First Time Kicker Makes it Count for Paladins

With almost all Paramus teams out of the County tournaments, a majority of squads are now turning their attention to the upcoming state tournaments. Volleyball, which recently clinched the Freedom Division title, is the lone squad competing for a county title.

Football

Paramus struggled against rival Ramapo, falling 21-7 taking over 70 plays to lead the Spartans to one big play, a 40-yard-run by quarterback Tyler Smith to get on the board. In an all-out defensive battle, the Spartans limited the undefeated Raiders to three touchdowns as junior defensive back Darius House made two interceptions and sophomore Stephen Regalbuto had another and recovered a fumble.

Paramus Catholic earned a large boost of confidence as the team blew past St. Joseph Regional 44-35 as Matt Golabek kicked a 28-yard field goal on the first attempt of his career with 12.8 seconds remaining. The win was also the first time the Paladins had beated the Green Knights since 2006. Jabrill Peppers, shined in the Wildcat formation (only just added to PC's book) carried 34 times, picking up four touchdowns and 249 yards. Junior running back Keyon Washington picked up 93 yards on 10 carries for the Paladins, scoring a touchdown.

Soccer

Between the girls and boys teams, Paramus soccer picked up three wins this week. Max Brodarzo and Danny Melland hit two and one goals respectively to lead Paramus over Tenafly 3-0 on Tuesday.

Sarah Cortes (3 goals this week) and Noel Hodgins (2) once again led the Lady Spartans to glory on the pitch, downing Tenafly 2-0 and then 4-1 over Bergenfield. Kristin Mason also added a tally against the Bears.

Paramus Catholic boys earned a 1-1 draw with St. Joseph Regional after double overtime. The Paladins scored early when Brenden Wishard fed the ball to Jacek Deptula in the first half. SJR would then net an equalizer off of Kenny Monfort and neither squad could get in a extra point during overtime.

Kayla Adams recorded 15 saves during the Lady Paladins 2-0 loss to Northern Highlands but the squad recovered quickly to shut out Ridgewood 3-0 behind Kimmie Mignone’s deuce and Annalyse Vassallo’s single tally.

Volleyball

Paramus Catholic split their four matches this week evenly with wins against Ramapo (14-25, 25-18, 25-20) and Elmwood Park (25-18, 25-15) and losses to Paramus (30-32, 10-25) and Holy Angels (12-25, 13-25).

Georgette Smith finished the week with 38 kills and 11 digs; Caitlin Hall had 37 assists with Leanne O'Connor contributing 19; and Catherine Mulick came up with 15 digs alongside Robin Gonsalves 18.

The Lady Spartans gave notice to Bergen County as they made their way to the County quarterfinals after a come from behind victory over Mahwah 23-25, 25-15, 25-20 in the Round of 16. But Old Tappan was more than the Lady Spartans could handle in the quarterfinals and fell 9-25, 21-25. Paramus battled through regular season matches to victory over Paramus Catholic (32-30, 25-10) and Pascack Valley (21-25, 25-21, 25-2).

Maria Bellinger had 32 kills and 17 digs; Carly Turton had 22 kills; Stephanie Garino finished with 59 assists and Jessica Chakonis had 62 digs for Paramus.

Cross Country

The Lou Molino Bergen County Meet of Champions girls race begins at 11am with the boys starting at 11:40am. Both races will be held at Darlington County Park, Mahwah

The Spartans bous cross country team finished ninth overall in the County Group Championships and is placing all of its hope on Mike Secreti (4th, 16:02) to bring home an individual title this weekend as the lone boys runner to compete. The girls will be represented by Lindsey Lucas (9th, 19:54) and Jolie Bartner (14th, 20:40).

Paramus Catholic is sending two athletes to the Lou Molino Championships this weekend as Rashad Butler-Wilkerson finished in 17:21 to advance alongside Lila Morreale (19:50).

Tennis

Northern Highlands shut out Paramus, 5-0 but the Lady Spartans were able to avoid a second shut out against Pascack Valley as Sunny Yoon (third singles) defeated Megan Zarucha 6-0, 6-1 and doubles team Ashe Magalhues/Gianna Scimeca defated Julie Levin/Allie Snider 6-0, 6-1. The team ultimately fell 3-2 to the Indians.

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