Hillsborough Jr. Raiders recap for the week of Sept. 22

Andrew Martins, Managing Editor
Last weekend, the Hillsborough Jr. Raiders played a number of football and field hockey games with teams around the region.
The following is a submitted collection of the weekend’s results.
Jr. Skylands Football Conference
RARITAN DIVISION
Hillsborough Varsity Gold (Burke) vs. Pope John Varsity Gold: Won 25-0
The Hillsborough Varsity Gold team hosted league newcomers Pope John this Saturday in an unseasonably warm contest. Looking to make their mark against the defending Varsity champions, Pope John came out strong and held Hillsborough on their opening drive. The Hillsborough defense, led by captain Sal Volpe, held Pope John on their opening drive and set the tone for strong team defensive effort that would continue throughout the night.
Hillsborough quarterback, and team captain Jay Mazuera, got the offense going on their second drive with a 50-yard run getting the Raiders into the “red zone”. On the next play, Thomas Amwankwaa took the toss and ran a sweep into the end zone untouched with key blocks by Tyler Michinard and Will Dixon. Pope John was determined to answer the Hillsborough score, but the defense held strong. On fourth down they were forced to punt and that’s when the game turned in Hillsborough’s direction for good. Andrew Santa Barbara got a great rush on the punt and not only came up with the block, but scooped up the ball to scamper into the end zone for the second score and providing Hillsborough a 12-0 lead at the half.
In the second half, defensive ends Will Dixon and Jason McLain, maintained outside containment allowing linebackers Leo Schiro, Sal Volpe, Adam Movshin and Andrew Santa Barbara to make all the necessary tackles in an effort to keep Pope John out of the end zone.
Throughout the night and late into the game, the trio of captain Ethan McLaughlin, Adam Movshin, and Mike Kondratiuk held off numerous interior blitzes by Pope John allowing Hillsborough to maintain lengthy drives and protect Mazuera. Hillsborough picked up late touchdowns to ice the victory with great runs by Andrew Santa Barbara and Thomas Amankwaa. The Raiders take their 2-1 record to North Plainfield next week looking to further solidify themselves as a playoff team.
Hillsborough Patriot JV Gold (Riccardi) vs. Pope John JV Gold: Won 28-0
On Saturday night, the Jr. Raiders’ JV Gold team emerged 3-0 with a 28-0 victory of the Pope John Jr. Lions. Although the Jr. Lions managed to keep the game tight, ending the first half with only an eight point deficit, the second half belonged to the Raiders. Cynthia Akosua continued to dominate offensively, leading the raider offense with two rush touchdowns and tallying 122 total yards, averaging 13.5 yards on nine carries. Damien Kutny followed Akosua with 45 yards on two carries, including a 38-yard touchdown run. Quarterback Tyler Van Cleef hooked up with Hudson Ruh for a 35-yard completion that brought the Raiders off their own two-yard line.
The Raider defense also remained impenetrable as they let up nine total yards. Jonathan Lobelo and Chimmy Ozokpor led the Raider offense with five tackles a piece. Jake Battagliese and Pierce Skala both came in a close second, each recording four tackles on the night. Lobelo and Akosua each pulled in an interception, with Akosua returning her’s for a 40-yard touchdown. Van Cleef, Quandt, and Ozokpor each recorded a fumble recovery for the Raiders. Other notable performances were had by Carson DeRoner and Michael Crossman, both of whom tallied three tackles on the night. This week the Raiders travel to North Plainfield to face off against the Jr. Canucks.
DELAWARE DIVISION – Varsity
Hillsborough Varsity Red (Shelton) vs. N. Hunterdon Varsity Silver: Lost 30-6
The Red Raiders gave their best against a very big and tough North Hunterdon Silver team, but couldn’t get back in the game after many early missed opportunities and poor tackling.
The Raiders offense moved the ball well all game but couldn’t find the end zone. On several occasions, the Raiders had big plays that found themselves inside the 10-yard line only to have the plays called back on penalties. The only score came on an eight yard touchdown pass from Mike Miller to Tanner Boczon. The P.A.T. failed. After a slow start in the first half, Miller had a strong second half, finishing 9-16 for 151 yards and one touchdown. The Raiders also managed 16 rushes for 130 yards, led Miller’s 93. Kevin Shelton led the team with four catches for 71 yards. Boczon followed closely with three catches for 55 yards and Charlie Volpe, despite playing the game with a splint on a broken finger and torn ligament, with 25 yards.
