November 25, 2010
A family affair in Harrison
(From l to r) Harrison's Mike Rusek Jr., Mike Rusek Sr. and John Rusek.
By Angela Daidone
HCV Staff
The town of Harrison is approximately 1.3 square miles and is populated by little more than 5,000 households. It’s nestled in between Kearny and Newark and is a stone’s throw from Jersey City. If you drive too fast down its main thoroughfare, you can easily miss it.
But when it comes to high school boys soccer, tiny Harrison stands tall over every other program in the state, and it’s got the credentials to prove it. Read More
November 9, 2010
Feeling blue
Midfielder Eduardo Sanchez scored twice for Harrison in the second half.
Click Here for more photos from Harrison at New Providence.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
NEW PROVIDENCE – With two goals in a span of four minutes to tie the game midway through the second half, yesterday’s NJSIAA North 2, Group I semifinal seemed poised to be the latest chapter in Harrison’s celebrated history of memorable playoff moments.
But neither momentum, nor history was going to slow down New Providence’s Tim Terrezza. Read More
November 5, 2010
UC wins in final minutes
Kevin Morales' three goals led Union City to the North 1, Group IV semifinals.
Union City 3, Morris Knolls 2
Kevin Morales snapped a 2-all tie with just two minutes left as the Soaring Eagles advanced in the quarterfinals of the NJSIAA North 1, Group IV tournament yesterday in Union City. Read More
October 31, 2010
Out of the shadows
Dickinson's Jose Veras had the top time in Hudson County Championship Meet.
Click Here for photos from the Hudson County Championship Meet
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
BAYONNE - For the Dickinson boys cross country team the secret is out. In recent years the Rams have experienced great success within Hudson County with little fanfare.
But as Dickinson locked up a third-straight title at the Hudson County Cross Country Championships yesterday at Steven Gregg Park, the state has had little choice but to take notice of the Jersey City school’s rise as legitimate challenge in the state. Read More
September 22, 2010
Roll Tide
Junior Jason Cunha had two goals for Harrison in a 7-1 win over Secaucus.
Click Here for more photos from Harrison at Secaucus.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
SECAUCUS – For most teams, having to replace eight starters, including your starting goalie and top two scorers would mean a rebuilding year is on the horizon. But at Harrison, they don’t rebuild, they simply reload.
Even with a roster short on experience, the defending Hudson County champion Blue Tide have continued to roll along as they blew out Secaucus 7-1 to remain unbeaten in the young season. Read More
October 17, 2010
HCT: Dethroned
Franco Collechio (right) sent the Bruins into the semifinals with a penalty kick goal.
North Bergen 2, Harrison 1
Freshman Franco Collechio’s penalty kick goal was the game-winner to cap off the Bruins’ upset victory in the quarterfinals of the Hudson County Tournament yesterday in Harrison.
Read More
Girls Soccer: Gomes' hat trick lifts Kearny. Complete HCT results
October 10, 2010
HCT: Franco's hat trick lifts NB
Ricardo Franco scored three times as North Bergen advances past Hoboken.
North Bergen 7, Hoboken 1
Junior forward Ricardo Franco posted a hat trick as the sixth-seeded Bruins cruised past Hoboken in the first round of the Hudson County Tournament yesterday in North Bergen.
Read More
August 31, 2010
All grown up
Quarterback Danny Nankivell leads an experienced group of seniors for Harrison.
Click Here for more photos from Harrison's football practice.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
HARRISON –Coming off of consecutive 3-7 seasons and with one of the smallest rosters in the state, a lot of people may not have high expectations for the Blue Tide in 2010.
Head coach Dave Nankivell admits he may be bias, but he sees something different. Nankivell, a former player at Harrison, has a special relationship with this year’s senior class. He has watched this class with seven starters including his young brother Danny, grow up from the youth program all the way to where they are today. Read More
May 14, 2010
HCT: Bayonne advances to final
Bayonne will play for a fifth-straight county title after sweeping Harrison.
