TASTY TIDBITS Rodriguez has charges lessened; locals mourn loss of Vargas Avella retires from coaching; Mocco to receive just due

North Bergen native Evan Rodriguez is set to receive a reprieve from the West Virginia legal system. The pending charges against the former Hudson Reporter Athlete of the Year are expected to be reduced from felony assault to a misdemeanor disturbance and trespassing charge, with only a $100 fine and restitution to the female residence …

NJSIAA announces realignment plan Puts all of Hudson County’s schools together, but eliminates leagues and conferences

If the realignment plan that was released by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Wednesday is voted upon and adopted in a few weeks by the entire association (which is anticipated), then leagues like the HCIAA and the BSCL, initials that have dominated the local sports scenes for decades, will become things of …

Olympic well wishes for North Bergen’s Mocco Abreu may start for Scarlet Knights; Brown’s career at UVa over

The Olympic Games in Beijing, China began with its opening ceremonies Friday night and Hudson County, in particular, North Bergen was well represented. That’s because North Bergen native and longtime resident Steve Mocco is a member of the United States Olympic wrestling team and will compete as Team USA’s heavyweight during the Games. Mocco isn’t …

‘Fistic Fireworks’ boxing card a rousing success Local fighters Escalera, McDermott never looked better at Schuetzen Park event

It was almost three years ago when Danny McDermott first got a chance to fight as a professional boxer in his backyard. McDermott, who has lived in both North Bergen and Jersey City during his lifetime, received the opportunity to perform as part of a Main Events boxing card at Schuetzen Park in North Bergen …

Pro boxing returns to Schuetzen Park ‘Fistic Fireworks’ card set for Thursday night

You have to give the boxing promoting brother team of John and Pat Lynch of Union City, also known now as Pound-For-Pound Promotions, credit for wanting to make sure that professional boxing remains part of the sports mainstream in Hudson County. They held their first card at the Park Theater in Union City in the …

Final football game for Hudson’s finest players Frias, Mosqueida earn distinction; Rice, Rodger earn respect

After playing in the New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Association’s All-Star Baseball Classic earlier in the month, Emerson High School graduate Edwin Frias had to quickly change gears and prepare for the annual North-South All-Star Football Classic that was held last Monday night at Rutgers Stadium. Needless to say, it wasn’t an easy transition, going from …