January 27, 2012
Instant impact |
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St. Anthony forward Jasmine Brandon had her eighth-straight game in double figures. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Holy Family at St. Anthony Girls Basketball Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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JERSEY CITY – Calling Jasmine Brandon the final piece to the puzzle might be an oversimplistic explanation for St. Anthony's recent turnaround. But the impact the 5-foot-10 senior forward has made since returning to the Jersey City school has been undeniable.
Brandon, who transferred back to St. Anthony after starting the school year at Nazareth High School in Brooklyn, had 20 points and 10 rebounds in a 57-46 win over Holy Family Academy yesterday. The victory marked the Friars' fifth in the last six games. Read More
Girls Hoops Roundup: Freshmen power Secaucus
Boys Hoops Roundup: Bees hold off NB, Hawks top Marist
January 25, 2012
Taking flight |
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Senior Jocelyn Morales scored six of her 16 points in the fourth quarter for Union City. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Union City at Kearny Girls Basketball Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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KEARNY – In preparation of yesterday's game with Kearny, Union City tailored its practice towards the advantage it would have inside with Shaela Rodriguez, even installing new plays to maximize the mismatches the 5-foot-9 senior could create.
Not only did Rodriguez respond to the challenge with one of her top performances of the season, but it proved to be the difference in what was the Soaring Eagles' biggest win of the season. Read More
Girls Basketball: Kearny's Gomes scores 1,000th point
Girls Basketball Roundup: Secaucus, Harrison win big
Boys Basketball Roundup: Eight straight for Hudson Catholic
January 24, 2012
All in the Kards |
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Kearny's Evan Piwowarski (right) had 11 of his team-high 15 points in the first half. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Kearny at Harrison Boys Basketball Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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HARRISON – Regardless of the records or the sport, the intensity level is always a little bit higher when Kearny and Harrison square off. Both teams might have entered the mid-January contest with double-digit losses, but the intensity hardly resembled that.
For that very reason, last night's 61-48 win for Kearny seemed to have a bigger impact and confidence boost than your typical regular season victory. Read More
Wrestling Roundup: Bruins fall to Jefferson
January 23, 2012
Roundup: Bees win big |
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Senior guard Steve Betancurth had 12 points and nine rebounds in Bayonne's win. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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Bayonne 71, Pathway College Prep 53
Rodney Wilson had a double-double as the Bees earned a convincing victory yesterday in the New Jersey vs. New York High School challenge at Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood. Read More
January 21, 2012
Roundup: McClure has triple-double for Patriots |
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Freshman Julia McClure had a triple-double for Secaucus last night in Wallington. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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Secaucus 60, Wallington 39
Julia McClure had a triple-double for the Patriots in a convincing victory last night in Wallington.
The freshman forward had 12 of her game-high 14 points in the third quarter for Secaucus (11-3). McClure added 18 rebounds, 10 steals and five assists. Read More
January 20, 2012
Second half surge |
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Hudson Catholic's Mike Young (left) shoots over Prep's Vic Jusino for two of his 16 points. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Hudson Catholic at St. Peter's Prep Boys Basketball Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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JERSEY CITY – Hudson Catholic's Mike Young may have had six points and five rebounds heading into the half, but he was far from satisfied with his play at that point.
The 6-foot-9 junior followed it up with a second half performance, even the harshest critic would be impressed with. Read More
Boys Hoops Roundup: Weehawken snaps skid
Girls Hoops Roundup: Secaucus, Union City get wins
Wrestling Roundup: North Bergen moves to 10-0
January 18, 2012
License to drive |
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Bayonne's Rodney Wilson (left) drives towards the basket in the second quarter. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Dickinson at Bayonne Boys Basketball Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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BAYONNE – After a recent loss, a not-so subtle reminder was sent to Rodney Wilson courtesy of head coach Mickell Taylor, he needed be more aggressive on the offensive end. Bayonne's three-year starter and senior captain not only took the message to heart, but responded with his best game of the season.
A relentless Wilson was in attack mode right from the start as he put up a season-high 25 points and 12 rebounds in the Bees' 77-55 victory over Dickinson in a showdown of two of Hudson County's top public school teams. Read More
Boys Hoops Roundup: Hudson Cath. wins sixth in a row
Girls Hoops Roundup: Harrison wins ninth, Secaucus beat late
January 17, 2012
Trying to catch up |
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Dumont's Angela Gallo (left) shoots over Union City's Eboni Wood for a basket. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Dumont at Union City Girls Basketball Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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UNION CITY – With just three healthy players with varsity experience entering the season, Charlie Roussel knew getting his Union City team up to speed wouldn't be an easy task at times.
