Jr Raiders Weekend Highlights

Jr Raiders Highlights

Jr Skylands Football Conference

RARITAN DIVISION

Hillsborough Varsity Gold (Burke) vs. Ridge Varsity Silver: Won 24-0

The Hillsborough Varsity Gold traveled to Ridge on Saturday in a rematch of last year’s championship game. As they did last year, Hillsborough came out on top with an impressive performance in which the defense pitched its 4th straight shut out to secure a 24-0 victory. Leading the way on defense was Ryan Vierbuchan whose highlights play inside the red zone was critical to preserving the shut out. Vierbuchan came up big with a solo tackle to stop one drive and pass deflection in the end zone to stop another.

Thomas Amankwaa got the scoring started for Hillsborough with a 11-yard run on a toss sweep. Jaime Mazuera was successful on the extra point which extended his streak of 5 straight makes. He would tack on to the streak with two additional attempts. Mazuera also made his presence felt on the ground as he scrambled 40 yards for Hillsborough’s second TD. Following the touchdown, Hillsborough completed a successful onside kick and from that point forward the game was well in hand as Andrew Santa Barbara exploded up with middle for a 39-yard touchdown run to cap off the scoring.

The Raiders travel to Phillipsburg next week as they continue towards their goal of another championship.

Hillsborough Patriot JV Gold (Riccardi) vs. Ridge JV Gold: Won 20-6

On Saturday night the Jr. Raiders’ JV Gold team traveled to Basking Ridge to square off against their long

time rival, the Ridge Jr. Red Devils. When the dust settled, the Raiders had secured first place with a 20-6 victory over the Red Devils. Running back Austin Quandt led the Raider offense, rushing for 58 yards and 2 touchdowns on 5 carries. Quarterback Tyler Van Cleef totalled 42 yards on 3 carries; Cynthia Akosua contributed 20 yards and 1 rushing touchdown.

While the Ridge offense played a tough game, the Raider defense was tougher. Outside linebacker Jonathan Lobelo had an allstar performance on Saturday, tallying 10 total tackles, including 2 for loss. While Lobelo managed the interior, Tyler Van Cleef kept the corners sealed with 7 tackles including 1 for loss. Quandt contributed 5 tackles, including 2 Sacks and an additional for loss. Quandt also blocked a punt early in the game to put the Raiders in scoring position. Akosua

was responsible for 2 broken up passes that prevented big gains. This week, the Raiders travel to Phillipsburg to play the Phillipsburg Little Liners.

DELAWARE DIVISION - Varsity

Hillsborough Varsity Red (Shelton) vs. Bridgewater Varsity Red : Won 20-0

Mike Miller was 7-11 passing for 110 yds and rushed 7 times for 49 yards including 2 touchdowns as the Hillsborough Varsity Red team improved to 3 and 2 on the season with a 20-0 win over Bridgewater Red. Charlie Volpe had 3 catches for 43 yards in his return back from an injury and Joe Witcoski had a 50-yard reception as well. Anthony Stewart scored his 1st ever Touchdown in the 3 quarter with a tough run from the 3-yard line. The offensive line did a great job blocking giving Miller time to throw and opening holes for some key rushing plays.

On defense, the Raiders were suburb, holding Bridgewater's strong rushing and passing offense in check all game. Joe Witcoski again led the Raiders with 7.5 tackles followed by Stewart and Kevin Shelton with 4 each. Volpe recorded a sack as well. Nick Donnelly had a strong game from his safety position, making several tackles and breaking up 2 pass attempts. The Raiders have a bye this Saturday and will start getting ready for North Plainfield on the 21st.

GO BORO!!! Game MVP -Mike Miller

Hillsborough Varsity White (Nussbaum) vs. Voorhees Varsity Silver: Won 41-12

On a beautiful night at Voorhees High School, the Varsity White traveled to play the Voorhees Jr Vikings.

The Varsity White started fast with a fumble recovery by Shane Donoghue on the opening kickoff. Two plays later Samir Guzman ran the ball in from 23 yards out. The extra point was converted on a pass from Ryan Tasetano to Dominick Monsorno and the lead was 7-0. The Jr Vikings went three and out on their first possession. Varsity White then went back to work with long runs by Ryan Tasetano that set up Dominick Monsorno to score the second touchdown from 6 yards out. The extra point was converted on a pass from Ryan Tasetano to Matt Antonelli. Monsorno added a second touchdown late in the first half this time coming from 50 yards out. Monsorno added the extra point on a run over the left side and the half ended with a score of 21-0.

