyone else has yet to do, stop Brian DeVeau, the Colts take this one but barely.

Lakeland plays Caldwell and with DePaul next week, the fear would be the Lancers might be looking ahead. But with the closer than expected score in the win over Orange, coach Tom McCormack has a great coaching point to use this week, that is, do not take anything for granted. Had they blown the Tornadoes out last week I would think of this game as a trap, not that they would lose, but play a bit off their norm. Last week’s game was that let down and I don’t see it happening two weeks in a row; they win this one, big.

Pompton Lakes faces an uncharacteristically struggling Hawthorne team at home on Saturday. The Cardinal defense pitched its third shut out of the year last week against Garfield. The passing game exploded and the running game was solid as well. PL will win this game, raise their record to 6-1 and secure a playoff spot. The next game, they go to Glen Rock where a win would give the Cardinals a top seed, but that’s for next week. This week they beat the Bears and make the playoffs.

West Milford had a tough loss, in OT, to Montville. This week West Orange is the opponent. The Mountaineers lost to PCT last week, a team which the Highlanders beat 14-0. History has been on their side winning four of the last five. A win here will be worth many power points and could vault the Highlanders into second or third place. They are quietly having a pretty good season and I think it continues this week.

Lakeland Volleyball

2008-10-22T12:39:00.002-04:00

The Lancers moved to the semi-finals of the county volleyball tournament with a two-game victory over number nine seed Hawthorne. Lakeland, the top seed will play the winner of Thursday night's match between Clifton and Passaic Valley. That round will be played at Clifton so it won't be easy if the Mustangs perform true to the seedings and get to the next round. The championship game will be played at Lakeland and Head Coach Russ Kniewel and his team would love to play the inhospitable host on 11/1.
The Lancers have won 5 county titles previously but none since 2003. It would be a great achievement for this team to get another title after a couple of down years. They are basically a young team with 3 senior starters and one junior. Kniewel rotates in a bunch of sophomores that have really helped made this a dangerous team. No one can just focus on one of their hitters as anyone can step up at anytime. Still, the tournament is open and any of the teams still alive could take it all.

Championship Saturday

2008-10-22T12:38:00.000-04:00

This Saturday two County Titles will be up for grabs as Lakeland goes for the championship in girls’ soccer and Pompton Lakes looks to repeat in field hockey. They will face the Waynes, Valley and Hills respectfully, two of the counties bigger sisters. And, to make things a bit more complicated, the games will be played at the site of the lower seeded team. These county tournaments are planned in advance and the site picked will always be the home field of one of the teams, but is it too much to have the games played at the home of the higher ranked seed?
Both fields in Wayne have artificial turf and while Valley doesn’t normally play their games on that particular field, it has more experience on it than do the Lancers. DePaul, which plays on the fake stuff, gave them all they could handle in the semi-final, losing on PK’s, because they were able to neutralize Lakeland’s greatest asset, namely, speed. Having played on it will help but Valley is another quick and talented team that can give the Lancers fits. I think Lakeland wins the game but it will be a tough game. Valley is the defending co-champion and they have been playing up to their reputation. They dominated West Milford Saturday in the other semi-final. Fresh off their upset win over Clifton the Highlanders played hard but could not keep up with the Indians speed.
Pompton Lakes is and has been a field hockey power. Hills has been a good team and a win for them would restore them to a time when they were the dominate force in Passaic County field hockey. Between the two schools, they have won 23 of the 33 county tournaments.
Pompton Lakes plays great defense and has an attacking style of offense. Signature wins against over Northern Highlands and Montclair shows that they can stand up to the powers in both Bergen and Essex counties, now they have the chance to confirm they are the best in Passaic County-again.

Busy Saturday

2008-10-18T22:51:00.001-04:00

Saturday was one of those days that sports fans truly love. Local high school supporters had their choice of sports and games that they could go watch. In the Suburban Trends coverage area alone there were two Passaic County Girls Soccer Semifinal games, two Passaic County Field Hockey Semifinal games, a Passaic County Boys Soccer Semifinal game, a Morris County Volleyball quarterfinal game and two regular season football games.

