By Andy Loigu

First-year quarterback Anthony Caputo factored into five touchdowns on Saturday afternoon as Hackettstown (2-0) vanquished Wallkill Valley 41-7 in the ski country of Sussex County. It was the second week in a row that the Tigers scored six or more touchdowns.

Caputo flew the friendly skies, completing 9-of-12 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for two touchdowns, while toting the ball 11 times and gaining 55 yards. The Tigers gave the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference notice that they can pass, as well as run, from their intricate triple-option offense.

Receiving the touchdown passes were Christian Maciak, TJ Sciaretta, and speedy Matt Macaulay, who broke the game open by hauling in a 59-yard bomb in the third period.

On the ground, Maciak carried the ball three times for 45 yards and a touchdown. He caught three passes for 78 yards.

Sciaretta also was a double threat, rushing six times for 25 yards and catching two passes for 37 yards.

Using multiple targets, Caputo also completed a 46-yard pass to Matt Castro to keep a drive going. Eddie O’Melia booted five extra point conversion kicks through the uprights.

On defense, Maciak intercepted a pass and Castro made four tackles.

Max Cash, who led the Tigers in tackles in their opener against Dover, shared the team lead with Tim Ervey this time, with five stops each.

Wallkill Valley had little success trying to run plays to either the inside or outside, as the Tigers also got four-tackle performances from Austin Willis, Alan Hatten, and Jared Bernard.

The Tigers will host North Warren in Hackettstown on Friday, Sept. 22. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

STREAK HOCKEY POWERS PAST NORTH

After a 7-0 win over visiting North Hunterdon on Saturday, the perennially powerful Warren Hills Blue Streaks have a 4-1 record in field hockey.

A program which always “schedules up” seeking the best competition it can find, the Blue Streaks face a challenging week against foes with high state rankings and historical pedigree.

Madison visits Warren Hills on Wednesday afternoon and the Blue Streaks visit spirited rival Voorhees on Friday afternoon, Sept. 22.

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Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building.