Throughout the first half, the defensive end rotation of Nick West, Robert Aitcheson, Ryan Hauser and Nick Lovacca enabled the linebackers Luke Moleski, Gianni Santonastaso and Shane Donoghue to contain the Jr Vikings offense.

The Jr Vikings would not quit and came out in the second half and got on the board with a 2-yard touchdown run. The extra point was blocked and the score was 21-6. Late in the third quarter, the Varsity White got on

Varsity White (cont.)

the board again. This time Ryan Tasetano found Shane Donoghue running down the middle of the field for a 60 yard touchdown pass. Tasetano converted the extra point on a run as his day on offense ended.

The fourth quarter started with the Jr Vikings trying to get back into the game. However, Shane Donoghue intercepted a pass and returned it down the right-hand side for 47 yards and a score. On the ensuing possession Gianni Santonastaso intercepted another pass. The backup backfield of QB Matt Antonelli, RBs Nick Lovacca, Evan Sabo and Matt Amofa produced the final points of the night for the Varsity White with a 1 yard blast up the middle by Nick Lovacca and an extra point run by Matt Amafo. The Jr Vikings finished the scoring on the night with a quarterback scramble for 60 yard touchdown weaving through defenders on an untimed down. The play was set up by a pass interference call on the Varsity White on the last play of the game.

The Varsity White will return to action on Saturday morning when they travel to Phillipsburg to take on the Little Liners Red team.

DELAWARE DIVISION - JV

Hillsborough Patriot JV Red (Minetti) vs. Bridgewater JV Red: Lost 12-6

JV Red lost 12-6 to Bridgewater Red on Saturday morning. In the first half Hillsborough took a 6-0 lead on a long 65 yard TD run by Collin DePace. Hillsborough continued to move the ball in the first half with the hard running of Ryan Seamon and in the air with long completions by Matthew Gaspar to Ryan Baker and Jack Minetti. Unfortunately time ran out in the first half before they could find the end zone a 2nd time.

The third quarter started with a long run by Bridgewater to tie the game at 6-6 and after that the defenses held strong and neither team could move the ball. 6-6 looked to be the final until late in the game Bridgewater returned a fumble for a score to give them the lead.

On defense Nicholas Deluca lead the team in tackles stopping Bridgewater in the backfield multiple times. Matthew Gaspar and Ryan Seamon both contained the speed of the Bridgewater backfield on the outside. Ryan Gear contributed big with a touchdown saving tackle and a big stop in the backfield on a well-timed safety blitz. The team welcomed back middle linebacker Matthew Bleemer this week and he and Jack Falk stuffed the middle using a variety of new blitz packages.

Hillsborough looks to get back to our winning ways with an afternoon matchup vs. Ridge this Saturday in Ridge. Maybe by then fall weather will be in the air.

Hillsborough Patriot JV White (Drab) vs. Voorhees JV Silver: Lost 19-9

DELAWARE DIVISION – Pee Wee

Hillsborough Patriot Pee Wee Red (Goldberg) vs Pope John Pee Wee Red: Lost 25-14

Hillsboro Pee Wee Red played a tough hard-fought game against Pope John. While again the first half was not in the Pee Wee Red's favor, both the defense and offense played with heart and great determination. The offense was led by Jayden Carter with 18 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown, Anthony Mayo with 7 carries for 27 yards and Kyle Simonitis with 7 carries for 47 yards. The defense was solid with performances by Matthew Siegelaub with 3 tackles and 4 assisted tackles, Owen Miller with 3 tackles for losses, Kaden Shepler with 2 tackles and a forced fumble which led to a fumble recovery and touchdown by Kyle Simonitis, and Connor Lamb and Isiah Whittlesey. Great effort by the entire squad!

Hillsborough Patriot Pee Wee White (Amato) vs Voorhees Pee Wee Red Won 14-13

Voorhees raced out to a 13-0 lead mid way thru the 1st quarter. At this point is when the defense stepped up and would shut down the Vorhees offense for the rest of this autumn afternoon. Defense was led by Andrew Schwarz with 11 tackles, Nick Mc Cauley 7 tackles, Mason Westlake 5 tackles - 1 sack and 1 forced fumble, Nick Britanak 4 tackles, Gavin Wacaster 4 tackles and a fumble recovery, Aiden Herrera 3 tackles, Cole Dockhorn 3 tackles, Reece DeRoner 2 tackles, Tommy Marcketta 2 tackles, Chris Byrns 2 tackles, Liam Roarty 2 tackles, Jack Pankowski 1 tackle and also assisting on defense Bradley Thomas. The offensive comeback was led by Andrew Schwarz who racked up 160 yards rushing including an electrifying 55 yard TD, Damian Amato 50 yards rushing, including a 30 yard sideline TD and threw the winning extra point conversion to Mason Westlake who reached high to haul it in, Nick Mc Cauley 10 yards rushing. Good line work by Mike Araujo, Nick Duarte, Jeff Progin and blocking by Danny Gaffney.

