The Record from Hackensack, New Jersey • 79

t-18 THE RECORD HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1987 Pompton falls to Cresskill 4 a eV i I mm sr By Paul Schwartl Corroapondortt POMPTON LAKES Cresskill built iU unbeaten record on the arm of quarterback Matt Morgan, the legs of running back-linebacker Joe Karach, and a ferocious defense that surrendered only 41 pointa In ita first 10 games. While all those features were present yesterday, Cresskill earned ita second New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Group 1, North Section 1 championship in four years mainly on the strength of a GROUP 1 JvA' ill iiMiaiiiiiliiiaWriiisWiiHHB less familiar figure running hark Erie "Gator" Smith, Smith rushed for 149 yards and one touchdown and keyed an 80-yard fourth-quarter scoring drive that clinched the Cougars' 21-7 victory over Pompton Lakes for CresskiU's 11th straight victory. "That kid did a nice job against us," Pompton Lakes coach Walt Bartlett said. "We didn't plav as well as we can and he really hurt us." And Smith waa as big a weapon as the more-heralded Morgan (eight touchdowns, 12 touchdown passes) and Karach (129 points), who had been the prime offensive threats in Cresskill's first 10 games. Morgan threw for a touchdown, but had difficulty with the swirling winds and occasional snow squalls that hit Pompton Lakes.

He completed only five of 13 passes for 80 yards, and Karach slowed by a head injury managed only 57 yards in 11 carries, five in the second half. Cresskill (11-0) took command with a bizarre 59-yard drive spanning the first and second quarters. A pass-interference call on third-and-15 gave the Cougars a first down at the Cardinals 49. Karach JOE OIARDELUTHE RECORD It takes two Cresskill players, Including Sal Doto (88), to tackle Steve Magllaro of Pompton Lakes. carries to bring the ball to another first down at the 13.

But again Cresskill stiffened. Magliaro lost 3 yards in three carries and DeSarno's fourth-down pass was intercepted by Laug in the end zone. Morris Catholic falters Kennedy's comeback is musically inspired After the touchback, Cresskill and Smith went to work again. It took just seven plays for the Cougars to cover the 80 yards, with Morgan finding Sal Doto with a touchdown pass with 8:29 to play. With less than five minutes remaining, Karach, trying to make Catholic school, but we can't be that generous." Pope John bounced back immediately, as Darren Guerrini fielded the ensuing kickoff at his 25 and wove his way 75 yards through a pack of Crusaders for a touchdown.

Bill Connolly's kick tied the score at 7, and Pope John took charge from there. With three minutes left in the half, the Lions cashed in on another big play, a 55-yard scoring strike from Mammon to Chris Piela off a flea-flicker. Morris Catholic's Matt Demm tipped and nearly intercepted the pass, but Piela managed to come down with the ball. "When you face a nine-man front, you have to throw," Paternostro said. "There were a lot of openings down there." Morris Catholic had an opportunity to get back in the game early in the third quarter when Demm's punt took a bad hop, bounced off Guerrini's leg, and was recovered by Morris Catholic's Pat Sharkey on the Pope John 24.

But the Crusaders were stifled by the tough Pope John defense, gained a yard, but the Cardinals inexplicably refused a 15-yard clipping penalty called on the play. After a short completion, Smith raced for 16 and 28 yards on his first two carries, the second run producing the first touchdown 1:08 into the second quarter. "There was a mix-up there," Bartlett said of the declined penalty. "But then they went 40 yards in two plays anyway. It probably wouldn't have made any difference." Pompton Lakes failed to move on its next possession, and the Cougars took over on their 17.

Creskill went 83 yards in nine plays. The drive was keyed by a 37-yard pass from Morgan to Tom Laug and a 27-yard scramble by Morgan to the Cardinals 6. The Pompton defense stiffened and Karach scored on a fourth-down plunge from the 1 on his second effort Pompton Lakes had marched from its own 26 to a first down at the Cresskill 13 on its opening possession, helped by Steve Mag- The Knights never surrendered, as Jacobsen and tailback Andrew "Tex" Johnson suffered sprained knees yet got back into the game to play major roles; and guard-defensive end Ronald Brand fought back from rib and mouth injuries to stand out. "We had that desire to win," Brand said in the trainer's room, still puffing from the game and on-field celebration. "We just couldn't or wouldn't lose." Bonadies realized he had to convince his team that it had the guns to complete the season undefeated.

