When R.J. Cole left Newark Tech a few years ago to transfer to St. Anthony, he did so with two things in mind.
“I was getting a chance to play for Coach [Bob] Hurley, a Hall of Fame coach, a great teacher,” Cole said. “And I knew that college coaches would be around and someone would take notice of me.”
A few colleges, like Monmouth and Boston University, took notice, but in the end, it was Howard University that won out. Last week, the standout Friar do-everything guard signed his national letter of intent to attend Howard next fall. He still has another year to weave his magic with the fabulous Friars.
“I think going to Howard was a different choice,” Cole said. “I wanted to do something different. I’ll get a great education. I liked Howard’s campus. There’s a vibe there that is just great. It’s going to give me the opportunity to play right away and I liked that. It’s all good.”
Cole, a 5-foot-11 senior who is primarily a point guard, will get that chance and more this season, which _ believe it or not _ begins in a few days with the first practice. The Friars, the defending NJSIAA Tournament of Champions winner, were totally decimated by graduation. It’s basically Cole’s team to lead the way.
Hurley knew that Cole was a better player than the level of play Howard is at, namely the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Hurley understands more than anyone that if Cole waited a little more, he might have received better offers from bigger schools in big-time leagues.
“But that’s not what he wanted,” Hurley said. “His parents were very excited about Howard, especially his mother. They absolutely love the school and love that he’s getting a chance to go to Howard. He has the opportunity to walk in the door there and try to get them into the NCAA Tournament. He can be a star there.”
Hurley said that Cole has already hit the big time at Howard.
“When he committed to the school, an announcement was made and it was bigger than an alumnus being elected to the United State Senate [Senator-elect Kamala Harris from California],” Hurley said. “It’s a very prestigious school and they’re waiting for him to come there. When it comes down to it, he’ll get a chance to play against bigger schools and will be able to be a star player. He’s trading the bigger school for a situation where he’s happy.”
Harris is only the second African-American woman to ever become elected to the U.S. Senate. Howard is also the alma mater of Anthony Anderson, the star of the hit ABC comedy “Blackish.”
“It’s all good,” Cole said. “It’s a burden off my shoulders. I can focus on my team and Coach can get still get all up on me. The pressure about school is gone. I now have the pressure of leading the team, but we have a lot of other guys who can help me. I have been teaching the younger guys what it’s like.”
It all becomes real for the young Friars in two weeks…
When Hoboken defeated Brearley Regional, 32-14, last Friday night at JFK Stadium in the last episode of “Friday Night Lights” in Hoboken for the season, senior quarterback Wilden Germain gave the Hoboken fans something to remember him by with one of the most scintillating all-around performances in Redwing history.
Germain merely carried the ball 27 times for 253 yards rushing and scored three touchdowns. Germain also completed 10-of-17 passes for 112 yards and another score. Athlete of the Week? Germain would have been a lock if he had not received the honor earlier this year. A performance like that might make him Athlete of the Century.
Hoboken head coach Lou Taglieri has been there for all the greats _ Rashard Casey, Ravon Anderson, Keeon Walker, even Tyrell Dortch’s incredible game against Wayne Hills in the North 1, Group III title game in 1999, when Dortch rushed for 288 yards and four touchdowns.
Germain’s performance last Friday is right there in Taglieri’s eyes.
“It was amazing to watch,” Taglieri said. “Just amazing. He has so much talent and the ability to do so much. He was on fire. If he plays like that against Weequahic [Friday night at Untermann Field in Newark], then we’re going to be tough to beat. It’s ridiculous how we win half the time.”
Hoboken lost to Weequahic, 26-6, in the regular season.
“But if he has that type of performance again?” Taglieri exclaimed. “I’ve never seen anything like it, both running and passing. Casey had some games. Dortch in Giants Stadium maybe. But it’s right up there with the list of them. That’s a lot of yardage and touchdowns from one kid.”…
Thanks to all the readers who followed the Top 25 Characters. We got a ton of feedback and a flood of memories came pouring in. Thanks to those who contributed and to those still around who made the list…
OK, the Great Hagueini amazingly went 7-1 with his first round prognostications. It was so hot that the crystal ball now has a black burn mark and the turban was actually singed from the fire.
So here are this week’s playoff predictions. And remember, don’t use them for any wagering unless it’s for a turkey Panini and a diet black cherry soda with your Uncle Looie…
Hoboken at Weequahic, North 2, Group I, Friday night, 7 p.m.: Wilden Germain will have to become nothing short of Annie Sullivan, a.k.a. “The Miracle Worker,” if he can pull this one off. Weequahic 21, Hoboken 14.
Passaic County Tech at Union City, North 1, Group V, Friday night: Once again, we’re up on the roof because the Soaring Eagles’ defense is as tough as it gets right now. Harrison Fernandez is playing like a Player of the Year candidate, 96 yards rushing on offense, five tackles and a pick on defense. Union City 28, Passaic Tech 13.
St. Peter’s Prep at Bergen Catholic, Non-Public Group 4, Saturday: Johnathan Lewis (9-of-16 passing, 95 yards, 1 TD and 11 carries for 121 yards and three TDs against Delbarton) has to do a little more this week, especially on the road. The two teams met earlier this year with Prep winning 48-42. This time? St. Peter’s Prep 42, Bergen Catholic 41.
Bernards at Lincoln, Central Jersey, Group II, Saturday: Who has the advantage? A team that has to travel from Bernardsville for 90 minutes on a bus or a team that can stroll down the hill to Caven Point? We’re picking the Lions. Lincoln 26, Bernards 21…–Jim Hague
Jim Hague can be reached via e-mail at OGSMAR@aol.com