Yesterday was one of those painful examples of the Soaring Eagles' lack of experience coming back to haunt them in a 56-36 loss to Dumont in the Martin Luther King Jr. Roundball Roundup. Read More
Boys Hoops Roundup: Young's buzzer beater lifts Hawks
January 15, 2012
'D' for Dominant |
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Kyle Anderson (left) had 11 points, six rebounds and six assists for St. Anthony. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| St. Anthony vs St. Peter's Prep Boys Basketball Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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JERSEY CITY – Defense and a balanced scoring distribution on offense - two traits so synonymous with St. Anthony's success over the years, it has seemingly become ingrained in the program's DNA.
Both characteristics were once against a part of a Friars team which is seemingly hitting its stride as they posted their 11th-straight win to start the season. This victory, a 61-21 clinic over in-city rival St. Peter's Prep in the Dan Finn Classic at the Jersey City Armory. Read More
Wrestling Roundup: North Bergen remains unbeaten
January 14, 2012
Roundup: Tide come back |
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Harrison senior Bianca Martinez led all scorers with 14 points. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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Harrison 36, St. Mary's Rutherford 32
Trailing by four after three quarters, the Blue Tide closed the game on a 15-7 run to earn the win last night in Harrison. Read More
January 13, 2012
The Bee-t goes on |
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Lisa Rovatsos (center) splits a pair of Lincoln defenders for two of her 17 points. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Lincoln at Bayonne Girls Basketball Photo Gallery Coming Soon! |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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BAYONNE – If anyone was questioning whether or Bayonne was still the team to beat, yesterday's performance showed little doubt who is still No. 1 in Hudson County girls basketball.
With a stifling defense and a balanced scoring attack, the Bees dominated Lincoln 67-40 in a mid-season showdown of the county's top two teams. Read More
Boys Hoops Roundup:
Stewart has triple-double as Hudson Cath. holds off Dickinson
Girls Hoops Roundup: Rodriguez, Garcia lead Union City
January 12, 2012
Breakout moment |
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North Bergen freshman Devin Garrido (left) scored a huge upset win in his 106 match. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Paramus at North Bergen Werestling Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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NORTH BERGEN – Few outside of North Bergen knew of the skills and potential of Devin Garrido before last night's dual with Paramus.
It took less than two minutes for the Bruins' freshman to raise more than a few eyebrows and earn a high-profile win in the process. Read More
January 11, 2012
Run to glory |
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Taylor Lane ran the second leg of Snyder's winning 800- and 1,600-meter relay teams. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| 2012 HCTCA Relays Track Boys Photo Gallery 2012 HCTCA Relays Track Girls Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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JERSEY CITY – For the first time since 2002 the Memorial boys indoor track team can lay claim as No. 1 in Hudson County. The Tigers emerged victorious in the HCTCA Relays yesterday at the Jersey City Armory. Read More
Boys Hoops Roundup: Young has 20-21 game for Hudson Cath.
Girls Hoops Roundup: Secaucus, Harrison continue to win
January 8, 2012
Too much to overcome |
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Secaucus' Julia McClure (right) tries to knock the ball away from Fair Lawn's Meagan Tuchler. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Secaucus at Fair Lawn Girls Basketball Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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FAIR LAWN – John Sterling could have easily reached for an excuse following his Secaucus team lost a 50-44 overtime game to Fair Lawn. He could have pointed to a lack of depth and size, two issues all the more critical with the late scratch of forward Ariana Simon and foul trouble to Julia McClure.
Instead, the message the fifth-year head coach directed to his team was simple, they were outplayed. Read More
Wrestling Roundup: North Bergen is perfect 3-0 in quad
Boys Hoops Roundup: Weehawken downed by Lodi
January 6, 2012
Knight-mare in the paint |
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Marist center Andrew Martinez (right) goes up for two of his 15 points. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Hoboken at Marist Boys Basketball Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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BAYONNE – With a host of first-time players and a seemingly new lineup each night, there's been few constants for Marist in the first three weeks of the season.
Center Andrew Martinez is one of those few constants. Read More
Boys Hoops Roundup: Caldwell's 20 lead Bees past Kearny
Girls Hoops Roundup: Secaucus defeats Harrison
January 5, 2012
Bruins beat Has. Heights |
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North Bergen's Luis Gonzalez won his 120-pound match by pin fall in the second round. (File Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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January 4, 2012
A little bit of payback |
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Arianna Nieves (right) had 13 points and four assists for St. Dominic Academy. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| St. Dominic at North Bergen Girls Basketball Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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NORTH BERGEN – After her team's 45-33 victory over North Bergen, Tavia Watkins exclaimed to teammate Arianna Nieves that "we owed it to them," after many years of falling short.
