Middlesex County Players Leave Impact As South Beats North 23

Middlesex
County
Players
Leave Impact As South Beats
North 23-21 In All-Star Game
UNION –Middlesex County certainly made its presence felt in
leading the South to a 23-21 victory in the 37th Annual Phil
Simms North-South All-Star Football game on Monday night at
Kean University.
Terence Young of John F. Kennedy, Ra’Keem Bennett of Carteret,
Charles Mitchell of Piscataway and Myles Williams of Old
Bridge all played very well overall in addition to making big
plays down the stretch to preserve the victory.
Middlesex County players taking a breather from left
Terence Young from Kennedy, Charles Mitchell of
Piscataway and Jim Becker from Colonia
Offensive linemen Jim Becker of Colonia and Sean Edwers of
J.P. Stevens all started on the offensive line and had an
impact along with Mitchell, who may have played the most of
any player in the game since he went both ways and rarely came
off the field.
Dontae Strickland of South Brunswick played solid at free
safety, Elorm Lumor of Piscataway was a force at defensive
end, while Jason Griggs of Highland Park played a role on the
defensive line.
Young, who played running back, receiver and defensive back
for a resurgent Kennedy program, caught five passes for 63
yards and had two rushes for 18 yards.
All of his receptions and one of his rushes went for first
downs. A 16-yard reception from Connor Davies of Lacey to
Young set up the South’s first score, a 45-yard field goal.
With 1:15 left in the third quarter, Davies did some
scrambling before finding Young in the end zone for a 14-yard
touchdown on a third-and-10 play.
Young, whose reception gave the South a 23-14 lead at the
time, did a back-flip to celebrate the catch.
Ra’Keem
Bennett
of
Carteret
“This felt great and it was such a relief because in our
practices, sometimes things were clicking, sometimes they
weren’t,” said Young, heading to Bakersfield Junior College to
join high school teammate Anthony Roberts. “But tonight, we
had it going. Some plays broke down, so we had to become
athletes and make things happen.”
Bennett, who played running back and defensive back/linebacker
at Carteret, recorded a huge interception, leaping high and
hauling in a two-handed grab. The pick came with 5:25 left in
the game and the North on the move deep in South terrirory,
trailing 23-14.
Bennett’s big play came right after he had committed a pass
interference penalty.
“I got beat, so I had to take the penalty rather than giving
up the touchdown,” said Bennett, heading to Hudson Valley
Community College. “So I knew I had to make up for it with a
big play. I was telling the coaches all week I was going to
make a big play. It felt great because if they scored there,
it’s a close game.”
After the North scored in the closing 4:00 to make it 23-21,
it got the ball back on its own 34 with 1:00 left.
After advancing to the South 41, a deep pass went to the end
zone, but it was broken up by Williams of Old Bridge.
Williams, a RB/DB whose senior season ended early with a
fractured leg, is committed to Rowan.
Then, on the final play of the game, Mitchell came in for the
sack.
“They told me I was going to play offense, but I’m going to
Maine for defense, so I was politicking during the week to
play defense,” said Mitchell. “I started sneaking in with the
defense during the week and I wound up playing both. I knew I
had to get mine, so better late than never on the sack to end
the game.”
Piscataway in the house. from left, Mr. Mitchell, Charles
Mitchell, Elorm Lumor and Piscataway defensive
coordinator John Bizzell
NOTES:
* Former long-time Colonia coach Benny LaSala and former New
Brunswick coach/current Elizabeth coach John Quinn were both
inducted into the New Jersey Football Coaches Association Hall
of Fame at halftime.
* The South won for the second straight year and leads the
series, 18-16-2.
* Former J.P. Stevens head coach and current Roselle assistant
Mike Ryan was on the North coaching staff.
* The South scored its first 16 points on special teams —
three field goals by Vincente Mota of Long Branch — 45 yards,
37 yards and 38 yards. Mota had missed his first try, from 26
yards.
The South also opened the second half with a 102-yard kickoff
return by Matt Castranova from Jackson.
* Mota was the South’s Offensive MVP. Justin Thompson of
Palmyra (DE) was the South’s Defensive MVP.
Juwan Dolbrice of Linden (QB) was the North’s Offensive MVP,
Tevaughn Grant of Paterson Eastside (DE) was the Defensive
MVP.
Benny LaSala with his wife and children after being
inducted into the NJ Football Coaches Association Hall of
Fame
Benny LaSala (left) and John Quinn after being inducted
into the NJ Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame
Former New York Giants Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms (left)
and former Dallas Cowboys defensive star Jim Jeffcoat
before the game
Nine From Middlesex County To
Play In North-South All-Star
Game
PISCATAWAY — The 37th Annual Phil Simms New Jersey North-South
All Star Football Game will take place on Monday, June 29th at
Kean University at 7 p.m.
The South roster hasn’t been finalized yet, but the Middlesex
County representatives will be:
Shawn Edwers, J.P. Stevens: OL/DL 6-2, 240
Dontae Strickland, So. Brunswick: RB/DB 6-0, 185
Zaire Gibson, So. Brunswick: OL/DL 6-0, 300
Charles Mitchell, Piscataway: OL/DL 6-1, 255
Ra’Keem Bennett, Carteret: RB/LB 5-10, 180
Myles Williams, Old Bridge: RB/DB 5-10, 170
Terence Young, Kennedy: WR/DB 5-11, 180
Jason Griggs, Highland Park: OL/DL 6-2, 270
Jim Becker, Colonia: OL/DL 6-3, 285
Former New Giants quarterback, now NFL broadcaster Phil Simms,
who has become very active with the game as a coach and
spokesperson, has recently added his name to the title of the
game.
Simms had back surgery on Friday and could not attend Sunday’s
press conference at Piscataway High School, but he did put
together this video:
NORTH ROSTER
NORTH
QB’S
Jack Walsh, St. Joe’s (Mont) 6-3, 205
Ryan Panghorn, Lenape 6-1, 214
RUNNING BACKS
Lucas Faria, Sparta, 5-11, 190
Juwan Dolbrice, Linden 6-0, 195
Devell Jones, Lincoln 6-1, 210
Angelo Gallego, Parsippany Hills 5-6, 170
WR’s
Justin Stewart, Union 6-1, 180
Isaiah McLean, Shabazz 5-11, 160
Vincent Nisivoccia, Seton Hall Prep 5-9, 170
Jordan Lorenzo, Kittatiny 6-4, 190
Matt McFadden, Morristown Beard 5-10, 170
Willie Barr, Irvington 5-8, 175
OFFENSIVE LINE
Mike Adrima, Bergen Catholic 6-3, 290
David Vargas, Randolph 6-2, 290
Scott Black, Pope John 6-4, 280
Deonte Walker, East Orange 6-2, 310
Ian Davidson, Caldwell 5-10, 220
Ryan Jackson, Morris Hills 6-2, 250
Peter Lejawa, Wallington 6-2, 325
Daniel Clifford, Hoboken, 6-4, 320
Steve Rainero, Summit 6-1, 245
DEFENSIVE LINE
Lloyd Jackson, Elizabeth 6-1, 275
Chris Mangrum, Montclair 6-3, 285
Zach Marini, Livingston 6-2, 230
Marc McDonald, West Essex, 6-2, 235
Cheyenn Robertson, St. Peter’s Prep 6-2, 220
Wes Hartgers, Ramapo, 6-4, 220
Tevaughn Grant, Paterson Eastside 6-3, 220
Leonard Watts, Barringer 6-3, 220
Tyler Bryant, Orange 6-2, 250
LINEBACKERS
Darryn Canady, Roselle 6-1, 220
Amir Arrington, DePaul 5-9, 190
Jackson Simcox, Westfield 6-0, 210
Drew Lindsay, Passaic Tech 5-11, 195
Bryce Jacob, Paramus 5-11, 225
DB’S
Jonathan Castellano, Union City 5-9, 180
Al-Kadair Ports, Weequahic 6-2, 205
Brian Berges, Wayne Hills 5-10, 185
Noah Provenzano, West Milford 6-0, 175
Oliver Molano, Weehawken 6-1, 175
Dekyri Mims, Paterson Kennedy 6-1, 170
KICKER
Matt Ferrara, Creskill 6-2, 190
McCarrick Guards McCombs, Cue
Lead Hard-Fought Victory Over
Carteret, 60-55
MCCARRICK COACH BEN GAMBLE’S PRE-GAME SPEECH:
SOUTH AMBOY – Cardinal McCarrick head coach Ben Gamble made a
bold statement before the season saying he felt he had the
best backcourt in the GMC.
