By Andy Loigu

The Hackettstown boys soccer team and Warren Hills field hockey team remained undefeated last week, but will not have an opportunity to capture Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex tournament championships this year.

“It is with deep regret that our 2020 HWS Fall Sports Championships have been postponed due to the current pandemic facing our country as a whole,” a statement on the association’s website said. “Due to adjustments of current regular season conference schedules, travel distances between schools, challenges with transportation…”

I get it. Driving from Delaware Valley Regional near Frenchtown, to High Point, can be quite a haul.

The association publicist went on to explain that the decision was made “to err on the side of caution for all participants.”

As of this morning, the 7-0 Tigers are ranked seventh in the statewide ratings by nj.com as Hackettstown prepares for a Saturday morning game at Hopatcong.

Trick or treat.

The 8-0 Blue Streaks stand fifth in the statewide field hockey rankings, with five consecutive shutouts, thanks to goalkeeper Emily Schlessinger and a tenacious midfield and backline.

Simryn Desai scored in recent wins over Watchung Hills and number 11 North Hunterdon.

Warren Hills will host Hunterdon Central, which is always competitive and has strength in numbers, on October 27.

Let’s hope the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) finds a way to get the state tournament played. I would suggest a reduction in the number of teams. Using the power points system (however flawed it may be) they could impartially calculate the top two seeds in each section and then play it off. Somebody with a 7-6 record may complain about the criteria, but at least someone will be celebrating a state title.

It would be better than the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) college football playoffs, which are selected by opinionated people who favor certain conferences.

Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building.