As expected, Morris Knolls (12-1) takes the #1 seed in the Morris County Tournament followed by #2 Pequannock (7-3), #3 Chatham (7-4), and #4 Jefferson (6-2). This week teams will complete all the preliminary games leading up to the quarterfinal round to be played at the higher seeds home field. All semi-final round games will then be played at Brundage Park in Randolph May 6th, finishing up with the championship game May 13th, at 6pm.

#17 Butler (5-4) at #16 Randolph (5-4) winner #1 Morris Knolls (12-1)
#18 Mt Lakes (4-5) at #15 West Morris (6-5) winner #2 Pequannock (7-3)
#19 Hanover Pk (4-8) at #14 Montville (5-5) winner at #3 Chatham (7-4)
#20 Dover (5-6) at #13 Morristown (6-5) winner at #4 Jefferson (6-2)
#21 Mendham (2-7) at #12 Morris Catholic (6-4) winner at #5 Parsippany Hills (8-3)
#22 Madison (3-6) at #11 Roxbury (5-3) winner at #6 Mt Olive (7-2)
#23 Morristown-Beard (4-8) at #10 Morris Hills (8-6)
#24 Boonton (2-8) at #9 Whippany Park (6-2)
#25 Morris Tech (4-6) at #8 Villa Walsh (7-2)
#26 Kinnelon (1-9) at #7 Parsippany (6-2)

Analysis:
The 2010 MCT could be full of surprises with plenty of teams with similar records. But as girl’s softball goes, it’s all about the pitching. And Morris Knolls has one of the best in Jr Caitlin O’Connor, who is averaging 12 strikeouts per game, was 18-4 last season with 213K’s and hits for power. The deepest pitching rotation goes to defending 2009 MCT cham  ...Read More

NJAC Softball Division Leaders

With softball season in full swing, and several teams jockeying for top seeds in the upcoming MCT, let’s take a look around the NJAC at some of the standout teams by division.

Freedom Division:
It appeared as if nobody would beat Lenape Valley (7-1) this season, that is until Jefferson (3-1) came to Stanhope yesterday and escaped with a 5-3 victory. Pitching was the difference, as Falcons pitcher Sam Abromavage allowed only 8 hits, one walk, and struck out 11 batters in a complete game effort. We will see what this Jefferson team is made of when they play Chatham (6-1) at home on 4/16. Lenape Valley has a favorable schedule and should go deep into the MCT behind the great play of Deanna Utter and Caitlen Zaleski. Newton (5-2) should challenge LV heading into their head to head match-up on 4/26 at Newton. Newton, coming off a recent 2-0 win over Wallkill Valley in which pitcher Chelsea Homa struck out 11, walked two, and gave up only 4 hits.

American Division:
The American Division is arguably the most balanced in the NJAC. Morris Knolls (7-1) #20 in The Star-Ledger Top 20, is the favorite in the American but they will be challenged by a very good Sparta (7-1) team followed closely by Montville (5-2), Randolph (4-3), WMC (4-3), and Pope John (4-4). Montville losing to WMC by one on Wednesday night is proof that pitching and defense is what gets it done and it was Jenny Skinner leading West Morris from the m  ...Read More

SOFTBALL Matchups of the Week

With winter surely behind us for at least another week, **wink wink**, and hopefully no more floods, this week should provide an abundance of great girls softball action around the NJAC. Check www.njacsportscenter.com weekly for more complete softball action including interviews, player stats, game predictions and much more. Here’s a look at some intriguing upcoming matchups.

4/9 Pequannock at Madison: Off to a 0-3 start, Madison is looking to get in the win column for the first time this season. With returning starters Nikki Caruso and Emily Klein, the Dodgers should not be counted out. Head Coach Hector Martinez will need big production out of new players like Grace Marotta, Meghan Harris, and Stephanie Riveros. Pequannock, #6 in the Star Ledger top 20, look strong again despite losing 4 key players from last year’s MCT and Group 2 Championship team. Key players for the Golden Panthers are Kristin Brain, Gina Martucci, Sam Rizzuto and Alex Brown. Expect Pequannock to win the Independence Division and the Morris County Tournament. This team should be streaking come State Tourny time and ready to defend their title.
Pick: Pequannock by 6
Player to Watch: Pequannocks’ Kayla Lombardo (Jr) 3B-Batting leadoff last yr. Kayla sported a fat .526 avg with 15 RBI and 29 runs scored.

