Gridiron Teams Split Opening Season Games, Volleyball, Soccer Seek Return to Glory

The first week of the 2012 fall campaigns for the and has drawn to an end and already some teams have begun showing great promise while others will have long roads ahead.

Football

In the battle of the Spartans, Paramus' goal for a state title was set back several pegs as they were shut out by DePaul in their season opener 33-0. PHS was unable to contain Joe Moreno who contributed four out of five touchdowns for the Wayne parochial school.

Jabrill Peppers, who transfered from Don Bosco, led the Paladins in a come-back win to overcome Delbarton 36-23 with a trio of touchdowns. Trailing 16-0 with under seven minutes to halftime, Peppers caught a 51-yard touchdown pass from junior Steve Shanley to spark the PC offense. Only handling the ball 10 times was all he needed to pick up 223 total years, 172 rushing yards and nine carries.

Soccer

Sarah Cortes picked up where she left off in 2011 leading the Lady Spartans in a 4-2 victory over Indian Hills in a season opener. Cortes blasted in two goals while Noel Hodgins and Franceda DePalo each contributed the final two. The squad later fell to Ramapo 5-0 in a lopsided effort as goalie Nicole DiPasquale (15 saves) tried to bolster the defense from the box. DiPasquale faced heavy pressure again as Paramus fell to Nothern Highlands, 5-0, after coming up with 13 saves.

The Spartan boys also picked up a season opener against the Braves, 4-1, as Lucas Tasci led all scorers with two goals. Joe Icovacci and Giovanni Piccione netted one each. But since then, Paramus dropped a 2-0 decision to Ramapo and 3-1 to Northern Highlands. Against the Highlanders, Kovalli netted the lone goal to avoid the shutout. Goalie Alex Kaminer finished the week with 18 saves over three games.

The double team of Delaney Suarez and Kimmie Mignone have been busy keeping Paramus Catholic in the mix of a tough fight after their heartbreaking 5-0 shutout to IHA to start the season. The Lady Paladins fought back against a scrappy De Paul team as Mignone fed Suarez the ball for a 1-0 win in overtime. Once again, the duo teamed up and finished off Old Tappan 2-1 as both ladies netted goals.

The Paladins are still searching for an elusive win after falling 3-0 to Don Bosco and then 2-1 to De Paul. The Spartans led early but the Paladins scored on a Jose Meza kick to avoid the shutout. Joseph Strobino gave PC something to cheer about after booting in a Jose Meza kick past Old Tappan for a 1-1 double overtime tie.

Volleyball

The Lady Spartans picked up a win over Indian Hills in two (25-13, 25-17) behind Mariah Bellinger’s six kills, Stephanie Garino’s 13 assists and Jessica Shajonis’ 14 digs. Stephanie Garino connected on 14 service points while Nikki Molfetas blasted a trio of aces. The squad fell to Ramapo 25-20, 24-26, 25-27 after winning the first set and struggling to secure a match point in either of the later two sets. Carly Turton had six kills, Garino 14 assists and Chakonis' nine digs. Molfetas struck with 13 service points. Once again, Paramus had to go a full three sets before emerging with a win, this time 20-25, 25-18, 27-25 over Northern Highlands as Garino had 18 service points and 19 assists, Chakonis with 19 digs and Bellinger had nine kills.

The Lady Paladins have struggled to start their season facing squads such as IHA, De Paul and Old Tappan and dropping matches against each opponent. PC fell 8-25, 6-25 to IHA; 21-25, 12-25 to De Paul and then 11-25, 15-25 to Old Tappan. Georgette Smith finishes the week with 11 kills while Jessica Breen had 17 digs.

Tennis

The Lady Paladins have been storming the competition on the court with shutouts over Westwood (5-0), De Paul (5-0) and Old Tappan (5-0) and a come from behind win over Old Tappan (3-2). PC did fall to Big United powerhouse IHA, 5-0. The team has seen strong play from singles Natalie Cioffari, Katie LaPlaski and Kayla Kroning along with doubles teams Camile Perez/Olivia Damata and Jenae Mcliesh/Brinsey Liberty.

Paramus tennis, while seeing outstanding efforts from singles Sally Li, Cindy Wu and Sunny Yoon along with doubles team Aari Lee/Kristina Nicholas, the squad has fallen to Ramapo and Northern Highlands but prevailed over Indian Hills.

Cross Country

Paramus boys and girls both fell Ridgewood this week at Darlington by scores of 23-38 (boys) and 22-29 (girls). Mike Secreti and Erik Helstrom took the 2-3 spots in 16:30 and 16:44 respectively, while Jolie Bartner placed second in 20:30 and followed by Lindsey Lucas (fourth) at 21:22.

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