News Stories:	Feature Stories:
Beyers’ son declines Zoning Board appointment Off-duty officer subdues armed robber at Acme Zoning Board postpones Pucci application New high school approved by a wide margin Teen Center supporting Oakcrest students in a variety of ways	When he lost his sight he gained his vision
Events:	Blotters:
Scarecrows, pumpkins, mummies and more in Mays Landing for Fall Festival	Police Blotter
Letters to the Editor:	Merit Honor Rolls:
Times for candidates to stop taking potshots and start addressing issues	Oakcrest picks up first volleyball win Oakcrest routs Millville, 26-0 Sports Briefs Eagles hold off Ocean City for second win Anglers enjoy wonderful weather By land, by air Mainland Regional dominates Absegami, 21-14 Golf results Dynamo Gymnastics level 4, 6, squads win titles Lady Spartans show the way

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007

The Current Of Mays Landing & Hamilton

Published, Thursday, September 27, 2007

New Jersey, USA

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Beyers’ son declines Zoning Board appointment
By CHRISTIAN MANAHAN Staff Writer

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP – The son of Township Committeeman William Beyers has resigned his recent appointment to the Zoning Board of Adjustment following the political backlash over Beyers’ decision to cast the deciding vote in favor of his son’s nomination. Clint Beyers sent a letter Tuesday, Sept. 23 to the Township Clerk’s office declining his temporary appointment to the Zoning Board. “After careful consideration, I unfortunately must decline my appointment to the township’s Zoning Board of Adjustments,” Beyers said in his letter. “Although the Township Committee’s appointment was made with the best intensions, a few people in the township have objected to my father’s vote supporting my interest to perform a community service in this capacity” “While I would not normally permit partisan objections to sway my commitment, in the best interest of the township, I feel I should decline the appointment at this time.” During the Township Committee meeting of Sept. 4, the governing body, by a 3-2 roll call vote, named Clint Beyers to the Zoning Board of Adjustment as an alternate until Dec. 31 to take over for alternate Peter Carson; Carson had been made a regular member to fill the unexpired term of William Behrle, who resigned Aug. 27. During the meeting a member of the public said William Beyers should have abstained from voting on his son due to a conflict of interest. Township Solicitor Norman Zlotnick said at the time that since there is no financial gain involved for either father or son, the legality of Beyers’ vote should not be in question. Voting yes were Democratic Committeemen Mayor Tom Palmentieri, James Link and William Beyers. Committeemen Nelson Gaskill, also a Democrat, and Charles Pritchard, a Republican, voted no. On Tuesday of this week the three Republican candidates for Township Committee issued a press release trumpeting Clint Byers departure. Republicans Roger Silva, Amy Gatto, and Joe Nickels said it should have been acknowledged by officials from the beginning that there was an obvious conflict of interest. “Had Committeeman Beyers respected public outcry during the public comment portion of the meeting in question, this all could have been avoided and the people would have an appropriate representative already in place serving on the Zoning Board of Adjustment," the candidates said in a joint statement. Amid the appointment of Clint Beyers, local attorney Sue Sandman sent a letter to the state Ethics Commission suggesting that ethical violations occurred with this appointment to the board, according to Pritchard. Officials from the State Ethics Commission said they cannot comment on Sandman’s letter. The commission also did not confirm or deny receiving her letter. In letter to this newspaper that was published last week, William Beyers defended the action. “My understanding of the ethics law was that an elected official should abstain from voting for a person or issue when there is a financial benefit for the official or someone associated with him,” he wrote. “I voted to permit my son to be a non-compensated volunteer member of the Zoning Board for four meetings. I hardly think this is something sinister.” Neither Clint and William Beyers could be reached for further comment. Return to Story Index

Off-duty officer subdues armed robber at Acme

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP – A 34-year-old Mays Landing man was arrested by an off-duty police officer after an apparent robbery attempt at the Acme, police said. At approximately 9:32 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 23 off-duty local police officer Kevin Graham was shopping at the Acme in Mays Landing when he was made aware of a disturbance at the grocery store pharmacy. Graham made his way to the area and saw a man, later identified as Joseph Gerace IV, holding two employees at bay with a butcher knife. Police said the man had jumped the counter and had the employees on their knees at knifepoint. Graham concealed himself behind a counter and observed the robbery in progress. Soon after, Gerace began walking the employees around at knifepoint while stealing various prescription drugs, according to police reports. Eventually, Gerace attempted to walk the employees to the store exit. Police said Graham waited until Gerace separated himself from the employees and leapt from behind the counter, tackling the assailant. Graham disarmed and restrained Gerace before uniformed patrol officers arrived. Gerace was charged with robbery, kidnapping, criminal restraint, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. He was lodged at the Atlantic County jail in default of $300,000 bail. Graham is a 22-year veteran of the Hamilton Township Police Department. Return to Story Index