On defense, Shelton, Dalton Crater and Anthony Stewart finished with five tackles each.
The Red Raiders will be home next Saturday night against Bridgewater Gold at 7:30 p.m.
Hillsborough Varsity White (Nussbaum) vs. North Plainfield Varsity Silver: Won 20-13
On a hot and sunny day at the Triangle Football complex, the Varsity White came from behind to defeat a tough North Plainfield team, 20-13.
On the first offensive play, the North Plainfield quarterback took the ball and ran up the middle and to the outside for a 60-yard touchdown run. They converted the extra point on a run and led the game 7-0. The game settled down into a defensive first half that saw the Varsity White team finally break through on a touchdown run by Nick Lavacca. He was initially stopped short of the goal line but the push by the offensive line of Jack Miller, Vincent Castellano, Zach Conklin, Brandon Lobelo, Patrick Walsh enabled Nick to get into the end zone. A pass from Ryan Tasetano to Shane Donoghue converted the extra point and tied the score at 7-7 as the half ended.
The second half saw the Varsity White team come out and get a first down but the drive stalled and the White team punted. The North Plainfield team went to work and marched down the field scoring on a touchdown run to take a 13-7 lead. A tackle at the goal line by Shane Donoghue prevented the extra point and that is how the game stay until midway through the fourth quarter.
The Varsity White started their drive in their own territory and quickly picked up a few first downs on a combination of runs and a pass. With a minute and 30 seconds to go an eight yard touchdown run by Samir Guzman tied the score at 13 all. Ryan Tasetano rolled out and ran untouched into the end zone to put the Varsity White up 14-13.
North Plainfield would not quit and quickly marched down the field and inside the 30-yard line with under 20 seconds to play. Two incomplete passes in the end zone set up the final play with eight seconds to go. The North Plainfield quarterback dropped back and under pressure from defensive ends Ryan Hauser and Nick Lavacca threw a pass that was intercepted by Dominick Monsorno who returned it 75 yards for a touchdown as time expired for the Varsity White’s first win of the season. The Varsity White will return to action next weekend as the travel to Bridgewater to face the Jr Panthers.
DELAWARE DIVISION – JV
Hillsborough Patriot JV Red (Minetti) vs. N. Hunderton JV Silver: Won 6-0
The JV Red Raiders traveled to North Hunterdon this week for a matchup against the Jr. Lions. It was another hot and humid night and the teams started the night off slow. Then Jack Minetti connected on a deep pass to Collin DePace for a large gain. A few plays later DePace punched it in for what turned out to be the games only score. In the second half as the sun set and temperatures cooled the Raiders were able to drive the ball on hard running by Alex Reiling, Ryan Seamon, DePace and Minetti but were unable to sustain the drives.
The defense was the difference maker as the scrappy Raiders held the Jr. Lions to negative yardage on the night. The defesive ends, Brady Porter and Anuj Mathur; corners Matthew Gaspar, Seamon and Rishab Chintamani; and the linebacker core of Reiling, DePace, Minetti, Jack Falk and Ryan Baker read the sweeps and reverses perfectly throughout the night. Matthew Miller, Brandon Lew and Nicholas Deluca contained the inside and the Lions had no place to run. When the Jr. Lions tried to take the game to air the safeties; Ryan Gear and Kraig Ravaioli kept tight coverage never allowing a completed pass.
This week the Raiders head home to HHS for a night matchup against the very tough Bridgewater Gold team.
Hillsborough Patriot JV White (Drab) vs. North Plainfield JV Silver: Won 37-24
JV White come out to play Sat morning behind a revamped offensive line, and were able to outlast North Plainfield in a shootout 37-24. The offensive line carved out huge holes with crushing blocks by Gavin Bailey, Joey Battaglia, Giuseppe Cicciari, Matt Corson and Xander Borowski. They paved the way for Ben Wolen to score two touchdowns, who also led the team in rushing. Garret Meyer pounded his way to two touchdowns and also rushed well. Quarterback Nate Drab would sneak in a score and Xander Borowski barreled in for the final score and extra point that would seal the game.
