It had been five tumultuous years in the making, which included the death of a former captain and the suspension of the entire program, but Snyder High School’s 18-12 overtime victory over Dickinson last Tuesday marked a milestone for coach Eric Piccolo and his players.
After losing 19 straight games dating back to November of 1996 and seeing the program actually cease operations twice during that time span, the Tigers hung tough under emotional circumstances last week, winning their first game – with the smoldering ruins of the World Trade Center as a backdrop. Before the game, in a stirring moment, the players for both Dickinson and Snyder lined up at midfield, then proceeded to pass an American flag to each other, before a moment of silence was held and the National Anthem was played.
After regulation play ended in a 12-12 tie, Snyder put the ball in the end zone, on quarterback Anthony Bell’s 4-yard keeper. The Tigers’ defense then stiffened when the Rams had their chance to score in overtime, collecting a sack on the game’s final play, sealing the victory.
"We had to win," Piccolo said. "We had to win. We had to win."
Needless to say, he was emphasizing his point.
"We needed this victory to get the monkey off our shoulders. These kids have been working very hard to get this win."
Running back Larry Holmes had a big part in the win, rushing for nearly 100 yards and scoring two touchdowns.
Needless to say, it was an emotional victory during an emotional time – a win that was a long time coming for a program that has endured its fair share of pain and adversity over the last five years…
Hudson Catholic did the right thing in promoting Frank McGady to head hockey coach. McGady paid his dues as a dutiful assistant to former coach Cory Robinson over the last nine years and will act as a stabilizing buffer that will enable the Hawks’ proud and storied program to move forward.
As an assistant coach, McGady worked with the defensemen, so he professes to be a defensive-minded head coach. He is also a very organized instructor and dedicated worker, so he will maintain a level of excellence at one of New Jersey’s premier programs. Hudson Catholic was the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions winner two years ago…
Tough break for a good kid: Secaucus’ Mike Addeo was all set to have a big football season for the Patriots, playing a host of roles for head coach Charlie Voorhees. The junior was set to be a regular in the rotation of wingbacks on offense, while cementing his place in the Patriots’ secondary.
Addeo had already made his mark in the Patriots’ season-opening victory against Lyndhurst, collecting an interception and making a series of tackles on offense. As the game wound down with Secaucus driving for yet another touchdown, Addeo made a key block that sprung John Tapia for the score that capped the 25-0 victory.
There was only one problem. Addeo suffered a severely broken leg on the play, was immediately rushed to the hospital, and will be lost for the remainder of the season. Here’s to hoping that a real good kid like Addeo makes a complete recovery in time for his senior season with the Patriots in 2002.
I know that Addeo’s fantastic father, renowned basketball official Felix Addeo, must be worried sick over his son’s injury…
Is there a bigger surprise than Ferris High School, considering the Bulldogs’ 2-0 start? Running back Cedrick Aiken has been a stud, rushing for more than 100 yards in both victories for new head coach Mike Rivera…