Greater NJ AYF Raritan Division
Hillsborough Varsity Gold (Burke) vs. Montclair 13U: Won 29-0
Greater NJ AYF Delaware Division
Hillsborough Varsity Red (Ruh) vs. Voorhees Varsity Red: Won 6-0
In a dark and foggy Voorhees night, the Red Raiders fought their way to victory. Most of the game was a stalemate due to the wet and sloppy conditions, but a long slow drive in the third quarter sparked by the running of Dalton Crater, a great over the middle catch for James H. Ruh III, and strong counter play by Jake Batts put the Red Raiders up six points. The extra point was no good.
Nick Santa Barbara and Ian McCauley were big contributors with solid running and blocking in a very muddy stadium. The Vikings mounted a final drive late in the fourth quarter. With one minute on the clock, the Vikings broke a run to the 1-yard-line where Tyler Van Cleef upended the running back with a powerful tackle. The next minute of football was the most exciting last minute of a game we have seen in years, where the Red Raiders displayed the will to win and the heart to make it happen. Gianna S., Nick S., Matt Jones, and Logan McGann all contributed key tackles to keep the Vikings scoreless. This week the Red Raiders take on a Del Val.
Hillsborough Varsity White (Shelton) vs. Ridge Varsity Red: Won 6-0
The White Raiders traveled to Basking Ridge on Saturday prepared to take on the highest scoring team in the league. They were more than up to that challenge. The Raiders forced four turnovers, held their opponent to under 90 yards of total offense and shut out the Red Devils with a 6-0 victory. Defensive Coordinator Ron Vladyka’s defensive unit practiced hard the past two weeks and it showed on Saturday.
The defensive front five did exactly what was needed as they held the potent running game of Ridge in check all day. Jack Myers played especially well from his nose guard position. He had numerous tackles and a fumble recovery. James Barone, Jack Miller, Ryan Vladyka, Nick Deluca, and Jayden Wacaster were also exceptional on the defensive line. Defensive Ends Cole Thornton and Daniel Remarkewicz put constant pressure on the Ridge quarterback and took away any threat of their outside running attack. Linebackers Drew Scholma, Shane Powell, and Nick Koll were all outstanding against the run and the pass. Powell was constantly in the Red Devils backfield and had numerous tackles for loss. Koll had one of the Raiders three interceptions in the game. Koll’s interception put an end to the game when he jumped in front of the Ridge receiver, ending their chances of any comeback. The secondary of Dan Allen, Isaiah Warner, Kevin Shelton, and Tanner Boczon shut down Ridge’s potent passing attack as well as coming up to help versus the run. Shelton led the team with eight tackles and also had two interceptions for the Raiders.
On offense, Cole Thornton and Shane Powell led the rushing attack. Both backs ran hard and proved hard to bring down running behind the offensive line of Barone, Myers, Miller, Koll, Vladyka, Remarkewicz, and Scholma. Thornton’s 60-yard touchdown run in the first quarter was all that was needed for the victory.
The White Raiders will now get ready for a home game next Saturday against Hunterdon Central.
Flag
Hillsborough Flag Raiders (Zagari) vs. Jets (Abline)
Raiders: The Raiders and the Jets took to the field on a spectacular Wednesday evening. Both teams showed a great deal of football knowledge and competitive drive. Matthew Simonitis, continues to play strong on the OL and makes plays from DT. Alexander Christiansen, at C, made nice snaps and stepped up to make plays at S. Grant Scholma, continues to run the ball well at QB and RB; while containing the opposing offense at CB. Robert Jankay, at DE, made a key play on defense and worked hard on the OL. Overall, both teams played a great game that was fun to coach and watch.
Jets: The Jets continued their high altitude season with another stellar offensive and defensive showing against the Raiders under the lights on Wednesday night. The defensive line was led by Dillon Abline, Anthony Novak, Dominic Allen, and Jack Barmore limiting the runs up the middle. Aithen Britanak, Ryan Carter, Ryan Barrios, and Vincent Lavecchia helped contain the outside runs. Rocco Gaeta and Christopher Seamon had 2 long runs that resulted in touchdowns. Every player was able to run the ball to contribute to the touchdowns. Great performance by both teams and coaches in the spotlight. J-E-T-S…Jets Jets Jets..
Hillsborough Flag Jets (Abline) vs. Somerville Bengals 1
Jets: The Jets faced a tough matchup on Saturday morning against the Somerville Bengals 1. Both teams played their hearts out and left everything out on the field. The Jets defense was led by a hard fighting defensive line led by John Greenstreet, Jayden Pierce, Dillon Abline, and Anthony Novak. Christopher Seamon scored a long first half touchdown to even the match at halftime. Vincent LaVecchia was able to catch up to a long run by the Bengals and get a flag pull at the 1-yard line. The Jets defense shut down the scoring attempt and was able to get the ball back in the second half. On the last play of the game, Vincent Lavecchia ran for a 50-yard touchdown to seal the game. Several key blocks by Ryan Barrios, Ryan Carter, and Jayden Hermann opened the hole and allowed Vince to soar to the touchdown. Great game by these two teams and coaches with a fantastic finish.