With years of nothing, but anguish and defeat at the hands of the Bruins, it'd be hard to fault the two four-year varsity players at St. Dominic Academy for the feelings of relief and revenge. Read More
Girls Hoops Roundup Guillen's 14 lifts Secaucus. Blue Tide win
Boys Hoops Roundup: Wilson gets 17 for Bees. Hawks win big
January 3, 2011
HCV's top 11 games of 2011 |
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Debray Tavarez's winning catch was HCV's selection as the No. 1 game in 2011. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Montclair vs North Bergen Football Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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There was little doubt that 2011 saw plenty of incredible players, games and moments in Hudson County sports.
While some games may be forgotten soon after they are completed, others live on in memory for many years to come. Here are HCV's picks for the 11 best games Hudson County games of 2011. Read More
Boys Hoops Roundup: Hudson Catholic falls to Plainfield
Girls Hoops Roundup: Secaucus' title bid ends in finals
December 30, 2011
Double trouble |
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Freshman Javon Smith scored 15 of his game-high 25 points in the first half for Ferris. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Ferris at Union City Boys Basketball Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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UNION CITY – The only time Ferris teammates Javone Smith and Carell Dawson weren't on the same page last night was when it was time to discuss who had the better performance in a light-hearted disagreement.
Both Bulldogs made their impacts felt in completely different ways in an impressive 53-42 victory over host Union City in the semifinals of the Soaring Eagles' Holiday Festival. For Ferris, this early 3-2 start marks a significant turnaround after going 14-36 the previous two seasons.
Read More
Boys Hoops Roundup: Hudson Catholic wins in Boston
Girls Hoops Roundup: Harrison wins Hudson River Classic
December 29, 2011
No slowing down |
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Weehawken point guard Damian Corredor (right) led all scorers with 20 points. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Weehawken at McNair Boys Basketball Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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JERSEY CITY – As Weehawken's Damian Corredor sped up and down the court ahead of everyone else, the idea that he was playing at anything less than 100 percent seemed impossible. In reality, turf toe injuries to both feet from a record-breaking football season has prevented Corredor from reaching his true capabilities.
Regardless, little could slow down the dynamic point guard or his Weehawken teammates as they cruised past McNair 59-34 in the Third Place Game of the Hudson River Classic at McNair High School.
Read More
Girls Basketball: Harrison holds off McNair. View Photos
Girls Hoops Roundup: Secaucus advances past Paramus
December 28, 2011
Mat Mania |
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Secaucus' Justin Araujo (left) locks up with Tenafly's Joseph Moreno in the 220 final. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| 2011 Patriot Invitational Werestling Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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SECAUCUS – Four wrestlers from Hudson County took home individual gold during yesterday's Patriot Invitational at Secaucus High School.
Bayonne's tandem of Andro Moussad and Junior Aldano each took home first place. Mossaud pinned Princeton's Landis Hackett in 208 to take the 145-pound title. Aldano defeated Princeton's David Kinges by decision to win the championship at 152 pounds. Read More
December 27, 2011
Sure shot |
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Stewart Lemus scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime for Bayonne. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Edison at Bayonne Hockey Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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BAYONNE – Stewart Lemus would be the first to admit that his final shot in overtime wasn't one of his best ones on the night. When it hits the back of the net though, the lack of beauty of the goal is irrelevant.
Lemus' goal under the left arm of Edison's Shane Bobik left everyone at the Korpi Ice Rink, including himself, in stunned disbelief as it sent the Bees to a 4-3 overtime win in the opening round of the Bayonne Holiday Tournament. Read More
Hockey: Hudson Catholic falls to Woodbridge. View Photos
Girls Hoops Roundup: Secaucus jolts River Dell in overtime
Boys Hoops Roundup: Prep knocks off CBA in Playaz Jubilee
December 26, 2011
Maintaining a legacy |
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Head coach Alice De Fazio and Marist will host the Bill De Fazio Challenge this week. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Marist at Bayonne Girls Basketball Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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As Alice De Fazio rattles off the names of the teams scheduled to participate in the Christmas tournament Marist will be hosting there is a sense of concern and pride about the list.
De Fazio knows that it will be an up-hill battle for her Royal Knights this week with these potential opponents. But that challenge has always been a part of the legacy of the tournament, now named after her late husband Bill, created during his long career at Marist. It is a legacy that Alice, the new head coach at Marist is looking to continue at the recently renamed "Bill De Fazio Challenge" which starts this afternoon. Read More
December 24, 2011
Big-time performance |
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Prep's Armond Cox (above) scored a technical fall victory in his 220-pound match. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Delbarton at St. Peter's Prep Werestling Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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JERSEY CITY – On the surface it would seem that standing at only 5-foot-9 and giving up six or seven inches to his opponents would be a huge disadvantage for St. Peter's Prep wrestler Ryan Medina. Instead, the Marauders' senior heavyweight feels the opposite is true.