Sophomore Kris Kucza had seven digs and five kills as the Bees will play for a fifth-straight county title after defeating Harrison 25-15, 25-20 in the Hudson County Tournament semifinals yesterday in Bayonne. Read More
May 13, 2010
Roundup: Harrison sweeps Garfield
Matt Surmacz had five kills, five digs and two blocks for Harrison.
Senior Matt Surmacz had five kills, five digs and two blocks as the Blue Tide swept Garfield 25-18, 25-12 yesterday in Harrison. Read More
May 12, 2010
HCT: McNair, Harrison advance
Theodorous Economou had 17 assists for fourth-seeded McNair.
Peter Sikorski had 10 kills, five digs and three blocks as fourth-seeded McNair swept past fifth-seeded Union City 25-17, 25-21 in the quarterfinals of the Hudson County Tournament yesterday in Jersey City. Read More
May 10, 2010
Roundup: Harrison wins in eighth
Harrison's Jenny Escalante allowed just three hitts in the first round of the HCT.
Harrison 3, McNair 2
After being no-hit for the entire game, Zully Galabay tied the game for Harrison on a bloop single with two outs in the seventh. A bases-loaded hit by pitch in the eighth capped off a stunning win for the 15th-seeded Blue Tide in the first round of the Hudson County Tournament in Jersey City on Saturday. Read More
May 8, 2010
Back on track
Senior Ricky Touzet led Harrison with 15 kills and 11 digs in the victory.
Click Here for photos from Harrison at McNair.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
JERSEY CITY – On the surface, yesterday’s match against McNair was merely one last tune-up before the start of the Hudson County Tournament for the Harrison boys volleyball team. But for the Blue Tide, who has lost three of their previous four matches, calling it a must-win might be more appropriate.
Harrison will enter next week’s tournament on a winning note after recovering from some early tension and earning a 25-23, 25-16 victory over the Cougars. Read More
May 7, 2010
Patriot power
Junior Andrea Innis hit two homers and had seven RBI in the victory.
Click Here for photos from Secaucus at Harrison.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
HARRISON – With the county and state tournaments looming, the Secaucus softball team knew it was time to establish a consistency that they’ve been seeking all season long. If yesterday’s performance is any indication, the Patriots may be on the verge of hitting that elusive hot streak.
The Secaucus offense delivered early and often in what might have been its best game of the season, an 18-0 victory over Harrison yesterday in a dominant performance. Read More
May 4, 2010
Roundup: Harrison tops Lincoln
Senior Ricky Touzet had 12 kills and 10 digs for Harrison.
Ricky Touzet had 12 kills and 10 digs as the Blue Tide knocked off Lincoln 14-25, 25-22, 25-13 yesterday in Harrison. Read More
April 27, 2010
Roundup: Blue Tide win in three
Harrison senior Chris Osiecki had 20 digs and 12 kills yesterday.
Chris Osiecki had 20 digs and 12 kills as the Blue Tide overcame an early deficit to outlast Belleville 28-30, 27-25, 25-18 yesterday in Harrison. Read More
April 23, 2010
Roundup: Touzet lifts Blue Tide
Harrison's Ricky Touzet had nine kills and seven digs in the win.
Ricky Touzet had nine kills and seven digs as the Blue Tide downed West Essex 25-14, 25-8 yesterday in North Caldwell. Read More
April 22, 2010
Roundup: Harrison sweeps
Harrison's Matt Surmacz had a team-high seven digs in the victory.
Rahim Douelfakar, Chris Osiecki and Ricky Touzet had six kills apiece for the Blue Tide in a 25-17, 25-18 win over Jefferson yesterday in Harrison. Read More
April 21, 2010
Roundup: Bees hold off Blue Tide
Richie Boyle had 15 kills and eight service points to lead Bayonne.