The backcourt duo of 5-10 juniors NyQuan McCombs and Gilberto
Cue certainly presented a good case when the two took over as
McCarrick, No. 2 in The Authority Sports Top 10, improved to
19-0 with a hard-fought, 60-55 decision over No. 6 Carteret in
GMC Blue Division action on Wednesday night before a large,
enthusiastic crowd.
The Eagles finished a clean 12-0 in division play. Carteret
(15-5) had an eight-game winning streak snapped. In fact, the
last time Carteret lost, it was to McCarrick, 36-33.
Gilberto Cue (3) of McCarrick going glass (Photo by Cliff
Ross)
McCombs, a transfer from St. Anthony, finished with 23 points
and Cue, a transfer from Bergen Catholic, scored 16.
But in the fourth quarter with the game in the balance, Cue
scored 10 and McCombs eight. With McCarrick trailing 48-46
with 5:49 left to play, the two scored every point in a 10-0
run which put the game away.
Sophomore guard Elijah Mitchell also a had a steady game,
recording 11 points and seven rebounds, while forward Hodari
Bazemore chipped in with eight points and five boards.
Brandon Gilder pumped in a career-high 27 points for Carteret,
giving him 935 for his career. Jaquan Robertson, the school’s
second leading scorer with 1,363 points, recorded 13 points
and seven rebounds, including 10 points and all of his
rebounds in the second half as he sat most of the first half
with fouls.
FIRST QUARTER BUZZER BEATER BY MCCOMBS:
“Nike and Cue were able to make some plays in the fourth
quarter to stop Carteret’s run,” said Gamble. “And were able
to get some key defensive stops.”
In the opening quarter, McCarrick shot 5 of 5 from 3-point
range – Cue and McCombs were both 2 of 2 – to claim a 19-13
lead. The Eagles were so hot, McCombs beat the buzzer with a
28-footer.
In the second quarter, the Ramblers played most of it without
Robertson, one of the most versatile players in the GMC, who
picked up two fouls. But Gilder scored nine points to hold
down the fort as Carteret trailed 31-24 at the break.
In the third quarter, Gilder hit two 3’s to begin the session
and Ra’Keem Bennett followed with a drive to the goal as a
quick 8-0 run produced a 32-31 Carteret lead.
The Ramblers would go up by as many as four in the third
quarter before McCarrick settled down and claimed a 42-38 lead
as Bazemore scored six in the frame.
In the fourth quarter, Gilder remained hot and Robertson got
going as Carteret re-gained the lead, 48-46 with 5:49 left on
a drive by Robertson.
Brandon Gilder of Carteret on his way to a 27-point night
(Photo by Cliff Ross)
At that point, the Eagles went on a 10-0 run. After McCombs
tied it with a baseline J at 5:12, Cue hit on a jumper from
the line at 3:59, followed by a drive at 3:27 for a four-point
lead.
Then Carteret was hit with a technical foul after a foul call.
McCombs hit both on the foul call, then Cue hit one of two on
the technical. Cue would add another foul shot with 2:23 left
for an eight-point McCarrick lead.
The Ramblers made it a one possession game with eight seconds
left on a long banking 3 by Robertson, but when Carteret
fouled, McCombs hit both to seal it.
Hodari Bazemore (10) of McCarrick banking one in (Photo
by Cliff Ross)
With coaches from St. Joseph, Colonia and Rutgers Prep,
McCarrick’s next opponent, in the stands, Gamble was hoping
for a better performance.
“This was a tournament atmosphere, the place was packed and
everyone in the county was here,’’ said Gamble. “But they
probably left thinking we have some chinks in our armor. I was
hoping for a little better overall performance.’’
CARTERET (55): Gilder 6-(3)-6-27, Robertson 5-(1)-0-13,
Montgomery 1-0-2, Merz 0-0-0, Alford 1-(1)-0-5, Bennett 3-0-6,
Jordan 0-0-0, Kennedy 1-0-2. Totals 17-(5)-6-53
CARDINAL MCCARRICK (60): McCombs 2-(5)-4-23, Cue 3-(2)-4-16,
Mitchell 3-(1)-2-11, Bazemore 4-0-8, Dervishaj 0-0-0, Green
1-0-2, Menard 0-0-0. Totals 13-(8)-10-60
CARTERET (15-5): 13 11 14 17 – 55
MCCARRICK (19-0): 19 12 11 18 – 60
REBOUNDS
CARTERET: 25 (19 defensive, 6 offensive)
Carteret’s
Vincent
Montgomery has McCarrick’s
Santiago Dervishaj blanketed
(Photo by Cliff Ross)
Robertson 7 (2 offensive)
Gilder 6 (1 offensive)
Kennedy 4 (1 offensive)
Montgomery 3 (1 offensive)
Alford 3
Bennett 2 (1 offensive)
MCCARRICK: 24 (17 defensive, 7 offensive)
Mitchell 7 (3 offensive)
Bazemore 5 (3 offensive)
Green 4 (1 offensive)
Referee Jeff Angerbauer
making the call (Photo by
Cliff Ross)
McCombs 4
Cue 2
Dervishaj 1
Menard 1
TURNOVERS
CARTERET: 12
MCCARRICK: 8
FREE THROW SHOOTING
CARTERET: 6 of 9
MCCARRICK: 10 of 14
3-POINT SHOOTING
CARTERET: 5 of 14
MCCARRICK: 8 of 16
Amir Alford of Carteret
with the sweet stroke
(Photo by Cliff Ross)
BIGGEST LEAD
CARTERET: 4
MCCARRICK: 9
TIES: 4
LEAD CHANGES: 6
FACES IN THE CROWD:
Dave Turco
Joe Lewis
Shonda McCombs
McCarrick’s Hodari Bazemore
with family and head coach
Ben Gamble on Senior Night
(Photo by John Haley)
Jose Rodriguez
George Krzyzanowski
Bill Kilduff
Eric Lemberakis
Donnie Reid
Mike Zirpolo
Matt Ross
Cliff Ross
Mike Pavlichko
Tom Ortuso
Joe LaSala
McCarrick’s
Santiago
Dervishaj with his mother
Flora on Senior Night (Photo
by John Haley)
Tyler Jackow
Mike Byrnes
Lakiesha McCombs
Anthony Rivera
Fred Mitchell
Flora Dervishaj
Rich Geishemeier
Michael Havain
Carteret
Responds
To
Woodbridge Run, Wins 59-54
Behind Robertson, Gilder
WOODBRIDGE – Basketball is truly a game of runs, but the
response to ‘the run’ is what usually determines the outcome
of a game.
