November 11, 2011

Junior Ronald Butler had three touchdowns for Lincoln in a 34-0 season-opening win at Bayonne. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)

Union City Soaring Eagles Photo Gallery

The Soaring Eagles pulled off one of the biggest upsets in last year's state playoffs when it knocked off top-seeded West Orange 19-14 in the first round of the North 1, Group IV tournament.

With seven wins and a No. 2 seed, Union City won't be able sneak up on anyone this year as it enters the postseason with a four-game winning streak.

Roxbury, the 2009 North 1, Group IV champion, returns to the post-season after a one-year absence.

Players to Watch for Roxbury:
Donald Panciello, RB/LB
Panciello has been a workhorse for the Gaels in recent weeks. The physical junior had 35 carries for 189 yards and three touchdowns against Parsippany Hills on Oct. 29. The week before he had 200 yards on 30 carries against Morristown. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Panciello has rushed for 749 yards and has a team-best 67 tackles on defense.

Kyle Young, QB/DB
Young didn't take over as quarterback until late September, but his move has provided a boost to the Roxbury offense. A dual-threat signal caller, the 6-foot-1 junior completed 11-of-18 passes for 169 yards in a loss to Morris Knolls. In a 31-30 win over Morristown, Young rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. He has added 44 tackles on defense.

Players to Watch for Union City:
Steve Le, RB/DB
The Soaring Eagles have plenty of options in the backfield, but when the game's on the line, expect the ball in the hands of this senior. Le has had four 100+ yard games this season, highlighed by a grueling 36-carry, 256-yards performance with three touchdowns against Memorial. The hard-hitting safety also had an interception in the victory.

Jheison Perozo, WR/DE
At 6-foot-6, Perozo is a terror coming off the edge for Union City. The senior has 84 tackles and a team-high eight sacks on the season. He returned a fumble for a touchdown in the Soaring Eagles' 14-12 victory over rival North Bergen. Against Kearny he made 15 tackles to go with a sack and an interception in a dominant performance.