Here is a quick look at what happened on a very busy October 18. For a complete recap of the games make sure to pick up the Wednesday, October 22 edition of the Suburban Trends.

Passaic County Field Hockey Tournament
The jinx that Wayne Hills has over West Milford in the semifinals of the Passaic County Field Hockey Tournament continued on Saturday afternoon as the Patriots knocked off the Highlanders 3-1. It is the fourth straight year that Wayne Hills kept the Highlanders from reaching the championship game.
In the second game of the double header Danielle Allan scored early in the first half and late in the second half to lead Pompton Lakes to a 3-0 win over Wayne Valley. The top seeded Cardinals will now play the second seeded Patriots next Saturday in the tournament’s championship game.

Passaic County Girls Soccer Tournament
One week after upsetting the top seeded Lady Mustangs of Clifton the West Milford girls soccer team saw their run in the Passaic County Tournament come to an end on Saturday when they lost to Wayne Valley 2-0. The Indians scored single goals in each half as they dominated play to pick up the win.
The second semifinal game between second seeded Lakeland and third seeded DePaul was a game that no one will forget anytime soon. It was also a game that no one wanted to see come to an end and for a while it didn’t. After 100 minutes of scoreless play and a round of penalty kicks a winner had yet to be determined. Then in the second round of PK’s the Lady Lancers pulled out the victory outscoring the Spartans 3-2 to get the well earned victory.

Passaic County Boys Soccer Tournament
At halftime of their Passaic County semifinal game against top seeded Clifton the fourth seeded Cardinals of Pompton Lakes must have felt that they were on top of the world. Through the teams first 13 games the Cardinals were a perfect 13-0 and had allowed only two goals all season. At the break of Saturday’s game the Cardinals had a 4-0 lead over the Mustangs with just 40 minutes of play keeping them from picking up a monumental upset. The dream came to a sudden end though as Clifton fired in four second half goals, then another one in overtime to pick up the stunning 5-4 victory.

Morris County Girls Volleyball Tournament
The seventh seeded Lady Colts of Kinnelon proved to be no match for the Chatham Cougars. The second seeded team beat Kinnelon 25-11 and 25-18.

Regular Season Football
Saturday afternoon the Kinnelon football team took another step towards securing a playoff berth when they beat Morristown-Beard 26-0. The win helps Kinnelon improve to 5-0 on the season heading into next week’s huge contest with Verona who is 5-1 after yesterday’s 30-0 win over Pingry.
In the last game of the busy afternoon and evening, the Lakeland football team took the field in what promised to be a fast-paced high scoring game with the Orange Tornadoes. By the time the game ended, all the promises had been broken as it was the Lancers defense that stole the show limiting the powerful Orange offense. With the 10-0 win the Lancers improved to 6-0 on the season going into next Saturday’s contest at Caldwell.

Next weekend should be just as busy for the local sports fans (and writers) as the Lakeland girls soccer team and the Pompton Lakes field hockey squads will be battling for county crowns. The Butler, Kinnelon, Lakeland, Pompton Lakes and West Milford football teams will also be in action.

Make sure to come back to the Suburban Trends sports blog and we will keep you informed on what is going on.

Week 6 picks

2008-10-17T02:20:00.000-04:00

Week 6 and the record stands now at 20-6 and five-for-five on best bets. This week are some interesting games and I will begin with the most intriguing, Pequannock at Madison.

This is the week that the Panthers put one on the right side of the ledger. They have been playing better against solid competition like Delbarton, Lakeland, and DePaul. Now they get a chance against another struggling team, a squad that if they play the way they did versus DePaul and Lakeland, they should prevail. They deserve this one and I think it will be close, but the Panthers will end their streak.