Zoning Board postpones Pucci application
By CHRISTIAN MANAHAN Staff Writer

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP – Conflict of interest is an issue here yet again – this time coming up during the Sept. 24 Zoning Board meeting. Officials said that “technical errors” and possible conflict of interest regarding the use variance and site plan application filed by John and Deborah Pucci for an excavating/tree service facility led to its postponement. The board claimed that it was in its best interests to table the application, citing concerns about possible conflict of interest. John Pucci served on the municipality’s Planning Board for a number of years, and the people who reviewed his application are the same people he worked with while on the board. “If we rule tonight, it may get appealed due to conflict of interest,” solicitor Robert Campbell Jr. told the Zoning Board members. It is possible that the board may have to bring in alternate professionals to review the application. Prior to Monday’s meeting, Pucci tendered his resignation from the Planning board, officials said. Pucci was in his eighth year on the board. “Recently, potential conflict issues have emerged during my use variance application to the Zoning Board,” Pucci said in his letter of resignation. “It is my decision to protect my integrity and the integrity of the Planning Board to resign from the Township of Hamilton Planning Board effective Monday, Sept. 24.” A motion was made by board member Kim Melton and seconded by Peter Carson to table the application. A unanimous 5-0 roll call vote followed, making the postponement official. The application will go before the board at its meeting Monday, Nov. 26. Approval of the application would allow the operation of an excavating/tree service facility near the intersection of Harrison and Township Avenues. Several township residents came to speak about the application to express their concerns about issues such as potential truck traffic and noise. However, with the vote to postpone, their comments will have to wait until another date. “I think it is better that we go on sound legal advice,” said Robert Campbell Sr., chairman for the board. “It’s a shame we didn’t realize this ahead of time. It is better off we delay it so it’s legally perfect.” Return to Story Index

New high school approved by a wide margin
By STEVE PRISAMENT Staff Writer

Voters in all four communities of the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District overwhelmingly approved a referendum Tuesday, Sept. 25 to build a third district high school on a 66-acre site in Egg Harbor City. The margin was nearly 2-1. The unofficial vote, not counting absentee ballots, was 3,176 yes and 1,719 no. The district currently operates Oakcrest High School in Hamilton Township and Absegami High School in Galloway Township. The measure passed in Galloway Township by 526 votes – 1,367 to 841. In Hamilton Township the vote was 844-661, a margin of 183 votes. Egg Harbor City voters OK’d the school by 268 votes, 349 to 81. And there were 480 more yes than no votes in Mullica Township, where the tally was 616 to 136. The referendum approved bonding $27,409,449 toward the $81.7 million cost of the school. The remainder, about 66 percent, is to be funded by the state. District officials have stressed that $53.4 million might have been lost had the referendum been defeated, as the state has changed priorities – planning to give poorer Abbott districts a bigger share of its funding. Other communities sending students to the district’s high schools are Port Republic and Washington Township in Burlington County. Students from Egg Harbor City, Mullica Township, Port Republic and Washington township are slotted to attend the new school, which is scheduled to be open by 2010. Construction would not begin for about a year. Approximately 200 more students could participate in a “magnet program” – an intense curriculum offered at the new facility. The magnet program or programs to be offered has yet to be determined. “The planning for a new high school has been a long and deliberate process,” Superintendent of Schools Adam Pfeffer said Tuesday night. “We, of course, are thrilled about the outcome of the vote today and the confidence you have placed in our school system.” He cited a message that did not waver and said he was glad voters took time to assess the district’s needs and support the project. “We are especially excited that the taxpayer burden will be significantly reduced because of the state’s offer to fund more than 66 percent of the costs,” Pfeffer said. “This new high school will serve the students in our community for years to come. We are grateful for the teachers’ association, the trade unions and parental committees that worked tirelessly in securing a positive vote for the referendum.” The superintendent thanked retired state Sen. William Gormley for his support and assistance in securing the state funding, and Assemblymen Jim Whelan and Frank Blee for aid over “technical concerns in the later stages of the project.” “We are proud to serve and eager to get to work after several years of planning,” Pfeffer said. “We opened a new line of communication with our community that we hope will continue as we move forward.” The new facility is set to include 24 general classrooms, six science labs, three business classrooms, two health classrooms, three special education rooms, six resource rooms, one media center/library, one family/consumer science room, two music rooms, two art rooms, a dance room, drama room, technology room, gymnasium, auxiliary gymnasium and an auditorium. Return to Story Index

To comment on this story e-mail steve.prisament @catamaranmedia.com.

Teen Center supporting Oakcrest students in a variety of ways
By CHRISTIAN MANAHAN Staff Writer

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP – Whether you are in need of help or just want to have fun, the Teen Center at Oakcrest High School is there to answer your call. “Students can come down if there is a problem, and students can come down if there is not a problem,” said Darrell Edmond, director of the Oakcrest High School Teen Center. “We like to have our doors open, so if there is a problem, the students know where to come and they know where to get help.” A collaboration between the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District and AtlantiCare Behavorial Health, along with a youth services grant through the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, allowed the Oakcrest High School Teen Center to become a reality in May 2006. The renewable grant will be evaluated each year, and as long as the students are taking advantage of the service, funding for the Teen Center is expected to be there, officials said. The Teen Center, located within the high school, has two locations for students to go to. Being able to offer this type of convenience to students was important. “Geographically, this district is the largest school district in the state,” said Edmonds, a graduate of Absegami High School and a resident of Mays Landing. “You have students that travel 40 minutes to school – one way – sometimes. Having them get to the services they need may be difficult.” Services offered for students include mental health and family services, substance abuse counseling, employment services, pregnancy prevention programs and recreation. Students, if they need to, are encouraged to come down during their study hall or non-academic classes. If they don’t have a study hall, arrangements can be made for students to come down during their lunch period. Edmonds said that students have utilized the Teen Center to discuss issues such as boyfriend-girlfriend problems, dealing with divorce, the loss of a loved one and experiences regarding violence and/or sexual abuse. “We get a wide variety of different issues,” Edmond said. “Sometimes kids have trouble making friends and it’s a place where they can go and talk to someone and maybe meet other students.” Although most of the services offered are for students in need of help, there are also fun activities offered for students, Edmonds said. “We are primarily a behavioral health and social services center, but we do offer recreational services,” Edmond said. He adds that they’ve taken trips to see the musical “Wicked” in Philadelphia and professional basketball games in the tri-state area. “All they have to do is come in and fill out permission slips [to go on field trips],” Edmonds said. “That may be a foot in the door for them. They will know where the Teen Center is and know what it is about, so maybe later on down the road if they have a problem, they know where to come.” Job counseling is also offered for students seeking employment, Edmonds said. In 2006, nearly 600 students took advantage of the Teen Center. Students need their parents’ permission to use the Teen Center. “In our first year we had some really great things happen,” he added. “Now we are looking at those successes and looking to build on it.” Return to Story Index