"I feel like I'm at the advantage," Medina said. "They have to come down to my level and I feel like I'm as tough as any heavyweight and I feel confident in the way my team trains me." Read More
December 23, 2011
Up for the challenge |
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Sophomore Jesenia Montalvo had 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists for Bayonne. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Marist at Bayonne Girls Basketball Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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BAYONNE – Even with his team up by 10 at the halftime intermission, Bayonne head coach James Turner made it clear to his team they could easily keep this a competitive contest or put this game away for good.
It didn't take long to figure out which path the Bees decided to follow. Read More
Girls Basketball: McClure shoots Secaucus to 3-0 start
Boys Basketball: Indians stay perfect, Hudson blasts Hoboken
Wrestling: North Bergen downs Nutley
December 21, 2011
HCV's All-County Team |
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How many members of Vincent Ascolese's Bruins make this year's All-County Team?. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Football Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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The 2011 high school football season in Hudson County was certainly one to remember. North Bergen became the first Hudson County team since 2005 with a miraculous 14-13 win over Montclair on the game's final play to send head coach Vincent Ascolese into retirement with one last state championship.
The Bruins' title wasn't the only big story as Bayonne and Memorial experienced significant turnarounds, making the playoffs after long droughts. The year also saw another huge season from Hoboken and Union City and the continuation of St. Peter's Prep's in-county winning streak.
This year's edition of the All-County Team features just three returning members highlighted by All-State linebacker Vin Ascolese, the only three-time recipient.
Below are the members of Hudson County Varsity's Third Annual All-County Team. Read More
Boys Hoops Roundup: Anderson scores 1,000th; Prep wins
Girls Hoops Roundup: McClure scores 23 for Secaucus
December 19, 2011
Frink powers Friars to second win of the season |
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St. Anthony guard Josh Brown drives to the hoop for two of his six points on the day. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| St. Anthony vs Trenton Catholic Boys Basketball Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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WEST ORANGE – When it comes to opponents on the court, Jerome Frink has a long memory.
Twenty-one months and 34 varsity games have passed since Frink and St. Anthony last saw Trenton Catholic, but time - and a national championship - has done little ease the 6-foot-6 forward's need for revenge as he put up 15 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Friars to a 53-33 win yesterday at the Hoop Group Tip-Off at West Orange High School. Read More
More from the Hoop Group Tip-Off: Hudson Catholic falls late Read More. View Photo Gallery.
Boys Hoops Roundup: Hudson Cath., Union City open with W
Girls Hoops Roundup: Harrison, Secaucus win big
December 16, 2011
2011/2012 Team Preview: |
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Junior point guard Kavon Stewart is one of five returning starters for Hudson Catholic. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Hudson Catholic Hawks Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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Hudson Catholic is well aware of the expectations. With all five starters back and a couple of key additions to last year's 22-win team, the bar has been understandably set high.
But for a Hawks squad loaded with Division 1 talent and widely considered among the top five teams in the state, the key has been to avoid the pitfalls that can come with such hype and pressure. Read More
2011/2012 Boys Basketball Previews: Bayonne, Dickinson, Marist, St. Peter's Prep
2011/2012 Girls Basketball Previews: Harrison, Holy Family, Kearny, Marist, St. Anthony
December 15, 2011
2011/2012 Team Preview: |
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Junior guard Doris Ilic is poised to have a breakout season for North Bergen. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| North Bergen Bruins Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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How do you replace three four-year starters at guard? For North Bergen the answer is quite simple - size and plenty of it.
While the Bruins lost the trio of Ashley Vazzona, Ashley Heredia and Jazmin Palma to graduation, last season's Hudson County finalist will have one of their biggest lineups in recent memory. Read More
2011/2012 Girls Basketball Previews: Lincoln, Secaucus, Union City
December 14, 2011
2011/2012 Team Preview: |
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UCLA-bound senior Kyle Anderson is one of two returning starters for St. Anthony. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| St. Anthony Friars Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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It was only eight months ago when St. Anthony was crowned as the nation's No. 1 team. But while the images of that memorable 33-0 season are still fresh in the minds of many, but in the eyes of head coach Bob Hurley, its past history. With just two starters and few contributors from that team back, Hurley doesn't view this season as a title defense, but rather a quest for the many newcomers to make a name for themselves. Read More
2011/2012 Boys Basketball Previews: Lincoln, North Bergen, Union City, Weehawken
December 11, 2011
Victory lap |
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The North Bergen football team rides down Kennedy Boulevard during a victory parade. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| North Bergen Football Victory Parade Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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NORTH BERGEN – Every day Sergio Rodriguez watches the video of his game-winning touchdown pass to Debray Tavarez, just to make sure it really did happen.
