By Andy Loigu

Just like Old Man River, the winning traditions connected to the Warren Hills field hockey and Hackettstown boys soccer programs keep rolling along.

The Blue Streaks now are 6-0 in field hockey and the Tigers are 5-0 in boys soccer. The stability of the programs and consistency in coaching philosophy from one class to the next produces winning results, not only year after year, but decade after decade. Not even the worst pandemic of our lifetimes has been able to deter these programs.

Jenna Wyckoff scored a goal and assisted on two others for the Blue Streaks in a 3-0 field hockey win at Ridge on Oct. 15.

Goalkeeper Emily Schlessinger did something that is rare in professional baseball these days, as she shut the opposition out for the entire game. She made six saves in whitewashing the Ridgers.

Maddie Summit scored a goal and assisted on another. Simryn Desai also scored for Warren Hills.

Tiger soccer got a big 2-1 win at North Warren (now 3-2) in a battle of tradition rich programs which have celebrated championships at the county, sectional and state level over the years.

In the Oct. 17 showdown which was tied at 1-1 just before intermission by a Patriot score from Ethan Henderson, the Tigers’ defense dominated. Goalie Nate Harrison only needed to make three saves to secure the Hackettstown win.

Harrison did something you rarely see from a goalie, he took part in the offense by assisting on a goal.

Jon Smith and Cam Reardon each scored for the Tigers and Mike Pietrewicz assisted on a score.

Against the Jefferson Falcons on Oct. 14, in sunny and optimal weather conditions, Chase Reardon scored two goals and also assisted in a 3-1 win over the Jeffersonians. Colton Grove scored a goal and Harrison assisted. Minding the nets, Harrison turned away eight shots for Hackettstown.

Congratulations and continued success to these dedicated stalwart athletes.

Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building.