8 Dominant Players in North Jersey Interscholastic Conference
The North Jersey Interscholastic Conference has seen some major playmakers in the 2020 season. Despite all the wild cards and unpredictable variables, three teams remain perfect in the conference in Emerson Boro, Park Ridge and Becton. Let’s take a look…
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Continue ReadingThe North Jersey Interscholastic Conference has seen some major playmakers in the 2020 season. Despite all the wild cards and unpredictable variables, three teams remain perfect in the conference in Emerson Boro, Park Ridge and Becton. Let’s take a look at eight dominant players in the NJIC.
Frankie Savino, Emerson Boro: Savino has brought senior leadership and has been extremely effective in Emerson Boro’s 5-0 start. The quarterback has completed about 69 percent of his throws, and he has thrown 13 touchdowns to just one interception. That includes four TDs against Ridgefield and Manchester Regional. Savino has been a factor on the ground as well with 508 yards and six scores, including 186 yards and a TD in the team’s victory over Manchester Regional on Nov. 7. Defensively, Savino has a forced fumble and three interceptions, including two in a win over Palisades Park. The Emerson Boro quarterback does a good job of putting the ball in the right place in the passing game, and his ability to run keeps defenses off balance.
Stephano Hadoulis, Palisades Park: Hadoulis has been the top rusher in the conference. The Palisades Park senior has rushed for 747 yards on 94 carries with seven TDs. He has surpassed 100 yards in every game but one, and he has run for over 200 yards in two games. In a 38-14 victory over Ridgefield, Hadoulis ran for 225 yards on 22 carries with three scores. Two weeks later, Hadoulis rushed for 288 yards on 18 carries with another three TDs in a losing effort against Bogota. Hadoulis has also caught two TDs, and he has 41 tackles, a fumble recovery and a kickoff return for TD.
Chris McKnight, Palisades Park: McKnight, a senior, leads the NJIC with 360 receiving yards. He has showcased his ability as a capable rusher as well. McKnight has caught four TD passes, with his top performance coming in Palisades Park’s lone win of the season against Ridgefield, where he caught six balls for 165 yards and two TDs. Most recently, he had eight tackles and had an interception on defense.
Jake Diaz Jake Diaz 5'9" | 170 lbs | WR Hasbrouck Heights | 2022 NJ , Hasbrouck Heights: While Hasbrouck Heights has been limited in action to just four games and a 2-2 start, Diaz made an impact right away. He had four receptions for 109 yards and a TD in the team’s opener against Cresskill before following up with a four-catch, 153-yard, one-score showing in a close loss to Park Ridge. Diaz finished with four catches for 74 yards and two scores in the team’s win over North Arlington on Oct. 23. Defensively, Diaz has two double-digit tackle games. Diaz is a great downfield threat, and he can be used as a slot receiver. He is a quality route runner, can be used on screen plays and he’s strong with spinning away from contact.
Rick Rainey, Lyndhurst: Rainey leads the NJIC with 64 tackles. While he has made an impact on offense, especially as a receiver, Rainey has done a great job defensively with four double-digit tackle performances, including a season-high 16 in the team’s opener against Rutherford.
Zachary Maksimiak, Pompton Lakes: Maksimiak is second in the conference with 62 tackles to go along with two sacks. He had 12 tackles apiece in Pompton Lakes’ victories over Harrison and Butler, and he hasn’t posted less than nine tackles in a game. Pompton Lakes is off to a 5-1 start.
Angel Velez, Lyndhurst: Velez has a conference-leading six sacks. He had two sacks apiece in Lyndhurst’s last two games against Garfield and Snyder. In addition to his ability to get to the quarterback, Velez has 47 tackles, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Nico Hernandez-Torre, Glen Rock: Hernandez-Torre has been a effective kicker for Glen Rock. The senior has made all 23 of his PATs, including 5-for-5 performances in wins over New Milford and Harrison and a 6-for-6 outing against New Providence.
Honorable Mentions: Johnny Lembo, Lyndhurst; James Brazofsky, Park Ridge; Evan Ward, Rutherford; Max Ycaza, Ridgefield; Jesus Aponte, Pompton Lakes; Justin Garcia, Pompton Lakes; Michael Sarlo, Wood-Ridge; Matt Shea, Hawthorne; Daniel Malinski, Pompton Lakes