4/9 Hopatcong at Lenape Valley: As catcher last year, Deanna Utter batted .461 and was a major reason for LV’s success. The Patriots ar  ...Read More

West Morris stud runningback Michael Burton is heading to Rutger to play for Greg Shiano

West Morris Central standout, Michael Burton is to some a hometown hero, but to many just a friend. He walks the halls of West Morris just like any other person, but on the football field he is no ordinary athlete. Burton, a running back-linebacker for the Wolfpack, was The All Daily Record Player of the Year, and was also first team all-state in his senior year. Over the course of his four year career Burton amassed an astronomical 3,372 rushing yards and 4,498 all-purpose yards, but his career will not stop their. On February 3rd Michael Burton committed to Rutgers University with a preferred walk-on spot from Coach Greg Schiano which guarantees Burton a scholarship if anyone were to leave the team.

Burton also received offers from Lehigh, Maine, Monmouth, New Hampshire, Towson, and received the same preferred walk on position at Pittsburgh. Burton chose Rutgers over all the other Univerities because of the “great atmoshphere, and coaching of Greg Schiano.” When Burton is not in the film room or training he will be studying Sports & Medicine at Rutgers University.

As most articles focus on Burton’s future at Rutgers there are those who wonder how he got to this point in his athletic career. Burton explained that he realized football was his passion ever since the days of Long Valley Raider’s flag football. The motivation throughout Burton’s entire football career has just been the thrill of competing and winning.

He loves being with his frie  ...Read More

MORRIS HILLS VS. MORRIS KNOLLS
VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 7 P. M., DENVILLE

Commerce Grinds to a Halt in the Rockaways, Wharton and Denville Prior to Historic Hoops Tilt; Experts Baffled by Record Trading Volume in Hot-Dog Futures

EDITOR’S NOTE: Earlier this week, we joined Rocky Walifer at the Thai Nam Phet Restaurant at 296 Route 46 East in Rockaway Borough for a bowl of spicy Tom Yum Gai soup, Pad Khing Sod chicken, and some equally-tasty conversation about the upcoming Morris Hills-Morris Knolls varsity boys basketball game.

NJAC SPORTS CENTER: So here we are, meeting again to talk about another Morris Hills and Morris Knolls matchup.

ROCKY WALIFER (grunting): We’re a union that defies common sense. As Hannibal Lecter warned Clarice Starling, “People will say we’re in love.”

NJAC SPORTS CENTER: What is it with you and “The Silence of the Lambs?”

ROCKY WALIFER: Just one of my many morbid obsessions.

NJAC SPORTS CENTER: Like having an old friend for dinner?

ROCKY WALIFER: Now that’s a delicious-sounding idea that runs toward my taste, especially since you’re already eating like you’re going to the electric chair

NJAC SPORTS CENTER (wiping his brow as a tiny squirt of stomach acid launches itself into the back of his throat): Speaking of obsessions and shocking observations, what do you see happening when your two favorite teams in the universe meet on the basketball cou  ...Read More

Sean Fahey's drawing honors the three State Champs that came out of the NJAC in 2009.

It’s hard to believe that the first official season of the new NJAC football conference is already over. What a season too! Did you know that out of the 16 public teams that made it to the State Finals, that 4 came from the NJAC? Who says Morris/Sussex football is not the real deal?

To sum up some more of the significant numbers about the NJAC, check this out: Our conference had three State Champsions (Mt. Lakes, Roxbury & West Morris) one undefeated team (Mt. Lakes), two undefeated regular season teams (Lenape Valley & Mt. Lakes), one team that went 11-1 (Roxbury) and three teams that had only two losses (Butler, Pope John & Sparta).

Our conference also witnessed one legendary coach beat the all time wins record in New Jersey (Vic Paternostro of Pope John) and another legendary coach retake the longest active win streak in the state (Doug Wilkins of Mt. Lakes). Not too shabby for the first year of the NJAC!