Pompton Lakes is looking to rebound after their loss to Paterson Catholic. If they took anything from that game, it should be that their defense could stop anyone in their league. They held PC to half their points-per-game average and made key stops when they had to, they also showed opposing teams that they could spread the offense, go no huddle, and move the ball through the air. I don’t think they’ll continue calling the plays at the line, but I’m sure they will mix in some of the wide-open formations they unveiled last week. Look for a big game from Mike Ward running and catching the ball.

West Milford travels to Montville and it will be interesting which team will be waiting for them, the one that ran all over Pequannock on opening night, the team that dropped three straight, or the one that knocked off Passaic Valley 20-13 last week. West Milford is 4-1 and has been doing it with defense. They have recorded two shutouts already this season, one less than they have had in the past four seasons. In fact, you’d have to go back to the 2003 season when they had four shutouts in that playoff season. The offense seems to be getting better but needs to find consistency. Still, they have more than enough to hold off Montville to go 5-1. The danger is if the Highlanders are looking past them to West Orange next week.

Butler has another tough game when they host DePaul Friday night. Following their great performance against Lakeland, they lost a tough game to Orange then were blown out by New Providence. Having seen DePaul against Pequannock I think they will be able to move the ball against them but they will need to stop the high-powered balanced attack that the Spartans throw at you. Butler may keep it close early, but I can see DePaul pulling away in the second half, controlling the clock and tiring out the Bulldog defense.

Kinnelon travels to Morristown Beard and has a chance to go 5-0 for the first time in school history. The Colts are playing very well but because of their schedule, while unbeaten, sit tied for seventh place in the power point standings. They cannot afford to lose one game and while Mo Beard was in the state finals a year ago, remember that the Non-Public Group 1 playoff bracket consisted of three teams. They are 2-3 with their wins coming at the expense of Immaculate Conception of Montclair and Newark Academy. Kinnelon has Verona next week and can’t look ahead too far. At 4-0 with 13 power points, Kinnelon’s remaining games are against Group 1 schools with a combined record of 8-12. They will win this game rather easily.

Lakeland travels to Orange to take on a 2-2 Tornado team. Everything is going right for the Lancers as they are playing well on both sides of the ball. There was no let up following their big win of Delbarton as they beat Pequannock 31-14. This week they face a team that lost to Delbarton and DePaul while barely beating Butler and Madison. They need this win in order to secure power points. Their big game is still 2 weeks away when DePaul comes to Lakeland but until then, they keep their streak going and up the record to 5-0.

Week 5 Picks

2008-10-09T21:34:00.000-04:00

Week 5 and three of the Suburban Trends area teams are still undefeated. I wish I could say the same for my record in making picks, but the key to being successful is to keep trying so I will. Year to date record is 16-5 and 4-0 on best bets compared to the stock market, 76% isn’t that bad.

Kinnelon plays Whippany Park and they should come out with their 4th straight win. Right now, the Colts are playing very well and they have beaten the Wildcats the past four seasons. It’s a big game for them in the sense that last year, they opened 3-0 then went on to lose four of their last seven. Opening with four wins would be a great psychological boost for the team, the program, and the school. Plus with the way Brian DeVeau is playing, very few defenses will be able to control him. I can see this game being wide open, but playing at home should be more than enough for Kinnelon to take it.

West Milford plays Passaic County Tech. Both teams are 3-1 and split the last four games with the Highlanders winning in the even numbered years and PCT in the odd numbered years. Perhaps that has more to do with home field so since the game is being played at West Milford, they are the pick. That along with the fact that the defense has been playing better and the offense exploded last week. This is a big game for the Highlanders to take. PCT is a g Group 4 school with a winning record, which means a possible bushel basket of power points would be added to their total.

Butler goes to play New Providence, a Group 1 powerhouse winning 42 of their last 58 games and have been in the playoffs in six of the last seven seasons. Butler had a tough loss last week to Orange following their give-it-their-all effort in the Lakeland game on Monday. Te Bulldogs are tough and can move the ball, but asking them to go on the road to play a team that they really don’t know is too much to ask. They’ll play hard but New Providence should win this one.

