November 19, 2010
Union City at Montclair
Dominick Montanez and Union City look to avenge a Week 1 loss to Montclair.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
North 1, Group IV
Union City (6-4) at Montclair (5-4)
Saturday, 1 p.m.
After last week’s 19-14 upset over top-seeded West Orange, Union City won’t be sneaking up on anyone heading into tomorrow’s semifinals. If Montclair needs a reminder of how dangerous the visiting Soaring Eagles can be, it only needs to go back to this season’s opener. Back on Sept. 11, the Mounties squeaked by Union City 27-22 thanks to a 58-yard touchdown pass from Nate Crutchfield to Khalif Herbin on the game’s final play.
Seeking revenge is a familiar theme for the Soaring Eagles this post-season, their first ever since the merging of Emerson and Union Hill high schools in 2008. Last week’s win over West Orange avenged a 21-6 defeat from the second game of the season. Now they have another chance to even the score against a team they fell to earlier in the year.
Players to Watch for Montclair
QB//WR Khalif Herbin
Few players are as versatile or explosive as Herbin. Whether its at quarterback, running back or receiver, the Montclair junior is capable of scoring whenever the ball is in his hands. Herbin has rushed for 1,130 yards and 15 touchdowns, caught three touchdown passes and has thrown for five scores this season. In the first round, Herbin skewered Ridgewood for 258 yards and three touchdowns on the ground and completed 8-of-10 passes for 180 yards and a pair of scores.
WR/S Aamad Bush
The return of Bush from a broken leg is bad news for opponents. Playing in his first game since Oct. 1, the senior caught a touchdown pass in a win over Ridgewood. Bush has recorded four TD receptions in just five games this season. Two of the scores came in the season opener against Union City. He also has 23 tackles from his spot at safety.
Players to Watch for Union City
RB/CB Steve Le
Montclair make like to throw the ball, but Le has the ability to make the Mounties regret that decision. The junior intercepted two passes, including one with 47 seconds left as Union City shut down West Orange’s high-powered spread offense last week. He also had eight tackles and forced a fumble. Le can also create havoc on offense as he rushed for 165 yards and added 46 receiving in the win.
RB/DB Dominick Montanez
Finally healthy after being plagued early in the year with a groin injury, Montanez has hit his stride in recent weeks. He rushed for 118 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s win over West Orange. A speedster, with surprising power for his size (5’9”, 175 pounds), Montanez has scored seven touchdowns over the past four games.