Senior Richie Boyle had 15 kills, eight service points and two blocks to help propel the Bees past Harrison 22-25, 25-23, 25-19 in a three-game thriller yesterday in Bayonne.
Read More
April 19, 2010
HCV's All-County Teams
Who else joined Derrick Williams (c) and Myles Davis (r) on HCV's All-County Team?
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
The balls have been put away and the lights have been turned off on a 2009-2010 high school basketball season in Hudson County that certainly wasn't lacking in memorable moments.
As we say farewell to the 2009-2010 season, here are our selections for Hudson County Varsity's First Annual All-County Teams.
HCV's All-County Boys Basketball Team
HCV's All-County Girls Basketball Team
April 16, 2010
Roundup: Touzet leads Harrison
Ricky Touzet had nine kills and nine digs to pace Harrison.
Senior Ricky Touzet posted nine kills, nine digs and three aces as the Blue Tide rolled past West Caldwell Tech 25-8, 25-19 yesterday in Harrison to match last season’s win total.
Read More
April 15, 2010
Rising Tide
Senior Matt Surmacz had three kills and two blocks to help lead the Blue Tide.
Click Here for photos from Harrison at County Prep.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
JERSEY CITY – To find the answer behind Harrison volleyball’s turnaround this season, one only has to look towards the front.
The intimidating front-court trio of junior Rahim Douelfakar and seniors Matt Surmacz and Chris Osiecki helped key a 25-17, 25-19 victory over County Prep yesterday as the Blue Tide (7-2) are just one win away from matching their total of a year ago. Read More
March 2, 2010
Worth the wait
Anthony Ugarte had 10 points in Harrison's first home playoff game since 1991.
Click Here for photos from McNair at Harrison.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
HARRISON – With their team playing in its first home state playoff game since 1991, the Blue Tide’s four senior starters were determined not to have their careers end on this night.
Trailing in the fourth after an extended scoring drought, Harrison responed with 14 points in the final six and a half minutes to ensure the program’s first playoff game in 12 years would result in a win, a 36-28 victory over McNair in the first round of the NJSIAA North 2, Group I tournament. Read More
February 24, 2010
Roundup: Harrison shoots way to win
Harrison's Walter Sessoms had three 3-pointers and a game-high 19 points.
Harrison 64, Becton 52
The Blue Tide had the hot hand from the outside, hitting eight 3-pointers in a BCSL National victory last night in Harrison. Read More
February 19, 2010
Roundup: Big third propels Bees
Bayonne's Elvonney Poole had 19 points and 12 rebounds in the win.
Bayonne 76, Memorial 62
The trio of Elvonney Poole, Damian Williams and Rodney Wilson proved too tough to handle as the Bees used a 31-point third quarter to propel them to a win in West New York last night.
Read More
February 17, 2010
Roundup: Brooks scores 27 for Lions
Forward Tre Brooks had a game-high 27 points for Lincoln on Senior Night.
Lincoln 79, Union City 58
Seniors Tre Brooks and Jamall McDaniel had double-doubles on Senior Night as the Lions built up a quick lead and never looked back last night in Jersey City. Read More
Girls Basketball Roundup: Denmark, Vazquez shine for Marist. Secaucus rolls on
February 14, 2010
HCT Roundup: Williams, Marist start strong
Junior Marv Williams had 26 points and 10 rebounds for the Royal Knights.
Marist 70, Harrison 26
Marv Williams erupted for 18 first-quarter points as the No. 3 seeded Royal Knights advanced with ease into the quarterfinals of the Hudson County Tournament. Read More
February 10, 2010
Roundup: Brooks scores 32 for Lions
Senior forward Tre Brooks had a career-high 32 points for Lincoln.
Lincoln 69, High Tech 58
Senior Tre Brooks went off for a career-high 32 points as the Lions knocked off High Tech last night in Jersey City. Read More
February 9, 2010
Roundup: Harrison advances in HCT
David Passos had two of Harrison's seven 3-pointers as the Blue Tide advance in the HCT.
