fri 1006/sports b1

SUSSEX COUNTY’S DAILY NEWSPAPER
Sports
Friday, October 6, 2006
THE NEW JERSEY HERALD
B—1
Same talented athlete, different net
By VERN MILLER JR.
Herald Sports Writer
It’s been said that a change of scene is
good for the soul.
But Ale Potosnak’s choice to play with a
tennis net in front of her, rather than a soccer net behind her, has changed the soul of
an entire team.
A soccer player tiring of the game she
played for 12 years, the Vernon High
School senior decided to spend her fall season somewhere other than in goal.
Vernon’s Alexandria Potosnak, 17, catches up to a ball near the sideline during
her match against Kittatinny’s Erin
Little. Potosnak won, 6-1, 6-0.
Vernon’s Potosnak
makes the transition
from soccer to tennis
Following the encouragement of friend
Chelsey DelGrosso — a first-doublesplayer
— Potosnak took a flyer on the sport she
had never played.
She began training with the team, working to better the strokes coach Scott
Trivento had taught her. Trivento talked
tennis with Potosnak when she was a student in his math class.
Potosnak needed to climb from the last
rung on a senior-heavy placement “ladder”
to secure a spot on the team.
All the novice player did was defeat
everyone on the Vikings, including Lindsey
Toth, a two-year captain who was returning at first-singles after a 2005 All-SCIL
season.
In a few short weeks Potosnak had gone
from “who’s that?” to first singles.
“It was pretty amazing,” Trivento said.
“Ale started at No. 7 on the ladder and
after she beat No. 5, I thought for sure that
she’d lose the next match. But she kept
winning, and her success became a running joke between us.
“I kidded with her that she had to lose
See POTOSNAK, Page B2
Photo by Claudio Papapietro/NJH
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: GAME
OF THE
WEEK
Brotherly
Love
T
he connection
between the Vernon
quarterback and one
of his receivers started long ago.
To be exact, it began at
birth.
Two minutes after Dan Lisa
was born, his twin brother
Mark was born.
Based on how much football
they played growing up, it’s not
much of a surprise that the Lisa
brothers, who aren’t identical
twins, play the positions they do.
Dan is the starting quarterback
and a defensive back for the
Vikings, while Mark is a receiver and
defensive back.
“Anywhere we went we had a football,” Dan said. “It’s not that ironic
that we’ve got a quarterback-receiver
combination.”
But it is ironic that Lisas are as good
as they are, considering the lack of
organized football they played growing
up.
“We weren’t allowed to play football
until fifth grade,” Mark said. “We
always wanted to play football, so we
Mark Lisa
Story by ANDREW
Photos by RANDY
would just run around the
yard and tackle each
other.”
Now, the seniors are
busy tackling the opposition.
The Lisa brothers
spearhead a secondary
that has been a key to
Vernon’s defense, a defense
that has allowed 36 points this season.
Mark and Dan have made opposing
quarterbacks feel their presence. In
last week’s 21-14 loss to Newton, each
recorded an interception.
In that game — or at any point —
neither brother wanted to be outdone
by the other. It’s one of the things that
drives them.
“It’s definitely fun,” Dan said. “From
a defensive perspective, it’s a little bit
of a competition to see who can get
more picks, make more tackles and
make a hit.”
But their impact may be even
greater on offense. It’s on that side of
the ball where Dan’s performance is
See LISA, Page B3
Dan Lisa
GOODMAN Of the Herald
MILLS of allproshots.com
Illustration by NJH Sports
Let there be light: High Point football set for first game under the lights
By NICK SABATELLO
Herald Sports Writers
WANTAGE — What better way to
bring a team out from the darkness of a
eight-game losing streak than some
light?
High Point will host its first night
game in school history tonight against
Jefferson.
It was the High Point Regional
Football Club that came up with the
bright idea.
They raised the money through
numerous fundraisers, struck a deal
with United Rental and approached
coach Todd DiNetta with the proposal.
With DiNetta’s approval, the plan
went into motion last spring.
“This is something a lot of teams in
the league have done,” DiNetta said. “I
think it’s a great idea.
“If you have the opportunity to play a
night game, you’re lucky.”
High Point had three home games to
choose from when selecting which game
to play under the lights. The school
wanted to keep its homecoming game
with Wallkill Valley in the normal afternoon time slot.
It will be one of nine games played
under the lights this season in the SCIL.
Lenape Valley and Hopatcong both have
permanent lights, and play the bulk of
their home games during prime-time.
High Point will join Jefferson as a
school that rents light for one home
game per season. Last year Vernon did
the same, but opted not to this season.
