| the latest regional New Jersey high school sports news | |||
|
|
||
|
Scott Miller guided Brearley to 2006 North 2, Group 1 playoff crown. (Photo by Jake Cooper)
New Providence under Frank Bottone (hands on hips) is steady program. (Photo by Todd Mundt) Brearley & New Providence Led Way As we are about to enter a new decade of high school football in Union County, here’s a look back on how teams performed the past decade. Best record - Brearley, 79-27: The Bears went 79-27 for a county-best .745 winning percentage. Brearley was two games better than arch rival New Providence and won five more games than Elizabeth. In 2006, Brearley and Elizabeth won state championships, which was the only season in the decade that Union County had more than one state champ. Most winning seasons – New Providence, 10: The Pioneers were the only team in the county to post a winning season every year. With Elizabeth having its first losing season last year since 1980, New Providence now has the county’s longest streak of consecutive winning seasons. Elizabeth had nine winning seasons, Brearley eight and Johnson and Westfield seven. Most playoff appearances – New Providence, 9: The only year the Pioneers did not qualify was in North 2, Group 1 in 2001, which was the last year rival Roselle Park made it, which was in that section. In the regular season that year, Roselle Park produced a wild 35-33 comeback win at New Providence. That was the last time Roselle Park defeated New Providence, with both teams having 5-3 records at the cutoff date that season. Roselle Park had more power points to earn the eighth and final seed and was then defeated at top-seeded Cedar Grove in the quarterfinals. Although Roselle Park made the state playoffs ahead of New Providence that season, New Providence finished with a better record. The Pioneers won their last four to finish 7-3, while Roselle Park lost its last four to finish 5-5. Brearley and Elizabeth made the playoffs eight times and Scotch Plains, Union, Westfield and Gov. Livingston seven. Ten of the 17 schools in the county finished with winning records. The teams with the top four records: Brearley, New Providence, Elizabeth and Johnson, all tied for the most championship game appearances with two each. Brearley was 1-1, New Providence 0-2, Elizabeth 2-0 and Johnson 1-1. Compared to 12 championships won by county teams in the decade of the 1990s, only five were captured in the 2000s, with Elizabeth garnering two and Brearley, Johnson and Summit one. Since the NJSIAA went to re-classification of the sections beginning in the fall of 2003, Union County schools have struggled against teams such as Piscataway, Phillipsburg, Florence and Raritan during state playoff time. Elizabeth did manage to come back and defeat Phillipsburg 14-9 to win North 2, Group 4 in 2006. All five state championships were won in group sizes of the section of North Jersey, Section 2. Heading into the 2010 season, Brearley and New Providence are tied for the county’s longest streak of making the playoffs at eight. Brearley head coach Scott Miller has guided the Bears to a 70-16 (.814) record his first eight seasons at the helm, including the playoffs every year. GL has made the playoffs six years in a row, which is third. Head coach Terry Hanratty has guided the Highlanders to the playoffs his first six seasons at the helm. Fifteen of the 17 teams made the state playoffs at least twice in the 2000s, with Roselle and Dayton qualifying once each. Roselle last made the state playoffs in 2000 when the Rams qualified in North 2, Group 2. Dayton qualified in North 2, Group 1 last year, making the playoffs for the first time since 1988 when the Bulldogs made the grade in North 2, Group 2 that season.
UNION COUNTY FOOTBALL RECORDS FOR THE DECADE OF THE 2000s:
BREARLEY BEARS (79-27, .745)
2009 - (7-4), reached Central Jersey, Group 1 semifinals
2008 - (9-1), reached North 2, Group 1 semifinals
2007 - (8-2), reached North 2, Group 1 quarterfinals
2006 - (12-0), NORTH 2, GROUP 1 CHAMPIONS First 12-0 team in Union County history.
2005 - (10-2), reached Central Jersey, Group 1 final
2004 - (9-2), reached Central Jersey, Group 1 semifinals
2003 - (6-4), reached Central Jersey, Group 1 quarterfinals
2002 - (9-1), reached North 2, Group 1 quarterfinals
2001 - (5-5)
2000 - (4-6)
Made state playoffs (8 times): 2002-2009.
Championship game appearances (2): 2005-lost. 2006-won.
Present head coach: Scott Miller, ninth year.
Head coaches the past decade (2): Dave Curtin 2000, 2001. Scott Miller 2002-2009.