Harrison 50, McNair 33
Anthony Ugarte buried a trio of 3-pointers to lead the No. 14 seed Blue Tide past McNair in the Play-In Round of the Hudson County Tournament last night in Harrison. Read More
January 29, 2010
Roundup: Rams deliver OT stunner
Chaquan Scott scored 24 points to lead the Rams to an OT win over Bayonne.
Dickinson 66, Bayonne 62
Senior Chaquan Scott scored 24 points as the Rams bounced back from a 15-point second half to earn a stunning come-from-behind overtime victory last night in Jersey City. Read More
January 22, 2010
Roundup: Allen's 31 leads Bruins
North Bergen's Noel Allen has scored 30 or more points in three straight games.
North Bergen 74, High Tech 71
Noel Allen continued his torrid scoring pace as the Bruins prevailed over High Tech in a contest of North Bergen rivals last night at the APA Center in North Bergen. Read More
January 20, 2010
Roundup: Lincoln's Smith wins 100th
Head coach Troy Smith (right with Jamall McDaniels) won his 100th game at Lincoln.
Lincoln 58, St. Mary’s 52
Tre Brooks and Jamall McDaniels both had double-doubles for the Lions to give head coach Troy Smith his 100th career victory at Lincoln last night in Jersey City. Read More
January 16, 2010
Shooting stars
Walter Sessoms scored nine of his 22 points in the fourth quarter for Harrison.
Click Here for photos from Secaucus at Harrison.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
SECAUCUS – After suffering tough last-minute losses on Tuesday, yesterday’s meeting between Harrison and Secaucus represented a critical moment in each of their seasons.
What started as a matchup between two teams desperately seeking a conference victory quickly morphed into a duel between the Blue Tide’s Walter Sessoms and the Patriots’ Zac Schlemm. Read More
Girls Basketball: Quick start propels Secaucus
January 13, 2010
Roundup: Harrison streak snapped by Wood-Ridge
Senior Walter Sessoms scored 15 points for Harrison.
Wood-Ridge 67, Harrison 63
Wood-Ridge’s Vinnie O’Bierne scored a career-high 30 point to snap the Blue Tide’s four-game winning streak in Harrison. Read More
January 9, 2010
Roundup: High Tech, Harrison post wins
High Tech's Kevin Baez scored 14 points in a victory over Hoboken.
High Tech 82, Hoboken 59
John Greenwald recorded a double-double as the Lasercats used a big second half to down Hoboken at the Memorial Tournament yesterday in West New York. Read More
January 7, 2010
Roundup: Harrison wins third straight
Walter Sessoms scored 18 points in the Blue Tide's third consecutive victory.
Harrison 51, Hasbrouck Heights 44
The Blue Tide earned their third straight win after topping Hasbrouck Heights in a BCSL National contest Tuesday night in Harrison. Read More
January 5, 2010
Roundup: Douelfakar scores 18 in win
Junior Rahim Douelfakar had 18 points and nine rebounds for Harrison.
Harrison 54, Bogota 42
Rahim Douelfakar scored a game-high 18 points as the Blue Tide downed Bogota yesterday in Harrison. Douelfakar, a junior also had nine rebounds in the victory. Read More
January 3, 2010
Roundup: Sessoms, Douelfakar pace Blue Tide
Walter Sessoms had 19 points and nine rebounds for the Blue Tide.
Harrison 53, Queen of Peace 44
Rahim Douelfakar had a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds as the Blue Tide stormed to a non-conference victory over Queen of Peace yesterday in Harrison. Read More
December 28, 2009
Roundup: Sessoms scores 16 in defeat
David Passos (left) scored 13 points for Harrison against Becton.
Becton 53, Harrison 51
Walter Sessoms scored a team-high 16 points for Harrison in a 53-51 defeat to Becton in the consolation round of the 35th Annual Blue Tide Yule Tide tournament yesterday in Harrison.