Later, he recreated the speech for reporters: "We have great players in this room; what we need is for some of them to make the great plays." Brand said he listened intently. "Coach said we needed some he- roes," he said. "And it just came down to me. I'm a senior and I had to get the team pumped up. I even had to snatch some people up on their feet, but I helped get it go- ing." gains title the middle and Hayward was waiting for it on the 35.

"We're not surprised over the win," said Hayward. "When we lost to them 17-0 in the sixth game of the season, Coach told us we would win all the rest, go 9-2" and take the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association championship. The Green Knights kept the potent BC offense under wraps, yielding only 54 yards rushing. In fact, the Crusaders ran for 55 yards in the opening half and lost yardage in the second. BC made only one offensive thrust and came up empty.

It came early in the second half after taking over on its 46 following a punt. McGovern completed three three straight passes for 46 yards and a 2-yard run by Drew Pizzurro put it on the 6. "That was our chance, and we came away with nothing," said losing coach Bill Roca. "The motion penalty hurt us moved the club back to the 11. And on third down, Mike slipped in the mud with guys open." Pellegrino's kick was low and Hayward's body blocked the balL "That was his own idea going through that gap," said Karcich.

St. Joseph's winning drive covered 77 yards with a penalty playing a key role. On second-and-13 from his 47 McNeill fired a pass over the head of Kurt Karcich. As the play was ending, the receiver was bumped by Mike Rinaldi, and in high school the flag is thrown even if there's no chance of a completion. The ball was moved 15 yards, and McNeill followed with a 14-yarder to Hayward.

Then Jerry Cantone circled left end for 11 to of in as in SCHOOL SCOREBOARD liaro's four carries for 49 yards. But Pompton had just 17 yards in its next five possessions before taking over at the Cardinals 23 late in the third quarter. Again, Magliaro starred in the ensuing drive, gaining 64 yards in three ANDREW "TEX" JOHNSON Overcomes knee sprain Brand contributed mightily on the field. He had a sack and a deflection to stop two key plays, and got off a perfect snap when Michael Patterson had to punt out of danger late in the game. "The thing that worked, the thing that really convinced me was when Coach told us we had the better football team," Brand said.

"That meant a lot." in upset PAROCHIAL A the 13. Two plays later, St Joseph was caught holding and moved back 15 yards, followed by the sack O'Neill. The drive appeared over, but McLaughlin was waiting the wings. The junior receiver beat BC's top defensive back, Greg Darienzo, to the end zone. "When I cut to the flag I saw no one in front of me and I just waited for Gil to throw it up.

When I saw the ball I said, 'This is It felt great because we've been working for the championship since camp." Tony Karcich was all smiles: "This is great for them because they've never tasted a championship. They'll savor it for a long time." Clifton rolls to hockey win WEST ORANGE Left wing Darren Groh and center Rob Sheehan eached netted three goals Clifton routed Millburn, 12-lr the hockey season opener for both teams at South Mountain Arena. Scott Palfreyman added two goals and an assist, and Sheehan assisted on two other scores. Clifton jumped out to a 6-0 first-period lead as Sheehan opened the scoring 31 seconds into the game. Groh scored his three cnnla five minutes apart late in the period and Sheehan closed out the scoring with 1:46 left.

something out of a bad snap into punt formation, was called for intentional grounding and Pompton Lakes took over at the Cresskill 14. This time the Cardinals scored on an 8-yard fourth-down run by Magliaro, who had 145 yards in 20 carries. PAROCHIAL and a sack by Ralph DeFazio pushed Morris Catholic back and halted the drive. Pope John scored its last touchdown after a Morris Catholic turnover. With a fourth-and-three at the Morris Catholic 30, the Lions tried to pull the Crusaders offsides for the first down.

