March 17, 2011
Hudson honors and commits
Lincoln's Ronald Butler was selected to play in the upcoming North-South Game.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
Some of Hudson County’s top football players have been racking up recognition in recent weeks. Here is a recap of the recent honorees and commitments.
North-South Game
Three from Hudson County were selected to represent North Jersey in the 33th New Jersey North-South All-Star Classic, which will be held on June 27 at Kean University at 7 p.m.
Lincoln’s Ronald Butler was selected as a defensive back for the team. With his play at cornerback and quarterback, Butler helped lead the Lions to the North 2, Group I title game. A two-time HCV All-County Team Selection, Butler racked up more than 2,200 all-purpose yards, 16 passing touchdowns and 13 rushing touchdowns.
St. Peter’s Prep senior Dane Longa was one of the area’s top linemen on both sides of the ball. Selected as a defensive tackle, Longa recorded 41 tackles and two sacks for the Marauders. The two-time HCV All-County Team Selection was also recognized as the HCIAL Red Division’s Offensive Lineman of the Year for his play at guard.
Rounding out the Hudson County contingent is Jidamon Sparkman of St. Anthony. Sparkman was the heart and soul of the Friars’ defense as he had 75 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles at linebacker and was selected as the HCIAL White Division’s Defensive Player of the Year. A two-time HCV All-County Team Selection, Sparkman also had 18 rushing touchdowns. He was selected for the game at defensive back.
Super 100
Butler was also one of three from Hudson County to be selected to the New Jersey Football Coaches Association’s Super 100.
Joining Butler on the list is Lincoln teammate Tyron Stevens. A two-time HCV All-County Team Selection at running back, Stevens rushed for 1,444 yards and 22 touchdowns to help lead the Lions to the North 2, Group I title game. The senior finished his career as the holder of virtually every major rushing record at Lincoln.
Also on the list is Weehawken’s Humberto Leigue. Despite a rough season for his Indians squad, Leigue shined at wide receiver with 25 receptions for 537 yards and seven touchdowns. The junior also returned a kickoff for a touchdown.
St. Anthony duo goes to Maine
Sparkman and teammate David Coleman recently announced they will continue their college careers at the University of Maine according to St. Anthony head coach Sean Fallon.
Coleman, a HCV All-County selection at defensive back, had three interceptions a year ago for the Friars. He returned two of them for touchdowns. More than just a skilled cornerback, Coleman also returned a kickoff for a score and on offense rushed for 652 yards and six touchdowns.
The announcements by Coleman and Sparkman give the Friars three players who will be playing in college next season. Last month, tight end/defensive end Khadeem Wilson signed a letter of intent to play at Temple.
Montanez to Gattaca
Union City running back Dominik Montanez recent signed on to play for Gattaca Football, a junior college program in Mercer County, on a partial scholarship.
Despite being limited by a groin injury, Montanez rushed for 812 yards and 10 touchdowns to help lead the Soaring Eagles to a 6-5 record and a berth in the North 1, Group IV semifinals. Montanez was a HCV All-County selection in 2009 when he rushed for 1,192 yards.
Weehawken's Humberto Leigue (right) was a NJFCA Super 100 selection.