Jr Raiders Weekend Highlights

Jr Skylands Football Conference

RARITAN DIVISION

Hillsborough Varsity Gold (Burke) vs. Philipsburg Varsity Gold: Won 40-8

The Hillsborough Varsity Gold traveled to Phillipsburg Saturday with a future

first round playoff bye on the line. The two teams came into the game

with identical 4-1 records in what everyone thought would be

tough test for Junior Raiders. It did not take long for the Raiders to

take control of the game as Andrew Santa Barbara scooped up a fumbled

pitch and ran it back for a touchdown. Jay Mazuera connected on the extra

point as the Raiders grabbed a quick 8-0 lead. Boro forced a

quick three and out on the next possession fueled by a tackle for

loss by Leo Schiro who along with fellow linebackers Sal Volpe and Andrew Santa Barbara kept the

Phillipsburg offense in check all night. For a moment, it looked as is Phillipsburg would get back into the

game as they forced a Boro punt, but that idea quickly disappeared as Jay Mazuera intercepted a pass

and returned it to the P-burg 30 yard-line. After the Raiders lost 10 yards on a fumble, Thomas Amankwaa

ran deep into the secondary and with a key down field block by Ethan McLaughlin, was able to break loose

for the touchdown. Adam Movshin and Tyler Michinard executed a perfect snap and hold. Mazuera split

the uprights providing Boro with a commanding 16-0 lead. This trio has executed 12 straight successful kicks.

Things went from bad to worse for Phillipsburg on the next possession as Santa Barbara forced and

recovered a fumble. On the first play of their possession Mazuera called and audible as he noticed

the safety was out of position. Mazuera connected with TE Will Dixon for an easy touchdown pass.

The Raiders converted the extra point to go up 24-0. After appearing to be stopped on 4th down,

Phillipsburg reached into their bag of tricks and threw a halfback pass off a reverse for a 60-yard touchdown.

The half would end with the Raiders holding onto a commanding 24-8 lead.

In the second half Boro quickly drove deep into Phillipsburg territory with long runs sprung by good

blocking by guards Michael Kondratiuk and Mike Guiliano. Just outside the red-zone Mazuera connected

with Amankwaa in the flat who scampered up the sidelines. Amankwaa looked like he was going to be stopped

at the 3 yard-line, but Schiro provided the necessary block giving Boro another touchdown. After taking the

32-8 lead, Hillsborough quickly got the ball back again as Ryan Vierbuchan tipped a pass which was intercepted

by Amankwaa just before he slid out of bounds. The Raiders capped off the scoring as Santa Barbara found a

hole created by McLaughlin and Kondratiuk. After AJ Johnson provided a great downfield block, Santa Barbara

did the rest on route to a 50-yard touchdown.

The Raiders continue to have their eyes set on a rematch with Watchung and are looking to avenge the

opening day loss in route to another championship. Standing in their way next week is Pope John who the

Raiders will travel to next Saturday night.

Hillsborough Patriot JV Gold (Riccardi) vs. Phillipsburg JV Gold: Won 42-6

On Saturday night the Jr. Raiders JV Gold team advanced to 6-0 after defeating the Phillipsburg Little Liners 42-6. The Raider offense had their most impressive performance of the season with 186 rushing yards with 5 rushing touchdowns, and 31 receiving yards with 1 touchdown reception. Austin Quandt led the Raiders with 92 total yards: 61 rushing yards, and 31 receiving yards. Quandt also tallied 2 of the Raider’s touchdowns, 1 rushing and 1 on a screen pass from quarterback Tyler Van Cleef. Damian Kutny followed closely behind Quandt with 2 carries totalling 67 yards and 2 touchdowns. Cynthia Akosua and Jake Battagliese contribute the Raiders’ two remaining touchdowns, while Quandt and Ian McCauley each rushed for a successful PAT and Akosua kicked 2 successful PATs.

