Syracuse commit Justin Kim is a key part of the midfield for Don Bosco. (Photo: Michael Karas)
1. Top five taking shape
Signature wins from Ridgewood and Don Bosco created a much clearer picture on how the top of North Jersey is shaping up. Ridgewood took over as the new No. 1 during the first regular season release of The Record poll on Saturday. The Maroons were followed by Northern Highlands, Ramapo, Don Bosco and Bergen Catholic. Ridgewood came back to beat Northern Highlands, 9-8, on Thursday in a de facto No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup.
The Highlanders ranked fifth in our preseason poll, but elevated their status with early wins over Ramapo and Bergen Catholic. They led Ridgewood entering the fourth quarter, but Dylan Peabody scored the game-winner with 1:26 left and the Maroons scored three of the last four goals to sneak out another victory. That same day, Don Bosco topped Bergen Catholic to solidify the hierarchy at the top of the rankings.
That’s because…
No. 1 Ridgewood defeated No. 2 Northern Highlands, 9-8
No. 2 Northern Highlands defeated No. 3 Ramapo, 7-6
No. 3 Ramapo defeated No. 4 Don Bosco, 9-7
No. 4 Don Bosco defeated No. 5 Bergen Catholic, 6-4
2. New kids on the block
There are three new teams in The Record top 10 who didn’t appear in the preseason poll: Mahwah at No. 7, Glen Rock at No. 8 and Ramsey at No. 9.
3. Mahwah winning with defense
The Thunderbirds (6-2) have overcome arguably the most challenging schedule of the three aforementioned newcomers, having only lost to Suffern and undefeated Summit. Mahwah hasn’t allowed more than eight goals in any game this season. The transition in net from Brendan Granquist to Aidan Granquist has been relatively seamless. The junior goalie sports a save percentage around 63 percent and ranks 14th in the region with 65 saves.
Wins against DePaul, Glen Rock and Pascack Valley show that Mahwah is heading in the right direction after last season’s 7-11 campaign. And a double-overtime winner scored by Aidan Carroll against Pequannock last Tuesday was a big moment, too.
4. Solid as a rock
Glen Rock (5-1, 4-1 Curcio) is much improved after winning only two divisional games in 2015. Coach Mike Escalante moved up from the JV ranks at the start of this season and has received solid contributions from senior captains Eric Spada and Mike Gallo and freshman Justin Douenias. Spada sparks the offense in the midfield and most recently poured in five points in a 17-7 win over West Milford. Gallo is giving the Panthers steady play in goal and returns from a second team All-Curcio season. And Douenias, a freshman, leads the team with 22 points.
5. Ramsey’s rise
The Rams (6-0) remain the only team outside of Ridgewood that is still undefeated. The formula has been simple: offense, offense, offense. Ramsey is averaging 15.7 goals per game, including five straight with at least 15 goals. Tyler Harmon (24 g, 15 a) and Rob Sciubba (14, g, 22 a) are both dominant offensive options, both coming off all-division seasons. Andrew Bonan, Tommy Fatuova and Declan Rybacki have all found more success this season to add to the well-rounded Ramsey offense.
6. Huge week for NV/Demarest
The Norsemen (6-1, 4-1 division) proved that they are now the team to beat in the Jacobson with recent wins over Pascack Valley and Waldwick. Freshman Travis Hinds scored with 1:21 left in overtime to capture a statement win over Pascack Valley last Tuesday. NV/Demarest was just moments away from losing in regulation until senior Henry Ferber scored with 5.8 seconds left in the fourth quarter. A few days later, the team followed it up with a 14-6 win over Waldwick. Mikey Herkert notched a game-high five goals in the victory. The Norsemen aren’t in my top 10 yet, but they’re certainly on the cusp with a strong body of work.
7. West Milford bounces back
Maybe no team in the area started the season with worse luck than the Highlanders. West Milford lost by one-goal margins in three of its first four games. They faced a daunting early schedule including four ranked teams and another two (DePaul and Lakeland) who are very strong.
But after starting 0-6, West Milford has won its last two over Wayne Valley and Paramus Catholic. Expectations were high for West Milford, who began the year ranked No. 10 and only lost six games all of last season. And though time is running out, there’s still some hope because the team’s talented roster with Anthony Pellegrino and Drew Kagdis and the close contests against quality competition.
8. Westwood finding success
One of the most remarkable rebuilds of the 2016 season have been from the Cardinals. They’ve made a complete 180 from the unit that went 2-12 and finished last in the Cullen a year ago. Now Westwood (4-3) has won three of the last four, including a 2-1 win (yes, that’s 2-1) over Waldwick on Saturday. Chris Harper was responsible for both Westwood goals in the second half after his team surrendered the first tally. Michael Saunders made five saves in the win. And it was the Cardinals’ most impressive game to date since Waldwick is coming off a 15-win season.
9. Indian Hills’ scoring sensation
Junior attack Cameron Cotter ranks fifth in North Jersey in goals (25), a key reason why Indian Hills is another improved team. The Braves (3-5) surpassed last season’s win total when they squeaked past Paramus in 7-6 decision last week. Cotter played brilliantly with five goals and an assist, while Mike Huffnagel saved 18 shots.
10. Scoring race
Cotter breaks into the top 5 on the North Jersey scoring list, joining four familiar names from last week’s leaderboard. River Dell’s Matt Coppola holds a clear lead with 36, followed by Tenafly’s Alon Berkowitz (28), Pascack Hills’ Jack Benedict (27), Waldwick’s Dan Lee (26) and Cotter (25). Henry Pearson of Paramus Catholic is tied for fifth with 25, also.
Around the fields:
St. Joseph’s J.T. Giles-Harris selected for Under Armour All-American Game
Player of the Year watch for April 16
Ridgewood climbs to top of The Record Top 10 rankings
The H.S. Lacrosse Report: On the attack
Ridgewood rolls through early tests
Passaic Valley plugging away despite poor weather
Ridgewood tops Northern Highlands
Gibson scores four goals for Clifton High School