There are discussions to play at
Skylands Park under the lights. Sparta
and Newton talked about the idea earlier
in the season, and DiNetta said he would
love to play his final home game of the
season at Skylands.
A dream scenario would have one
SCIL game a week played at Skylands,
perhaps the game of the week.
Nine of the 10 SCIL schools will play
at least one game under the lights this
season with Wallkill Valley being the only
exception.
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Many players and coaches agree that
afternoon games don’t compare to playing under the lights.
DiNetta said he hopes it will bring the
best out of his team which has struggled.
The Wildcats opened up the season
with games against perennial powerhouses Lenape Valley, defending COSCIL champions Pope John and
Hopatcong and Kittatinny.
“We’ve been having a tough season,”
DiNetta said. “The kids are excited
about this game. They’ve been looking
forward to it since they heard about it
last year.
“We’re hoping playing under the lights
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The problem with rental lights is that
they only go so high, and don’t illuminate
the field as well as permanent lights.
“You don’t know what you’re getting
with rental lights,” DiNetta said. “You
don’t know how it’s going to look.”
High Point originally planned on having six towers at the game, but have
since added two more.
DiNetta said as an assistant at
Lenape Valley, the Patriots used lights
as a home field advantage. The Patriots
didn’t lose a game in which they rented
lights before acquiring permanent lights.
See WILDCATS, Page B3
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B—2
THE NEW JERSEY HERALD
Friday, October 6, 2006
SPORTS
Potosnak
Continued from Page B1
soon, because she was really
messing up my placement
sheet.”
Trivento credits Potosnak’s
success to her all-around athletic abilities, developed by years of
working at other sports.
Her time as a goalkeeper has
given her “phenomenal hands”
and great lateral quickness,
which has helped not only at the
net, but her ability to run down
and return shots from anywhere
on the court.
While Trivento said her inexperience keeps her from looking
like a No. 1 player in warm-ups,
her competitive nature and the
athleticism make it tough to get
a shot past her.
Potosnak, who also played
point guard on the Vikings’ basketball team, was a little uneasy
with her newfound tennis success.
While she was thrilled to do
well, she feared the effect that
her sudden emergence might
have on the team.
“Winning first singles was
kind of strange,” the 17-year old
said. “I had become friends with
my teammates and I felt bad
beating them in the challenge
matches. I was hoping that it
wouldn’t ruin our friendships or
cause hard feelings.
“But everyone has been great
about it and they have all had
very positive attitudes.”
Trivento agrees, and said he’s
proud of the way his team has
come together.
The entire team will be traveling to the state tournament this
weekend to cheer on DelGrosso
and first-doubles partner Lisa
LaBarck. The Vikings have rallied around the competitive spirit the fist-pumping Potosnak has
brought.
Trivento said that their new
No. 1 has added more than
depth, she’s added fire to the
lineup.
“There’s a whole new atmosphere on the team and it’s fantastic,” the coach said. “The
girls have embraced Ale and are
so into matches now that they’re
itching to play. Her competitiveness has been contagious.
“The same team that was 4-15
last year is 4-4 now and it feels
like a whole new ballgame.”
Potosnak has done more for
the Vikings than serve as a
cheerleader.
In her first season against the
league’s toughest competition,
she’s 4-4-1.
The losses have come against
the Sussex County
Interscholastic League’s top
players, including a hard-fought
6-3, 6-4 defeat to High Point’s
Lauren Tracy, Lenape’s Deniz
Uzel in three sets, with a tie
against Newton’s Jywel
Almirante.
“Lauren Lyons’ serve
is insane, it’s so much
faster than anyone
else’s. It was so much
of a surprise, my face
dropped and I said
‘why can’t I do that?’
Joy Johnson’s serve is
also amazing, and
even if you can return
it, she’ll just drop it
into a corner on you. I
can run down lots of
shots, but, so far, not
Joys’.
“I’m happy I was able
to beat her in one
game, but next time
out I’ll try for two.”
Vernon’s first-year senior tennis
player Ale Potosnak
Her first-week battles with
Sparta’s Lauren Lyons and Pope
John’s Joy Johnson had
Potosnak asking what she had
gotten herself into.
“Lauren Lyons’ serve is
insane, it’s so much faster than
anyone else’s,” Potosnak said of
her first-ever SCIL opponent. “It
was so much of a surprise, my
face dropped and I said ‘why
can’t I do that?’ Joy Johnson’s
serve is also amazing, and even
if you can return it, she’ll just
drop it into a corner on you. I
can run down lots of shots, but,
so far, not Joys’.
“I’m happy I was able to beat
her in one game, but next time
out I’ll try for two.”
