Mighty Mite - Lucas Rollan & Tyler Pirog (Courtesy photo)
Andrew Martins, Managing Editor
After a celebration of 50 Years at The Landing in Hillsborough on Saturday night, the Dukes Football teams and cheerleaders took the field for their home opener.
During this Sunday’s game, the Dukes also honored many that have volunteered numerous hours over the last 50 years to continue making the Hillsborough Dukes the wonderful organization it is today. Councilmen Doug Tomson presented the Dukes with a Township Proclamation and Timothy Clark, who traveled from Florida, said a few words honoring his Father, Joseph Clark, the first Dukes President that got the leagues charter and funding in 1967. Hillsborough High School Football coach Kevin Carty also joined the festivities saying a few words of encouragement and thanks.
The four Dukes Football teams played tough opponents in the unseasonably high temperatures having a successful and exciting day.
FLAG
The Hillsborough Dukes Flag team held strong against the Panthers of Bridgewater with a tie of two touchdowns a piece. Aiden Glennon and Logan Jankowicz both reached the endzone for the Dukes.
Mighty Mite
The Hillsborough Dukes Mighty Mite team brought home another win against the Bridgewater Panthers. The 25-0 score was curtesy of a strong showing by the offensive line making way for Sanjay Mills, Quinn Hayden, Lucas Rollan to all make it into the endzone for touchdowns and Ryan Spinelli on an extra point conversion. The line allowed Matthew Deville and Kevin Jones to also contribute runs towards reaching the endzone.
The Dukes defense was led by Cayden Walinsky with two forced fumbles by William Hayes and both recoveries by Quinn Hayden.
The Dukes will again play at home on Sunday, October 1 against the So. Plainfield Tigers.
Jr. Pee Wee
On Sunday, the Hillsborough Dukes Junior Pee Wee team went into the game with high hopes against their opponent, the Watchung Wolverines. Sadly, we could not come out with the win. The Wolverines won with a score of 13-0. With saying that, offensively we picked up several first downs and moved the ball on a very talented team.
Defensively holding them with just 13 points is something our boys should be proud of.
Outstanding defensive players today are Edryn Morales coming up with big tackles, David Dewberry on some monster hits, and overall defense for playing so strong.
Offensively we were led by Peter Sorbera with some powerful runs and picking up first downs. Cole Hayden was on his game and had a good overall performance. Shout out to Logan McDermid and Jason Roser for a solid effort by blocking and running with the ball.
Coach Jay said we’ll put this behind us, build from it, and come out on our game next week against the South Plainfield Tigers.
Pee Wee
Sunday afternoon the Hillsborough Dukes Pee Wee football team hosted the Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers for their home opener resulting in a 26-0 win and improving their record to 3-1.
The scoring began on the second play of the game when Jack Moran found the end zone on a 52-yard-run. On the next possession, Jack O’Donnell connected with Moran for a 21-yard touchdown pass. Following a blocked punt by Luke Scott in the second quarter, rookie sensation Jackson Roberts led a ground attack before Moran connected with him for a 15-yard touchdown pass. Chris Spinelli ran for a touchdown in the second quarter giving the Dukes a 26-0 advantage with less than two minutes left in the first half.
Shortly thereafter, Ryan Vandermeer tackled the Panther’s running back inside the red zone as time expired before halftime. While the Dukes defense featured prominently led by veterans Luke Scott, Logan Press and Doug Toth, newcomers Joelle Stout, Donovan Miller and Luke Laifer also assisted with tackles. JB McCrea, Brady Post and Julian Brunelle platooned in the backfield with impressive runs and Tyler Oram tacked on a field goal in the first quarter.
Over all great day for the Hillsborough Dukes! Come out next Sunday, 10/01/17 to watch the Dukes they’re second home game of the season.