Pompton Lakes gets to show what they have when Paterson Catholic comes to call. Last year the blew the Cardinals out and there is some bad blood between the two teams which stems from the Cougars running trick plays late in the 41-0 contest. After talking to players and Head Coach Scott Mahoney following last week’s win over Saddle Brook, they seem to be pointing towards this game as a means to show how good they truly are. The last time this team was overlooked was 2005 and we all know how that season ended. I also learned never to underestimate what they can do. If the defense can slow down their running game, and the offense avoids mistakes, I think they can pull this one out.

Lakeland, fresh off their first ever win over Delbarton takes on Pequannock. There may be a let down for the Lancers but they should be able to handle the Panthers who have been improving each week. With Madison, Orange, and Butler slated for the following three weeks, they will have a better chance to getting their first win. Lakeland is just too tough and playing at a very high level on both sides. This one, sad to say, is the best bet of the week.

Now comes the real test for Pompton Lakes

2008-10-05T01:30:00.000-04:00

Pompton Lakes dealt their second straight shut out Saturday afternoon with a 49-0 triumph over Saddle Brook. They scored early and often on the Falcons who this year are not your typical Saddle Brook team. Still Pompton did what they needed to do and for their efforts, they get to play Paterson Catholic next Saturday at home. Not that playing at home matters because last year PC dropped a 41-0 drubbing on them in a game where the Cougars were calling trick plays in the game’s last minute.
Though no one will say it for the record, you know this proud group of Pompton Lakes football players would like to avenge that loss and the way it happened. No one on this current team has ever beaten Paterson Catholic; even in the championship year of 2005, they were the only blemish on their record.
How do you assess their chances? Each team played and beat Lodi; Pompton did it in the season opener 10-7 while PC beat the Rams this Saturday 34-27. From a style of play, the Cardinals are similar to Lodi. Run the ball and go after it on defense, a blue-collar approach that works well against most teams in the BPSL. Problem is Paterson Catholic has outstanding speed in addition to size and strength so it makes for tough match ups. Glen Rock was able to deal PC their first league loss in 50-odd games last month because they were able to match them in the speed department. Can the Cardinals do that? Probably not, their roster has some speed but not up and down the lines of scrimmage. So they will have to figure out a way to use their power and aggressiveness to control the point of attack on both sides of the ball. They will need and expect big games from Tommy Duncan and Alan Ren in the middle of the defensive line while the linebackers need to be ready to step up and make the plays when needed. They also will have to be able to control PC’s passing game that is also capable of producing big plays. On offense they will need to run the ball and control the clock, keeping the Cougar offense on the sideline. They will also need to avoid making mistakes, as PC doesn’t need any help.
One thing going for Pompton Lakes is that PC now knows it can be beaten in a league game; the bubble of invincibility has been burst. Another is the game PC just played against Lodi. The Cardinals were able to stop the Lodi offense, holding them to just seven points whereas they scored 27 in their loss to the Cougars. That could be a coaching mechanism to help instill some confidence into them, though they hardly need it. They want that game, the challenge that comes with it, and are ready to prove that they can play and compete with them. It’s not a back-breaker if they drop the game but if they pull it off it will be a season defining win making a loud statement to all the other contenders for the North 1 Group 1 title.

Dominating Delbarton

2008-10-04T23:37:00.000-04:00

In two months, a few days after the calendar changes from November to December, 20 high school football teams from around New Jersey will celebrate winning a state title.
Earlier tonight, a few days after the calendar changed from September to October, the Lakeland Lancers celebrated as if they had just won a state title. No the playoffs did not start early this year but on a chilly Saturday night Lakeland knocked off Delbarton 17-9. The win was the first in school history for Lakeland over Delbarton.
Facing one of the top parochial schools in the state the Lancers took every hard hit in stride more then willing to exchange hard hits with the Green Wave.
Not only did the Lancers beat Delbarton today but they were also the team in control for most of the game.
When the Lancers took an early 7-0 lead the Delbarton bench and fans barely seemed to take notice. When the lead expanded to 10-2 and then 17-2 it was very apparent that the Delbarton bench started to tense up.
Instead of the Lancers being in awe of Delbarton it was the Green Wave that was in awe that someone was actually taking their best shot and repeatedly getting right back up.
If a call or play did not go the way of the Lancers no player or coach got to upset, they just readied themselves for the next snap.
And with each snap the Lancers found themselves closer and closer to victory.
Four season’s ago I was on the field at Giants Stadium when the Lancers completed the perfect season by winning a state championship. While the crowd and the setting was a bit smaller tonight even for a reporter on the sideline the impact of the win was just the same.