Hillsborough Flag Chargers (Cebula) vs. Hillsborough Flag Raiders (Zagari)
Chargers: The Chargers and Raiders went back and forth running up and down the field in an offensive paced game. Both teams established the running game on an overcast day. Everyone on offense including Joe Gubitosa, Luke Panacek, Max Cebula, Jacob Ibrahim, John Milanodiv, Matthew Gubitosa, Jordan Jeffries, Brody Donohue, Aedan Burd, Kevin Karatz, and Jay Babaria played amazing. Both teams huddled together after the game together as future teammates and brought it in and broke it down with the call of “BORO.”
Raiders: The Raiders and Chargers played a great game today on an overcast Saturday morning. Each team played hard and made some nice plays. Shaan Mansukhani, made some nice runs at RB. Shaan also helped contain the run at DE. Patrick Murphy was very fast and tough on the edge while playing OLB. Patrick used his speed at QB and made some nice runs. Jaxon Kipila, at OL, made some key blocks to help spur the running game. Jaxon, at LB, was also in on many key defensive plays. Joseph DiNuzzo, at QB, ran for a TD and at MLB, controlled the middle of the defense. Ryan Zagari and Collin Tucker also scored a TD. Overall, it was a great game with lots of action and lots of fun had by both teams.
Hillsborough Flag Chiefs (Lewis) vs. Somerville Bengals 2
Chiefs: The shorthanded Chiefs could not overcome the running attack of the Bengals. The Chiefs did have many highlights in the loss. Alex Wheeler led the defense with five flags and Dylan Araujo had 175 yards. rushing and two touchdowns. Kevin Van Cleef had a rushing extra point and Oliver Eschenroeder blocked tremendously throughout the entire game. The Chiefs hope to bounce back on Wednesday.
Jr Raiders Field Hockey
Little Stix Maroon (2-4) (DiGanci) vs. Little Stix Gold (2-4) (Vogt): Won 3-1
Little Stix Maroon had a home game today against one of their sister teams, Little Stix Gold, which resulted in a hard fought game from both teams. Practicing a new setup for corners during the week paid off immediately as Taelyn Fedo opened up the scoring in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Taelyn continued to come out strong scoring on a pass from Morghan DiGanci. A little later Taelyn finished off the hat trick with the assist this time going to Brianna Gibson.
Cailyn Bugal also held strong with 3 quarters playing Midfield as Gold continue to fight hard; eventually scoring in the 4th quarter.
We also had the ability to change up the positions with Sabrina Shields taking a chance at Center and Jane Rodrigues playing three different positions. With continued practice Maroon hopes to have the ability to rotate positions more in future games.
The girls really applied what they learned at practice the last week and the coaches were extremely pleased to see such great passing and spacing. Our Wings were also utilizing their pulls to either take or keep possession of the ball with Madeline Angosto, Zeia Rosenthal and Chloe Delacruz coming close to scoring. We are looking forward to another home game next week against Franklin.
Little Stix Gold (2-4) (Vogt) vs. Little Stix Maroon (2-4) (DiGanci): Lost 1-3
It was an unseasonably humid day on Sunday for the battle of Amwell Road. The clash between the Gold and Maroon versions of the Jr. Raiders Little Stix clubs was highly anticipated, and well attended. The fans were treated to a well played game with nice plays for both sides.
The first half was controlled by the Maroons, as the play was mostly in the Gold’s half of the field. Eleanor Enna was playing a strong center position and did provide some spark early, but the good pressure of the Maroon team broke through the midfield a few time for quick run-outs which changed field position. They were able to capitalize and jump out to a 3-0 lead.
The second half was much better for the Gold Raiders as they continued to play very hard throughout the game. Brielle Emmich was back out on the wing pushing the ball forward nicely on a few occasion and drawing some good stalemates as well. Olivia Kay was moved to the midfield to utilize the aggressive ball hawking skills she was showing during the contest. The Gold finally turned in some good re-starts that upped the offensive pressure in the circle area. This resulted in a well executed corner. Sam Dandy made a solid insertion to the short corner where Bella Ruh finished the play with a score. The game ended 1-3, Maroon on top.
Next Sunday the Gold Raiders will host Washington at Woodfield Park East.
Junior Stix Maroon (5/6) (Redziniak) vs. Junior Stix Gold (5/6) (Citatella, Harding): Lost 2-7
Junior Maroon played their undefeated sister team at home today. Due to absences, we had 5 girls from the Jr. Stix Grey team support us and substitute in, including Coach Chrissy Freeman, so we want to thank them for their collaboration.