Potosnak, who relaxes before
a match by listening to music
from an iPod programmed with
“everything but rap, including
classical,” enjoys being on the
court by herself, without a team
around her to help out.
While she was nervous at the
beginning of the season, the
pressure of being first singles
has “gotten better every day,”
calling it “a great learning experience.”
She tries to keep her opponents on the move and hopes to
“get into the opposing player’s
mind” by chasing down shots,
getting to and returning every
ball.
Her backhand has improved
steadily, but the accuracy of her
power serve has yet to remain
consistent.
“I wish I had more training,”
she said, reflecting on the challenge of starting tennis as a senior. “But I’ll go to camp this winter and work on perfecting what
I’ve learned from coach
Trivento. I love tennis now and I
intend to keep playing for the
rest of my life.
“You can’t be a goalie forever.”
Photo by Claudio Papapietro/NJH
Vernon’s Alexandria Potosnak prepares to serve in her match
against Kittatinny’s Erin Little Thursday in Vernon.
Photo by Claudio Papapietro/NJH
Kittatinny’s Brynn Clawson, right, returns a ball during her and teammate Mary Gallagher’s match against Vernon’s Lisa LaBarck,
left, and Chelsey DelGrosso Thursday afternoon.
Tourney time brief for SCIL teams
By VERN MILLER JR.
Herald Sports Writer
All SCIL teams that qualified for
a trip to the state sectionals can,
unfortunately, get back to focusing
on their in-league matchups.
After winning its first-round
contest over Wayne Valley, High
Point dropped its second-round
match against No. 2 seed Northern
Highlands.
Coupled with a loss against
Sparta on Wednesday, it shakes
out to be a week the Wildcats
would like to forget, even after
being buoyed by their state tournament win — the first states match
hosted by High Point in quite some
time.
With Pope John falling to highlyranked Immaculate Heart yesterday and Newton, Sparta and
Wallkill all suffering first-round
losses, teams will have to hope for
individual victories in upcoming
singles and doubles state play this
weekend.
But for today, the focus is on the
Pope John-Sparta matchup this
afternoon.
The Spartans rebounded from a
disappointing state loss to sweep
the Wildcats and will be looking to
put a stranglehold on their SCIL
lead with their second win over the
Lions.
Kerry McKinley will be back at
second singles for Pope John after
missing the first clash between the
two teams.
Standings
Team
Sparta
SCIL*
10-0 (48-2)
Overall
10-1
Pope John
8-1
8-3 (37-8)
High Point
7-2 (36-9)
8-3
Wallkill Valley
7-3 (33-17)
7-5
Vernon
5-3 (24.5-19.5)** 5-4
Newton
5-5 (29.5-25.5)
5-5
Lenape Valley
3-6 (16-33)**
3-6
Kittatinny
3-8 (12-43)
3-8
Sussex Tech
0-8 (4-36)
0-8
Hopatcong
0-10 (4-51)
0-10
*Including matches with Sussex Tech
**Suspended game to be completed on
10/19
() total SCIL sets won-loss
Thursday’s matches
SOMERVILLE — One of the
best teams in the SCIL met one of
the best teams in the state
Thursday in the first round of the
North A state tennis tournament
and the result wasn’t pretty.
Pope John fell to Immaculate
Heart, 5-0.
Not even the Lions Joy Johnson
could muster a victory against one
of the state’s premiere players —
Ally Landers.
Pope John’s closest matches
came at first and second doubles.
Stephanie Miceli and Carrie
Hannan fell 6-3, 6-2 at first doubles,
and Brianna Denn and Jen
Makulowich fell 6-3, 6-4 at second
doubles.
“Our doubles really stepped
up,” Pope John coach Tom Morro
said. “We played some of our best
tennis of the season.
“The girls showed all the heart
they could muster.”
Immaculate Heart 5, Pope John 0
Singles: Ally Landers () d. Joy Johnson
6-3, 6-0; Lauren Ferrari () d. Kerry McKinley
(PJ) 6-2, 6-2; Dana Ferrari () d. Anne
Lockwood (PJ) 6-0, 6-0.
Doubles: Jennifer Daffron/Danielle
Battaglia () d. Stephanie Miceli/Carrie
Hannan (PJ) 6-3, 6-2; Elizabether
Garvey/Christine Schottanes () d. Brianna
Denn/Jen Makulowich (PJ) 6-3, 6-4.
Records: Pope John 8-3, 11-0
Northern Highlands 5,
High Point 0
ALLENDALE — The Wildcats
hit a early stumble in the second
round of the North I, Group III
state tournament.
Kelly Costello and Michelle
Morawsky gave the Wildcats the
closest match, falling 6-4, 6-3 at
first doubles.