It didn't work, and they were forced to punt. Connolly booted it to the 5, where the Morris Catholic receiver fumbled and Doug Anderson recovered for the Lions. Larry Arrico scored from the 1, and Connolly cracked through the right side for the two-point conversion. Although the Lions scored 22 points, the Morris Catholic defense allowed only 161 total yards, with Arico rushing for 91 of them. "They did a nice job on defense, but ours did better," Paternostro said.

"They stopped who they had to stop." The state championship was particularly sweet for Paternostro, who credits his group of seniors for the undefeated season. PJ MC 5 7 71 106 03 34 3-1-13 3-10-34 3-32 4-29 2-1 1-1 2-15 1-15 First downs Rushing yards Passing yards Passes Punts-avg. Fumbles-tott Penalties-yards Rushing PJ-Arrtco 27-91. Passing PJ-Mammon 3-1-0 S3; MC-Henchet 3-10-0 34. Receiving PJ-PMa 1-55.

Hockey NJIHL Paramua Catholic 10, Dwtght-Englewood 0 (M) Paranwt CatheUc I I i-K 02) DwInM-Engleweed 10 0-0 Ceils: Cardlllo 3, Markonda 2, Glbbt, Harm, Da. Hunt, Gomez, Masfrlannl. Assists: Marlconda 2, Wbwkun 2, Gomez, Carlto, Hunt, Glbbs, Franco. Savet: PC-Skawlnsk DE-MDna 31 Clifton 12, Millburn 1 (1-1) CIHtoa i 2 4 12 (0-1) Mlllaera 0 11-1 Gears: C-Groh 3, Sheehan 3, Parfrevman 2, Cho-ffliak, Laurltano, Kwleckzlnsky, Spurdhv M-Resnfck. Assists: C-KallnKa 3, Krzanowsky Sheehan 2, Spurdls 2, Parfrevman, J.Laurltano, B.Laurhano, Groh, Orlando, Pletruiska; M-Remmig, Meany.

Saves: C-Jecalow II; M-Petart 42. Suffern Tournament Semifinal round 8t Joeaph 4, 8uftm (14) St. Joseph 121-1 (1-1) Suffer 111-1 Goals: SJ-Brownflald 2, JustM, SnWty; S-Campo-menosi, FHzpatrlck, Linkle. Assists: SJ-Blum, Snisky, Uvtev; S-Emmons 2, Kerry. Savet: SJ-Pearson 19; S-SlbMa 14, Schoanbach 1.

Glassboro I Seelk Creep 1 Delran 20 I Starfng 0 Rancocat Valley 26-Soelk Creep 4 Washington Twp. 34 Parecklal A Nortk St. Joseph 7 Parecklal Nertk Pont John 22 ParacMal A See Holy Spirit 15 PI. Pleetant Bore 0 River South 19 Bergen Catheflc 0 Mm i it Cathoflc 7 Noire Dame 8 NJSIAA SEMIFINALS Central Creep 3 Cardwol 22 Jefferson 9 HOCKIY Clerk 19 Dover I piramut Catholic JO CrWon 12. DwIgM-Englewood 0 Severn 3 By Mlchale Narona tm Correspondent SPARTA The undefeated Lions of Pope John showed just how tough they are on the football field by defeating Morris Catholic, 22-7, yesterday for their second consecutive New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Parochial title.

The Crusaders (7-4) got their first of many breaks on the last play of the first quarter when a pass from Pope John quarterback Michael Mammon tipped off receiver Brad Johnston and fell into the hands of Morris Catholic's Mike Burbridge at Pope John's 41-yard line. But the Lions defense held and forced the Crusaders to punt. Two minutes later, though, the Crusaders capitalized on another break. Guy Gaffney intercepted a pass and ran it back 15 yards. The Crusaders drove to the 1, and John Trust ran it in.