To highlight the accomplishments of all the athletes and coaches who made this season possible, I’d like to present to you the 2009 NJAC Sports Center Awards. What is unique about our awards is that all of the honors were voted by you. We received several hundred votes from the fans, coaches, boosters, parents and even some college scouts.

The awards are broken down in to a few sections. The first section highlights our highest honors that go to the Most Outstanding Everything Player, Most Outstanding Offensive Player, Most Outstan  ...Read More

The NJAC Conference has four teams representing itself in the State Finals at Giants Stadium; Butler, Mt. Lakes, West Morris and Roxbury

North 1, Group 4
(1) Roxbury 10-1 vs. (7) East Orange 6-4
Brian Kenney's Pick: Two words "Baker the Touchdown Maker" Yes, more than two words, but whatever. Rox rolls by 10
Dennis Jones' Pick: I've been telling you these two teams were on a collision course since Week 7. Only I thought they would meet in the quarterfinals not in the State finals for the North 1 Group IV Championship. This is a perfect matchup for a site like this. Two old IHC-Iron division rivals playing for all the marbles. The Gaels have won five of the last three meetings between the two schools. EO won its first State Championship two years ago, and Roxbury won in 1998 on a controversial touchdown for a one point win. Both teams have a D1 ready two-way linemen. Roxbury's Angelo Mangiro and East Orange's Chris Woods are both imposing figures on the OL/DL. Roxbury has dominated opponents this year. They easily defeated North Bergen and Fair Lawn by identical 42-7 scores. MLB Robert Wallace is the motor on this powerful Roxbury defense. Sean Moore, Kevin Baker, and Chris Biank will be out to make things tough on this speedy Jaguar offense. RB by commitee approach has worked all season with Rich, Biank, and Baker sharing the running duties and Parker Gordon under center moving the chains with his legs and arm. For Roxbury to win this game they must play ALL facets of the game. Offense, Defense and Special Teams. East Orange can scor  ...Read More

North 1, Group 1
(1) Mt. Lakes 10-0 vs. (8) Bogota 7-3
Dennis Jones Analysis: Here is what you need to know about Bogota. The Buccaneers are coming off a 36-0 first round win over Westfield in which QB Alex Kelerman threw for two touchdown passes and ran for another. They play in the Bergen County Olympic division and have three losses against three quality teams, Cresskill, Secaucus, and Hasbrouck Heights. Establishing a running game will be key for the Buc's, and Amelio Soto and Danny Lupo can rack up yards on the ground for Bogota. The Herd has proven once again that they can beat you in so many different ways. Scott McWilliams has emerged as a star QB this season. His arm makes it tough for defenses to stack the line against the run and if they fall back the Herd throws a pack of great runners at you. Kevin Ryan is one of the leading scorers in Morris County and scored three times last week. Austin DiMarco scored three times as well and ran for 155 yards on 11 carries. The Herd currently holds the States longest winning streak (23) and they do it in convincing fashion week after week. A little history...the last time these two teams played in 2006 was for the State Championship at Giants Stadium. Bogota won that game 28-0. This years Buccaneers are not as successful as that bunch, but they are peeking at the right time. Never count out a Sabella coached Bogota team; however Mountain Lakes is headed for another State title.
Br  ...Read More

The NJAC still has seven teams alive and well in the state playoffs. The competition within the conferences, in combination with the progressive cross conference play and aggressive open date scheduling appear to be paying dividends. The road to a championship will end this week for some. The rest will move on and get the opportunity of a lifetime, the chance to play in a "BIG HOUSE". Giants Stadium and Kean University appear to be much, much bigger when you are standing on the field. The sights are larger and much farther away. The sounds are louder and the colors are brighter. The coaches are saying the same things they told you when you were a bag holding sophomore, but now, suddenly, all these words mean so much more. The players will warm up better than they ever have before. Each step will have new meaning. The players will question their footwork, the turf conditions and the tightness of a spiral. Paralysis might begin to set in for a few. Nonetheless, the cream will still rise to the top in each bracket. Breathe it all in deep young men. Enjoy your chance, enjoy your friends, stop and take some pictures with the family, create a memory that will last a life time. Play loose and fast. Play like there is no tomorrow. Finally, win or lose, walk away with your head held high knowing you did the best you could do. No regrets!