Northern Highlands 5, High Point 0
Singles: Laura Danzig (NH) d. Lauren
Tracy (HP) 6-0, 6-0; Alyssa Golub (NH) d.
Marly Roche (HP) 6-3, 6-2; Dana
Oppermann (NH) d. Lauren Bayse (HP) 62, 6-1.
Doubles: Stella Tello/Stephanie Kahn
(NH) d. Kelly Costello/Michelle Morawsky
(HP) 6-4, 6-3; Joanna Kurman/Lauren
Schweitzer (NH) d. Deanna Costa/Gabriele
Carpenter (HP) 6-3, 6-1.
Vernon 3, Kittatinny 2
VERNON — Ale Potosnak
pulled off the straight set victory at
first singles for the Vikings.
Kittatinny’s Krista Slack picked up
a straight set win at third singles,
and the teams split the doubles
matches.
Kittatinny’s
Mary
Gallagher and Brynn Clawson won
at first doubles, and Vernon’s
Kaylee Black and Kim Mohn won
at second doubles.
Vernon 3, Kittatinny 2
Singles: Ale Potosnak (V) d. Erin Little
(K), 6-1, 6-0; Lauren Lukacks (V) d. Melissa
LaCotour (K), 2-6, 6-0, 6-4; Krista Slack (K)
d. Denae Bianes (V), 6-1, 6-1.
Doubles: Mary Gallagher/Brynn
Clawson (K) d. Chelsey DelGrosso/Lisa
LaBarck (V), 7-5, 6-4; Kaylee Black/Kim
Mohn (V) d. Justina Welsh/Erin Fleck (K),
6-1, 6-3.
Records: Vernon 5-4, Kittatinny 2-9.
Wallkill Valley 5, Sussex Tech 0
*
* Excellence in Academics
* Graduates accepted into the nation’s
top-rated colleges and universities
HARDYSTON — Sussex Tech’s
Sophia Bosio gave it all she had,
but couldn’t overcome Wallkill
Valley’s Megan Wolfe at first singles. Wolfe held on for the 4-6, 6-4,
7-5 victory. The Mustangs nearly
pulled off another win at first doubles, but Elyssia DelVecchio and
Carmella Re fell to Caitlin Lang
and Kate Ayers, 6-0, 3-6, 6-3.
Wallkill Valley 5, Sussex Tech 0
Singles: Megan Wolfe (WV) d. Sophia
Bosio (ST), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5; Ann Murken (WV)
d. Heather O’Brien (ST), 6-3, 6-1; Sam
Scalpone (WV) d. Katie Roffe (ST), 7-6, 71, 6-4.
Doubles: Caitlin Lang/Kate Ayers (WV)
d. Elyssia DelVecchio/Carmella Re (ST),60, 3-6, 6-3; Nina Incorvaia/Kim Kowalchuk
(WV) d. Briana Caska/Bridget Crespo (ST),
6-4, 6-3.
Records: Wallkill Valley 7-5, Sussex
Tech 0-10.
Sparta 5, Lenape Valley 0
STANHOPE — Sparta’s Sarah
Hetzler and Jenn Barr outlasted
Lenape Valley’s Megan Gallo and
Lauren Fersch at second doubles,
6-3, 4-6, 6-4. Lauren Lyons, Tricia
Ashmore and Michelle Hardy all
won in straight sets for Sparta.
Sparta 5, Lenape Valley 0
Singles: Lauren Lyon (S) d. Annastassia
Kowalski (LV), 6-1, 6-1; Tricia Ashmore (S)
d. Deniz Uzell (LV), 6-1, 6-1; Michelle
Hardy (S) d. Katie Emmich (LV), 6-0, 6-1.
Doubles: Carly Mora/Katie Dowd (S) d.
Grace Miller/Erica Valerio (LV), 6-2, 6-0;
Sarah Hetzler/Jenn Barr (S) d. Megan
Gallo/Lauren Fersch (LV), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.
Records: Sparta 10-1, Lenape Valley 36.
Newton 5, Hopatcong 0
HOPATCONG
—
Jywel
Almirante picked up the first singles win for Newton, winning in
straight sets, 6-0, 6-1. Teammate
Erin Henegan won 6-2, 6-1 at second singles.
Newton 5, Hopatcong 0
Singles: Jywel Almirante (N) d. Alicia
Plinio (H), 6-0, 6-1; Erin Henegan (N) d.
Jen Bogert (H), 6-2, 6-1; Catherine
DePalma (N) d. Valerie LaMotta (H), 6-3, 64.