NEW PROVIDENCE PIONEERS (77-29, .726)
2009 - (6-4), reached North 2, Group 1 quarterfinals
2008 - (8-2), reached North 2, Group 1 quarterfinals
2007 - (9-2), reached North 2, Group 1 semifinals
2006 - (6-4), reached North 2, Group 1 quarterfinals
2005 - (7-4), reached North 2, Group 1 semifinals
2004 - (10-2), reached Central Jersey, Group 1 final
2003 - (8-3), reached Central Jersey, Group 1 semifinals
2002 - (7-3), reached North 2, Group 1 quarterfinals
2001 - (7-3)
2000 - (9-2), reached North 2, Group 1 final
Made state playoffs (9 times): 2000, 2002-2009. The only year New Providence didn’t qualify was 2001, with the Pioneers beating Summit 21-14 at home on Thanksgiving.
Championship game appearances (2): 2000-lost. 2004-lost.
Present head coach: Frank Bottone, 46th year.
Head coach the past decade (1): Frank Bottone 2000-2009.
ELIZABETH MINUTEMEN (74-32, .698)
2009 - (1-9)
2008 - (7-3), reached North 2, Group 4 quarterfinals
2007 - (6-4), reached North 2, Group 4 quarterfinals
2006 - (11-1), NORTH 2, GROUP 4 CHAMPIONS
2005 - (6-4), reached North 2, Group 4 quarterfinals
2004 - (9-2), reached North 2, Group 4 semifinals
2003 - (6-4)
2002 - (8-3), reached North 2, Group 4 semifinals
2001 - (9-1), reached North 2, Group 4 quarterfinals
2000 - (11-1), NORTH 2, GROUP 4 CHAMPIONS
Made state playoffs (8 times): 2000-2002, 2004-2008.
Championship game appearances (2): 2000-won. 2006-won.
Present head coach: John Quinn, first year.
Head coaches the past decade (3): Jerry Moore 2000, 2001. Jeff Wiener 2002-2005. Chet Parlavecchio 2006-2009.
JOHNSON CRUSADERS (66-39, .629)
2009 - (6-4), reached Central Jersey, Group 2 quarterfinals
2008 - (8-4), reached Central Jersey, Group 2 final
2007 - (6-4)
2006 - (9-1), reached Central Jersey, Group 2 quarterfinals
2005 - (7-3), reached Central Jersey, Group 2 quarterfinals
2004 - (1-9)
2003 - (5-5)
2002 - (10-2), NORTH 2, GROUP 2 CHAMPIONS
2001 - (9-2), reached North 2, Group 2 semifinals
2000 - (5-5)
Made state playoffs (6 times): 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009.
Championship game appearances (2): 2002-won. 2008-lost.
Present head coach: Nick Gregorio, second year.
Head coaches the past decade (4): Bob Taylor 2000-2002. Mike Katz 2003. Gus Kalikas 2004-2008. Nick Gregorio 2009.
SCOTCH PLAINS RAIDERS (63-48, .568)
2009 - (2-8)
2008 - (4-6)
2007 - (7-4), reached North 2, Group 3 semifinals
2006 - (4-6), reached North 2, Group 3 quarterfinals
2005 - (3-7)
2004 - (6-5), reached North 2, Group 3 semifinals
2003 - (10-2), reached North 2, Group 3 final
2002 - (6-4), reached North 2, Group 3 quarterfinals
2001 - (8-3), reached North 2, Group 3 semifinals
2000 - (8-3), reached North 2, Group 3 semifinals
Made state playoffs (7 times): 2000-2004, 2006, 2007.
Championship game appearances (1): 2003-lost.
Present head coach: Steve Ciccotelli, 20th year.
Head coach the past decade (1): Steve Ciccotelli 2000-2009.
UNION FARMERS (61-44, .581)
2009 - (7-3), reached North 2, Group 4 quarterfinals
2008 - (8-3), reached North 2, Group 4 semifinals
2007 - (5-5)
2006 - (7-4), reached North 2, Group 4 semifinals
2005 - (7-4), reached North 2, Group 4 semifinals
2004 - (4-6), reached North 2, Group 4 quarterfinals
2003 - (10-2), reached North 2, Group 4 final
2002 - (3-7)
2001 - (4-6)
2000 - (6-4), reached North 2, Group 4 quarterfinals
Made state playoffs (7 times): 2000, 2003-2006, 2008, 2009.
Championship game appearances (1): 2003-lost.
Present head coach: Brian Sheridan, fourth year.
Head coaches the past decade (3): Gary Zakovic 2000. Marc Crisafi 2001-2006. Brian Sheridan 2007-2009.