The Raider defense held firm on Saturday, allowing on their second touchdown of the season. Quandt dominated on both sides of the ball, tallying 6 tackles including 3 tackles for loss and a sack. Pierce Skala supplemented Quandts performance by recording 4 tackles, including 1 for loss. Van Cleef and Chimmy Ozokpor each had 3 tackles, with at least 1 for loss. Defensive linemen Tyler Jackson, Logan McGann, and Huson Ruh all contributed additional tackles for loss. This week the Raiders will travel to Sparta for a rematch against the Pope John Jr. Lions.

DELAWARE DIVISION - Varsity

Hillsborough Varsity Red (Shelton) - BYE

Hillsborough Varsity White (Nussbaum) vs. Phillipsburg Varsity Red: Won 8-7

On a warm cloudy day, the Varsity White team traveled to Phillipsburg to face the Phillipsburg Little Liners.

This would be a defensive battle as both teams would not allow either offense to get on track. The Little Liners received the opening kickoff but was unable to move the ball. They turned the ball over on downs. The Varsity White took over but was unable to move the ball effectively and punted the ball away as the first quarter ended. Both teams turned the ball over on downs again before Phillipsburg was able to break through. After a big run of 60 yards, Phillipsburg connected on a 4th down pass for a touchdown to score the game’s first points. The Little Liners converted the extra point as the runner shook off 3 defenders to find the end zone and led 7-0. The Varsity White team was unable to answer and punted the ball away. On the return, the Varsity White was able to force a fumble and Gianni Santonastaso recovered. However, the Varsity White could not move the ball and the half ended.

DELAWARE DIVISION – Varsity (cont.)

As the second half began, the offensive line of Patrick Walsh, Brian Nastawa, Zach Conklin, Jack Miller and Brandon Lobelo came out firing. The Varsity White marched down the field and finally got on the scoreboard with a 15-yard touchdown run by Dominick Monsorno. The extra point was no good and the score was 7-6. The Varsity White executed a perfect onsides kick and Gianni Santonastaso recovered the ball. The Varsity White was on the march again as the 3rd quarter ended. The Varsity White could not punch the ball into the end zone as 2 passes were dropped in the end zone and turned the ball over on downs. In this tough defensive battle, the Varsity White team came up with one more stop late in the 4th quarter to force a Phillipsburg punt. The snap went over the head of the Little Liners punter and rolled out of the end zone for a safety and a Varsity White lead of 8-7.

The Varsity White attempted to run out the remaining clock but fumbled a snap with less than a minute to go in the game and Phillipsburg recovered the ball. In a fitting end to this defensive battle, the Varsity White defensive line of Vincent Castellano, Patrick Walsh, Brian Nastawa, Nick West and Ryan Hauser held the Little Liners without a first down and the clock expired.

The Varsity White will return home next Saturday for an out of conference game with the Rockaway Rockets.

DELAWARE DIVISION - JV

Hillsborough Patriot JV Red (Minetti) vs. Ridge JV Red: Lost 28-0

Hillsborough Patriot JV White (Drab) vs. Voorhees JV Silver: Won 26-6

The JV White team went took their A game on the road Saturday to Phillipsburg and on a rainy, dreary morning and outperformed their opponent 26-6.

The day started out with a series of bobbled snaps and fumbles due to the wet field but but the Jr. Raiders would quickly overcome that obstacle by jumping out to a 6-0 with a 30 yard TD scamper by Ryan Harris. The run developed due to a crushing block by right TE Guisseppe Cicciari who collapsed the defensive end paving the way for Harris. The offensive line continued to dominate led by Joey Bottaglia at Center. In the second quarter, Jason Williams took over at QB and darted to the outside on a sneak for a 35-yard score thanks to some tough blocks by Gavin Bailey and Matt Corson. The TD was set up by some pounding runs up the middle by fullback Garrett Meyer getting them in good position for the score. The defense controlled the game with aggressive tackling and Phillip Tatevosov busted through the line and recovered a fumble in the P-Burg backfield.

The Jr. Raiders took that tempo into the second half and was able to drive their way to the opponents 40-yard line, where Nate Drab would score on a QB sneak over the right side. In the 4th quarter, Drab would complete a bomb to Jason Williams for 42 yards to the 1-yard line. Fullback Corey Iannucci would punch it in from the 1-yard line. For the extra point, Drab would continue his success through the air with completion to TE Xander Borowski, who made a sure handed catch on a curl route and landed right on the goal line. JV White will look to continue their winning ways this week against Ridge.