One week and countless viewings later, the reality of the touchdown and the state championship that came with it is slowly starting to take shape. Read More
Hockey: St. Peter's Prep struggles in loss to Bergen Catholic. Read the Game Story. Click Here to View Photo Gallery.
Girls Volleyball: Coaches make their All-League selections
December 9, 2011
2011/2012 Team Preview: |
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Senior Lisa Rovatsos looks to win her fourth county championship with Bayonne. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Bayonne Bees Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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As the three-time defending county champions, it'd be easy to understand why there'd be pressure placed on Bayonne. But in the eyes of head coach James Turner, the pressure won't be from a slate of league contests where they'll have a target on their back. Instead it will be in the quiet confines of their own gym. Read More
2011/2012 Girls Basketball Preview: St. Dominic Academy
Football: Secaucus, Weehawken, Harrison get NJIC honors
Football: Photos from North Bergen's championship victory
December 4, 2011
Meadowlands Miracle |
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Debray Tavarez catches the game-winning touchdown with no time remaining. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Montclair vs North Bergen Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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EAST RUTHERFORD – With consecutive overtime victories, North Bergen's playoff run for retiring head coach Vincent Ascolese had exhibited all the characteristics of a fairytale story.
Who knew those wins would pale in comparison to the final chapter.
Debray Tavarez hauled in a 22-yard touchdown pass from Sergio Rodriguez as time expired to give the Bruins a stunning 14-13 victory over previously unbeaten Montclair for the NJSIAA North 1, Group IV championship at MetLife Stadium. Read More
December 3, 2011
The time has come |
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Can the Bruins send out retiring head coach Vincent Ascolese with an eighth state title? (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| North Bergen Bruins Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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| North 1, Group IV Championship Game |
| 3. North Bergen (7-4) vs 1. Montclair (11-0) |
| Saturday, December 3, 4 p.m. |
| MetLife Stadium |
After two weeks of hype and preparation, the big day has finally come for North Bergen and Vincent Ascolese. The Bruins' 39-year head coach will be coaching his final game today as North Bergen squares off with undefeated Montclair for the NJSIAA North 1, Group IV championship.
Below is the list of our complete coverage from this past week, leading up to today's big game.
Ascolese looks to end career with a title
North Bergen defense ready for the challenge
Can anybody stop Khalif Herbin?
Bruins' Rodriguez comes through in relief at QB
North Bergen seeks special teams edge
December 2, 2011
Refuse to be 'D'-nied |
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Senior DT Nick Garcia (right) makes one of his 25 tackles for loss from this season. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| North Bergen Bruins Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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NORTH BERGEN – Cornerback Denzell Leitch and the rest of his Bruin defense understand the challenge that lays ahead of them. They've seen the mind-numbing point totals Montclair has put in its first 11 games of the season. But Montclair's sparkling resume has not intimidated North Bergen in the least. Read More
Football: HCIAL coaches make All-League selections
December 1, 2011
Mission Impossible? |
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2010 File Photo: Montclair's Khalif Herbin has scored 42 touchdowns this season. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Lincoln at Bayonne Football Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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The first time Union City head coach Wilber Valdez viewed film in preparation for his 2010 season opener against Montclair he thought he had a problem - a broken DVD player.
Instead, Valdez was alerted of something far more troubling for him and his staff than a malfunctioning electronic device - the speed of Montclair's Khalif Herbin. Read More
November 30, 2011
'R' for relief |
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Sergio Rodriguez has seven passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| North Bergen Bruins Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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NORTH BERGEN – Throughout the season, Sergio Rodriguez has heard the comparison to Tim Tebow from his North Bergen teammates. Despite some up-and-down moments one thing is undeniable, just like the Denver Broncos quarterback, Rodriguez has excelled at winning games.
The Bruins have gone 6-2 since Rodriguez took over as starting quarterback and now they are one game away from a North 1, Group IV championship heading into Saturday's title game with Montclair at MetLife Stadium. Read More
More Coverage: Bruins look to find edge on special teams
November 29, 2011
All Americans |
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D.J. Singleton (left) and Brandon Napoleon were presented as Semper Fidelis All Americans. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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JERSEY CITY and NORTH BERGEN – North Bergen's Vin Ascolese and the St. Peter's Prep tandem of Brandon Napoleon and D.J. Singleton have racked up plenty of accolades during their high school careers. They can add another honor to their already stellar resumes - All Americans.
The talented trio of Hudson County standouts were formally selected and introduced as participants in the Semper Fidelis All American Bowl on Jan. 3, 2012 at Chase Field in Phoenix. Read More
November 26, 2011
Going out on top |
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St. Peter's Prep RB Jared Crayton rushed for a touchdown and returned a punt for a score. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| St. Peter's Prep at Union City Football Photo Gallery |
UNION CITY – Whether it be as a runner, receiver or defender, St. Peter's Prep senior Jared Crayton had seemingly accomplished all possible individual milestones this season. But the standout running back had one more on his personal checklist - a special teams touchdown.