On defense, Jayden Wacaster had a key fumble recovery while Austin Gargiule came on the scene with three tackles. Philip Tatevosov, Corey Iannucci, Aiden Jorgensen and Jay Williams all had key tackles throughout the game to help contribute to the victory.
DELAWARE DIVISION – Pee Wee
Hillsborough Patriot Pee Wee Red (Goldberg) vs Voorhees Pee Wee Red: Lost 19-7
The Pee Wee Red squad had a hard-fought game against Voorhees Saturday. While enduring a lopsided first half the team came out after halftime ready to change the game. The defense had a very strong showing led by Owen Miller with seven tackles and Ashton Goldberg with two sacks and a forced fumble which was recovered by Matthew Siegelaub for a 40-yard touchdown. Jack McLain, Andrew Wheeler, Niko Gaeta and Chase Shepler also contributed to the strong defensive play.
The offense had strong offensive line play by Keanu Whittlesey, Connor Lamb and Zachary Johnson which led to the running game by Kayden Schepler, Matthew Siegelaub, Anthony Mayo, Kyle Simonitis and Jayden Carter. Pee Wee Red fought hard and had strong effort by everyone.
Hillsborough Patriot Pee Wee White (Amato) vs Bridgewater Pee Wee Red: Lost 13-12
Pee Wee White matched Bridgewater Red touchdown for touchdown but came up short by one point. The offense was marching downfield for a go ahead score but time expired. The offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage as the team totaled 160-yards rushing. Line was led by Gavin Wacaster, Reece De Roner, Liam Roarty, Mike Araujo, Chris Byrns, Mike Araujo and Nick Duarte. Andrew Schwarz led the team with two touchdowns and 90 yards rushing, Damian Amato 45 yards rushing and 15 yards passing and Nick McCauley 25 yards rushing. Mason Westlake had one reception for 15 yards. Andrew Schwarz led the defense with eight tackles, solid corner play by Nick Britanak with four tackles, Gavin Wacaster/Damian Amato four tackles, Tommy Marcketta/Mason Westlake/Nick McCauley three tackles, Aiden Herrera two tackles and Jack Pankowski one tackle.
DELAWARE DIVISION – Flag
Hillsborough Flag Jets (Albert) vs. Hillsborough Flag Raiders (Ross)
Raiders:
Great game by the Raiders on Saturday as they clashed with the Jets in a back and forth defensive battle. The solid defensive was led by Gavin Ross (six flags), Vincent Lavecchia (five Flags), Christopher Seamon (four flags), Patrick Murphy (four flags) and Anthony Shrewsbury (two flags). Matthew Simonitis, EJ Risher and Bennett Thomas plugged up the holes on the defensive line and allowed little running room up the middle.
The offensive charge was led by Dante Mayo who took the ball on a handoff up the middle and hustled into the end zone on a 50-yard touchdown run. Other highlights included nice runs by Vincent Lavecchia (14 total yards), Kevin Van Cleef (14 total yards), Patrick Murphy (11 total yards) and Chris Seamon (eight total yards) behind great blocking by the entire offensive line.
Jets:
Another great performance by the Flag Jets. The Jets scored on the final play of the first half on a 50-yard dash around the right end by Jack DeAntonio with some great lead blocking from Brayden Benosky and Shawn Abline. The second Jets touchdown came on another dynamic 45-yard run, this time by Lukas Richards. Conor Marley, Reef Townsend, and Dylan Clerico paved the way with crushing blocks.
The defense was led by terrific performances from Grant Scholma, Liam Knox, and Kyle Wargo.
Hillsborough Flag Steelers vs Bears
It was a hard-fought game against the Bears. On offense, Justin Amato and Matteo Cicciari ran for 22 yards each, Max Communale ran for 10 yards, Brody Walton ran for nine yards and Devin Cozine ran for four yards.
