By Andy Loigu

Quarterback Tim Ervey (on offense) and linebacker Matt Castro (on defense) were honored at last month’s Hackettstown- Washington Rotary luncheon with the offensive and defensive player of the game awards for Hackettstown following the annual contest against traditional rival Warren Hills. For these two Tigers, just two of the latest honors they’ve gotten.

Showing that they were outstanding on both offense and defense as two-way players this season, Ervey was named to the first team defense as a linebacker and Castro made first team offense as a running back on the all-star selections for the American White Division of the North Jersey Super Football Conference. Nine Tigers were named to the post-season all-star unit.

“He really brought the team together,” said coach C.J. Robinson regarding his reliable senior leader Castro, in looking back at Hackettstown’s  4-5 season which featured many memorable highlights. Castro was described by his mentor as “a selfless team leader who led by his example, how he approached things both on and off the field.”

A 14-tackle defensive game against Lenape Valley and an outing at Chatham in which he rushed for 173 yards of offense were two of his finest efforts last fall. For the season he totaled over 900 rushing yards, averaging over 100 per game. He scored nine rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner in the final minutes of a 7-3 victory at Jefferson Township.

Ervey was prepared to be the starting tailback when the season opened, but a hand injury to returning quarterback Nick Gagliardi forced a change of plans. Thrust into the quarterback role against a Lenape Valley defense regarded as one of the best in the league, Ervey responded with five completions in seven attempts for 87 yards and two touchdowns, one of them a 27-yard aerial to Zay Willis.

He totaled 310 yards (16-for-27) with five touchdown tosses on the season, bringing a passing element to the Tigers’ run-first triple-option system which requires on-the-rollout quick thinking and decision making from the quarterback, recognizing defensive mismatches and weaknesses. One of the options is for the quarterback to run with the ball himself. When that was his choice, on 62 plays, he rushed for 376 yards and six touchdowns.

On defense he made 37 tackles from his linebacker slot and also helped position his teammates to gain good matchups against the opponents’ formations.

Also chosen to the first team all-division defense was Zach Jastrzebski, another productive two-way player. He scored a 64-yard rushing touchdown as the Tigers tried to stay in the game at Warren Hills against a rugged defense. Against the explosive Blue Streaks’ offense, he made seven tackles. In the Tigers’ four wins, he was a defensive factor with numerous deflected passes in deep coverage.

Alan Hatten was named a first team offensive lineman for his solid protection and opening holes for the ball carriers, but among his most memorable plays was a blocked punt against Lenape Valley, while playing defense. Two-way lineman Jake D’Ambola was named to the second team offense, as was Jared Salazar, who rushed for 246 yards and contributed 22 receiving yards to the Tigers’ multi faceted attack.

Zeb Burke was named to the second team defense, in recognition of his 59 tackles, including a quarterback sack for a loss of yardage. On offense, he gained 107 rushing yards, averaging 13 per game.

Dan Olson also was named to the second team defense and Garrett Meyer was awarded honorable mention.

Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building.