The city of Hoboken wore the Redwings black and red proudly as the high school football team paraded down Washington Street on Wednesday, Jan. 13 to celebrate their 10th state championship. Shop owners stood at their doorsteps to wave to the team, passerby snapped photos, and mothers stopped their strollers to cheer the team on.
The frigid temperatures did little to dampen the Mile Square City’s spirits as the parade moved down Washington Street from the Elks at 10th Street starting at 3 p.m.
The Redwings, the first high school team to clinch 10 championships in Hudson County, beat the undefeated Brearley Bears of Kenilworth 34 to 12 in a December game at Kean University to take the crown.
“We’ve had some tremendous support this year.” – Coach Lou Taglieri
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“Let me start by thanking Mayor [Dawn] Zimmer, Director [Leo] Pellegrini, as well as the City Council, and city workers for organizing and preparing a great parade,” said the team’s head coach, Lou Taglieri. “The team and I appreciate it very much. We’ve had some tremendous support this year. The state championship is back where it belongs. This is the 10th state championship, but I guarantee you it will not be the last.”
Coach Taglieri thanked the students’ parents and community for their support and said he considers the Redwings’ staff the “best in the state.”
The parade concluded at City Hall where the players received proclamations and the mayor began her speech by shouting “Go Redwings!” to rousing applause from the crowd.
“A huge congratulations to the players, the coaches, all of you,” she said. “Tenth championship! Hoboken is making history. This is the first time in Hudson County this has ever happened.”
“You showed extreme dedication and commitment,” she told the team. “I encourage you, all of you, to think about how dedicated you were…and to take this and transfer it to every single thing you do in your life.”
Coach Taglieri gave the game ball signed by all the players and coaches to Superintendent Johnson, who said she’s looking forward to an 11th championship victory in the future.
To read Jim Hague’s play by play of the game, search “STATE CHAMPS AGAIN!” at www.hudsonreporter.com.
Steven Rodas can be reached at srodas@hudsonreporter.com.