RAHWAY INDIANS (60-46, .566)
2009 - (7-3)
2008 - (10-2), reached North 2, Group 3 final
2007 - (9-2), reached Central Jersey, Group 2 semifinals
2006 - (7-4), reached Central Jersey, Group 2 semifinals
2005 - (8-3), reached Central Jersey, Group 2 semifinals
2004 - (8-3), reached Central Jersey, Group 2 semifinals
2003 - (2-8)
2002 - (3-7)
2001 - (2-8)
2000 - (4-6)
Made state playoffs (5 times): 2004-2008.
Championship game appearances (1): 2008-lost.
Present head coach: Gary Mobley, seventh year.
Head coaches the past decade (4): Paul Sep 2000, 2001. Mark Ciccotelli 2002. Kevin Conroy 2003. Gary Mobley 2004-2009.
WESTFIELD BLUE DEVILS (55-48, .534)
2009 - (8-3), reached North 2, Group 4 semifinals
2008 - (7-3), reached North 2, Group 4 quarterfinals
2007 - (7-4), reached North 2, Group 4 semifinals
2006 - (6-4)
2005 - (1-9)
2004 - (1-9)
2003 - (4-6), reached North 2, Group 3 quarterfinals
2002 - (7-3), reached North 2, Group 4 quarterfinals
2001 - (8-3), reached North 2, Group 4 semifinals
2000 - (6-4), reached North 2, Group 4 quarterfinals
Made state playoffs (7 times): 2000-2003, 2007-2009.
Present head coach: Jim DeSarno, fifth year.
Head coaches the past decade (2): Ed Tranchina 2000-2005. Jim DeSarno 2006-2009.
GOV. LIVINGSTON HIGHLANDERS (54-50, .519)
2009 - (5-5), reached North 2, Group 2 quarterfinals
2008 - (7-5), reached North 2, Group 2 final
2007 - (5-5), reached Central Jersey, Group 2 quarterfinals
2006 - (8-3), reached Central Jersey, Group 2 semifinals
2005 - (6-4), reached Central Jersey, Group 2 quarterfinals
2004 - (6-5), reached North 2, Group 2 semifinals
2003 - (4-6)
2002 - (5-5), reached North 2, Group 2 quarterfinals
2001 - (4-6)
2000 - (4-6)
Made state playoffs (7 times): 2002, 2004-2009.
Championship game appearances (1): 2008-lost.
Present head coach: Terry Hanratty, seventh year.
Head coaches the past decade (2): Joe Hubert 2000-2003. Terry Hanratty 2004-2009.
SUMMIT HILLTOPPERS (53-51-1, .510)
2009 - (12-0), NORTH 2, GROUP 2 CHAMPIONS Second 12-0 team in Union County history.
2008 - (5-6), reached North 2, Group 2 semifinals
2007 - (3-7)
2006 - (0-10)
2005 - (1-9)
2004 - (5-5)
2003 - ( 9-1-1), reached North 2, Group 2 semifinals
2002 - (9-2), reached North 2, Group 2 semifinals
2001 - (4-6), reached North 2, Group 2 quarterfinals
2000 - (5-5), reached North 2, Group 2 quarterfinals
Made state playoffs (6 times): 2000-2003, 2008, 2009.
Championship game appearances (1): 2009-won.
Present head coach: John Liberato, fourth year.
Head coaches the past decade (3): Mike Columbo 2000, 2001. George DiGrande 2002-2006. John Liberato 2007-2009.
CRANFORD COUGARS (50-51, .495)
2009 - (4-6)
2008 - (3-7)
2007 - (6-4)
2006 - (5-5)
2005 - (6-4)
2004 - (8-2), reached Central Jersey, Group 2 quarterfinals
2003 - (8-3), reached North 2, Group 3 semifinals
2002 - (6-4), reached North 2, Group 2 quarterfinals
2001 - (2-8)
2000 - (2-8)
Made state playoffs (3 times): 2002-2004.
Present head coach: Erik Rosenmeier, sixth year.
Head coaches the past decade (2): Chris Hull 2000-2004. Erik Rosenmeier 2005-2009.
LINDEN TIGERS (49-54, .476)
2009 - (5-5)
2008 - (5-5)
2007 - (1-9)
2006 - (7-4), reached North 2, Group 4 semifinals
2005 - (6-4), reached North 2, Group 4 quarterfinals
2004 - (7-4), reached North 2, Group 4 semifinals
2003 - (2-8)
2002 - (5-5), reached North 2, Group 4 quarterfinals
2001 - (4-6)
2000 - (7-4), reached North 2, Group 4 semifinals
Made state playoffs (5 times): 2000, 2002, 2004-2006.