With his 73-yard punt return for a touchdown Crayton did just that and in the process helped power the Marauders to another league championship. Crayton scored two touchdowns on the afternoon as St. Peter's Prep closed out the season with its 12th-straight league title after defeating Union City 28-7 at Roosevelt Stadium. Read More
November 22, 2011
Sigh of relief for Ortiz |
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St. Anthony tight end Nate Ortiz has committed to Delaware State University. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| St. Anthony Friars Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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After a season of uncertainty, Nate Ortiz has found his home for the next four years.
The St. Anthony tight end made his commitment to Delaware State University on Sunday, picking the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision team after visiting the campus this weekend. Read More
November 20, 2011
One to forget |
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Bergen Catholic's Chucky Wingate (1) and Mike Gerst (21) celebrate after a touchdown. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| St. Peter's Prep at Bergen Catholic Football Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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ORADELL – When St. Peter's Prep lost to Bergen Catholic three weeks ago, the Marauders walked off that field wondering if the better team had truly won that night.
This time, after suffering a convincing 42-21 loss to their Bergen County rivals in the NJSIAA Non-Public, Group IV semifinals the answer was painfully clear to the Marauders' head coach. Read More
November 19, 2011
Meadowlands-bound |
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Debray Tavarez (3) celebrates with North Bergen fans after the Bruins' overtime victory. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| North Bergen at Union City Football Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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UNION CITY – As an emotional Eric McMullen dropped to one knee and gazed out towards the fence behind the west end zone of Roosevelt Stadium, assistant coach Mike Ascolese went to his star running back and pointed out beyond Kennedy Boulevard and towards North Bergen's next destination.
Visible from the field was the Meadowlands and MetLife Stadium where McMullen and the rest of the Bruins will be playing for a state title in two weeks after a 10-7 overtime victory over Union City in the semifinals of the North 1, Group IV playoffs. Read More
November 18, 2011
The final four |
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(Clockwise from top right) North Bergen's Vincent Ascolese, Union City's Wilber Valdez, Prep's Rich Hansen and Bayonne's Rick Rodriguez. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Hudson County Varsity Football Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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And then there were four.
After 10 weeks of football only four football teams in Hudson County remain standing for some of them it is a familiar foe standing in their way this semifinal weekend. Tonight North Bergen and Union City return to the site of their Oct. 28 slugfest won by the Soaring Eagles. The Bruins aren't the only Hudson team looking for revenge, on Saturday St. Peter's Prep gets another crack at Bergen Catholic after falling short on Oct. 28. But this time the matchup will be in Oradell. Meanwhile Bayonne looks to pull of its second-straight upset in Union County as it squares off with Elizabeth.
Game by Game Previews:
Friday: Bayonne at Elizabeth; North Bergen at Union City;
Saturday: St. Peter's Prep at Bergen Catholic.
HCV's Staff Picks
November 16, 2011
Painful ending |
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Kearny's season came to an end after losing to Bridgewater-Raritan in the Group 4 semifinals. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Kearny KardinalsPhoto Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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WARREN – The end of Kearny's playoff run came with the sound of a sickening clank.
After 100 minutes of play and four rounds of penalty kicks, Bridgewater-Raritan's Zak Jones scored on a shot off the lower left post to deal the Kardinals a heart-breaking 5-3 loss in the NJSIAA Group 4 semifinals last night at Watchung Hills High School. Read More
November 14, 2011
Ya' Gotta Bee-lieve |
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Tyhearn Williams had the game-winning touchdown for Bayonne on a fumble recovery. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Bayonne Bees Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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Few people, if any, gave Bayonne much of a chance in its North 2, Group IV first round playoff game against Westfield.
Someone forgot to tell that to the Bees who returned to the Peninsula City on Saturday with a 13-7 victory for one the biggest upsets in the opening weekend of the state football tournaments. Read More
November 12, 2011
Alive to play another day |
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North Bergen celebrates in the end zone after winning in overtime over Passaic Tech. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Passaic County Tech at North Bergen Football Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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NORTH BERGEN – Vin Ascolese is rarely at a loss for words. But when it came time to describe his emotions when he ended last night's game with an overtime touchdown, the standout senior couldn't explain what it meant for his team and his family.