Both teams responded to huge runs when Carteret, No. 6 in The
Authority Sports Top 10, battled No. 9 Woodbridge in a GMC
crossover matinee on Saturday, but it was Carteret getting off
the canvas last and responding positively as the Ramblers
posted a 59-54 decision.
Senior forward Jaquan Robertson, the school’s second all-time
leading scorer closing in on 1,300 points, led the way with 23
points and 14 rebounds. Senior guard Brandon Gilder, who could
also reach 1,000 career points, added 12 points and nine
rebounds as the two combined for 35 points and 23 rebounds,
including 23 and 14 in the second half.
Point guard Amir Alford added 11 points, all coming in the
first half before he left the game in the second half with a
knee injury.
Zahneer Shuler recorded 21 points and eight rebounds for
Woodbridge, including 12 and six in the third quarter when the
Barrons (9-6), from the White Division, outscored Carteret
28-10 to turn a 14-point halftime deficit into a four-point
lead.
“I thought Woodbridge showed a lot of character coming back
like they did in the second half,’’ said Carteret coach Herman
‘Mugsy’ White. “But I thought we showed some character too
being able to withstand their big run big run.’’
Carteret (11-4), from the Blue Division, took the momentum
early and led 13-12 after one quarter despite turning it over
eight times. But its defense would force six Woodbridge
turnovers in the second quarter and the Ramblers cashed in on
the other end.
Zahneer
Shuler,
Woodbridge
Behind a dizzying flurry in the final 1:00 of the half,
Carteret led by 14, 32-18 by holding the Barrons to six points
in the second quarter.
A long halftime ceremony took place to honor the Woodbridge
team of 1974-75, which turned in the school’s best record ever
at 29-2 and won its only Group 4 state crown.
The Barron players sat in their seats and watched intently,
cheering on the team which was celebrating a 40-year
anniversary.
Perhaps inspired by past royalty, Woodbridge responded and had
the 74-75 cheering them on by outscoring Carteret by 18 points
in the third quarter to claim a four-point lead after Robinson
beat the buzzer to the session.
But now it was Carteret’s turn to respond.
Amir Alford,
Carteret
By scoring the first nine points of the fourth quarter, the
Ramblers were back in control just like that, 51-46 with 5:56
left to play.
Woodbridge crept to within 51-50 with 2:29 left, but a 6-1 run
finished by a Ra’Keem Bennett layup with 48 seconds left
proved to be the difference.
“I like the way our kids responded in the fourth quarter,”
said White. “It was a team effort, especially on the boards
and on defense. We showed some depth too when Matt Merz came
in for Amir Alford, who hurt his knee, and gave up some great
minutes.”
CARTERET (59): Robertson 5-(3)-4-23, Gilder 3-(2)-0-12, Alford
2-(2)-1-11, Bennett 3-1-7, Montgomery 3-0-6, Jordan 0-0-0.
Merz 0-0-0, Kennedy 0-0-0. Totals 16-(7)-6-59
WOODBRIDGE (54): Robinson 3-(2)-1-13, Smith 0-0-0, Shuler 3(3)-6-21, Cole 2-0-4, Hatcher 0-0-0, Glover 3-(1)-1-10, Henry
2-0-4, Rutkowski 1-0-2, Thermitus 0-0-0. Totals 14-(6)-8-54
CARTERET (11-4): 13 19 10 17 – 59
WOODBRIDGE (9-6): 12 6 28 8 – 55
REBOUNDS
CARTERET: 39 (31 defensive, 8 offensive)
Jaquan Robertson 14 (2 offensive)
Brandon Gilder 9 (2 offensive)
Vincent Montgomery 7 (2 offensive)
Jamar Jordan 4 (1 offensive)
Ra’Keem Bennett 4 (1 offensive)
Amir Alford 1
WOODBRIDGE: 31 (25 defensive, 6 offensive)
Zaire Robinson 8 (3 offensive)
Zahneer Shuler 8 (1 offensive)
Keshaun Henry 4 (2 offensive)
Charles Cole 4
Tyler Smith 4
Quaasim Glover 2
Dante Hatcher 1
TURNOVERS
CARTERET: 17
WOODBRIDGE: 17
FOUL SHOOTING
CARTERET: 6 of 13
WOODBRIDGE: 8 of 20
THREE-POINT SHOOTING
CARTERET: 7 of 14
WOODBRIDGE: 6 of 13
LARGEST LEAD
CARTERET: 14
WOODBRIDGE: 4
TIES: 1
LEAD CHANGES: 3
FACES IN THE CROWD:
Tim Olah
Mark DiDonna
Randy Aldleman
Ed Etzold
Rich Kazimir
Dorothy Zimjewski
Kelly Fitzhenry
John Eberhart
Nancy Drum
Marie Anderson
John Golden
Daniel Harris
Enzio Tamburel
Paul Patten
Don Provost
Ed Barcellona
Robert Morecraft
Kevin Balog
Steve Orlick
Arlene Futy
Mike ‘Zip’ Zirpolo
Brian Cherepski
Lou Urbano
Robert Zega
Charlie Mohr
James McCarthy
Tom Chmiel
Stew Jago
Ronnie Holled
Mike O’Hara
Mike Gigliello
Mrs. Gigliello
Glenn Lottman
Joe Ward
Lee Warren
Kyle Anderson Sr.
Derek Anderson
Brian Kaelber
Brian Flaherty
Nick Sardone
Jack Frost
Jason Calhoun
Bill Leahy
Alex Bosch
Bill Kovacs
Kevin Van Dyke
George Ryan
Mr. Pearson
Boys
Basketball
For
Wednesday, Jan. 28: No. 6
Carteret Avenges Loss To
Spotswood
SCORES
Perth Amboy Tech 65, East Brunswick Tech 53
Piscataway Tech 71, South River 55
Carteret 43, Spotswood 40
Timothy Christian 58, Highland Park 45
South Amboy 58, Keansburg 43
Metuchen 44, Middlesex 39
St. Joseph 64, Piscataway 36
SPOTSWOOD — Buckets down the stretch by Ra’Keem Bennett,
Brandon Gilder and Vincent Montgomery provided Carteret, No. 6
in The Authority Sports Top 10, with a 43-40 comeback victory
over Spotswood to avenge an earlier-season, GMC Blue Division
loss.
Carteret (9-4), which led 16-8 after one quarter before
trailing 25-23 at the half and 36-33 after three, claimed a
39-38 lead with 3:13 left to play on a layup by Bennett, his
only basket of the game.
Gilder’s layup with less than 3:00 gave Carteret a 41-38 lead,
then Montgomery’s foul line jumper provided the Ramblers with
a 43-38 lead with 2:17 left.
Spotswood (10-4), which scored just four points in the final
quarter, made it 43-40 with 1:52 left on a layup by sophomore
center Matt Ciaccio, who finished with 12 points and 16
rebounds.
That would be the end of the scoring as Carteret, which missed
two straight one-and-one situations,
posted four straight
stops, including a 24-footer at the buzzer.
Jaquan Robertson scored 17 to lead Carteret, Gilder finished
with 10 and Amir Alford eight. Eric Dadika added 11 points for
Spotswood, Marlon Hart had 10 points and five rebounds.
METUCHEN 44, MIDDLESEX 39
Metuchen celebrates win over
Middlesex, from left: Thomas
Chalker, Evan Collier, Matt
Volpe, Artie Flaherty Jr.,
Danny Flaherty
MIDDLESEX — Artie Flaherty Jr. recorded 15 points and six
rebounds to lead Metuchen, which beat Middlesex for a second
time this season in GMC Blue Division action, the first one by
a point at the buzzer, 51-50.