Week 4 picks

2008-10-02T20:23:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe, but for most schools, they have reached the midway point of the season. Pompton Lakes, Lakeland, and Kinnelon are unbeaten as they make their push for the postseason. West Milford is 2-1 while Butler and Pequannock are each looking for their first win of the season. My prognosticating efforts continue with these pearls of wisdom.

Just a hunch but after seeing Butler throw the ball on Lakeland Monday afternoon, a team that can play defense, makes me think that Orange could be in for a long night. Plus the Bulldogs played a decent game defensively despite allowing 35 points. They forced turnovers, made key third down stops, and could have won that game. The pick is Butler.

My prediction is that Pequannock will win one and perhaps two games this year but this week will not be one of them. After playing Delbarton, they get to face DePaul who is 3-0 in what seems to be a resurgent season after going 5-5 in 2006. The Panthers play tough and hard and for a brief amount of time actually led Delbarton 7-0. Granted they lost by 40 points but they do not quit. That work ethic will pay off for them, hopefully sooner than later. DePaul will win this game.

West Milford has a score to settle with Passaic Valley who has beaten them the past two seasons. The Highlanders could be 3-0 and they are doing it with defense. Once the offense gets in synch, they can make some noise in the playoff chase. PV’s only win was over winless Madison but they are still a formidable team. I think West Milford takes this one but I have picked their games incorrectly all season.

Kinnelon faces Morris Catholic, a team they have not beaten the past two years. This is a big game for the Colts; they are 2-0 but they have been played against teams with a history of struggling. Morris Catholic was a playoff team last year and while they are 1-2, their losses came against Mountain Lakes and Verona. They need this game, almost as much, if not more than the Colts. Plus they are home; I think they squeak out a close one.

Pompton Lakes, the North 1 Group 1 power points leader after three weeks, goes to Saddle Brook to face a rebuilding program that plays many sophomores. BPSL rivals, these two usually play close games, but the Cardinals are starting to get that feel about them and once they combine confidence with a tough work ethic, anything can happen. The Cardinals win this one decisively.

The weekend’s most interesting game pits unbeaten Lakeland versus Big, Bad Delbarton. Coming off a short week will put extra pressure on the Lancers. They were also playing without two key members of the team in fullback Ray Capo and linebacker Troy Bianchi. If they can get healthy, limit their mistakes, they have a shot. Look for Lakeland to get this statement victory in a close, hard fought contest.

Are you ready for some football? Lancers and Bulldogs are!

2008-09-28T23:59:00.004-04:00

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.

Exhibit A for realignment

2008-09-28T08:55:00.001-04:00

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.

Week 3 picks

2008-09-26T07:36:00.000-04:00

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.

What a win for Pompton Lakes

2008-09-21T00:29:00.003-04:00

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.

Football picks, week 2

2008-09-18T22:31:00.002-04:00

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.

Uncharted Territory

2008-09-17T20:08:00.001-04:00

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.

Trying to change the dynamic

2008-09-16T08:59:00.002-04:00

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.

What defensive problems?

2008-09-14T23:14:00.002-04:00

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.

Pompton Lakes holds of Lodi, 10-7

2008-09-14T08:41:00.002-04:00

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.

Tough night in Montville

2008-09-13T08:54:00.003-04:00

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.

Week 1 game preview

2008-09-12T10:22:00.003-04:00

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.

Opening Day

2008-09-06T13:48:00.000-04:00

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.

Thanks for stopping by

2008-09-03T19:45:00.000-04:00

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.