This week we have added a special category feature to the rankings described as State Rank Average. We have taken the state ranks from  ...Read More

The first round of the State Playoffs features thirteen NJAC teams, including an impressive four first seeds in their respective sections.

North 1, Group 1
(1) Mt. Lakes 9-0 vs. (8) Wallington 6-2
Dennis Jones Analysis: Alright here is the low down on this game. Mt. Lakes, last years State Champion, is on a 22 game win streak and was really only challenged once this season by Butler, a game in which they won by 7 points. Every other game was a complete blowout. QB Scott McWilliams has really come on strong this year and can beat you with his arm or legs. Let's not forget their potent run game behind Kevin Ryan and Jack Nagle; the Herd can control the clock and wear you down. Wallington qualified for the playoffs last year but lost in the first round to Glen Rock. Jay Pacheco is the man with the plan for Wallington. Not only is he a very good DB and WR but he also is deadly returning kicks. QB Charlie Vellis likes to go over the top, he threw a 50 and 34 yard TD pass last week as Wallington improved to 6-2. Vellis leads Bergen County in TD passes with 22.
Brian Kenney Pick: My boss is the town prosecutor there: Mountain Lakes
Dennis Jones Pick: Mt. Lakes by 15
George Muha Pick: Herd by 20
Rocky & Sherm Pick: Just a tune up for the next round, Mountain Lakes by 10
Will Harrigan Pick: Lakes by 14

(3) Butler 8-1 vs. (6) Emerson 5-3
Dennis Jones Analysis: If you don't think Emerson has a chance in the playoffs, you only have to look  ...Read More

An early season loss to Pope John kept Sparta out of the Number 1 spot all season. However, with their victory over Roxbury this weekend the Spartans become the number one team in the NJAC Conference.

The regular season has concluded and our friends in Lenape Valley and Mountain Lakes went home happy with a pleasant new memory last weekend of an undefeated regular season. The NJAC Sports Center family wants to send a huge congratulation to both of these teams, players, families, supporters and legendary head coaches. JOB WELL DONE! Both of these teams share an unusual commonality in today's get it done now, I needed it yesterday society. Both schools possess stability at the top of their programs. Don Smolyn and Doug Wilkins have provided a foundation that allows these small towns to consistently build strong and winning teams.

Smolyn's teams have now made the state playoffs 28 times in the last 34 years while winning 7 state championships. How many other schools throughout the state can say that? Growing up as a kid, back in the 1970's, I went to "The Camp of the Lakers" basketball camp held at Mountain Lakes High School. A much younger Doug Wilkins was working the camp as a counselor. Coach Wilkins had on a very confusing T-shirt for a just turned teenager. I asked him "What does HERD mean? I thought this was the Mountain Lakes Lakers camp". He told me squarely "Son, this is the way we play football in Mountain Lakes. Hustle, Enthusiasm, Roughness and Desire". 30 something years later those words still ring true. These teams also shared convincing division title championships in their first year in a new conference. Should we have expected anything less?
<  ...Read More

AMERICAN DIVISION

Morris Knolls (3-5) @ Montville (3-5)
Will Harrigan: Having seen Knolls play in person, and having watched film of Montville. They both are similar in size and speed. I like Montville to win this one at home on Senior Night, but watch out for Martin Henes to bust at least one TD. Pick: 27-19 Montville
George Muha: You know, there’s been something on my mind. A few weeks back, when Montville was still making a run at the playoffs, a meager 60 fans were in the stands in the game against Mendham. There were more people on the Montville sideline than rooting for them in the stands. Not for nothing, but the Mustangs deserve a little more support than that. I hope the Mustangs come out in bigger numbers on their home turf. They’ll get to witness Bill Regan’s Veer Offense in person. Look for Connor Rush to finish his high school career with a 12 tackle performance. PICK: Knolls by 10

Vernon (1-7) vs. High Point (3-5)
Will Harrigan: I tell ya Vernon has better talent than that of a 1-7 team. I was impressed with QB Matt Soltes when I saw him play a few weeks back. But unfortunately, I think the 'Cats are a bit better even though I still haven't given up on Vernon yet, even without Jackie Jernick playing. Pick: 28-13 High Point
George Muha: Unfortunately the Wildcats are not playing  ...Read More

With only two losses (to Butler and Mt. Lakes), Joe Ruggiero's Pequannock team is still in the NJAC Top 10.