In an ending seemingly pulled from the pages of a Hollywood movie script, Ascolese scored the game-winning touchdown on the final play he and his grandfather would have on their home turf as North Bergen defeated Passaic County Tech 20-14 in the first round of the NJSIAA North 1, Group IV playoffs at Vincent Ascolese Field. Read More
Boys Soccer:
Kearny wins first section crown since 2004. Photo Gallery
November 11, 2011
Top of the heap |
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St. Peter's Prep celebrates after winning the Hudson County Championship 2-0. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| St. Peter's Prep vs Union City Boys Soccer Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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KEARNY – Facing a physical Union City defense, Andrew Romero knew it’d be imperative to take advantage of any scoring opportunities coming his way. On his first chance to come his way, Romero did just that.
Romero’s goal just 71 seconds into the game proved to be the difference for St. Peter’s Prep as it won its first Hudson County championship with a 2-0 victory last night at Kearny High School. Read More
State Football Playoffs: Power Poll and Staff Picks
Game by Game Previews:
Friday: Hoboken at Weequahic; Notre Dame at St. Peter's Prep; Passaic Tech at North Bergen; Roxbury at Union City.
Saturday: Bayonne at Westfield; Memorial at Montclair.
November 9, 2011
Rising Tide |
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Harrison Joao Conceicao (left) battles for possession with Whippany Park's Tony Roveto. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Whippany Park at Harrison Boys Soccer Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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HARRISON – Giving up a game-tying goal in the last moments before halftime like the one Whippany Park's Tyler Raff scored might have triggered the emotional letdown capable of sinking a season for some teams. For Harrison, it served as the wakeup call it sorely needed.
The Blue Tide would respond with a pair of second half goals en route to a 3-1 victory over Whippany Park in the semifinals of the NJSIAA North 2, Group I playoffs. Read More
Cross Country: McNair wins N2G2, Snyder's Kendall fourth
November 7, 2011
Three of a kind |
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Haley Durning (1) and her teammates celebrate Kearny's third-straight county title. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Bayonne vs St. Dominic Academy Girls Soccer Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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HARRISON – Even with her scoring totals down from the previous three seasons, Kearny's Mercedes Lois hasn't been hesitant to keep firing shots when the opportunity arises.
With her Kardinal team in dire need of a goal, the timing for Lois to regain her scoring touch couldn't have been any better. Read More
HCT Boys Soccer Semifinals:
Union City stuns top-seeded Kearny. Photo Gallery
St. Peter's Prep holds off Harrison. Photo Gallery
November 5, 2011
Killer Bees |
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Bayonne's Malcolm Robinson (3) goes airborn for his second touchdown of the game. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Bayonne at Memorial Football Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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WEST NEW YORK – Malcolm Robinson could hear the playful ribbing from his teammates and assistant coach Jammal Lord before he could even reach the Bayonne sideline. For the second time of the game, a long Robinson run has stalled just one yard short of the end zone.
“I was already getting it on the sidelines from the coaches and the players,” said Robinson with a smile. “But hey, what can you say. I love those guys and they're the reason I can do what I do.” Read More
November 4, 2011
Opening statement |
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Rory Duffy and St. Peter's Prep won their 10th-straight game last night after beating Don Bosco. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Don Bosco at St. Peter's Prep Boys Soccer Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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JERSEY CITY – During the course of its impressive regular season, St. Peter's Prep gradually started to attract attention from beyond their Hudson County confines. In their state tournament debut, the Marauders sent a not so subtle reminder to the rest of the state that they are a team to be reckoned with.
Playing in what might have been its best performance on the season, St. Peter's Prep dominated Don Bosco Prep 3-0 in the quarterfinals of the NJSIAA Non-Public, North A tournament, looking every bit the part of a title contender in the process. Read More
Girls Soccer: Secaucus falls at Dayton. Photo Gallery
Football Week 9: Power Poll and Staff Picks
November 2, 2011
No shortcuts now |
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Kevin Ortiz scored in the second half as top-seeded Kearny advances to the next round. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Memorial at Kearny Boys Soccer Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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KEARNY – Kearny head coach Billy Galka said he never looked at the record of his team's first round opponent. He knew that Memorial would provide a challenge much greater than its three wins or No. 16 seed would indicate upon first glance.
The top-seeded Kardinals knew that it was a team which required their complete attention and effort in order to advance and past the West New York school for a third time this season. Read More
November 1, 2011
Bee-lieve It! |
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Bayonne's Matt Mullin (45) is mobbed by his teammates after a fourth-quarter touchdown. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Bayonne at St. Anthony Football Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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JERSEY CITY – When Bayonne's Matt Mullin plowed through the line midway through the fourth quarter he saw more than just yards of open field in front of him. For him and his teammates it was the sight of the state playoffs for the first time after years of crushing defeats.
Mullin's 31-yard touchdown run with 5:53 left in the game allowed the Bees to punch their ticket to the state playoffs for the first time since 2007 as they defeated St. Anthony 19-7 last night at Caven Point.