When he lost his sight he gained his vision
By CHRISTIAN MANAHAN Staff Writer

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP – Tom Massa loves painting. Massa will paint on anything, whether it is a piece of scrap wood or a door that a neighbor threw out. “I’ll paint on anything and everything,” the 67-year-old veteran said. “Sometimes I get an idea in my dreams and then paint it.” His ability to turn almost any blank into art is a rare talent, but Massa has another characteristic that makes him unique. Massa is blind. In 1986, Massa, a bus driver in New York City at the time, was involved in an accident with a bus headed into Atlantic City. “The impact threw me out of my seat,” Massa said. Soon after, Massa was diagnosed with macular degeneration, a retinal degenerative disease that causes progressive loss of central vision. The macula is the center portion of the retina that makes central vision and visual acuity possible. In other words, Massa does not have frontal vision, only peripheral. “It is just black when I look straight at you,” he said. In order for him to see what is in front of him, Massa has to turn is head to the side and use his peripheral to see. Even then the image is still a blur. “It was very hard – I thought it was the end of me,” said Massa, recalling his initial reaction to hearing the bad news. Massa, of Mays Landing, spent a decade or so going through rehabilitation, learning how to utilize a seeing-eye dog, and doing his best to lead a normal life. His life seemed to be at a standstill and doing “a whole lot of nothing” until his wife, Helen, bought him a paint set for Christmas in 2004. “She told me I ought to do something,” he said. “I was also tired of watching television and sitting at home.” Something is what he did. Judging by amount of artwork in his home, it looks like he hasn’t stopped painting since. He credits his creativity to his father, Tom Sr. His father was also an avid painter. “Like father like son” is what Massa gives as his reason for having a creative mind. All over the inside and outside of his one-story home are paintings of sailboats, seascapes, palm trees and sunsets. Massa tends to favor the nautical theme. “It keeps my mind occupied and gives me something to do,” he added. Massa also does a little carpentry work and put together his backyard deck and bar, including palm trees constructed out of plastic drainage tubes. He literally uses everything at his disposal, even using scrap wood as a canvas on which to paint. “Canvas can get expensive,” he said. “Why not use the scrap wood?” When Massa paints he wears special glasses and has to look very closely at his work surface. Massa will use a spray can to start off, then do the fine details for his piece with a brush. “The best thing about it is if you don’t like it you can take a white spray can and start all over,” Massa said with a smile. From noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, Massa will have an exhibit for his artwork and creations at the Cavallino Nero Restaurant, located on 4760 Black Horse Pike in Mays Landing. “If I don’t see anything, at least I will get an idea of what people think of my work,” he said. “I know people will try to be nice, but I can tell if they are lying – I used to be a private investigator.” When asked what he would do if people don’t like his pieces, he responded in a way that seemed appropriate for someone who has had to overcome difficulties in life. “I’ll just pick myself up, dust myself off and do something else,” Massa said. However, that something else will still be painting, he said. Return to Story Index

To comment on this story email Christian.manahan@ catamaranmedia.com

Police Blotter

Marc Burger, 42, of Williamstown was arrested July 7 by Officer James Esposito and charged with driving while under the influence.
Melissa Bustillo, 23, of Philadelphia was arrested July 7 by Officer Robert McRae and charged with driving while under the influence.
Dominic Dellagatta, 28, of Galloway Township was arrested July 8 by Officer Francis Smyth and charged with driving while under the influence.
Doris Garner, 37, of Mays Landing was arrested July 8 by Officer Michael Virga and charged with simple assault.
Kenneth Morgan, 39, of Mays Landing was arrested July 8 by Officer Michael Virga and charged with simple assault.
Karen Baliski, 40, of Stratford was arrested July 9 by Officer James Jacobi and charged with driving while under the influence.
Seifullah Abdullah, 40, of Mays Landing was arrested July 9 by Officer Kamen Potts and charged with two counts of terroristic threats and two counts of violation of a restraining order.
William Rhoades, 57, of Mays Landing was arrested July 9 by Officer James Esposito and charged with burglary, harassment, terroristic threats, and stalking.
Craig Farmer, 25, of Mays Landing was arrested July 10 by Officer Jason Sexton and charged with simple assault.
Joseph Harbright, 59, of Mays Landing was arrested July 10 by Officer Christopher Rizzo and charged with driving while under the influence.
Vicente Cruz-Garcia, 35, of Pleasantville was arrested July 11 by Officer Christopher Rizzo and charged with possession of a fake government identification card.
Yorel Browne, 46, of Pleasantville was arrested July 11 by Officer Belford Rivera and charged with criminal mischief with damage. Return to Story Index