Metuchen (4-8) saw a 15-point lead shrink to three points when
Marcus Evans-Little hit a 3-pointer, but Metuchen freshman
Matt Volpe caught a baseball pass and converted the lay-up as
he put the game out of reach with seven seconds left in the
game.
Thomas Chalker added six points, four rebounds and four steals
for the Bulldogs. Middlesex fell to 2-10.
NO 1. ST. JOSEPH 64, PISCATAWAY 36
Marcus
Ashamole
Breein Tyree
METUCHEN — Breein Tyree posted 15 points, eight assists, six
rebounds and four steals, Marcus Ashamole had 15 points and 15
rebounds and Branislav Vujandinovic also scored 15 points to
lead a balanced attack as St. Joseph beat its GMC Red Division
rival for the second time this season.
St. Joseph (10-2) set the tone early by leading 14-3 after one
quarter and never eased up to win its 35th straight game
against a Middlesex County school and 25th against a Red
Division opponent.
Donzell Cunningham scored 11 points for Piscataway (3-10),
D’Ondre Dent scored 10.
Breein Tyree of St. Joe’s
going for the dunk against
Piscataway (Photo by Marlo
Williamson)
TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN 58, HIGHLAND PARK 45
Josh Decker
William
Clemons
PISCATAWAY — Josh Decker, the lone upperclassmen in the 22-man
program, led a balanced attack as Timothy Christian won its
first game of the season, avenging a 58-47 Gold Division loss
earlier in the season.
Sophomore William Clemons had a busy day with 17 points, eight
rebounds, four assists and four steals for Timothy Christian
(1-12), which led 13-12 after one quarter, 24-19 and 38-30
after three quarters before pulling away.
Robert Saydee added 10 points for the Tigers, Pierce
Kokosinski scored eight. Highland Park fell to 2-12.
PISCATAWAY TECH 71, SOUTH RIVER 55
Letrell West
Marc Fychok
PISCATAWAY — Playing without its top scorer in Aziz Austin,
Piscataway Tech relied on 25 points by Letrell West, several
offensive contributions from others and stellar defense in
beating Gold Division rival South River for a second time this
season, the first being a two-point decision.
Piscataway Tech (10-4), which held South River to 10 points
under its season average, led 15-12 after one quarter and
32-23 at the half before opening things up.
Marc Fychok added 17 points for Piscataway Tech, Kyle Wider
had eight, while Herman Pimentel (7 points) grabbed 12
rebounds and Hussein Hussein (4 points) had 11 boards. Ali
Austin had four points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
Sean Darrar led South River (7-7) with 14 points. He had 33 in
the first meeting between the two teams.
PERTH AMBOY TECH 65, EAST BRUNSWICK 53
Pedro Gonzalez
PERTH AMBOY — Senior center Jordan Little recorded 26 points
and 15 rebounds to power Perth Amboy Tech to its eighth
straight win, its second over Gold Division foe EBVT this
season (the first one was by five points).
The Patriots (11-2) methodically built its lead — 11-10 after
one quarter, 30-24 at the half and 49-36 after three quarters.
Pedro Gonzalez added 10 points to the balanced attack and Noel
Garay and Kyrie Byers scored nine each. Josh Brody led East
Brunswick Tech (5-9) with 14 points.
SOUTH AMBOY 58, KEANSBURG 43
Ryan O’Leary
SOUTH AMBOY — Ryan O’Leary pumped in 21 points and added five
rebounds and four assists to power South Amboy, which reached
.500 after beginning the season 1-5.
Kahare Ford added nine points, five assists and three steals
for the Guvs (8-8), Tim Kales had eight points and five
boards. Keansburg fell to 0-13.’
Engel Sparks No. 4 South
Brunswick
Past
No.
9
Carteret, 55-49; Faces In The
Crowd
CARTERET – Jack Engel was there in the first quarter when his
South Brunswick Vikings needed him to keep things close, he
was there in the middle quarters when his team was in the
process of building a lead as high nine and he was there in
the end with the big points needed after Carteret had fought
all the way back.
Engel, a 6-1 senior guard, matched a career-high with 23
points, which included 5 of 7 shooting from three-point range,
to lead South Brunswick, No. 4 in The Authority Sports Top 10,
to a 55-49 victory over No. 9 Carteret in a Saturday matinee.
Carteret (7-3), which had a six-game winning streak snapped,
led by as many as seven in the opening quarter, but Engel
scored nine points on three 3’s as the Vikings (9-2) trailed
15-11 after one.
Engel scored seven points over the middle quarters as South
Brunswick took control of the game and led 41-34 after three
quarters and 43-34 after opening the final quarter with a
bucket.
But the Ramblers, who won the turnover battle, 15-11, came all
the way back to tie the score at 49-49 on a jumper in the lane
by Ra’Keem Bennett with 2:30 left.
But one foul shot by South Brunswick’s Eric Savage gave his
club a one-point lead with 1:40 left, then Savage nailed a 3
from the left side with 39 seconds left, then sealed the deal
with two foul shots as the Vikings captured their fifth
straight win.
JACK ENGEL:
South Brunswick played its third straight game without 6-1
starting power forward Terrence Wong (injury), who was
averaging close to a double-double in his previous five games.
Ty Juan Dugger, a 6-3 forward, filled in admirably with eight
points and 10 rebounds, including four offensive. South
Terrence Wong at the game
Brunswick won the rebounding battle 24-21, but the Ramblers
won the offensive glass battle 10-6.
Carteret played without 6-8 starting center Ahmad Kennedy
(sick).
Michael Ugarte added 12 points for South Brunswick and Eric
Savage recorded eight rebounds. Jaquan Robertson led Carteret
with 17 points, Brandon Gilder had 13 points, Amir Alford
scored nine on three 3-pointers.
The Ramblers came out on fire, forcing six turnovers out of
their active zone and led 15-8 before Engel beat the buzzer
with a 3.
Michael Ugarte
In the second quarter, South Brunswick turned the ball over
just twice, while forcing Carteret into seven miscues as it
claimed a 32-26 lead at the break.
Both teams were solid with the ball in third quarter – two
turnovers each – and defense was stepped up as South Brunswick
held a 9-8 advantage to lead 41-34 heading into the final
eight minutes.
South Brunswick built its biggest lead at nine to open the
fourth quarter, but with South Brunswick turning the ball over
five times and with Robertson nailing two 3’s and Alford one,
the game was suddenly tied with 2:30 to go.
Over the final 2:30 when Carteret tied the score, it only had
the ball once where it had a chance to take the lead.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK (55): Garrett 3-0-6, Savage 1-1-3, Engel 2(5)-4-23, Ugarte 5-2-12, Dugger 3-2-8, Nally 0-0-0, Moran 0(1)-0-3. Totals 14-(6)-9-55.