Read More
December 27, 2009
Quick strike
St. Mary's Fransua Garcia scored four points and had a game-high five assists.
Click Here for photos from St. Mary's at Harrison.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
HARRISON – With four athletic and experienced guards, St. Mary’s has the ability to pile up points in bunches. Harrison learned that lesson the hard way.
After a rough start, the Ramblers scored 31 points over the game’s final 12 minutes to defeat Harrison 61-42 last night in the opening round of the Blue Tide Yule Tide Tournament.
Read More
November 1, 2009
Riding high
Kevin Lourenco (6) is carried off the field by Mauricio Andre after Harrison's title win.
Click Here for more photos from Harrison at Kearny.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
KEARNY – During pre-game warm ups, Harrison’s Kevin Lourenco told his teammates he’d deliver on a free kick if given the opportunity against long-time rival Kearny.
Lourenco followed through on his promise when he scored in the 71st minute to give the No. 2 seed Blue Tide a 1-0 victory over the top-seeded Kardinals to win the Hudson County Tournament yesterday at Kearny Stadium. Read More
October 29, 2009
Harrison rallies to down Prep
Harrison's Bryan Aguilar scored twice in six minutes against St. Peter's Prep.
Click Here for more photos from St. Peter's Prep at Harrison.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
HARRISON – While the Blue Tide have collected wins in the BCSL National wins and Group I titles over the years, one thing they have not had the chance to prove is that they are the undisputed best team in Hudson County.
This year’s inaugural Hudson County Tournament has given Harrison that opportunity and thus far they have taken full advantage. The second-seeded Blue Tide used a trio of second half goals to down St. Peter’s Prep 3-1 in the semifinals of the Hudson County Tournament. Read More
October 17, 2009
Short and sweet
Walter Sessoms rushed for 104 yards in Harrison's first win of the season.
Click Here for more photos from Weehawken at Harrison.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
HARRISON – How do you counteract an aggressive defensive front? For the Blue Tide, the answer came in the form of the screen pass.
Using a series of short throws, Harrison was able to use Weehawken’s aggressiveness against them in a 21-12 victory last night. Read More
October 8, 2009
Higher Ground
Omar Flores (right) had a goal for the Blue Tide in the victory.
Click Here for more photos from Harrison at North Arlington.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
NORTH ARLINGTON – A right ankle injury may have slowed down Harrison’s Bryan Aguilar, but the scoring touch is still there.
The senior had a goal and an assist within the game’s first 11 minutes as the Blue Tide cruised to a 3-0 victory over North Arlington. Read More
September 18, 2009
Pats D-termined to reach the top
Alexis Waters had a team-high 10 digs for Secaucus in a win over Harrison.
Click Here for more photos from Harrison at Secaucus.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
SECAUCUS – For years, Secaucus has been the class of the BCSL National in girls volleyball. But for the Patriots, the goals are higher than just a conference title. After falling in the semifinals of the Group I tournament the past two seasons, Secaucus has displayed an added emphasis on defense early on this season.
That added emphasis and confidence paid off for the Patriots who earned a 25-14, 25-14 yesterday over BCSL National rival Harrison. Read More
September 4, 2009
On the same page
Walter Sessoms should see time at both tight end and linebacker this season.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
HARRISON – For head coach Dave Nankivell and the Blue Tide, last year proved to be a difficult learning experience. Hired less than two months before the start of the season, Harrison struggled to get into a groove and finished a disappointing 3-7. Now with a year of experience under his belt, the transition has proven to be a lot easier in season two.
“We got a better jumpstart than we did than last year,” Nankivell said. “It was an easier transition this year than it was last year. Knowing that you’re going to be here, it was easier to have a playbook established. Your staff is more in place. It wasn’t so last minute like last year.” Read More
Click Here for more photos from Harrison's football practice.