Sheriff’s Office

James Chivalette, 43, of Mays Landing was arrested Sept. 14 by Sheriff’s Investigator John Brigandi and Sheriff’s Officer Grant Cunningham on a charge of nonsupport.
Joseph Gullo, 45, of Mays Landing was arrested Sept. 18 by sheriff’s officers Lisa Zaccagnino and Christopher Currier on a bench warrant for an alleged violation of probation.
Greg Leavens, 34, of Egg Harbor City was arrested Sept. 19 by Sheriff’s Investigator John Brigandi and Sheriff’s Officer Grant Cunningham on a charge of nonsupport. Return to Story Index

Scarecrows, pumpkins, mummies and more in Mays Landing for Fall Festival
By CHRISTIAN MANAHAN Staff Writer

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP – Just because summer has ended doesn’t mean that the fun is over. The township will host its annual Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29. It’s sponsored and organized by the Mays Landing Merchants Association, which has been coordinating it for five years. “It used to be a city-wide sidewalk sale,” said Mays Landing Merchants Association President John Kurtz, recalling the event before it was called the Fall Festival. Scheduled activities include a chili contest, pumpkin painting, a scarecrow making contest and mummy wrapping contest. “For the most part it is a special event for the kids,” he said. The chili contest is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and participants will be required to prepare one and a half to two gallons of chili. Visitors will be able to buy spoonfuls of the chili for $1 and are also given a voting card. They will have approximately 10 minutes to complete their voting card and drop it off at a designated area. The money made from the spoonfuls of chili will go back to the Merchants Association. The chili stations will be located near the intersection of Route 50 and Main Street. Voting results from judges and patrons will be tabulated at 4 p.m. First prize receives $100, second receives $50 and third place receives $25. The recipient of the people’s choice award will receive $25. The day’s events will feature crafters, food and numerous vendors. “There will be 50 crafters selling stuff that has a fall theme to it,” Kurtz said. Applications for the chili and scarecrow making contests can be obtained at www.mayslandingmerchants.com For information call (609) 625-5529 or see the website. Return to Story Index

Times for candidates to stop taking potshots and start addressing issues

To the editor: Here's a heads up to the Hamilton Township Committee members, those who would like to be Township Committee members and those who support both parties. Your use of this opinion page for your juvenile, playground-style antics is an embarrassment to the entire township. There are issues that should be addressed by any candidate wishing the voters' support in the coming election. I commend our tax collector for our as-yet stellar rate of collection. We're in the midst of a nationwide mortgage crisis. In our budgeting process are we considering what the expected high rate of foreclosures will do to our municipal income? Are we also taking into to consideration the effect of higher school taxes due to the expected construction of a new high school, and how this will affect the taxpayers? Thank you for passing the maintenance ordinance, which so many of us supported. When is someone, anyone, going to enforce it? I've had drug dealers living in my neighborhood for more than five years. Enough said. What progress is being made in the industrial park? How are we handling the Pinelands-mandated growth within the municipality? Traffic is out of control; our infrastructure is not keeping up. We already have builders who cannot afford to make good on their contracts, again, somewhat due to the banking industry's problems. It's only expected to get worse. So for all of you who are looking for votes this coming November, stop taking potshots at one another and tell us how you'll address these real issues facing your constituents and/or potential constituents. I don't vote partisan, but I always vote. If this childishness continues among you, I'll exercise my right to write in Mickey Mouse, Big Bird, and Barney the Dinosaur, I'm sure many voters feel the same. Please bring some dignity back to this campaign and to our township. Return to Story Index

KarelAnn Freistak Mays Landing

Oakcrest routs Millville, 26-0

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP - The Oakcrest High School varsity football team shutout visiting Millville 26-0 Friday night as the Falcons rebounded from one of their most lopsided defeats seven days earlier. Four Oakcrest players scored rushing touchdowns as the Falcons improved to 1-2, after losing to St. Augustine 13-0 in the opening week and 70-13 last week at Mainland. Sophomore quarterback Craig James opened the scoring, when he crashed in from the 1 yard line during the second quarter. Falcon linebacker Keenan Bell returned a fumble 42 yards for a score to put his team up 12-0 in the third quarter. Raymond Larry scored on a one-yard run and Myron Brown scored on a two-yard run to make the final 26-0. Larry finished the game with 89 yards on 16 carries and Brown added 46 on 13. James finished by completing 6-of-12 passes for 124 yards and no interceptions. Next week: Ocean City Oakcrest will try to win its second straight game at 7:30 p.m. Friday when the Falcons host Ocean City, which is 1-2 overall, on Wall of Fame night. Ocean City is coming off a 39-28 loss to Egg Harbor Township. The Red Raiders are led by quarterback Vinnie DjuKanovic, who completed 8-of-21 passes for 134 yards and two interceptions last week against the Silver Eagles. The Falcons need a win to improve to 2-2 and keep alive their chances of earning a NJSIAA Group IV South playoff berth. Return to Story Index