CARTERET (49): Alford 0-(3)-0-9, Gilder 4-(1)-2-13, Jordan
1-0-2, Robertson 3-(3)-2-17, Montgomery 3-0-6, Bennett 1-0-2,
Merz 0-0-0. Totals 12-(7)-4-49.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK (9-2) 11 21 9 14 – 55
CARTERET (7-3) 15 11 8 15 – 49
REBOUNDING
SOUTH BRUNSWICK: 24 (18 defensive, 7 offensive)
Dugger 10 (4 offensive)
Savage 8 (2 offensive)
Ugarte 3
Engel 2
Nally 1 (offensive)
CARTERET: 21 (11 defensive, 10 offensive)
Jordan 6 (3 offensive)
Gilder 5 (4 offensive)
Robertson 4
Alford 3 (1 offensive)
Bennett 2 (2 offensive)
Montgomery 1
TURNOVERS
SOUTH BRUNSWICK: 15
CARTERET: 11
FOUL SHOOTING
SOUTH BRUNSWICK: 9 of 12
CARTERET: 4 of 4
3-POINT SHOOTING
SOUTH BRUNSWICK: 6 of 19
CARTERET: 7 of 21
BIGGEST LEADS
SOUTH BRUNSWICK: 9 (7:30 left in 4th quarter)
CARTERET: 7 (0:31 left in 1st quarter)
TIES: 3
LEAD CHANGES: 4
COACHES:
Carteret coach Mugsy White
(left) and Joe Hoehman of
South Brunswick
FACES IN THE CROWD
Jason Worilds
Cishra Alston
Mark Nichols
Marcus Ashamole
Eric Lemberakis
Justin Munoz
Nick Scheno
Grace Cunha
Corey Jones
Mike Kushner
Dan Morvay
Billy Merz
Vic Dudka
Mike Nowak
Kevin Van Dyke
2014-15
Boys
Basketball
Preview: Carteret
HEAD COACH: Herman ‘Mugsy’ White, 6th season, 83-49 record.
Carteret coaching staff,
from left Brian Hennessy,
Herman ‘Mugsy’ White (Head),
Chris Kenney
STAFF:
Chris Kenney: JV/Varsity assistant
Brian Hennessy, Volunteer
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 15-13
LAST YEAR’S JV RECORD: n/a
LAST YEAR’S FRESHMAN RECORD: No freshman team.
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP:
Amir Alford (SR., PG, 5-10)
Jaquan Robertson (SR., SG, 6-3), 20.5 ppg., 1,006 career
points, 3rd Team All-County.
Ra’Keem Bennet (SR., G, 5-11)
Brandon Gilder (SR., SF,6-1), 13.3 ppg., 650 career points.
Vincent Montgomery (SR., PF,6-4)
TOP RESERVES:
Amaad Kennedy (JR., C, 6-8)
Jemar Jordan (Soph., SF, 6-3)
Matt Merz (SR., SG, 5-10)
Victor Spencer (JR., SF,6-2)
Kahir Raymond (Soph., PG, 5-10)
James Hart (Soph., G, 5-10)
OTHER PLAYERS:
Ubaldino Velez (SR., G, 5-9)
Denali Byrd (Soph., PF, 6-4)
TRANSFERS IN:
Amaad Kennedy (JR., C, 6-8)
Kahir Raymond (Soph., PG, 5-10)
SCRIMMAGE VS. J.P. STEVENS:
COACH’S COMMENTS:
TEAM STRENGTHS: “Athleticism, experience, speed, depth.”
TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Bench is very young with limited experience
on a varsity level. Will take time to learn the system and
develop into solid role players.”
OUTLOOK: “With a solid nucleus coming back we should have
improvement with our cohesion this year. Scoring shouldn’t be
much of an issue with potentially two 1,000 point scorers on
the team. Solid play within the interior (rebounding) will be
crucial. If we can defend at a high level we should at least
compete for the division and hopefully go farther in the
county’s and state’s (North Jersey Section 2 Group 3).”
GOALS: “To Compete and defend at a high level every game.
Continue to build on the fundamentals as the season grows.
Focus on the details to become a strong tournament team.”
SCRIMMAGE VS. J.P. STEVENS:
HISTORY:
ALL-TIME LEADING SCORER: Keith Hughes 1,742 points (1983-1986)
1,000-POINT SCORERS
Keith Hughes 1,742 (1986)
Jose Rodriguez 1,227 (2001)
Omar Alston 1,185 (2002)
Corey Lowe 1,178 (1998)
Robert Jackson 1,060 (2009)
Ron Helley 1,035 (1955)
Jacquan Robertson 1,0006 (2015)
Dennis Burney 1,001 (1993)
MOST POINTS ONE GAME
Jose Rodriguez 51 (2000-2001)
Joe Medwick 47 (1929-30)
MOST CAREER 3’S
Jose Rodriguez 137
Willie Negron 132
MOST 3’S IN ONE GAME
Jose Rodriguez 8
COACHES
Francis McCarthy 1927-1934 (8 seasons)
Joe Comba 1934-1942 (8)
Herman Horn 1942-1945 (3)
Joe Comba 1945-1951 (5)
Wes Spewak: 1951-1965 (14)
Howie Rozelle: 1965-69 (4)
Pete Kindzierski: 1969-1978 (9)
Bill Karatz: 1978-1987 (9)
Bob Molarz: 1987-1996 (9)
Dave Turco: 1996-2002 (6)
John Dolan: 2002-2005 (3)
Keith Hughes: 2005-06 (1)
Jose Rodriguez: 2006-2009 (3)
Herman White 2009-2013 (6th)
COACH’S RECORDS
McCarthy (unknown)
Horn: 38-18
Comba: 54-25
Spewak: 104-73 (missing 6 seasons)
Rozelle: 12-50 (missing 1 season)
Kindzierski: 116-93
Karatz: 139-73
Molarz: 108-99
Turco: 116-36
Dolan: 25-39
Hughes: 2-18
Rodriguez: 35-40
White: 83-49
Note: Missing Comba’s first stint (1934-42)
BEST SEASONS
26-4: 1999-00
25-3: 1985-86
23-3: 2001-02
22-4: 1959-60
22-5: 1977-78
22-8: 1987-88
21-5: 2000-01
21-6: 2011-12
21-6: 1982-83
20-2: 1944-45
20-4: 1958-59
20-5: 1978-79
20-8: 2012-13
19-4: 1941-42
19-7: 1975-76
GMC BLUE DIVISION TITLES
1985-86 (tie) (Coach Karatz)
1997-98 (tie) (Turco)
1999-00 (Turco)
2000-01 (Turco)
2001-02 (Turco)
2011-12 (tie) (White)
2012-13 (White)
Note: The GMC was formed in 1985
MIDDLESEX COUNTY/GMC TOURNAMENT TITLES
1985-86 (Karatz)
2001-02 (Turco)
CENTRAL JERSEY SECTIONAL TITLES
1931-32: Central Jersey 2 (McCarthy)
1933-34: Central Jersey 2 (McCarthy)
Harper Perry was a captain on the 1944-45 club.