Wow, week nine and still so much to be decided around the NJAC! Four NJAC teams (Pope John, Roxbury, Mountain Lakes and Lenape Valley) are playing for perfect regular season records. Local bragging rights and memories that can that can last a lifetime are at stake. This weekend features two NJAC Top 10 match-ups. Number 2 Roxbury takes on Number 3 Sparta in a battle of the big boys on a field that allows you so close to the action you can hear the grunts and experience the grime. Meanwhile, number 7 Delbarton faces off against number 1 Pope John on the fast track turf in Sparta.

The State Playoff picture is coming into focus. Who said this conference was a bad idea? Good luck and health to all NJAC teams as we close the regular season!

Featured 5

#1 - Pope John - Record: 8W - 0L
NJAC Power Points: 342.3
Playoff Power Points: 166
State Playoff Hunt: #1 - NP-3
Best Win: Sparta
Next Key Game: Delbarton 11/07/09
Fun Facts: Pope John has had three different running backs gain over 150 yards in a game this year. Historically PJ has had a problem with Delbarton. This weekend should give us a preview of how the Johnnies might do in State competition.

#2 - Roxbury - Record: 8W - 0L
NJAC Power Points: 312.5
Playoff Power Points: 148
State Playoff Hunt: #1 - N1-G4
Best Win: West Morris
Next Key Game: Sparta 11/07/09
Fun Facts: The Ga  ...Read More

With football season almost coming to a close for a lot of teams and the sad fact that many guys will never don pads ever again, there is one thing still to be excited about:  The All NJAC Sports Center Awards...which will be posted after the State Finals.

What is unique about our awards is YOU get to select who should be honored for a post season award.  There were tons of talented and hard working athletes this year, so here is your chance to make sure they get their proper accolades. 

Here is how you can do it.  Simply email us who you think should get honored from the entire NJAC Conference.  After the season, we will post who were the most popular selections with our big awards peice. 

Also, feel free to email any photo's that you may have.  All photo's will be included in the awards article.

The best thing to do is copy and paste the outline below and email them to awards@hsjox.com.  Thank you for your selections and feedback!  -NJAC Sports Center Staff

All NJAC Sports Center Awards

Most Outstanding Player Award (equivalent to the Heisman)
Most Outstanding Offensive Player Award
Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award
Player Who Over Came Adversity Award
Most Outstanding Scholar-Athlete Award
Unsung Hero Award
Most Outstanding Coach Award
Most Outstanding Assistant Coach Award
Most Outstandin  ...Read More

Holloween will host some big matchups with Madison (5-1) vs. Lenape Valley (7-0), Butler (7-0) vs. Mt. Lakes (7-0) and Roxbury (7-0) vs. West Morris (6-1).

AMERICAN DIVISION

Morristown (4-3) @ Morris Knolls (3-4)
Will Harrigan: Knolls came upset minded into Roxbury last week; all-around playmaker Martin Henes had a fantastic game for the Eagles. Morristown is coming off a heart-breaking loss to Delbarton at home. This combination spells bad news for Knolls. I like Motown's chances in this one. Pick: 26-13 Morristown
George Muha: Morris Knolls is twelfth on the North 1, Group 3 Power Point rankings and still have a shot at the post season. Remember, they need to have at least 4 wins and be in the top eight in the Power Point rankings at the eight game cut off to get in. They’d need a little help from some other teams in their section, but a win here could propel Knolls into the playoffs. If Dylan “Ed Reed” Rimsky and Connor Rush play defense like they did in the first half of last weeks’ game against Roxbury, they could pull it off. But P.J. “Todd Heap” Jennings and the Colonials are in a “win and in” situation. Look for Motown to roll into the post season behind Jarrett Neely and the Colonial defense. PICK: Motown by 10

Mt. Olive (0-7) @ Delbarton (4-3)
Will Harrigan: You have to feel for Mount Olive, already losing to Knolls, Randolph, and Vernon, and now they are stuck with Delbarton. I don't believe for a second the Marauder's have thrown in the towel and I do believe they will crack  ...Read More

West Morris (ranked 6th) is fighting to win the division while Delbarton (ranked 8th) is trying to keep their post season hopes alive.

