SPORTS WRAP
BY WILLIAM HATHAWAY, JR.
COVER PHOTO BY LONDON MCCLAIN
The New Jersey high school season opened this past weekend in Essex County with some key games in the tri-state area.
West Orange hosted the 2nd annual Mountaineer Classic. First, Burlington Township beat Passaic Tech 40-6. Then, the Verona Hillbillies defeated St. Mary’s of Rutherford 14-8. The lone Friday game had Bayonne take down Morris Knolls 21-14 in a tight contest.
Saturday was an Essex special, with host team West Orange going head to head with Shabazz from Newark, fresh off a state title. The defensive clash saw Shabazz come out on top 10-7 thanks to a field goal.
In other county football action, the Orange Tornadoes were home at Bell Stadium, but lost to Voorhees 39-16. Orange will stay at home, where they will try to bounce back against the Irvington Blue Knights, who are coming off a 35-0 loss to Ramapo on the road.
Meanwhile, in a surprise, Columbia High School from South Orange beat the West Side Rough Riders 14-12. The Bloomfield Bengals successfully defended their home turf against the Central High School Blue Devils 26-20.
More scores now, as Seton Hall Prep defeated St John’s Vianney 14-12. In Newark powerhouse Weequahic beat Mountain Lakes in another 14-12 affair, and Barringer lost to Livingston 48-0.