DELAWARE DIVISION – Pee Wee

Hillsborough Patriot Pee Wee Red (Goldberg) - BYE

Hillsborough Patriot Pee Wee White (Amato) vs Phillipsburg Pee Wee Red: Tie 13-13

Pee Wee White played Philipsburg to a 13-13 tie. Nick Mc Cauley had his best offensive game of the season with tough inside running and 65 yards, Andrew Schwarz 115 yards rushing/TD, Damian Amato 50 yards rushing/TD/extra put conv and Mason Westlake 20 yards receiving. Defensively, Andrew Schwarz led all tacklers with 5, Mason Westlake 3 tackles/1 sack, Aiden Herrera 3 tackles and 1 fumble recovery, Nick Britanak 3 tackles, Chris Byrns 2 tackles, Nick Mc Cauley 2 tackles, Gavin Wacaster 2 tackles, Cole Dockhorn and Tommy Marcketta 1 tackle each.

DIVISION - Flag

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

Jets:

The Raiders took on the Jets on a wet Saturday morning in a tight exciting game. The first half saw excellent running by Aiden Desatnik up the middle on a long 30 yard run plus 7 more tough yards to set up a Vincent Lavecchia (9 total yards) QB keeper to the left side of the end zone for a touchdown right before the half expired. The scoring in the second half was done by Kevin Van Cleef (45 yards total) on a 35 yard half back sweep up the right side of the field with a sharp cut back to reach the end zone with great blocks by Patrick Murphy and Collin Tucker to make sure he got there as time expired. Other notable runs were completed by Anthony Shrewsbury (8 total yards), Christopher Seamon (7 yards) and Matthew Simonitis (9 yards). The defense did a good job containing the Jets with Gavin Ross and Dante Mayo leading the team with 4 flag pulls each while Bennett Thomas, EJ Risher and Vincent Lavecchia contributed with 2 stops each. Another awesome game by the Raider team as they prepare to take on the Steelers this Wednesday night.

DIVISION – Flag (cont.)

Hillsborough Flag Steelers (Walton) vs Bears

On a beautiful autumn morning the Steelers were up to the test against the Somerville Bears. Both

teams scored a TD in each half but neither team converting on their extra points. Touchdowns were scored by James Casey on a 60 yard run and Matteo Cicciari on a 50 yard run. Justin Amato with

24 yards rushing, Devin Cozine with 11 yards rushing, Jordan Rovero with 10 yards rushing and Jonah Bergman and Robbie Jugan with 5 yards rushing. On defense flag pulls by Justin Amato, Jayden

Johnson and Robbie Jugan each with 2 flag pulls and Matteo Cicciari and Brody Walton each with

1 flag pull.

Wednesday Night Lights: -

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

Steelers:

On a rainy Wednesday night the Steelers played the Jets under the lights. Due to the wet conditions both teams struggled on offense. The game’s only touchdown was scored by Justin Amato on a 40 yard run. Mason Jacquish had 30 yards rushing, James Casey with 15 yards rushing, Devin Cozine with 10 yards rushing, Matteo Cicciari and Brody Walton both with 7 yards rushing and Jordan Rovero with 3 yards rushing. The defense played very strong led by Devin Cozine's interception, Matteo Cicciari and Justin Amato each with 5 flag pulls, Jayden Johnson with 3 flag pulls and James Casey with 2 flag pulls.

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

Jr Raiders FIELD HOCKEY

Field Hockey Games Oct 15, 2017

Mini Chix (K-2)

With every clinic, these young players show weekly improvement in handling their sticks and continue to practice good game strategy. Olivia Kay continued to show eagerness to learn while Eviana Doyal came through today to continue to learn while feeling under the weather. Casey Timler worked super hard and was eager to try different positions and Gabby Harris worked hard at keeping her stick low during clinic.