Burbridge kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead. "We gave them one break after another," Pope John's coach Vic Paternostro said. "I know we're a HIGH NJSIAA football Group 1 CreuklK 21, Pompton Ukee 7 (114) CraukW ID I 7-11 (t-M) NmptM UtM I C-E. Smith 2S run (Karach kick) C-Karach 1 run (Karach kick) C-Dolo 12 past from Morgan (Karach kick) PL-Magllaro run (B. Smith kick) Cr PL First down 14 11 Rushing yards 230 153 Passing yards 33 Passu 513-1 4-19-7 Punts-avo.

526.8 Fumblas-lost 2-0 1 Ptnaltlat-yards 7-72 5-51 Rwshlnt C-E. Smith 14-149, Karach 11-57, Morgan 9-29, Donwlly 1 (-5); PL-Magllaro 20-145, DaSarno 6-(-9), Thomas 3-13, Harriet 2-4. Passing -Morgan 5-13-1 PL-DtSarno 4-11-2 33, Magllaro 0-1. Racaivlng C-Karach 1-10, Doto 3-33, Laug 1-37; PL-Magllaro 1-2, Thomas 1-H), ShMr 2-37. Group 2 River Da 7, Hawthorne a (9-1) Hawtkama I I I (114) River Dad 117 0-7 H-CasapuDa 57 past from Collier (run failed) RO-Kyasky 4 run (Qulnn kick) RD Ha First downs I 5 Rushing yards 130 74 Passing yards It 116 Passes 6-20 137-1 Punts-avg.

5-32J0 4-H2 Fumbles-lest 0-0 5-2 Penaltlei-yards 225 5-35 RasMng H-Contrlnl 7-45, BateM 7-16, Solrlto 7-13, Comer 6-4, Swofford 1 (-4); RD-Kyasky 33-103, Pus-terta 6-30, Barto 4-5; Jugan 5 (-0). Passing H-SplrHo 5-10-0 46, CoWer 2-3-0 70; RD-Jusan 2-5-0 II, Katy 0-1. ReceMag H-CasapuHa 3-10, Contrfnf 1-13, Mela 1-13, McGrean 1-5, Kandraw 1-5, RD-WktHake 2-W. Group 3 BergenfMd 14, Wvrrw VaOey 0 (74) MevM VMtev 0 0 0 0 I (W-1) laraanfleld I I 0 4 McNulry I run (Dtsceporo pen from Fasano) Pkmal 4 pass from Fasano (put failed) First down Rushing yards Patting yards Patset Punts-avg. FumtwsHott Penalties-yards 12 5 139 a IS 76 6-13-1 10-15-1 5-224 21 1-0 6-30 J-21 B-Fatano 13-Q.

MeNuftv n-K Maoakl 11-47. DttCtmlB 1-4 Torai 1-0- WV-Marmaa A.K Ceooo -U, White 4-3, Flower 3-4, Klndrar W-4). Petting B-Fatane 6-13-1 IS. WV-Flowar 9-14-1 74 MuMgwi Recehnag B-VBone 4-50, Ptnnal 1-4. Nogakf 1-29; WV-Herman 3-26, Cummingt 3-e, White 1-25, HB l-a Ecornmou 1-14.

Group 4 Kerwwdy tt, Beyonne: 7 (ie-1) i 064-1) I By Ron Fox Record Staff Witter i PATERSON Before meeting with his players at halftime yesterday, Frank Bonadies stopped off at the trainer's room. The Kennedy coach wanted to say it with music. "I was mad," he said after the Knights rallied for a 13-7 victory over Bayonne, "but I realized we were tight and we were losing 7-0 on fluke plays. So I got the radio out of the trainer's room and turned it on and said, 'Let's We didn't even talk football." Well, Bonadies did fit in a few words about the game. While he did not alter his game plan, he did say the right things to get the Knights purring again.

They responded with touchdowns on their first two possessions of the second half, and limited Bayonne to 29 second-half yards. "We were dead in the first half," linebacker Frank Jacobsen said. "We had to go out there in the second half and fight for what we wanted." St. Joseph By Bob Kurland i Record Staff Writer i ORADELL Gilbert McNeill will be happy and surprised watching the game films of St. Joseph upsetting Bergen Catholic, 7-0, in yesterday's state Parochial A North championship football game.

