J.R. Robinson and Nate Ortiz never had the chance to play against each other in high school, since Robinson was a standout defensive back/kick returner at St. Peter’s Prep and Ortiz an impressive tight end at St. Anthony.
But the two Hudson County grid stars are going to get the chance to know each other very well over the next few years – and it will all begin in June, when they both play for the North squad in the 34th Annual New Jersey Scholastic Football Coaches Association’s North-South All-Star Classic.
And after they get acquainted during that strenuous workout regimen at Kean University, culminating in the game at Kean on Monday, June 25, Robinson and Ortiz will continue their new-found relationship into college together.
Both players have already signed letters of intent to attend Delaware State and will play football there.
“We’re getting a head start to know each other,” Ortiz said, also noting that Prep lineman Keon Williams will join Robinson and Ortiz at Delaware State. “I know we’re going to be close friends.”
“This is giving us a chance to know what college life is all about,” Robinson said. “It’s a great honor to be able to work together with Nate. I’m really looking forward to it.”
The future teammates represent two of the five Hudson County products who were selected to play in the game, a strong representation of the county.
The others are Hoboken quarterback/safety Spencer Perez, Bayonne running back/defensive back Malcolm Robinson and Union City defensive back Steve Le.
The North coaching staff will feature Union City head coach Wilber Valdez, who will be the North’s defensive coordinator, and Hoboken head coach Lou Taglieri, who will serve as an assistant.
Former Union City head coach and current St. Peter’s Prep assistant Joe Rotondi is on the committee for the North squad.
Robinson said that he knew a lot about the North-South game.
“I grew up watching this game and following others who played in the game, so it’s a big honor for me. I watched people move on from this game and go on to do well in college. I want to be able to do the same. In that respect, it’s a blessing to play. I want to be able to represent Prep and keep the momentum going from others from Prep who played in the game.”
Robinson doesn’t know where he will play, either as a cornerback or a safety.
“It doesn’t really matter to me, because I can play anywhere,” Robinson said.
Ortiz said that he watched former St. Anthony teammate Jidamon Sparkman (currently at Menocino Junior College in California) play in the game last year and hoped to get a shot like Sparkman had.
“Jidamon was always someone I looked up to and he was such a positive role model,” Ortiz said. “He was the first St. Anthony player to play in this game and I am proud to follow in his footsteps. It’s a great opportunity for me as I keep chasing my dreams.”
Perez was one of only two quarterbacks selected to play for the North squad, so he’s going to get his fair share of playing time. It’s going to be a little different for the C.W. Post-bound Perez, going from a Delaware Wing-T offense that was used by Taglieri in Hoboken to a pro set that will be put into play in the All-Star game.
“Living in the Wing-T, I did the best I could,” said Perez, who was also a fine defensive back for the Red Wings. “But in this game, they’re going to emphasize my throwing arm and I like that. I hope to make an impact in the game. I get a chance to prove myself a little and show what I can do. It’s going to be a great experience for me. Maybe they’ll also give me a little chance on the defensive side.”
Perez said that he also attended a few North-South games in the past, watching the exploits of his friends and former Red Wings Duval Kamara and Damien Bates.
“I’ve been around the game, so I think I know what it takes,” Perez said. “It’s a great honor and it’s great to have so many guys from Hudson County in the game.”
Le, headed to Monroe Community College in New York in the fall, becoming part of the school’s fledgling football program, is excited to be the first Union City High School product to be selected to play in the Classic.
“I feel like it’s a gift,” Le said. “It is a reward for my years of hard work. It all leads to this special day. It will be a day to remember for me.”
Le said that he was surprised to be selected. He was certain his high school football career was over.
“I didn’t know anything about it, until Coach Valdez texted me and told me I was selected,” Le said. “I was excited to get a chance to play again. It brings a lot of attention to me and to the school. Being the first one from Union City makes it very special.”
The players will begin training at Kean on Friday, June 22 and will endure two and even three practice sessions a day prior to the game on Monday night. It’s a solid representation for the county…
The wrestling season isn’t over yet for two local standouts. State champion Lenny Richardson of St. Peter’s Prep and state runner-up Eric McMullen of North Bergen will participate in the New Jersey/New York Varsity Challenge Sunday at Clarkstown South High School in West Nyack, N.Y. beginning at 1 p.m.
The Challenge, which pits the best New Jersey wrestlers against the best from New York, will raise money for two great causes, Pinning Down Autism and the Adam Frey Foundation.
The matches will air live online at www.msgvarsity.com and will air on MSG Varsity Monday night at 7:30 p.m….
Congrats to Jersey City natives and brothers Danny and Bobby Hurley, who agreed to be teamed as the new coaching tandem at the University of Rhode Island. The former St. Anthony products and sons of legendary coach Bob Hurley spent the last two years together at Wagner College. Danny signed a reported six-year contract to become the URI head coach, with Bobby, the former Duke All-American and 1992 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player, joining his younger brother as an assistant…
With the Hurley brothers moving on to Rhode Island, it leaves the Wagner College head coaching job open — and it would only make sense if current University of Cincinnati assistant coach Darren Savino gets that job.
Savino, a former high school teammate of Bobby during those St. Anthony glory days, has paid his dues as an assistant at St. John’s, New Mexico, Rutgers and now Cincinnati. He deserves the shot to be a head coach. It would be like one Country Village kid passing the torch to another…– Jim Hague
Jim Hague can be reached via e-mail at OGSMAR@aol.com.