Oakcrest picks up first volleyball win

The Oakcrest High School varsity volleyball team picked up its first victory in program history on Sept. 18 when the Lady Falcons defeated Middle Township. Here is the Oakcrest High School sports week in review:

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Oakcrest 2, Middle Township 0 Sept. 18 Oakcrest shut out Middle Township to record its first victory in program history.
St. Joseph 2, Oakcrest 0 Sept. 21 at Oakcrest St. Joseph won a pair of close games (25-23 and 25-20) to shut out Oakcrest. Camille Kent tallied four assists for the Falcons. Return to Story Index

BOYS SOCCER

Ocean City 4, Oakcrest 1 Sept. 17 at Ocean City Ocean City reeled off four consecutive goals after falling behind 1-0 in the first half on a goal by Oakcrest’s Alex Nelson.
Vineland 2, Oakcrest 0 Sept. 19 at Vineland Vineland scored in each half to defeat Oakcrest in a Cape-Atlantic League American Conference matchup.
Oakcrest 4, Buena 0 Sept. 21 at Oakcrest Rodney Aguire recorded a hat trick and Alex Nelson scored once for Oakcrest in its shutout win over Buena Regional. The Falcons shut down the Chiefs’ offense. Oakcrest goalie Joe Leyenaar made one save for the shutout. Return to Story Index

GIRLS SOCCER

Ocean City 3, Oakcrest 1 Sept. 17 at Oakcrest Brittany Mulvenna ended Ocean City’s shutout bid with her goal in the final minute of play.
Oakcrest 3, Vineland 1 Sept. 19 at Oakcrest Hannah Straub turned in a dominating effort to spark Oakcrest to the win. The freshman scored three goals in the first half alone for the Falcons (2-4).
Buena 1, Oakcrest 1 Sept. 20 at Oakcrest Keeper Hillary Rosenberg made 15 saves as Oakcrest earned a tie with Buena Regional. The Falcons’ Felicia Graumann came up big with seven minutes to play, scoring to tie the game. Return to Story Index

FIELD HOCKEY

Ocean City 1, Oakcrest 0 Sept. 17 at Oakcrest Powerhouse Ocean City nipped Oakcrest despite a stellar effort from Falcons keeper Lisa Apt. Apt made 40 saves, allowing only a second-half goal.
Oakcrest 4, Vineland 1 Sept. 19 at Oakcrest Kelsey Cheek, Lauren Begasse, Briana Carmen and Savana Biren each tallied a goal as Oakcrest defeated Vineland for its first victory. Oakcrest took a 2-0 lead into the second half.
Millville 5, Oakcrest 0 Sept. 21 at Atlantic City Millville widened the gap in the second half with three goals. Falcons goalie Lisa Apt had 27 saves.
Holy Spirit 4, Oakcrest 1 Sept. 22 at Holy Spirit Holy Spirit scored three times in the second half to pull away for the victory. Return to Story Index

GIRLS TENNIS

Vineland 3, Oakcrest 2 Sept. 17 at Oakcrest Oakcrest put up a tough fight against Vineland but fell just short in this Cape-Atlantic League American Conference battle. Lauren Bravoco rallied to a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win at second singles. Haley Berschler notched a 6-0, 6-4 triumph at third doubles.
Millville 5, Oakcrest 0 Sept. 19 at Oakcrest Oakcrest dropped all five matches in straight sets to remain winless on the season.
Middle Township 3, Oakcrest 2 Sept. 20 at Oakcrest Oakcrest pulled out a pair of three-set victories, but Middle Township swept the remaining matches. Haley Berschler was a 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 winner at third singles. Rachel Hanselman and Jessica Seney rallied to a 6-7, 6-3, 6-3 victory at second doubles.
Mainland 5, Oakcrest 0 Sept. 21 at Mainland Oakcrest managed to win just three games in its Cape-Atlantic League American Conference loss to Mainland. Return to Story Index

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Oakcrest 19, Absegami 41 Oakcrest 23, Vineland 34 Sept. 18 at Oakcrest Oakcrest runners occupied five of the top 10 places to defeat Absegami and Vineland and improve to 4-0. Matt Capone was the winner, crossing the line in 17:47. Other top Falcons finishers were: Aaron Johnson (third place), Ray Johnson (fifth), Matt Hutter (eighth) and Dillon Glasser (10th). Return to Story Index

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Absegami 25, Oakcrest 30 Oakcrest 25, Vineland 37 Sept. 18 at Oakcrest Sierra Smith finished fourth (22:16) as Oakcrest split its tri-meet with Absegami and Vineland. Shana Berschler captured sixth place, Amanda Liepe placed eighth and Nijgia Snapp came in ninth. Return to Story Index

FOOTBALL

Oakcrest 26, Millville 0 Sept. 21 at Oakcrest Oakcrest grabbed a 6-0 lead in the second quarter on Craig James’ 1-yard run and went on to shut out Millville. Keenan Bell had a 42-yard fumble return for the winners. Return to Story Index

