Rivals Could Spell Early End to Football Seasons; Volleyball Continues Quest at WPU

The quest to compete at MetLife Stadium will be decided this weekend as both  (9-1) and need to overcome rival teams for a shot at a Group title. At the same time, the Lady Hawks volleyball squad, having earned and titles look to the state volleyball Tournament of Champions.

The first match in a set of three state games will be on Friday evening at 7pm when the third seeded Golden Hawks travels to second seeded Ramsey (9-1) in the North 1 Group 2 semifinals. In the regular season, the Hawks defeated the Rams, 31-0 during the regular season.

From behind the snap, Hawks QB Tim Barnes will again face off against the Rams' Nick Dispoto. And the battle of the ages will rely on who can shut down the running/passing game the best. Also keep an eye on Ramsey wide receiver Jared Donnarumma and River Dell's running back Kevin Barry. John Budka, Hawks running back could very well be stuck sitting out after reinjuring a recently healed broken collarbone against

River Dell has met Ramsey in the playoffs for the last two years. The Rams won both games, defeating the Golden Hawks for the sectional title in 2009, and in the semifinals last season.

After a two-week long bye, (6-2) is finally taking the field on Saturday afternoon at 1pm and host rival St. Peter's Prep (6-3). Coming off a 48-14 romp over Notre Dame, the Marauders are looking to revenge a regular season loss to Bergen Catholic.

The Crusaders must beat St. Peter’s again to get another shot at undefeated Don Bosco, but standing in their way will be QB Brandon Napoleon, and wide receivers Charlie Callinan and JR Robinson. For the Crusaders, Jon Germano will be taking the ball and looking downfield to John Tsimis (wide reciever) and James Dawson (running back) while Chucky Wingate (wide reciever/defensive back) will be playing both ways for the Crusaders. 

It's been a dream season for the River Dell (23-23) volleyball team who once again heads to in Wayne on Saturday at 2pm.. As the number 5 seed in the Tournament of Champions, the Lady Hawks will face 4th seeded Bogota.

Kate Brock (10.1 kills per game) and Emily Wilts have star power for the Lady Hawks, but underclassmen (libero) Mary Maccabee (middle blocker), (setter with a 19.7 per game average), Jennifer Desplat (outside hitter) and Alicia Hines (middle blocker) have shined recently. The five younger players have not only gained experience this season but knowledge from co-captains and seniors Brock and Wilts.

The Group 1 champion Bogota Buccaneers (34-2) are led by Carly O'Sullivan (11.7 per game kill), Julia Topor, (10.2 kill pe game), Rebecca Kelemen (21.4 assists per game), Elise  Brackett (9.3 average service points) and Kelly Daley (8.0 average service points).

The winner will pull double duty with a 5pm date with top-seeded IHA (30-1) to advance to Sunday's 2pm finals.