1944-45: CJ 2 (Horn)
1949-50: CJ 2 (Comba)
1952-53: CJ 1 (Spewak)
1953-54: CJ 1 (Spewak)
1956-57: CJ 1 (Spewak)
1959-60: CJ 2 (Spewak)
1987-88: CJ 2 (Molarz)
1999-00: CJ 2 (Turco)
STATE GROUP TITLES
1933-34: Group 2 (McCarthy)
ALL COUNTY SELECTIONS
(Since 1989-90)
1989-90:
Honorable Mention: Anthony Northington
1991-92:
First Team: Dennis Burney
Honorable Mention: Donnie Smith, Brian Torre
1992-93:
Third Team: Dennis Burney
Honorable Mention: Anthony Rogers, Bob Andrijov
1993-94:
Honorable Mention: Anthony Rogers, Phil Stragapede, Jaime
Poythress
1994-95:
Honorable Mention: Rich Sabosik,
Andujar, Jason Dell’Aquila
Bill
Tharrington,
Sam
1995-96:
Honorable Mention: Rich Sabosik, Damion Stevens, Corey Jones
1996-97:
Honorable Mention: Mike Morton, Damion Stevens
1997-98:
Honorable Mention:Mike Orlando, Marelle White
1998-99:
Honorable Mention: Jose Rodriguez, Mahdi Pettus, Dale Johnson
1999-00:
First Team: Jose Rodriguez
Honorable Mention: John Caldwell, Mahdi Pettus, Omar Alston
2000-01:
First Team: Jose Rodriguez
Second Team: Omar Alston
Honorable Mention: Freddy Hill, Andrew Hill
2001-02:
First Team: Omar Alston
Honorable Mention: Andrew Hill, Wilfredo Fuerte, Lamarr
Morris, Rob Carter
2002-03:
Honorable Mention: Alfredo Rodriguez, Michael Liquori
2003-04:
Honorable Mention: Willie Negron, Mike Collier
2004-05:
Honorable Mention: Kahmell Broughton, Willie Negron
2005-06:
Honorable Mention: Mike Crudup
2006-07:
Honorable Mention: Anthony Basilici, Brian Williams
2007-08:
Third Team: Robert Jackson
Honorable Mention: Brian Williams, Al Tampa, Byron Merricks
2008-09:
Third Team: Robert Jackson
Honorable Mention: Rene Godfrey
2010-11:
Third Team: Avery Carter
2013-14:
Third Team: Jaquan Robertson
Note: I moved on to The Star-Ledger in 2009 and now The
Authority Sports and have discontinued Honorable Mention.
ALL MIDDLESEX COUNTY/GMC TOURNAMENT TEAM
(Began in 1964-65)
1976-77:
L.J. Caldwell
Wiley Tharrington
1977-78:
Bob Charma
1982-83:
Luis Mendoza
1984-85:
Keith Hughes
1985-86:
Gary Smith
Keith Hughes
1987-88:
Corey Lowe
1999-2000:
Jose Rodriguez
John Caldwell
2000-01:
Omar Alston
2001-02:
*Omar Alston
Wilfredo Fuerte
Rob Carter
*-MVP
Thanks to Mike Lynam for his help.
Freshman QB Pearson Leads
Matawan Past Carteret, 27-7
UNION – One of the greatest football players ever to come out
of Middlesex County was Drew Pearson, a standout at South
River in the late 1960’s who went to be a Super Bowl hero with
the Dallas Cowboys known for his circus catches in the end
zone.
A wide receiver in high school who was catching passes from
Joe Theismann, another prolific NFL player with the Washington
Redskins, Pearson moved to quarterback his senior year and
went on to set records, some of which still stand today.
There’s another Pearson on the scene now with the same blood,
but he does his thing at Matawan. He is on his way to
shattering records as well.
A 6-0, 185-pound freshman who has a face like a freshman, but
the body and ability of an upperclassman, George Pearson put
on a show and let his defense take over in the second half as
the fifth-seeded Huskies defeated third-seeded Carteret 27-7
in the championship game of the Central Jersey, Group 3
playoffs before a rain-soaked crowd at Kean University on
Friday night.
Both teams finished the season 8-4.
Matawan is now 6-0 all-time vs. Carteret, including 4-0 in the
playoffs. Matawan improved to 7-3 in sectional finals, winning
its second in four years. Carteret fell to 5-3 in title games.
“The theme of this game was big plays,’’ said Carteret coach
Matt Yascko. “The opportunities for big plays were there all
night and they made more of them. They are a very good
football team, hats off to them.’’
As for Pearson, he finished 10 of 15 for 198 yards and four
touchdowns, including 8 of 11 for 160 yards and two scores in
the opening half when Matawan led 13-7.
Pearson saw spot duty in the team’s first two games – two
losses – then was named starter. He finished the season 118 of
223 for 2,953 yards and 16 touchdowns and an 8-2 record.
Rakeem Bennett, Carteret,
100 yards, TD
“When I found out I was going to be the starter, I knew I had
to step up and be a leader,’’ said Pearson. “I know that’s not
normally what freshman do, but I took it as a challenge and
things worked out.’’
Pearson said his cousin Drew tried to make the game, but was
held up in Texas with the weather.
“I know he was going to try to make it, but I guess the
weather held him up,” said Pearson. “I know he’s coming home
to New Jersey for Christmas, so I’ll see him then.’’
With Matawan ahead 13-7 at the half, the teams drove into each
other’s territory to open the second half, then proceeded to
swap turnovers from there as Matawan took over on the Carteret
49 with 4:15 left in the third quarter and the game still up
for grabs,
The Huskies then used up all the time remaining in the quarter
and then some before Pearson flipped to the ball forward with
two hands to Shawn Ramcheran, who was coming in motion, for a
nine-yard score
conversion.
and
a
21-7
lead
after
the
two-point
With just under 9:00 to play, Carteret faced a fourth-and-one
on its own 49. Ra’Keem Bennett (18 rushes, 94 yards) took the
hand-off but linebacker Aliem Shaw and defensive back Justin
Ferrara met him at the line for no gain as Matawan took over,
essentially sealing the game.
“We saw them against Long Branch and figured that was the play
they were going to run,’’ said Ferrara. “So we were ready for
it. That was the turning point for us.’’
FIRST QUARTER
Carteret went up top on the first play of the game, but the
pass was incomplete. Then Bennett took over from there as
Carteret drove from its own 20 to the Matawan 20 with Bennett
carrying eight times for 59 yards.
But the first of eight crucial procedure calls forced Carteret
into a fourth-and-13 from the 25 and Matawan took over on an
interception.
“You can’t have that many penalties in a championship game and
expect to win,’’ said Yascko.
Pearson then went to work and drove from the 6 to the Carteret
25. Then, on third-and-17 from the 32, Pearson dropped back
and threw a jump ball into the end zone with a series of
players awaiting. Hassan Williams batted the ball up in the
air for Carteret, but the ball landed in the arms of Matawan’s
James Pierce.
The snap on the PAT was botched as Matawan led 6-0 with 2:07
left in the first quarter.
“That was such a big play,’’ said Yascko. “We drove on them
and they intercepted near the goal-line. Then they drive on us
and our kid has the ball in his hands in the end zone before
it gets knocked out. That one hurt.’’
Following the score, Carteret answered as it drove 65 yards to
take a 7-6 lead with 10:10 left in the half after the extra
point by Carlo Lopez. After a 17-yard screen to Justin Taylor
from Nelson Baez (8-for-18, 103 yards) to begin the drive,
Carteret converted a third-and-nine and eventualy scored on an
18-yard run by Bennett after making a cut on the left side.
Matawan then used the big play to take a 13-7 lead with 8:25
left in the half. After a three-yard gain to begin a drive on
its own 16, Ramcheran got to the edge on the left side and
busted off a 56-yard run. Two plays later, Pearson hit Ferrara
in the end zone with a 17-yard strike.
“We’re have a multi-facted offense,’’ said Matawan head coach
John Kaye, a former offensive lineman at Piscataway. “We can
run inside or outside and we have a freshman quarterback who
can throw it. Today we were able to get to the perimeter,
which was the key.’’