Sports Briefs

EHT street hockey registration The Egg Harbor Township Street Hockey Association will hold registration for residents ages 7-19 from the upcoming season from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Sept. 24-27 at the street hockey courts in Veterans Memorial Park off Ocean Heights Avenue. The registration fee is $40 per child or $60 per family. A birth certificate, proof or residency and registration fee is due at registration. Call Ken Bergeron at (609) 927-5213 after 6 p.m. during registration week for more information. Return to Story Index
Pepsi Punt, Pass, Kick competition The Egg Harbor Township Recreation Department will host a Pepsi Punt, Pass and Kick competition at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at Veterans Memorial Park, Ocean Heights Avenue. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Call (609) 926-4028 to receive a application or request additional information. Boys and girls ages 8-15 are eligible. Return to Story Index
Pedal Paddle Run Sept. 29 The seventh annual Pedal-Paddle-Run -- The Great Absecon Race, sponsored by Absecon Education Foundation, will start 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29. The community triathlon takes athletes through a 6-mile bicycle race both on and off road, a 1.5-mile kayak trip, and a 2.4-mile run back to the starting point at Heritage Park. Teams can enter in the family, teen, friends, uniform services, corporate and funniest divisions. Registration is $45 for single ironperson competitors, $55 for teams of two, $65 for teams of three and $75 for teams of four. Team members must be at least 10 years old. Ironperson participants must be 13 or older. Parent or guardian signature is needed for racers under the age of 18. Preregistered participants will receive free official race T-shirts. Kayaks are available for rent for $10 with preregistration. Day of the race registration will be held 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Back Bay Café on Faunce Landing Road. Individuals and teams can find more information and preregister at www.parkerandpartners.com or www.active.com. For information call Bill Parker at (609) 484-1859 or email bparker@parkerandpartners.com. Return to Story Index
Muckdogs hold tryouts for its 2007 traveling baseball teams The Muckdogs will hold tryouts for its 2007 traveling 12U, 11U, 10U and 9U baseball teams in the coming weeks. The 12U tryouts will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 30 and at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 6 at the Cologne Avenue Field, located behind the Cologne fire house, in Hamilton Township. Report to coach Mike Boney at (609) 412-3369or email coachboney@comcast.net The 11U and 10U tryouts will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 30 at the Atlantic County Special Services building off Babcock Road in Mays Landing. Call coach Marty Manno (609) 412-1106 or email mdtnt@comcast.net The 9U tryouts will be held from 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Sept 30 at the Cologne Avenue Field. Call coach Dan Weber at (609) 412-0465 or email coachweb10@comcast.net Return to Story Index
JCC 3-ov-3 basketball tournamet The JCC will hold a 3-on-3 Battle Basketball Tournament, Sunday, Sept. 30. Fifteen teams with four players per team will compete. Registration for JCC members is $35, non-members $50. Contact Clyde Battle, coordinator of sports activities at (609) 822-1167, ext. 133 or cbattle@jccatlantic.org. The JCC Center is located at 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate. Lady Mustangs Golf Tournament The Mainland Regional High School Lady Stangs Basketball Golf Tournament will be on Sunday, Sept. 30 at McCullough's Emerald Links in Egg Harbor Township. The tournament seeks hole sponsors and foursomes. The tournament follows a foursome scramble format. Barbeque and prizes will immediately follow the tournament. Registration is $85 per person and includes registration, green fee, golf cart, awards reception, door prizes and a welcome bag. Call (609) (628)-3433 or email srepetti@mainlandregional.net for information. Return to Story Index
SJ Select AAU Basketball presents fall barbeque The South Jersey Select AAU basketball team will present the inaugural Fall Barbeque fundraiser from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 6 to help raise money to send the ACCC college basketball team to a Buffalo, N.Y. tournament that runs Nov. 2-4. The barbeque raindate is Sunday, Oct. 7. The cost is $15 and includes all you can eat chicken, hotdogs and hamburgers. There will be live music, games, entertainment, and raffle drawings for great prizes. Tickets should be purchased in advance. The college hopes the barbeque will become an annual event. Return to Story Index
Somers Point street hockey signups Somers Point street hockey signups will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Oct. 13 and 20 and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 15, 17, and 22. Somers Points residents ages 7-15 only. The cost is $25 per child or $40 per family. Call Chris Klock at (609) 927-5392. Return to Story Index
ARMC hosts 16th annual Friends and Family Golf Tournament AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center will hold its 16th annual Friends and Family Golf Tournament Sunday, Oct. 14 to benefit the United Way of Atlantic County. The tournament will take place at the Mays Landing Country Club, 1855 Cates Road, Hamilton Township. Registration is 11 a.m. and shotgun start is noon. The Entry fee is $80 per adult and $65 for those 16 and under. The first hole-in-one wins a five-day cruise for two to the Caribbean, including limousine service to the airport and $500 spending money. Hole, prize and tournament sponsorship opportunities are available. To register or for more information, call (609) 272-6842. Return to Story Index
Hall of Fame ceremony Oct. 13 Holy Spirit High School will hold its Hall of Fame induction ceremony 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Marriott Seaview Resort in Galloway Township. Inductees are Sister Theresina, Class of '44; Harry Sweeney, Class of '51; John Garrity, Class of '54; Margaret Sykes, Class of '69; Theodore Lapres (posthumous); John Sommers; and Rev. Brendan Sullivan. For information or tickets contact Bill Walsh at (609) 646-3000, ext. 310 or e-mail walshie1632@aol.com. Return to Story Index