Present head coach: Deon Candia, third year.
Head coaches the past decade (3): Bucky McDonald 2000-2006. Joe Stinson 2007. Deon Candia 2008, 2009.
HILLSIDE COMETS (45-57, .441)
2009 - (4-6)
2008 - (8-3), reached North 2, Group 2 semifinals
2007 - (0-10)
2006 - (3-7)
2005 - (3-7)
2004 - (4-6)
2003 - (6-4), reached North 2, Group 2 quarterfinals
2002 - (2-8)
2001 - (6-4)
2000 - (9-2), reached North 2, Group 2 semifinals
Made state playoffs (3 times): 2000, 2003, 2008.
Present head coach: John Power, third year.
Head coaches the past decade (2): Jim Hopke 2000-2007. John Power 2008, 2009.
ROSELLE PARK PANTHERS (43-57, .430)
2009 - (0-10)
2008 - (2-8)
2007 - (5-5)
2006 - (6-4)
2005 - (6-4)
2004 - (6-4)
2003 - (4-6)
2002 - (3-7)
2001 - (5-5), reached North 2, Group 1 quarterfinals
2000 - (6-4), reached North 2, Group 1 quarterfinals
Made state playoffs (2 times): 2000, 2001.
Present head coach: James Foy, fifth year.
Head coaches the past decade (2): John Wagner 2000-2005. James Foy 2006-2009.
PLAINFIELD CARDINALS (41-59, .410)
2009 - (2-8)
2008 - (4-6), reached North 2, Group 4 quarterfinals
2007 - (3-7)
2006 - (1-9)
2005 - (6-4), reached North 2, Group 4 quarterfinals
2004 - (5-5)
2003 - (7-3), reached North 2, Group 4 quarterfinals
2002 - (2-8)
2001 - (7-3), reached North 2, Group 4 quarterfinals
2000 - (4-6)
Made state playoffs (4 times): 2001, 2003, 2005, 2008.
Present head coach: Bill Nyers, first year.
Head coaches the past decade (2): Clinton Jones 2000-2006. Reggie Robinson 2007-2009.
ROSELLE RAMS (34-65, .343)
2009 - (5-5)
2008 - (5-4)
2007 - (3-7)
2006 - (3-7)
2005 - (3-7)
2004 - (4-6)
2003 - (1-9)
2002 - (2-8)
2001 - (4-6)
2000 - (4-6), reached North 2, Group 2 quarterfinals
Made state playoffs (1 time): 2000.
Present head coach: Lou Grasso, Jr., first year.
Head coaches the past decade (3): Lou Grasso, Sr. 2000-2003. Chris Satterfield 2004-2006. Kenneth Wiggins 2007-2009.
DAYTON BULLDOGS (14-36, .280)
2009 - (8-2), reached North 2, Group 1 quarterfinals
2008 - (5-5)
2007 - (1-9)
2006 - (0-10)
There was no varsity football from 2001-2005. Junior varsity football returned in 2005 - finishing 3-5-1 - and varsity football in 2006.
2000 - (0-10)
Made state playoffs (1 time): 2009.
Present head coach: Joe Goerge, fifth year.
Head coaches the past decade (2): Kristofer Kohler 2000. Joe Goerge 2006-2009.
STATE CHAMPIONS (5):
Elizabeth (2) – won North 2, Group 4 in 2000 and 2006.
Summit (1) – won North 2, Group 2 in 2009.
Brearley (1) – won North 2, Group 1 in 2006.
Johnson (1) – won North 2, Group 2 in 2002.
THE DECADE OF THE 1990s:
TOP RECORDS (not counting New Providence):
Union : 85-18-1 (.825)
Elizabeth : 82-19-1 (.812)
STATE CHAMPIONS (12):
Union (3) - won North 2, Group 4 in 1991, 1992 and 1993.
Elizabeth (2) - won North 2, Group 4 in 1997 and 1999.
Summit (2) - won North 2, Group 2 in 1993 and 1994.
Roselle Park (2) - won North 2, Group 1 in 1992 and 1993.
Scotch Plains (1) - won North 2, Group 3 in 1990.
Johnson (1) - won North 2, Group 2 in 1995.
Brearley (1) - won North 2, Group 1 in 1991.
copyright 2005 Sideline Chatter - comments - contact the webmaster |
|
|||||||||||
|