Little Stix Maroon #1 (3-4) vs Little Stix Maroon #2 (3-4)

Little Stix Maroon (3/4) was due to play against N. Hunterdon 24-2 Team yet North Hunterdon forfeited due to lack of players.

The Maroon team still met to scrimmage against each other, splitting the girls into teams that led to a good competition.

Maroon is looking forward to next weekends’ game against North Hunterdon 24-4 Team.

Little Stix Gold (3-4) vs Little Stix Maroon (3-4)

Little Stix Gold started strong against Mansfield however lost 4-3 at the end.

Great job on our goals Sara Thompson, Samantha Dandy, and Madisyn Freeman!

Sydney Russo held tight in defense with a great job on hits out!

Brianna Gibson, Miranda Trevino and Jessica McKelvey owned the mid-field, being there for all of their passes!

Paige Romano, Peyton Wallace, Amelia Patterson and Laura Weintraub had great alley opportunities with nice hustling to the ball!

Alexis Shumaker had nice work bringing the ball up the field with an assist on the goal! Little Stix Gold looks forward to playing away at Lebanon next Sunday.

Junior Stix Maroon (5-6) vs Junior Stix Gold (5-6)

The Junior Stix Maroon Raiders traveled to Easton, PA to square off against Palmer. It was a great day for field hockey! The grass was tight and the temperature was perfect which lead to a fast game that allowed the players to move the ball fast and create opportunities. The goalies were a big part of the day for both squads. Kiera Kruchowy suited up again and again played great. Kiera was called on to make many saves, and she answered the bell on most of them. When Kiera needed help to clear the ball out, Kate Rzeczkowski and Sophia Jordan were quick to jump on those rebounds, dig-in and take control. Both players were effective at open field tackling as well.

Hannah Herterich played great as a defensive minded middie. Hannah made the saved of the game when she was covering the post on a corner. Hannah positioned herself behind our goalie on pure intuition. The ball was sent past Keira, but Hannah was there with a quick stick to make the incredible save and to help keep the game close.

The Maroon Raiders seemed to take the energy from Hannah's play to change the momentum. From that point, the Raiders started to streak up the field using the long hits of bomber Hailey Vogt, the speed and dribbling skill of Gabi Mazzeo, and the power and the knack for being open in the circle of Mackenzie McLaughlin to turn in three stellar opportunities. Hailey began to connect on her hits and Gabi ran on to two that needed strong attention by the Palmer goalie, both opportunities resulting in corner chances. The script was completed for the day when Mackenzie took a feed by Hannah in the circle and unleashed a slap shot that created a thunderous echo off the Palmer goalie's pads. The fans were cheering both efforts. The final score was Maroon Raiders 0, Palmer 3. Next week the Maroon Raiders are home vs Forks.

Junior Stix Gold (5-6) vs Junior Stix Maroon (5-6)

Team Gold played a solid game today against Team White for a (1-1) tie. Team Gold played solid defense throughout the first half. Maggie Harding defended the circle like a beast. She passed the ball multiple times to both Kerry Lydon and Isabella Jaucian who drove the ball up the wings. Kerry and Isabella both had amazing stick work that enabled them to pass to the offense who had multiple shots on goal and were so close to a goal many times!

The second half began with a huge offensive play that led to a few corners. Hannah Bianchino smacked the ball in the goal early in the second half to lead 0-1. Team White answered halfway through the second half to tie 1-1. Both teams played solidly through the rest of the second half to end the game in a tie!

Junior Stix White (5-6) vs Washington 56-3

Junior Stix White played to a hard fought 1-1 tie with sister squad Gold on Sunday. Strong defensive play by Charlotte Maloney, Maia Minakas, and Alexa LaMotta along with nice saves in goal by Chiara Sasso kept Gold off the scoreboard most of the afternoon. Samantha Biondi helped White control the mid field and create scoring chances for forwards Autumn Pina, Gabriella Iovino, Emma Kelner, and Isabella DiStasio. After giving up a goal to start the second half, White came back and scored the tying goal on Isabella DiStasio’s first goal of the season off a pass from Maia Minakas. It was a fun, competitive, and evenly matched game between the White and Gold Hillsborough squads.

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!