MATAWAN (8-4) 6 7 0 13–27
CARTERET (8-4) 0 7 0 0–7
M – Pierce 32 pass from Pearson (kick failed)
C – Bennett 18 run (Lopez kick)
M – Ferrara 17 pass from Pearson (Elliot kick)
M – Ramcheran 8 pass from Pearson (Pierce pass from Ferrara)
M – Ramcheran 32 pass from Pearson (kick failed)
RUSHING:
CARTERET: Bennett 19-100, Baez 1-20, Irving 1-6, Kamara 1-1
MATAWAN: Ramcheran 2-56, Midtlyng 2-20, Rogers 1-11, Pearson
6-0, Spann 19-27, Pierce 4-20, Phillip 2-14
PASSING:
CARTERET: Baez 8-18-103, Bennett 0-1
MATAWAN: Pearson 10-15-198
RECEIVING:
CARTERET: Gilder 2-27, Bennett 1-24, Taylor 2-26, Irving 2-14,
Nowak 1-13
MATAWAN: Rogers 3-55 , Gopaul 3-51, Pierce 1-32, Spann 1-37,
Ferrara 2-23
Central
Jersey,
Group
3
Championship
Preview:
Carteret vs. Matawan
Starting linebacker at Carteret High School is a glorious
title to have.
Quarterback or running back is the glory position at most
schools, but the linebacker position at CHS has produced names
that people at the school still talk about in highlyrespectful tones.
There was Mark Easterling, Gary Greenberg and Ronnie Zaccardi
from back in the day, there were names like Rich Sheerin,
Conrad Hinds, Nick Bandoni, Dan Butraco, Dan SanFilippo,
Charles Faulkner and of course Jason Worilds, who now plays
the position for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Those were the names the opposition game-planned for.
The 2014 Ramblers do not possess a name like Easterling or
Worilds, but they have a group of athletes who have been
playing at the top of their game as the Ramblers search for
their second sectional championship in the last three seasons.
When Carteret takes on Matawan in the Central Jersey, Group 3
championship on Friday at Kean University at 7 p.m., senior
linebackers Ra’Keem Bennett, Tim Irving, Mario Roman and
sophomore Justin Taylor will have a tough task on their
respective hands in trying to contain a multi-talented,
balanced offense averaging over 300 yards per game.
Bennett (5-10, 180) has recorded 111 tackles, Irving (5-8,
185) has posted 103, Taylor (6-0, 200) has 94, while Roman
(5-8, 175) has come off the bench to post 52 tackles.
“This year has been more of a team effort at linebacker,’’
said Carteret coach Matt Yascko, who rotates four players into
three linebacker spots out of a 4-3 alignment. “Rock (Bennett)
is the leader, he’s a two-year starter.
“The way is game is played now with all these wide open
offenses, we want to get our best athletes there, so a lot of
these kids have played defensive back and on each side at
linebacker, … they’ve all played multiple positions. We feel
confident with these kids because they don’t have to play in
one spot, we can put them in different spots of the field
depending on the other team.’’
Rakeem Bennett, Carteret
When the season began, Carteret struggled at times at
linebacker, especially Taylor, the sophomore who needed time
to adjust to the varsity level.
At the midway point of the season, Yascko could see the bond
developing among the group.
For example, when Carteret played an athletic Long Branch team
on Sept. 20, the Green Wave posted a convincing 31-6 victory.
Fast forward two months, CJ 3 semifinals back in Long Branch,
it was Ramblers 21, Long Branch 17.
“Our linebackers were outstanding,’’ said Yascko. “The Willis
kid averaged over 200 yards per game, he’s a First Team AllState kid in my ,book and I thought we contained him. He had
130 yards, but they were tough yards.’’
Facing a wide-open team in Matawan, this group will be tested
once again.
Freshman quarterback George Pearson (6-0, 185) has passed for
1,755 yards, 187 per game, and 12 touchdowns. He has three
receivers who have combined for just under 1,700 yards. The
ground game, led by 6-1, 180-pound senior Devon Spann (799
yards, 10 TD’s) is averaging 124 yards per game.
“I think our line-backing corps is the key,’’ said Bennett.
“We’re going to have to stop the run which we’re capable of,
we’re going to have to locate receivers, find the ball and our
line is going to have to pressure their quarterback on every
play.’’
“We
will
be
challenged
that’s
for
sure,
not
only
at
linebacker, but all over,’’ said Yascko. “Matawan has
tremendous athletes all over the the field, they run, throw,
they’re fast … There’s no way to stop them, we just want to
slow them down and have a shot in the fourth quarter.’’
TWO-TIME STATE CHAMPION?:
Offensive lineman Brandon Williams and free safety/wide
receiver Brandon Williams are the only two seniors who started
on the Ramblers’ 12-0, Central Jersey, Group 2 championship
team.
Their thoughts on the big game:
WHAT: CENTRAL JERSEY, GROUP 3 CHAMPIONSHIP
WHO: (3) Carteret (8-3) vs. (5) Matawan (7-4)
WHEN/WHERE: Friday, Dec. 5 at Kean University, 7 p.m.
DEFENDING CHAMP: Hopewell Valley.
SERIES HISTORY: Matawan is 5-0 lifetime vs. Carteret. Matawan
won regular season games in 1961 (25-7) and 1970 (14-6) and
in the opening round of the CJ 2 playoffs in 2001 (36-14),
2002 (18-15) and 2011 (28-14). Matawan has outscored Carteret,
121-56.
BEGAN PLAYING FOOTBALL: Carteret 1925, Matawan 1934.
All-TIME
RECORDS:
Matawan
is
455-261-27,
Carteret
is
455-344-32.
CARTERET VS. SHORE CONFERENCE: 30-21-1.
MATAWAN VS. MIDDLESEX COUNTY: 36-20-2 (not including a 6-0
loss to the New Brunswick JV in 1934).
COMMON OPPONENTS:
Matawan lost to Colonia 10-7 on a last-second field goal.
Carteret lost to Colonia, 28-15.
Matawan lost to Long Branch 40-28, Carteret lost to Long
Branch 31-6 Week 2, then won 21-17 in CJ 3 semifinals.
DID YOU KNOW?: Matawan head coach John Kaye was a starting
offensive lineman for Piscataway in the mid-1980’s.
CARTERET
HEAD COACH: Matt Yascko, 8th season, 65-32, 10-4 in the
playoffs and 2-0 in sectional finals.
STAFF: Keith Kapinos (Defensive Coordinator), Justin Munoz
(Linebackers), Dan Farrar (Defensive Line), John Dolan
(Receivers), Jerry Derillo (Offensive Line), Rich Martinez
(Running Backs, Head Freshman), Mahdi Pettus (Quarterbacks),
Dan Morvay (Defensive Assistant), Mike Kushner (Offensive
Assistant), Anthony Sanfilippo (Freshman).
STREAKS: Carteret has won three games in a row.
AVERAGES: Carteret averages 22.0 points per game and gives up
13.6. The Ramblers average 285 yards per game: 158 rushing,
127 passing.
CARTERET STATS
KNOWN ALUMNI: Jason Worilds (starting linebacker Pittsburgh
Steelers); Joe ‘Ducky’ Medwick (Major League Baseball Hall of
Fame, last triple crown winner in the National League)
GAME BY GAME
Woodbridge L 14-7
Long Branch L 31-6
New Brunswick W 26-2
Colonia L 28-15
South Plainfield W 33-14
St. Joseph W 17-14 (OT)
Bishop Ahr W 27-3
John F, Kennedy L 22-13
*Nottinghamn W 33-0
*Long Branch W 21-17
Perth Amboy W 35-13
*-Playoffs
MATAWAN
HEAD COACH: John Kaye, 3rd season, 19-11.