Doubles: Jessica Schworz/Kelly Hontz
(N) d. Melanie Rowbotham/Jaclyn Benett
(H), 6-1, 6-3; Alyssa Graham/Meghan
Mucilli (N) d. Nicole Schodlin/Cara Rossy.
Records: Newton 5-5, Hopatcong 0-10.
Wednesday’s match
Newton 4, Sussex Tech 1
Singles: Jywel Almirante (N) d. Sopia
Bosio (ST), 6-0, 6-0; Erin Henegan (N) d.
Heather O’Brien (ST), 6-0, 6-0; Catherine
DePalma (N) d. Katie Roffe (ST), 6-4, 4-6,
6-3.
Doubles: Carmella Re/Elyssia
DelVecchio (ST) d. Jessica Schworz/Kelly
Hontz (N), 6-2, 6-4; Meghan Muccilli/Alyssa
Graham (N) d. Bridget Crespo/Briana
Caska (ST), 7-5, 6-4.
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Friday, October 6, 2006
THE NEW JERSEY HERALD
B—3
SPORTS
Vernon,
Pope
John
still
a
big
game
Football was made
THE WAY I SEE IT
for Friday nights
The reason why there’s a movie called “Friday Night Lights” is
simple.
It’s because playing a game on Friday night is as good as it gets
for a high school football player.
Of course, some prefer a Saturday afternoon game. The weather is better, and the players can get more rest.
But there aren’t many other positives about playing during the
day.
Just analyze the atmosphere of a Friday night game. The anticipation for the game builds all day. The longer wait for kickoff adds
to the enthusiasm from the players and fans.
Then, there are the lights, which protrude through the night. If
somebody were to view the field from above, it would seem like
the spotlight is shining directly on the gridiron.
There’s also something about playing at
night that makes the game seem more
important. The fans are more into the game
and it almost seems like there’s a greater
sense of urgency among the players.
Playing in the afternoon simply cannot
compare to that environment. Maybe it’s
because fans are more relaxed during the
day or the players and fans aren’t completely awake. But for whatever reason, the day
does not have the same cache as the night.
There’s also the unique aspect of playing
ANDREW
on Friday night. Since many high schools
GOODMAN
don’t have lights, playing at night isn’t an
Herald Football Writer
option. The opportunities to shine under the
lights don’t come often.
Kittatinny had never won a night game before this season. The
Cougars finally did it earlier this year, when they beat Lenape
Valley in overtime. The drama of the game was greater than it
would have been if it was the average Saturday afternoon game.
The contest felt as if there was nothing going on at the time was
more important.
And it’s not only special for a high school player to suit up for a
night game. The experience extends to the next level.
In college football last Saturday, Iowa, which was No. 13 at the
time, hosted top-ranked Ohio State in a night game.
Why was this night game significant?
Well, Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium doesn’t have lights. To play the
game at night, Iowa needed to utilize portable lights. And as a
result, the game was played in the atmosphere it deserved.
The game, which was televised nationally on ABC, was billed as
one of the biggest in Iowa history – and for good reason. It’s not
every year a team has a chance to knock off the No. 1 team in the
nation under the lights. Iowa ended up losing, 38-17, but the game
didn’t lose any luster.
Adding lights for one game tells anyone all he or she needs to
know about a night game. It gives the contest added importance.
You won’t see a team move a gigantic game like that from a
night game to a day game. It doesn’t make sense and it would
minimize the importance of the matchup.
Minimizing the importance of high school football games is
something they never do in Texas. It’s a state where nothing is
more important than the Friday night game and that’s why it’s
played at that time. Of course, the passion for high school football
in Texas goes overboard – to say the least.
But it speaks volumes about Friday night high school football
games that there would be a Buzz Bissinger book and a Peter
Berg film that would explore the Permian High School football
team. The team’s games – obviously played on Friday nights – are
the most important event each week in Odessa, Texas.
Now, to compare any high school sporting event in this part of
the country to Texas high school football is unfair because there’s
more to the world than high school football here – which is a good
thing. But the point is Saturday afternoon sunlight doesn’t compare to Friday night lights.
And that brings us to High Point. Tonight, High Point will host
Jefferson for the first home night game in school history.
The Wildcats’ program realizes the importance of playing at
night. Every high school football player should be able to experience the buildup and excitement that comes with playing on
Friday night.
So no matter what the final score is in tonight’s game, the High
Point football team and its fans will be winners for years to come.
Andrew Goodman is the Herald’s high school football writer.
He can be reached at (973) 383-1500 ext. 247 or at
agoodman@njherald.com.
Who needs lights?
Give me a blanket
Everybody wants that “Friday Night Lights” atmosphere. They
want the spotlight on the field, the glory that it perceptually
bestows on a high school football player.
