Jr. Raider Varsity
The Hillsborough Jr. Raiders Varsity team (7th & 8th grades) opened their season with a strong showing against the North Plainfield Jr. Canucks Varsity team on Saturday night at Hillsborough High School, defeating them with a final score of 41-0. The Jr. Raiders offense received the ball and quickly drove down the field behind strong blocking by the offensive line led by Ryan Wheaton, Nolan Washborn, Greg Koll, Jack Edwards, Brandon Melendez, Tommy Zdroik and Patrick Vinchur. The Jr. Raiders drove down field in 5 plays on their first drive. J. R. Metallo (4 Rush, 69 yards and 1 TD) scored on a four yard rumble into the end zone.The offense would score 6 TD’s total on the night. They also converted three extra points with runs by Dylan Boczon, Justin Tubby and QB Matt Moore connected with J. J. Bagdan. Tyler Minter (5 rush, 93 yards and 2 TD’s), Tyler Boatwright (4 rushes, 84 yards, 2 TD’s) led the strong rushing attack that produced 332 yards on 23 attempts. Brian Reilly also punched in a TD for the Jr. Raiders. The Jr. Raider defense led by Jackson Parham (5 Tackles, 2 Sacks and 2 Tackles for loss) pitched their first shut out of the year.
The defense held the Jr. Canucks to negative yards rushing on the night. A host of Jr. Raiders contributed to the impressive effort. Linebacker Jack Edwards (4 Tackles, 1 Tackle for loss and 1 caused fumble) and defensive tackle Tyler Minter (3 Tackles one for loss) lead the way with Parham. Additionally contributing were Tommy Zdroik (sack) and Charles Amankwaa. Nolan Washbourn, Tyler Boatwright and Trevor Pavensky each had a fumble recovery.
All of the Offensive Lineman earned game MVP: Tyler Boatwright, Jackson Parham and Tyler Minter. The Jr. Raiders next opponent will be North Hunterdon on Saturday night, September 14th).
Jr. Raider Junior Varsity
In their season opener, the defending Jr. Skyland JV Champions, Hillsborough Jr. Raiders (5th & 6th grades), used a balanced effort to defeat the North Plainfield Jr. Canucks by the score of 28-0.Offensively, Matt Michinard led 7 Hillsborough ball carriers with 9 rushes for 71 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown dash in the 4th quarter to ice the game. Also contributing rushing scores were Tommy Ramsey and Alex Marsh, both with tough short yardage runs to pay dirt. The Jr. Raiders balanced their running game with a very effective passing effort. The QB combo of Andrew Rygiel and Alex Marsh combined for 5 pass completions, including a 16-yard touchdown strike from Rygiel to Mike Swetz. Tommy Ramsey added two successful extra-point kicks to the Jr. Raiders scoring effort.
The stout Jr. Raider defense was paced by defensive backs Anthony Shields and Matt Michinard, each with 6 tackles, and linebacker Alex Marsh with 5 tackles. Not to be outdone, the defensive line controlled the game by playing behind the line of scrimmage, with Aiden Bremer, Gerard Redden, Kevin Klein, and Tommy Haber contributing 8 tackles for loss combined.
The Jr. Raiders look forward to travelling to North Hunterdon to play the Jr. Lions next Saturday, September 14th.