STAFF: Jay Bellamy (Def. coord./spec. teams/QB); Sam Turner
(OL); Nick Christathakis (LB/FB/TE); Charlie Marsh (LB); Nick
Citro (DL); Ken Mandeville (RB); Justin Bloss (TE); Buddy
Scott (WR); Scott Davis (WR); Dave Monro, Nick Vasilenko,
Bobby Carnovsky (freshman).
STREAKS: Matawan has won four straight.
AVERAGES: Matawan averages 24.9 points per game and gives up
17.8. The Huskies average 311 yards per game: 187 passing, 124
rushing.
MATAWAN STAT LEADERS
FAMOUS ALUMNI: Jim Jeffcoat (NFL), Jay Bellamy (NFL), Charlie
Rogers (NFL).
FAST FACT: Jay Bellamy, former NFL safety, is the Huskies
defensive coordinator.
GAME BY GAME
St. John Vianney L 31-10
Rumson L 31-10
Raritan W 26-21
Monmouth W 28-7
Colonia 10-7
Holmdel W 52-7
Long Branch 40-28
Manasquan W 23-6
Barnegat W 40-17
*Raritan W 27-6
*Ocean W 23-20
*-Playoffs
FAST FACT: Both programs have 455 victories.
PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE: Matawan is making its 25th playoff
appearance. The Huskies are 24-18 in all playoff games,
including 6-3 in championship games. Matawan’s last
championship was in 2011, winning Central Jersey 2.
Balanced Carteret Pulls Away
From Perth Amboy In Second
Half, 35-13
PERTH AMBOY – Tied at 13-13 in the third quarter against a
much improved Perth Amboy team, Carteret scored 22 unanswered
points to post a 35-13 victory on Thanksgiving in Perth Amboy.
In a series dating back to 1925, Perth Amboy leads 45-41-2,
but Carteret has won three in a row.
Carteret will take an 8-3 record into the Central Jersey,
Group 3 championship game on Friday, Dec. 5 against Matawan at
Kean University (7 p.m.). Perth Amboy had a three-game winning
streak snapped and finished 3-7.
Michael Nowak,
Carteret
Brandon Gilder
The Ramblers turned in a balanced attack as five different
players scored – Ra’Keem Bennett, Hassan Williams, Mike Nowak,
D’Avian Ellington and Sam Kamara.
Quarterback Nelson Baez got into the act by completing 7 of 9
passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns. And receiver/free
safety Brandon Gilder chipped in with 61 total yards and three
interceptions.
Carteret opened the scoring quickly when Bennett (25 carries,
71 yards) plunged over from one yard out and a 7- 0 lead after
the PAT by Carlo Lopez.
Gilder would intercept his first of three passes on the day
and the Ramblers would quickly strike again. Baez hooked up
with Williams on a gorgeous 26- yard pass for a touchdown. The
kick was blocked and the score stood at 13-0 after the first
quarter.
Perth Amboy would not go away. The Panthers inched closer on a
Larry Johnson 2-yard TD run and the score stood at 13-7 at the
half.
Rakeem
Bennett,
Carteret
Carteret would fumble on its initial possession of the second
half and Amboy would capitalize when Tristan Rock found Evan
Medina for a 23-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was
blocked by Bennett and the score was tied early in the third
quarter, 13-13.
That was when Carteret took over. First Baez found Nowak all
alone in the middle of the field and the senior raced
untouched for a 38-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion
was run in by Kamara and the Ramblers reclaimed the lead,
21-13.
The fourth quarter was all Carteret as sophomore tailback
Ellington raced for a 10 yard touchdown and Kamara bulled his
way for a 10-yard score, shaping the 35-13 win.
CARTERET (8-3) 13 0 8 14–35
PERTH AMBOY (3-7) 0 7 6 0–13
C – Bennett 1 run (Lopez kick)
C – Williams 26 pass from Baez (kick blocked)
PA – Johnson 2 run (Rock kick)
PA – Medina 23 pass from Rock (kick blocked)
C — Nowak 38 pass from Baez (Kamara run)
C — Ellington 10 run (Nowak Kick)
C — Kamara 9 run (Lopez Kick)
CARTERET STATS
PASSING:
Baez 7-9-100
Golino 1-2-20
Gilder 0-2
RUSHING:
Bennett 15-71
Gilder 3-41
Ellington 9-36
Irving 2-8
Kamara 3-10
RECEIVING
Williams 2-56
Irving 1-6
Nowak 2-44
Gilder 3-20
ALL-TIME SERIES
(Perth Amboy leads 45-41-2)
1927: Perth Amboy 13-0
1928: Perth Amboy 7-6
1929: Carteret 13-0
1930: Carteret 7-6
1931: Carteret 7-6
1932: Perth Amboy 12-7
1933: Perth Amboy 7-0
1934: Carteret 13-0
1935:
1936:
1937:
1938:
1939:
1940:
1941:
1942:
1943:
1944:
1945:
Perth Amboy 13-6
Perth Amboy 7-6
Tie 13-13
Perth Amboy 14-13
Carteret 14-0
Carteret 20-0
Perth Amboy 16-0
Carteret 16-14
Perth Amboy 20-6
Carteret 13-6
Perth Amboy 19-7
1946:
1947:
1948:
1949:
1950:
1951:
1952:
1953:
1954:
1955:
1956:
1957:
1958:
Carteret 25-0
Perth Amboy 26-7
Carteret 18-7
Perth Amboy 25-7
Carteret 19-6
Perth Amboy 34-13
Perth Amboy 7-0
Perth Amboy 14-12
Carteret 13-12
Perth Amboy 20-13
Perth Amboy 26-0
Perth Amboy 26-20
Carteret 25-0
Sam
Kamara,
Carteret
1959: Carteret 34-0
1960: Perth Amboy 2-0
1961:
1962:
1963:
1964:
1965:
1966:
1967:
1968:
1969:
1970:
1971:
1972:
Carteret 29-13
Carteret 14-0
Carteret 40-0
Perth Amboy 14-0
Perth Amboy 41-6
Perth Amboy 45-0
Perth Amboy 26-8
Carteret 21-12
Carteret 14-6
Tie 6-6
Carteret 29-2
Perth Amboy 16-8
1973:
1974:
1975:
1976:
1977:
1978:
1979:
1980:
1981:
1982:
1983:
1984:
1985:
1986:
1987:
Perth Amboy 26-7
Carteret 20-0
Carteret 54-0
Carteret 40-12
Perth Amboy 14-13
Carteret 18-0
Perth Amboy 26-20
Carteret 27-8
Perth Amboy 8-7
Perth Amboy 15-6
Carteret 30-18
Perth Amboy 12-0
Perth Amboy 40-0
Perth Amboy 46-6
Perth Amboy 18-7
1988: Perth Amboy 19-7
1989: Perth Amboy 34-0
1990: Perth Amboy 22-12
1991: Perth Amboy 14-6
1992: Carteret 26-0
1993: Perth Amboy 21-0
1994: Carteret 26-0
1995: Perth Amboy 28-26
1996: Perth Amboy 42-41
1997: Carteret 24-0
1998:
1999:
2000:
2001:
2002:
2003:
2004:
2005:
2006:
2007:
2008:
2009:
Perth Amboy 27-22
Carteret 15-6
Carteret 16-7
Carteret 20-0
Perth Amboy 35-20
Carteret 35-7
Carteret 39-28
Carteret 43-7
Carteret 39-12
Carteret 33-22
Perth Amboy 14-7
Perth Amboy 21-14
2010:
2011:
2012:
2013:
Perth Amboy 26-24
Perth Amboy 29-26
Carteret 41-0
Carteret 33-8
2014: Carteret 35-13