But this ain’t Texas. It ain’t “Two-a-Days” in Alabama.
It’s New Jersey, and it’s flippin’ cold.
Oh sure, night games are good in September. They might even
be a little refreshing from the blazing sun of the early season.
But once October rolls around, get me indoors. Hot chocolate
won’t cure me, neither will mittens or the fat guy who hits me
after every first down.
I don’t care about the game. I’m cold.
The players might enjoy the breeze, especially during a “sweat em’ out” game. But
fans don’t enjoy sniffles, or numb extremities.
Take last year’s state final between
Sparta and Hopatcong: Cold as Bill
Belichick.
It was a good game, but hard to pay attention with my toes falling off. Would have
been much more enjoyable on TV. Then I
asked myself: How is Paul Reduzzi still
wearing shorts?
STEFAN
So word to the wise: Maximize the
BONDY
warmth.
Assistant Sports Editor
We’ve all seen the weather reports, the
differences between day-and-night. The high
for Saturday is 65 degrees, the low is 45. When would you rather
watch a football game? Better yet, when would you rather go outside in December? It’s cold no matter what, just a whole lot colder
after sunset.
Field lights are nice, but it’s not worth it unless they’re emitting
ultra-violet rays. On second thought, I could probably do without
the skin cancer.
Give me sun, give me a hot dog, and give me warmth. That’s
how I prefer football games. Either that, or give me a couch and
ESPN.
There is also the cost of renting lights, which is around $4,000
for eight units per game — paid for by the High Point Football
Club. For my money (which it isn’t) that would be better served
for heating pads on the bleachers. Metal can get cold, very cold.
Night games are a noble idea, but one better suited for
September. Let’s hope High Point gets its one-time “Friday Night
Lights” thrill, then spares us from the flu.
Oh yeah, forgot to mention. The main reason why games
shouldn’t be played on Friday night: The Herald doesn’t have a
Saturday paper.
Stefan Bondy is the Herald’s assistant sports editor. He can be
reached at (973) 383-1500 ext. 249.
Wildcats
Continued from Page B1
“It’s a different type of football,” he said. “If you’re not used
to it, the shadows are a little different. It also helps with misdirection plays where your trying
to hide the ball.”
DiNetta said that the valley in
which High Point’s field is located should make for a good setup.
He said Friday will be a great
night for the entire school.
“Its good for the school itself,”
he said. “You get surrounding
schools to come in and watch
your game.”
By ANDREW GOODMAN
Herald Sports Writer
Sometimes the highly-anticipated game
never transpires.
Undefeated Pope John (4-0) travels to
Vernon (3-1) Saturday at 1 p.m., in what was
supposed a matchup between two unbeatens.
Only Newton spoiled the party with its 2114 victory over the Vikings last week.
The game may not have as much luster,
but that doesn’t mean it’s less important.
Last season, Vernon beat the Lions, 30-24, in
the season opener. Revenge will be on the
collective mind of Pope John.
The Lions have since won 11 consecutive
Sussex County Interscholastic League
games, but that streak looked to be in jeopardy when they trailed Lenape Valley last
week. The Lions rallied for the 21-20 win, and
remained unbeaten.
Vernon could present Pope John with its
final hurdle in pursuit of an unbeaten season.
If the Lions get through this game
unscathed, it could be smooth sailing in the
final four SCIL games.
The Vikings know their offense needs to
score more. Vernon has scored 56 points, and
has cracked 20 once. In the last two games
— the loss to Newton and the 7-6 win against
Jefferson — the Vikings have had trouble
moving the ball inside the 20.
Vernon senior quarterback Dan Lisa,
who’s passed for 596 yards this year, will be
the key in changing that trend. His ability to
beat teams with his arm and his legs poses
an interesting challenge for opposing defenses.
And that may become evident this week.
Pope John’s pass defense hasn’t been challenged often this season, so it could be susceptible to the pass. Lisa has plenty of
weapons, including tight end Mike Deutch
and receivers Sean Lennon, Sean Kearns
and his brother, Mark.
But Pope John’s Jeremy Tucker will play a
major role in hindering the Vikings’ passing
game. Tucker is a key player in the Lions’
secondary, but is clearly more vital to Pope
John’s offense. He has already run for 927
yards and scored 90 points (14 touchdowns).
If Tucker has a big day, he will provide
Pope John a comfortable lead. If that’s the
case, Vernon will have to play from behind,
and it’s easier to defend the pass without
having to worry about the run.
But if the Vikings can limit Tucker’s big
runs, they’ll be in the game. It’s not a stretch
to say Vernon is capable of doing that, considering the way its defense has played. Only
one running back has eclipsed 100 yards
against the Vikings and they have yielded 36
points.