Game MVP Mason Westlake

DIVISION - Flag

Hillsborough Flag Jets (Albert) vs Bears

The Jets played well in an even matchup against the SBU Bears.

The scoring opened up with a 40 yard dash by Lukas Richards following a great play fake. The edge was sealed thanks to terrific blocks from Dylan Clerico, Reef Townsend, and Grant Scholma.

Logan Redziniak scored the second Jets touchdown leveraging great vision to make a cut off tackle, ran through some would-be flag pullers, and sprinted 30 yards into the end zone. Logan then threw a beautiful pass to Conor Albert to convert the extra-point.

The Jets defense was anchored by Kyle Wargo and Shawn Abline. Kyle did a terrific job setting the edge on containment and Shawn showed extraordinary hustle tracking down SBU runners that had broken free. Shawn also pulled an SBU flag on the 1yd line to save a score on the last play of the game.

Hillsborough Flag Steelers (Walton) vs Hillsborough Flag Raiders (Ross)

Raiders:

On a bright and sunny Saturday morning the Raiders took on the Steelers in a back and forth battle. The offensive saw solid runs by Bennett Thomas, Collin Tucker, Dante Mayo, EJ Risher, Gavin Ross and Matthew Simonitis. The scoring was done by Alex Zieziula who bolted for a 40 yard touchdown run and Vincent Lavecchia who had a touchdown and 50 total yards rushing for the day. Solid defensive play by Ryan Shimp and Kevin Van Cleef kept the Steelers contained with flag pulling done by Gavin Ross, Vincent Lavecchia, Patrick Murphy, Christopher Seamon, Anthony Shrewsbury, Bennett Thomas and EJ Risher. Another great team effort by the Raiders!

Wednesday Night Lights: -

Hillsborough Flag Raiders (Ross) vs. Hillsborough Flag Jets (Albert)

Jets:

The Jets started slow, but as the sun set and the lights came on the boys seemed ready for primetime!

The Jets first explosive play was on a dive by Merrick Brott-Turpie who busted it up the gut for 40yds. Kyle Wargo followed with a powerful 20yd run around left end for a TD. Brayden Benosky, Reef Townsend, and Connor Marley paved the way with some great blocks. Logan Redziniak converted the extra point on a beautiful bootleg run.

The next Jets big play came on their first offensive play of the second half. QB Lukas Richards threw a strike to TE Conor Albert who caught the slant in stride and turned it upfield for a 50 yard gain. Shawn Abline then used his lightning speed to score on a sweep from 10yds out. Dylan Clerico, Jay Babaria, and Ryan Phelan provided the critical blocks to get him there. Lukas Richards then zig-zagged his way into the end-zone with some ankle-breaking jukes to convert the extra point.

Jack DeAntonio, Grant Scholma, and Logan Call were the standouts on defense for the Jets.

Raiders:

On a Wednesday night showdown against the high flying Jets the Raiders played a fantastic game on both sides of the ball. The defense was a team effort with Alex Zieziula, Christopher Seamon, Gavin Ross, Dante Mayo and Vincent Levecchia all pulling flags and keeping the Jets grounded as best they could. Setting up the offensive charge was Aiden Desatnik, Matthew Simonitis and Patrick Murphy who all had positive gains behind great offensive line blocking. Chris Seamon contributed with a touchdown and had 20 total rushing yards. Gavin Ross lead the team with 62 yards of total offense while Vincent Lavecchia had 50 yards and a long TD run. Bennett Thomas had the teams longest run with 30 yards on a great run up the middle. Another fun and exciting game under the lights with the Silver and Black attack!

Please come out and show your support for this great group of young athletes.

Jr Raiders FIELD HOCKEY

Field Hockey Games Oct 8, 2017

Little Stix Maroon (3-4) vs Lebanon 24-1

Little Stix Maroon lost 0-2 against Lebanon today with the team playing strong defensively and having many shots that they just couldn’t get in the net.

Devin Redziniak worked tirelessly as defender with multiple saves and great passing to her teammates to get the ball out of the 25. Milan Citarella playing Defense, and Jane Rodrigues as Middie, also put heavy pressure on the team.