On defense, Devin Cozine with four flag pulls, Jayden Johnson and Justin Amato with two flag pulls each, Jonah Bergman, Matteo Cicciari and Robbie Jugan with one flag pull each.
Jr Raiders FIELD HOCKEY
Junior Stix Maroon (5-6) vs Hillsborough Junior Stix White (5-6)
The Junior Stix Maroons played their sister Junior Stix White squad on a too hot and sunny Sunday at Woodfield Park. Both Maroon goalies, Keira Kruchowy and Gabi Mazzeo, braved the heat and donned the gear to help hold the opponents to three goals overall. Both teams had opportunities to score in the first half as the play was contested at both ends of the field. Karolina Matejczyk played very strong defense all day. Lina tackled and cleared many offensive attempts in the circle and helped change field position while playing middie. Mackenzie McLaughlin played great as well. She offered to play offense in the second half as the heat started to take its toll on the Maroons. The move resulted in the team’s first goal of the year. Mackenzie picked up the ball in the circle, and on a mini breakaway, fired a stiff shot past the goalie. The coaches are hoping this goal opens the floodgates for the Maroons.
The final score: Maroon 1, White 3. The Maroons complete the in-town tournament next Sunday vs Team Gold.
Junior Stix Gold (5-6) vs Washington 56-1
Despite the score of 0-2, our girls played their best game yet. They all improved at getting to keep their sticks down, better spacing and passing. There were many shots on goal. The teamwork was fantastic and we are looking forward to next week. Shout out this week goes to the entire team. Great job.
Junior Stix White (5-6) vs Hillsborough Junior Stix Maroon (5-6)
Junior Stix White played its best game of the year in a 3-1 win over sister squad Junior Stix Maroon. The forwards and midfielders for White used great passing and spacing, working together to put heavy offensive pressure on Maroon throughout the game. Gabriella Iovino, Mackenzie Smith, and Isabella DiStasio kept the pressure on while Emma Kelner, Samantha Biondi, and Francesca Schiro all scored goals. Maia Minakas, Charlotte Maloney, and Alexa LaMotta played tough defense, stopping Maroon’s fast breaks and holding them to few quality scoring chances, while Chiara Sasso made several strong saves in goal.
Little Stix Maroon (3-4) vs Branchburg 24-2
Little Stix Maroon had a nail-biting game, as they tied against Branchburg at 2-2. In the first half, Branchburg scored the first goal of the game, but Raiders fought back hard with Devin Redziniak blocking over four goals. Madelynn Taras, playing center, scored two goals assisted by Taelyn Fedo playing Wing, and Milan Citarella playing midfield. The game was 2-1 ending the first half.
In the second half, Anna Antonelli, Taelyn Fedo, Kiara Jones, Megan Vogt, and Morghan DiGanci had multiple shots in the striking circle to score, but Branchburg had tough defense plays even with a few corners generated. Strong defenders Victoria Byra and Devin Redziniak blocked more shots on goals through the second half. Bella Ruh and Jane Rodrigues demonstrated aggressive attack skills as midfielders by blocking many passes. Alexa Gaspar and Rebecca Redlich, playing Wings, took the ball up and down the alley tirelessly.
Branchburg was able to secure one final goal in the fourth quarter, bringing the game to a tie of 2-2.
Little Stix Gold (3-4) vs Washington 24-1
Team Gold’s game against Washington brought on great defense by Madisyn Freeman and Kaylin Agaman. Despite Gold’s 1-3 loss, Alexis Shumaker, Peyton Wallace, Jessica McKelvey and Miranda Trevino kept the game in check as midfield in the first half. Sara Thompson and Sydney Russo held the center position very well, along with Brianna Gibson, Laura Weintraub, Amelia Patterson and Samantha Dandy as attack.
It was a good game that was played well on both sides of the 50. Boro’s single goal was scored by Alexis Shumaker. Boro Gold had equal possession and great passes.
Mini Chix (K-2)
All of our mini’s are showing progress in their skill development and are starting to learn basic game play strategies. These girls are eager to learn, even on this hot clinic day. Katie Falk, Mya Schulte and Avery Fedo showed confidence in their drills exhibiting great stick control. Another great day in the life of our Mini Chix.