Unfortunately for Vernon, stopping Tucker
is easier said than done.
Prediction: Pope John 28, Vernon 20
Spartans (2-2) at Chiefs (3-1),
Tonight, 7
This game is big, but it could be historic.
Sparta and Hopatcong will be on the same
field for the first time since the North I,
Lisa
Continued from Page B1
vital. So far this season, he’s
completed 35 of his 91 passes,
and has thrown for 596 yards.
Dan passed for 301 yards last
week. It was the first 300-yard
passing game for a Vernon quarterback under coach Chuck
Tepper’s 10-year tenure.
Dan’s numbers may not be
where they are if not for the obvious connection with Mark.
“You’re trying to develop knowing where the other person is
going to be,” Tepper said.
“They’ve had 17 years to realize
what each other is thinking.”
But there are still times when
Dan can’t get Mark the ball. Dan
doesn’t try to force throws to
be at home.
Prediction: Hopatcong 21, Sparta 16
Standings
Pope John
Hopatcong
Newton
Kittatinny
Vernon
Sparta
Jefferson
Lenape Valley
High Point
Wallkill Valley
W
4
3
3
3
3
2
1
1
0
0
L
0
1
1
1
1
2
3
3
4
4
PF
129
90
70
75
56
81
58
67
45
14
PA
45
64
56
42
36
71
64
83
94
132
XP 2-pt
0
3
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
Pts
90
48
42
39
30
24
Yards Car.
927
86
894 101
507
75
392
76
357
58
303
55
278
62
TD
14
7
4
1
3
4
1
Falcons (1-3) at Wildcats (0-4),
Tonight, 7
History will definitely be made in this
game. This will be the first night game High
Point hosts.
The records may be deceiving. Jefferson
nearly defeated Vernon in Week 3, and High
Point has been respectable in every game.
The Falcons’ aerial attack needs to get
back on track after struggling against
Hopatcong last week. Quarterback Dom
Macaluso completed four passes, but he
could have a big game with receivers Buddy
Miller and Matt Valentini.
Wildcats’ junior running back Evan
Johnson ran for 106 yards last week, and
scored on a 35-yard touchdown run. He’s part
of an offense that continues to improve.
In a game that will be close, High Point will
be pumped up to be playing under the lights.
Prediction: High Point 21, Jefferson 20
Scoring leaders (SCIL)
Jeremy Tucker (PJ)
Joe Martinek (H)
Sam Paul (N)
Chris Hoffman (S)
Zach VonderLinden (V)
John Kaschak (J)
TD
14
8
7
5
5
4
FG
0
0
0
1
0
0
Rushing
Jeremy Tucker (PJ)
Joe Martinek (H)
Chris Hoffman (S)
Scott Paul (N)
John Kaschak (J)
Zach VonderLinden (V)
Richie Joseph (K)
Cougars (3-1) at Braves (3-1),
Saturday, 1 p.m.
Passing (min. 75 attempts)
Steve Zander (N)
Dan Lisa (V)
Brendan McDonough (S)
Dom Macaluso (J)
Yds. Com. Att.
628 50 101
596 35 91
482 43 77
474 35 90
TD
7
0
2
3
Yards Rec.
299 23
245 17
228 14
195 13
174 14
152
8
138
4
122 14
TD
3
6
1
0
0
0
2
1
Receiving
Derrick Freligh (S)
Sam Paul (N)
Buddy Miller (J)
Mike Deutch (V)
Andrew Molitoris (N)
Sean Kearns (V)
Kevin Ryan (K)
Matt Valentini (J)
Scoring leaders (state)
Jeremy Tucker, Pope John
90
Davon Shaw, Ferris
76
Yessy Tejada, S.t Joseph (West New York)
72
Tom Rock, Manville
70
Darius Kinney, Hudson Catholic
68
— Andrew Goodman
Group II state championship game at
Rutgers Stadium. The Chiefs won, 20-14, in
overtime in a game that was an instant classic.
But this contest could be historic because
Hopatcong running back Joe Martinek could
set the New Jersey rushing record. He has
894 yards this year, and needs 282 to set the
new mark.
As for the game, the outcome will affect
seeding. Both squads are viable contenders
to win this year’s North I, Group II state title.
Both offenses can score points, but in different ways. Sparta has a more balanced
attack, while Hopatcong relies on its ground
game.
The game could be as close and wellplayed as last year’s state title game.
Hopatcong has the slight edge, since it will
Mark, but knows he needs to get
it to him.
“During a game, I can’t keep
track of how many passes I’ve
thrown,” Dan said. “I’ll always,
after the game, ask (Mark) how
many times did you get the ball?