Into the first half, the game was fairly close at 2-3, with Madelynn Taras (Center) scoring Maroon’s first goal. She then later had a shot on goal that Hannah Herterich (wing) was positioned perfectly at the net to secure it to score. This came with the help of Autumn Pina and Paige Romano who drove it up and passed it to them thru the wing alleys throughout the game. Yet, the Jr. Raiders Gold Team was able to secure 4 more goals into the second half.
Against a tough team, our midfielders did a great job today. Sara Thompson was so aggressive blocking multiple shots and helping change course, she was an asset to the team. Isha Swaminathan, a newer player this year, has great potential and blocked shots with her speed and drove it to her forwards. Madisyn Freeman’s great stick handling skills helped defend and pass the ball as well. Devin Redziniak, Goalie, worked hard to block multiple shots on goal in a tough game. Sophia Bambaci, Vandana Iyer and Christiana Muller all helped in the Defense positions.
We are proud of what the girls accomplished today and their ability to score 2 goals against an undefeated team, and block multiple shots.
Junior Stix Gold (5/6) (Citatella, Harding) vs. Junior Stix Maroon (5/6) (Redziniak): Won 8-2
Junior Team Gold defeated Junior Team Maroon 8-2 today to keep their undefeated streak alive. Team Gold is now 5-0.
The first half was extremely close as our opposing team fought hard with excellent offense and defense. All 3 of our forwards, Hannah Bianchino, Addison Harkin, and Milan Citarella all scored in the first half but Team Maroon answered with two goals as well to make it 3-2.
Team Gold exploded in the second half with Milan Citatella scoring 2 more goals solidifying her first hat trick. Offense/midfielder Kerry Lydon then slammed 2 goals hitting the backboard to make it 7-2. Hannah knocked the final goal in to make it 8-2.
Just as impressive was the DEFENSE line today. Maggie Harding had the game of her life knocking almost every ball out of the circle then dribbling up field to the 50 and passing up to the forwards to score. Maggie had the help from midfielders Carolina Matejczyk, Natalia Simcak, and Jessie Timler and amazing goalie Keira Kruchowy. Carolina and Natalia also both had a fantastic game preventing the opposing offense from getting the ball into the circle, causing turnovers and moving the ball up the field to the offense.
Great job by both teams. Also a shout out to opposing goalie who had so many saves it was hard to keep track. Good game Team Maroon.
Junior Stix White (5/6) (Minakas, DiStasio, Smith) vs. Junior Stix Grey (5/6) (Romano, Freeman, Hand): Won 4-1
This week the Jr Stix White team shared the field with their sister team, Jr Stix Gray. It was an exciting game that ended in a 4-1 victory for the White team, extending their record to 4-0.
Mackenzie Smith started off the scoring with her sixth goal of the season on a great feed from Jianna Seale. The White team’s second goal was scored by Lindsey Buisson–her first of the season. Lindsey was in perfect position to receive a pass from Laura Weintruab and was able to quickly put the ball into the back of the net. Miranda Trevino made several key saves as first half Goaltender and strong defense by Maia Minakas and Zaina Ahmed helped to keep the score 2-1 at half.
The White team applied good pressure throughout the second half. Excellent work up the right side by midfielder by Demiana Moleski and forward Kaylee D’Avanzo created several scoring opportunities. Second half scoring for the White team included two goals by Isabella DiStasio (her first and second goal of the season) both set up by Isabella Franks. Laura Weintraub suited up as Goalie and posted a second half shutout.
Overall, it was a great day of Field Hockey in Hillsborough–having all the teams home to play and cheer for each other. Next week the Jr White team heads to Nazareth, PA.
Junior Stix Grey (5/6) (Romano, Freeman, Hand) vs. Junior Stix White (5/6) (Minakas, DiStasio, Smith): Lost 1-4
Hillsborough Junior Stix Grey 5/6 field hockey team took a tough 1-4 loss to our sister team, Hillsborough Junior Stix White 5/6 on an unseasonably hot day. Sara Thompson was able to score the equalizing goal in the 12th minute, but unfortunately it was not enough to energize the Grey team to victory. Goalkeeper Kaylin Agaman had another strong game, and defender Christiana Muller played well in front of her with support from midfielders Sydney Russo, Meghan Radler, and Madisyn Freeman. The midfield was able to create a good push, but the Grey team ran into a fantastic defensive effort from the White team. Forwards Thompson, Alexis Shumaker, Autumn Pina, and Paige Romano had chances, and put a couple of shots on goal. Unfortunately, there were quite a few missed chances, which the White defense was able to pounce on and stop the Grey attack. Special thanks to Hillsborough Junior Stix Maroon’s Madelynn Taras who volunteered to pitch in and help lock down our midfield in the second half. Also, a big thank you to all of the Grey Team’s girls who volunteered to help out and play for the Junior Stix Maroon team in the game right before ours. It was a hot day, and playing back-to-back games was tough. The Grey Team’s last home game will be this weekend against Nazareth 5/6-2 team. They are undefeated and the #2 team in our division, so please come out to the game, because the girls will need all the support you can give them.
