By Andy Loigu

When you’ve only got two players who have ever caught a pass in a varsity game, the last thing you need is to be opening the season against Phillipsburg.

That is the challenge facing Warren Hills after graduating two dozen players from last year’s 5-5 team. The visiting Stateliners, who storm into Warren Hills for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Friday evening, Sept. 6, are a perennial power from a community which proudly lets the world know, at every opportunity, that they are New Jersey’s all-time leader in football wins. 

George DiGrande, a 22-year coaching veteran who is starting his third campaign leading the Blue Streaks at Warren Hills, has faced daunting challenges before and led his team into the Group 3 playoffs last year, after a discouraging 0-3 start.

Justin Coombs and Jake Smith are his returning receivers. Smith also plays at defensive end. The Streaks also have defensive back Tucker Gabrich returning.For everyone else, the upcoming season is an opportunity to prove themselves.

Gagliardi Leads Hackettstown

Hackettstown, which opens at home with a 7 p.m. kickoff against Jefferson on Friday, is a bit better off in terms of experienced returnees.

The Tigers struggled through a 4-5 season last year, ending with a 38-14 loss to the Blue Streaks. However, their offense was limited by an injury to quarterback Nick Gagliardi. If Gagliardi regains his old form in his senior season, the Tigers could restore the roar which led them to the sectional final and a trip to a bigtime venue, the home of the Giants and Jets, in 2017.

Gagliardi will take the snaps behind an experienced offensive line which features Ben Kurn, Kory Connelly, Logan Burke and Pedro Vasquez.
Will Peterson, along with two-way players Kurn and Vasquez, gives the Tigers a strong pass rush. Where there is a Will there is a way. Jason Kuehner is a smart linebacker who is effective in pass coverage and against the run.

Coach CJ Robinson is not looking past Jefferson, his opening opponent, who he described as a highly competitive and talented team.
Let the season begin.

Tigers’ Soccer Looks To Repeat Success

Senior defender Tyler Gorczyca anchored a stifling defense that helped lead the Hackettstown Tigers to Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex and North 2 Group 2 championships in boys soccer last year. He was selected first team All-Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference and All-State Group 2 last season and is back to lead the team once again.

They begin their defense of the H/W/S and state sectional championships on Thursday afternoon, Sept. 5, with a 4 p.m. kickoff versus the visiting High Point Wildcats.

Best of luck to all our local athletes.

Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building.