Strong performance played by Taelyn Fedo as Middie as she was able to maneuver the ball away from her opponents and change the direction many times, with her fast footwork and anticipation of her opponents.

Center Victoria Byra played aggressively thru the game driving up the midline, as well as Madelynn Taras almost securing a goal.

Wing Kiara Jones kept control of the ball with a good tight dribble with the stick in the Wing Alley, as well as Wing Anna Antonelli keeping control of the ball.

The team is looking forward to a comeback at next weekend’s game against North Hunterdon on their home turf.

Little Stix Gold (3-4) vs Lebanon 24-2

Little Stix Gold once again proved that they are a force to be reconned with winning again Lebanon 2-1

Sara Thompson’s stick skills, strength, and power got us our first goal of the game! You continue to consistently show great passing and defensive play across the field. Brianna Gibson did amazing in the midfield position analyzing the difference between offensive and defensive play. Great work!

Kaylin Agaman’s versatility from defense to offense as always is commendable. Alexis Shumaker’s quick response time is spot-on! Great job on that goal!

There was consistently tight, controlled play by Paige Romano in both defense as well as wing with Paige missing a goal by inches.

Laura Weintraub took the opportunities to bring the ball up the alley as she fought to gain control! Amelia Patterson and Miranda Trevino got their share of play time in the alley too gaining control of the ball in the alley, hustling up the field and great job being open for those passes from the middies and centers!

Madisyn Freeman nailed it as center. Her speed and control was tremendous today and she continues to have a good eye on passing space!

Sydney Russo did great pushing the ball up the field as middie, passing to center and wings.

This was a GREAT WIN girls! Let's keep it up! Moreover the sportsmanship and willingness ALL the girls show is commendable! They prove what a tight-knit team they really are!

Junior Stix Maroon (5-6) vs Franklin 56-1

The Junior Stix Maroon Raiders faced-off against an experienced Franklin team in the muggy hills of Warren County on Sunday. Keira Kruchowy suited up in the big equipment and played a very strong game in goal. The Maroon Raiders were on their heels during the first ten minutes of the game. Keira kept the game to a manageable 0-2 score by working the correct angles and reacting quickly to loose balls deep in the goal area. This solid net minding performance allowed the Maroon midfielders to start to influence the game by using long passes by Hailey Vogt and Mackenzie McLaughlin. These strong clears changed field position and allowed run-outs by Kate Rzeczkowski and Gabi Mazzeo. In the final three minutes of the first half, the Maroons started to generate offensive pressure as Kate and Gabi were able to get the ball into the offensive circle. As a speedy Sophia Jordan was making deep runs, the Franklin defenders were forced to take fouls in the circle. The Maroons closed the half with three consecutive corner opportunities, but netted no goals.

The second half was played even until desperation time late. During this half, most of the play was in the middle section of the field. The Franklin stick skills started to take precedence late, and the Maroon's need to score a goal caused the Raiders to push players forward. This combination allowed for holes in our defensive coverage and with 30 seconds remaining in the game a breakaway resulted in the final score of Maroon Raiders 0, Franklin 3. This was the strongest effort by the Maroons this season. Next week, the Raiders bring these good feelings out to Easton, PA for a tough game vs Palmer.

Junior Stix Gold (5-6) vs Washington 56-2

Team Gold had a rough loss today losing 4-0 to seasoned Washington 56-2 team! Off to rocky start, Washington scored all their goals in the first half!

Our team regrouped and did not allow any goals the second half. A big shout out to our mid fielders today! Lily Hand and Isabella Jaucian both did a fantastic job getting the ball up to offense and recovering back to defense, trying to keep the ball out of the circle! A well-played game girls!

We are looking forward to great practices this week and getting ready for our game next Sunday against sister team Junior Stix White!

Junior Stix White (5-6) vs Washington 56-1

Junior Stix White fell to Washington 7-2 on the road Sunday. The defense held tough to start the game, lead by strong play in goal by Maia Minakas and great tackling and clears by Charlotte Maloney. A flurry of goals late in the half made it 3-1 at halftime. Samantha Biondi scored a goal in each half, assisted by Mackenzie Smith in the first half and Gabriella Iovino in the second half. Short on subs most of the game, Autumn Pina, Emma Kelner, and Isabella DiStasio played long minutes, doing a great job challenging for possession at mid field and creating some good scoring chances.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

We would like to take a moment to thank our highlighted sponsors for their generosity to the Jr. Raiders.

It is with their sponsorship and donations that contributes to making

our organization a success and gives our players, your children

the opportunity to be young athletes.

Please give back to our sponsors by visiting their establishments and

thanking them for sponsoring us!