Absegami soccer fundraiser The Absegami Soccer Booster Club will host a Beef and Beer fundraiser from 6-8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 14 at the Fareway, Route 9, in the Oceanville section of Galloway Township. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Proceeds benefit the Absegami boys and girls soccer teams. For information or tickets call (609) 652-0721. Return to Story Index
Basketball Officials Needed Classes for those wishing to become certified high school basketball officials in the South Jersey area will be held Tuesday evenings at Vinland High School from early October through mid November. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and should be in good physical condition. Those interested should contact Dan Bradley at refbradley@yahoo.com or (609) 522-1556. Return to Story Index
Wildcats hold free Saturday basketball workouts The Atlantic-Cape Wildcats will hold free Saturday morning workouts for girls ages 9-17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Dec. 1 at the Ventnor Middle School. For information, check the team’s website at www.leaguelineup.com/acwildcats. Return to Story Index
JCC tennis registration opens Registration at the JCC for tennis lessons on the Margate tennis courts has begun. Six-week courses of 45 minute sessions taught by JCC sports activities coordinator Clyde Battle are available for singles and doubles for members and non-members. Call (609) 822-1167 ext 133 or e-mail cbattle@jccatlantic.org for fees and registration. The JCC Center is located at 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate. Return to Story Index
JCC Sharks starts swim team The JCC Margate Sharks Swim Team announces a Starts and Turns Clinic and Swim Team registration for children ages 5 and up. The clinic is offered from 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 24, and 25 and Oct. 1, 2, 8, and 9. The fee for members is $60. The non-members fee is $90. The winter swim season is Mondays through Thursdays, Oct. 10–Feb. 22. Ages 5 – 8 attend 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Ages 9 and up 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The JCC Center is located at 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate. Call Robert Abbamondi, aquatic director at (609) 822-1167 ext. 144 or e-mail rabbamondi@jccatlantic.org for information and registration. Return to Story Index
Spirit great hosts basketball skills clinic Angie Pezzetta, formerly of Holy Spirit and the University of Hartford, is hosting a basketball skills clinic for girls ages 13-19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday nights at the Atlantic Cape Community College Mays Landing campus gymnasium. Call Lisa Curcione at Tilton Fitness at (609) 625-9355. Return to Story Index
Mays Landing Babe Ruth Fall Ball Any boys who will be entering their first or second year of Babe Ruth baseball are invited to register for a fall baseball team in Mays Landing. Players may not turn 15 prior to May 1, 2008. Interested players should contact Sal Palermo at SPal72@comcast.net or call (609) 625-5418. The fee is $35 and the season will run from September through early November. Over 35 B-Ball players needed An over-35 basketball league is forming in Mays Landing and is looking for players. Call Tom Borucki at (609) 827-4977 or (609) 390-1973 for more information. Return to Story Index
Xplosion U10 BOYS SOCCER The Egg Harbor Township Xplosion boys traveling soccer team is seeking players for its U10 soccer team. Players ages 8-9 who are interested in playing should call J.R. at (609) 847-7812 or email at stk33209@loki.stockton.edu. Return to Story Index
NJYSA coaching clinic The Egg Harbor Township Recreation Department will host a New Jersey Youth Sports Alliance coaching clinic from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday Sept. 21 and Friday, Sept. 28 at the municipal building, 3515 Bargaintown Road. Call (609) 926-4028 for information and to make a reservation. Return to Story Index
Richard Stockton needs rowing coach The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey is looking for an assistant coach for its rowing squads. Experience is preferred. Call Top Hewitt at (609) 432-09330 or email Hewitt@aol.com. Return to Story Index
2007 Coach of the Year nominations The Egg Harbor Township Recreation Commission is requesting parents, players and fans to nominate their favorite volunteer coach for the annual Egg Harbor Township Coach of the Year award. Volunteer coaches from any township youth sport are eligible. A nomination form is available at www.ehtgov.org or by calling the recreation department at (609) 926-4028. Return to Story Index
Spontaneous Sports holds registration Spontaneous Sports is holding registration for Intro to Athletics (2- to 6-year-olds) and Micro Soccer (4-to 6-year-olds) classes this Fall. Both classes will be held on Monday mornings 10-11 a.m. or Monday evening 6-7 p.m. There will also be a Saturday morning class from 10-11 a.m. You can register from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday from 4-8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturdays at Spontaneous Sports. Call for more information at (609) 484-1994. Return to Story Index
St. Katharine Drexel golf tournament The second annual St. Katharine Drexel Fall Golf Outing Fundraiser will be held Tuesday, Oct. 2 at McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links. Registration is 11:45 a.m. The tournament begins at 12:45 p.m. The awards dinner is 5:45 p.m. Call (609) 645-7313, ext. 10 or email office@skd-parish.org to register by Sept. 25. Return to Story Index
Mainland United Soccer Mainland United Soccer is seeking players for its U12 boys travel team. Contact Phil Holmer at (609) 484-9362 or (609) 214-2325. Return to Story Index
Rugby team seeks players for fall season The Jersey Shore Rugby Football Club needs additional players for its fall rugby season. No experience is required. Call Angelo at (609) 432-9267 or visit the team website at www.jerseyshorerugby.com for information. Return to Story Index