Read More
Hudson County Cross County Championships: Results, Photos
October 31, 2011
Winter Wonderland? |
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Heavy snow didn't stop the running of the Hudson County Championship Meet. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Hudson County Championship Meet Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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BAYONNE – The track at Steven Gregg Park provides plenty of obstacles for runners on a normal day. But on Saturday morning, the many participants would encounter one they never could have envisioned - a driving snow storm.
Running in weather conditions more suited for cross country skiing instead of running, the Memorial boys and St. Dominic Academy girls emerged victorious in the Hudson County Cross Country Championships. Read More
October 29, 2011
Thrice as nice |
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Captains Allie Perricone, Jackie McCaffery and Danielle Muzones celebrate with the title. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Bayonne vs Secaucus Girls Volleyball Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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JERSEY CITY – It didn't take long for any concerns Secaucus may have had about nerves from its young team in a championship match environment to be put to rest.
Even with the presence of four freshmen in the lineup, the Patriots showed they were still the gold standard of girls volleyball in Hudson County. They scored seven of the first eight points and rode that early momentum to their third-straight county championship in a 25-17, 25-19 win over Bayonne last night at Saint Peter's College. Read More
October 28, 2011
Playoff push |
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Junior cornerback Tre Bell and the Marauders will face one of the state's top passing offenses. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Hudson County Varsity Football Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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With Halloween and November on the horizon the time for teams to earn their way into the state playoffs is almost over. While some teams have already punched their tickets to next month's post-season, for others this is their last chance to show they belong. Seven of this weekend's games will involve some sort of playoff implications headlined between the latest chapters in the North Bergen-Union City and St. Peter's Prep-Bergen Catholic rivalries.
Week 8 Power Poll and Staff Picks
October 27, 2011
The top Tiger |
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Memorial's Karla Calderon added to her scoring records with three goals in a win over Ferris. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Ferris at Memorial Girls Soccer Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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WEST NEW YORK – Memorial head coach Michael Leibovitz doesn't want to think about the challenge that lies ahead with replacing standout midfielder Karla Calderon.
One only needs to look at the stat sheet and Calderon's stranglehold on the school record book to see just how valuable she has been for four seasons and how irreplaceable she will be, when she graduates this spring. Read More
State Playoff Brackets Released:
Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Girls Volleyball.
October 26, 2011
On the offensive |
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Elmer Hernandez (left) and Miguel Lopez celebrate after a first half goal for Ferris. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| North Bergen at Ferris Boys Soccer Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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JERSEY CITY – Roberto Escobar was confident this type of performance would eventually come. Even as his Bulldogs struggled to generate offense for most of the season, he was the potential to be a team capable of scoring in a big way.
Yesterday might have been only one game, but for Ferris it was a glimpse into the type of offense Escobar always felt it was capable of. Read More
October 23, 2011
Back with a vengeance |
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QB Laquan Rouse (left) spins to break the tackle as he scores a touchdown for Snyder. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Hudson Catholic at Snyder Football Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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JERSEY CITY – When Laquan Rouse's senior season appeared to be in jeopardy, he vowed to his Snyder teammates that he'd come back and make a difference.
Even at less than 100-percent, the Tigers quarterback and is acting on his promise as he led the way for Snyder in its first win of the season - a 16-6 victory over Hudson Catholic yesterday at Caven Point.
Read More
Hudson County Tournament Results:
Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer and Girls Volleyball Coming Soon!
October 22, 2011
Gut-check time |
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Rutherford senior RB James Trevellin (far right) runs for a big gain. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Rutherford at Secaucus Football Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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SECAUCUS – Moments after it's second gut-wrenching loss in as many weeks, the message from within Secaucus' postgame huddle was clear - they were not going to fall apart from this, a point senior linebacker Tom Kessler stressed to his teammates of by remind them "no matter what, we're still a family."
Kessler and the rest of the Patriots remain confident of better days ahead, but that was of little solace as Secaucus fell just short in its 21-20 showdown with Rutherford last night at Kane Stadium. Read More
October 21, 2011
Cool under pressure |
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Freshman Brianna Campbell made 15 saves in the win for Holy Family Academy. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Holy Family Academy at McNair Girls Soccer Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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JERSEY CITY – As someone who was once in the same position of playing goalie as a freshman, defender Alexis Ogbin has always been there to provide helpful advice to current keeper Brianna Campbell.
Little can truly prepare a goalie for the pressure Campbell faced in the second half yesterday, but the freshman was able to thrive in her chaotic surroundings and leave with a victory. Read More
Girls Volleyball:
Bayonne gets top seed in HCT. Complete Bracket
Football Week 7 Preview: HCV's Power Poll. Staff Picks
HCV Story Archive |