I feel bad if it’s only one or two.”
Mark could feel bad about
being overlooked. Afterall, Dan is
the quarterback and in the spotlight a lot more.
But Mark said he doesn’t feel
forgotten, the result of their battles growing up.
The competitive nature made
them better football players, but
they were always happy for each
other along the way — even
though there was the occasional
brawl according to Dan.
“I loved having a little bit of
competition growing up,” Mark
said.
Tepper said he’s noticed a
Kittatinny got its big win against Lenape
Valley, and Newton earned its huge victory
against Vernon.
The ramifications of the contest could be
felt in the future, since the Cougars and
Braves are jockeying for position in the North
I, Group II playoffs.
Newton’s offense was spectacular last
week, led by quarterback Steve Zander. He
threw for 250 yards and got many of his
receivers involved. Sam Paul has been a scoring machine at receiver, as he’s already
caught six touchdown passes.
After knocking off Lenape Valley two weeks
ago, there was no letdown for the Cougars
against High Point. Although they played a
close one, they still pulled out a 14-7 win.
The winner here will be in great shape for
getting a high seed in the playoffs.
Prediction: Newton 28, Kittatinny 21
Patriots (1-3) at Rangers (0-4),
Saturday, 1 p.m.
If Lenape Valley plays anywhere near the
level it played at in last week’s loss to Pope
John, Wallkill Valley is in trouble. The
Patriots went face to face with the Lions and
almost got the best of them.
Lenape Valley’s running game should have
its way. Mike Groome, Jim Hamill and Rob
Borgstrom are capable of finding the end
zone.
In recent games, injuries may have been
the Patriots’ biggest hindrance.
Wallkill Valley is coming off a game it was
shutout. The Rangers will benefit from playing their second home game.
But it won’t be nearly enough.
Prediction: Lenape Valley 30, Wallkill
Valley 7
Last week: 4-1
Season record: 17-3
slight change in Mark’s personality this year. He also said neither
brother says much, but it’s not
necessarily a bad thing.
“Mark’s a little bit quieter, but
he’s really come alive this year,”
Tepper said. “Neither one is really
all that outgoing.
“Anybody who’s watching them
is getting a good example of how
to play high school football.”
Tepper also called the Lisa
brothers leaders, and said they
would have lasting impacts on the
programs.
Dan’s impact was a tangible
one last year. The Vikings reached
the North I, Group IV semifinals,
but lost to Morris Knolls. In the
game, Dan was injured and it may
have cost Vernon a chance to
move on and play for a state title.
But Dan doesn’t view the loss
that way. He modestly said he didn’t make much of a difference in
the offense last season with
Justin Gannon in the backfield.
That clearly isn’t the case this
year, as Dan guides Vernon’s
offense with his arm and his legs.
During Dan and Mark’s games,
there may be several family members present. That’s because Dan
and Mark aren’t the only Lisas at
Vernon Township High School.
Their sister, Katie, is a junior on
the field hockey team and their
brother, Scott, is a freshman. They
also have another brother, who
hasn’t reached high school yet.
Considering everything Mark
and Dan have contributed to the
football program, it’s obvious how
Tepper feels about them.
“I can’t say enough about the
Lisa family,” he said. “They’re
real good young men. It’s been
fun watching them grow up
through the four years.”
Rutgers football success is having a ripple effect
By DAVID PORTER
The Associated Press
NEW BRUNSWICK — Steve Ostergren is
uniquely positioned to offer a gauge on how far
Rutgers’ football program has progressed
after years of ineptitude. Not only is he a diehard Scarlet Knights fan who sells official
school merchandise — he actually was the
Scarlet Knight.
The 1988 graduate and former football mascot — he has the oversized knight’s head on
his wall to prove it — owns Scarlet Fever, a
store that sells Rutgers athletic apparel. With
the team ranked in The Associated Press’s top
25 for the first time in 30 years, Ostergren is
finding it a challenge to keep pace.
“To be honest, right now we’re a little too
busy for our own good,” he said, between
checking online orders on a computer next to
his cash register and ringing up customers.
The ripple effect of the team’s success is
washing over into other areas as well, such as
inquiries about alumni donations to the athletic department, which athletic director Robert
Mulcahy said reached a peak last year.
“It’s not as if people are lined up outside my
door saying, ’OK, add three zeros to my gift,”’
said Jason Kroll, a senior associate athletic
director who oversees the school’s alumni
association, the Scarlet R Club. “Where we’re
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Annual giving to athletics by alumni was a
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ascends to the top 25, there’s a certain buzz
that extends far and wide.”
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