The NJAC is providing many area teams with the power points necessary to make some noise come state playoff time. Four teams have the highest number of Power Points in their section (Pope John, Roxbury, Mountain Lakes and Lenape Valley). Eight teams are pretty much assured state playoff births (Sparta, West Morris, Butler, Delbarton, Morris Catholic, Morristown, Pequannock and Madison). Six teams are on the bubble and with a few breaks could still get in (Parsippany Hills, Mendham, Morris Hills, Chatham, Montville and Hanover Park). Not bad for a first year conference. Keep it up guys and good luck this weekend!

Featured 5

#1 - Pope John - Record: 7W - 0L
NJAC Power Points: 233.7
Playoff Power Points: 136
State Playoff Hunt: #1 - NP-3
Best Win: Sparta
Next Key Game: Delbarton 11/07/09
Fun Facts: Pope John the area leader in State Power Points. The Lions have posted two shut outs in a row.

#2 - Roxbury - Record: 7W - 0L
NJAC Power Points: 205.6
Playoff Power Points: 109
State Playoff Hunt: #1 - N1-G4
Best Win: Morristown
Next Key Game: West Morris 10/30/09
Fun Facts: Roxbury currently leads N1-G4 in State Power Points. Gaels have only given up 34 points all year. They have a big test on the road this Friday at West Morris.

#3 - Sparta - Record: 6W - 1L
NJAC Power Points: 200.2
Playoff Power Points: 105
 ...Read More

AMERICAN DIVISION

Game Date – 10/29/09
Montville @ Mendham – Mendham’s Robin Chernow will protect the goal and the offensive force of Graziano, Gillespie, Appel & Horan will take care of the scoring in their victory over Montville. PICK – Mendham by 2Sparta @ Vernon – These two teams are very close in skill & record. The home crowd will be the difference in this close match. PICK – Vernon by 1
West Morris @ Morris Knolls – It’s going to be a high scoring game between these two Morris County power houses. The home team of Morris Knolls will prevail. Megan Halsch & Christie McCormick will lead the Knolls offense. PICK – Morris Knolls by 2Parsippany Hills @ Mt. Olive – Mt. Olive will not have an easy time with Parsippany hills but they will prevail in this low scoring match. Mt. Olive will be led by; Erin Farley & Nicole Amada & Val Zielinski. PICK – Mt. Olive by 1
Morris Hills @ Pope John – The home team from Sparta will continue its winning ways in their victory over Morris Hills. Rebecca Massie & Madison Flannigan will lead the offense for Pope John. PICK – Pope John by 2
Roxbury @ Morristown – Roxbury will get back to their winning ways after a few tough losses. Jessica Betsy & Cory Younghans will t  ...Read More

West Morris will need to rely on the team style of play that has got them this far when they play the 7-0 Roxbury Gaels in a Mischief Night showdown.

It’s fitting that Mischief Night play host to American Division rivals West Morris Central and Roxbury. It just makes it all the more spooky that both teams are fighting for their chance at the Division Title with the 7-0 Roxbury Gaels heading to the Wolf Den of Long Valley to face off against the 6-1 West Morris Wolfpack.

These two rivals are chomping at the bit for this day to come as both have some unfinished business from last season to tend to. These long time rivals shared last year’s Iron Hills Conference title and neither of them was happy to do so.

The Wolfpack felt the Conference Title was theirs because they went 8-1, beating Roxbury along the way. Roxbury felt they earned their share of the title because they went 8-1 and handedly took care of Morristown who was able to beat West Morris.

A win this Friday night and the Gaels all but win this year’s Division Title out right. If West Morris wins, they have a chance to take it for themselves. If the Wolfpack does win, there is even a chance for another dreaded shared title.

Whatever happens, one thing is for sure. This game will be full of sweat, tears and smash mouth football.

We’ve broken down this match-up by key positions to provide a little background and synopsis. Our football staff also rated each category to see which team has the edge in different areas of their respective teams.

QUARTERBACK

Roxbury: The Gaels featur  ...Read More