Hell see himself rolling around to avoid a rush, then launching a fourth-down pass into the end zone. And if the camera is on target, he'll see 5-foot-7 Matt McLaughlin looking over his shoulder and extending his body to catch the aerial early in the fourth quarter. "Gilbert told me after the game he doesn't remember throwing the pass or anything else for most of the final quarter," said St. Joseph coach Tony Karcich, who has won three state titles as Bergen Catholic coach. "It looks like he was hit on the play before sacked by Mike Zampardi and was out of it the rest of the game." While McLaughlin was the offensive hero, Steve Hayward took defensive honors as he intercepted two Mike McGovern passes in the final nine minutes and blocked a 33-yard field goal attempt by Dar-yle Pellegrino midway through the third period.

Soon after the touchdown, Hayward made his first interception. "We worked all week on going against their tight end delay, and that's what they went to. I came up on it and was very happy coming away with the balL" The next interception ended what was shaping up to be a last-minute BC drive. The Crusaders (9-2) had a first down on their 44 McGovern put the ball down B-Rankln 1 run (PassarWIo kick) K-Freeman 43 run (Patterson kick) K-Johnson 13 run (kick failed) Ke Ba First downs 6 9 Rushing yards 131 60 Passing yards 93 47 Passes 7-10-1 4-7-1 Punts-avg. 4-39J FumMes-lott 3-0 21 Penalties-yards 2-6 315 RasMng K-Johnson 15-14, McDonald 6-17, Fields 5-10, Freeman 6-25, Becote 1-2; B-Beler 16-60, Baret 4-11, Rankin 6-5, Varella 1-6, Campbell 1-2, Hughes 5-(-24).

Passing K-Freeman 7-10-1 93; B-Hughes 4-7-0 47. Receiving K-Jackson 4-41, Whltaker 1-31, Johnson 1-16, Banks 1-5. Parochial A St Joseph 7, Bergen Cathode 0 (t-2) St. Jesepk OII7-7 (M) Bergen Catholic 0 I I McLaughlin 25 pass from McNeill (Fabrlt kick) SJ BC First downs 14 10 Rushing yards 130 54 Passing yards 77 09 Passes 6-0-1 722-4 Punts-avg. 5-33J 436J Fumbles-losl 4-0 30 Penalties-yards 3-30 3-35 RasMng SJ-Farlev 16-60, Cantone 12-43, Telema-nua 5-22, Morris 1-4, McNeill 3-2, Moore 1-H); BC-Pluurro 11-33, RlnakX 2-11, VTnd 1-10, McGovern 7-0.

Pasting SJ-McNeW 6-8-0 77; BC-McGovem 7-21-0 19. Receiving SJ-McLaughlln 2-39, Roth 2-24, Cantone 1-9, Farley 1-5; BC-Rlul 4-41, O'Neill 2-31, vlnd 1-10. Parochial Pep John 22, Morrta Cathode 7 (7-4) Merrts CtfkaHc 0 7 0 0 7 (11-6) Papa Mm 0 14 I I 22 MC-Trutt 1 run (Burbridge kick) PJ-GuarrM 75 run (Connolly kick) PJ-Plele 55 pass from Mammon (Connoty kick) PJ-Arrico 1 run (Connoty run) SCORES High school NJSIAA FINALS StCHoM If SlMW 1 CrettkH 21 Socltaa 1, Creep 2 River Del 7 Stcnaa 1, Creep I Hswftvornrf A IMey 0 Bayonne 7 1 1, Grave 4 Kennedy 13 SecNea 2, Creep I Mow rovfdoncs 29 SkMm 6rw I Rsndoiph 14 JWCtlojTB 1 6fWP 4 Union 17 Central, Creep I Kevporl 20 Central Creep I FranUn 35 Mountain Lake West Morrft 13 -Roxbury 14 (OT) Asbury Park 12 ytt Windsor 17 Central Creep 4 Madison Central 26. Neptune 9.