Eagles hold off Ocean City for second win
By TOM WILLIAMS Staff Writer

This Thursday football sure is exciting. In one of the few Thursday night football games in CAL history, Ocean City and Egg Harbor Township combined for more than 700 yards in offense and took turns dominating the game, eventually won by the Eagles, 39-28. “They do a nice job running the ball,” said Ocean City coach Mark Impagliazzo, “especially from the option. It is tough getting ready for the option in a short week. And they also did some stuff we did not expect.” After Ocean City scored late in the first period on a touchdown pass from Vinnie Djukanovic to Chris Harris in the front corner of the end zone, Egg Harbor Township took over. Sophomore Scott Miller, in motion from his wide receiver position, ran one in from the eight to tie the game. Next, two key passes by quarterback Tim Little set up a six-yard TD by Jerel Santiago. Stevenson Cajuste then gave the Eagles good field position by blocking a punt. Cajuste scored the touchdown when he exploded around the end for a 24-yard touchdown. That made it 21-7. EHT would add another score in the third quarter when Santiago burst through the line and raced 61 yards for his second score. “We tried to take some air out of the ball in the third quarter,” said EHT coach Tony DeRosa, “but Ocean City did a good job. We decided to go back to what we do best, move the ball around to different people in different situations.” The Eagles would add another touchdown early in the fourth quarter, set up by Cajuste’s 54-yard run. Little threw to Miller for the score, giving Egg Harbor Township a 33-7 lead with just 10:08 remaining. Running from the shotgun with four receivers, Ocean City immediately went 79 yards in less than two minutes. Djukanovic and Poteat moved the ball on the ground and then Vinnie found Derrick Jones at the goal line from 10 yards out. Jones caught the ball lying on the ground. After an onside kick failed, Ocean City got the ball back when Mike Coletta blocked a punt. Nickas made a catch at the seven, tipping the ball up as he fell and snatching it on the way down. Then Djukanovic ran it in from the seven, diving over the goal line for his third TD of the season. An interception by Steve Thomas gave OCHS the ball on the 38. Five plays later, Djukanovic found Harris deep in the end zone for Ocean City’s third touchdown in less than six minutes. “I thought we let down,” said DeRosa, “and kept giving them life. We thought we’d sit on our heels and just ride our lead to a victory. But you can’t do that against a team like Ocean City. We have to learn to put teams away, to finish them off.” The Eagles faced a critical play in their next possession, now leading by just 33-28. It was third and five and they certainly didn’t want to give the ball back to the Raiders. To avoid it, they executed a screen pass to Santiago that gained 10 and allowed EHT to run out the clock. Along the way, Terron Knowles broke free around the end and raced 58 yards for the touchdown that sealed EHT’s second straight win. “We fought back,” said Impagliazzo, “and we kept battling. But we have to stop getting into positions where we need to fight back. We gave up too many plays – turnovers, penalties, a blocked punt. You can’t do that in this league. And you won’t win too many games when you give up 39 points.” “They really came at us hard,” said DeRosa, “but I don’t think our kids panicked. We stayed the course and showed a lot of resiliency. “No matter what they say, there is no such thing as an ugly win.” EXTRA POINTS: Scott Miller’s father, David, scored the winning touchdown in Ocean City’s first South Jersey playoff championship in 1984. He still holds the OCHS record for longest punt return (96 yards) and is ninth all-time among Raiders with 595 career receiving yards…Steel Nugent made 11 tackles for Ocean City, including five solos. Ryan Impagliazzo and Colin Norton each made eight…EHT was led by Nick Jonuzi with 12 tackles, five of them solos. Frank Cortese and Dave Costello made six…the win was the 54th for DeRosa, tying him for 19th with former Holy Spirit coach Lou Paludi in CAL history...the game was played on Thursday to avoid conflicting with Yom Kippur, which runs from sundown Friday through sundown Saturday… Return to Story Index

Anglers enjoy wonderful weather

Anglers enjoyed wonderful summer-like weather last weekend. It will be hot and humid this week and perfect for fall l fishing. Robin Scott of Ray Scott’s Dock in Margate said tautog and trigger fishing has picked up recently. John Wagner, a local angler, caught a 4.0-pound tautog on Wednesday. The tautog limit is one per person, per boat through Nov. 15. Then it becomes eight fish per angler, per boat. Scott said tautog are crustacean feeders that feed in still waters. So the best time to catch them is at dead low tide or at high tide when the water is still. Hook up to a structure and use green crab or clam as bait. Tautog range from two to to four pounds and is the bass family. Scott also reported the surf is full of kingfish. “They can be found anywhere from the jetty in Longport to the beaches of Margate,” she said. Small hooks and bait are all that’s needed for fish that range from up to two pounds. Tony at Capt. Andy’s in Margate said the back bays are full of bluefish because the water remains warm and loaded with peanut bunker and mullet. Small stripers are in abundance around the sod banks, bridges, piers and any structure you can find. Surface poppers and swimmers seem to be the way to go. Try early in the mornings or at dusk for the best results. He said the surf has started to give up a few bass lately because of the early mullet run. Most have been taken on poppers and swimming plugs. Again, try working any structure, (rocks, piers, jetties), and look for the baitfish. Most of these fish are under 28inches. Weakfish have also started to show up just off the beach. Try the ferris wheel off of Ocean City. Small hooks with squid will do the trick on them. Most have been around 11 inches. There are some nice sea bass and tautog on the local wrecks and reef sites. The ridges, 28 Mile Wreck and Hambone are holding mahi and albies. Try trolling with black and white feathers and mini Green Machines. Canyon fishing is excellent. There are plenty of yellowfin on the chunk. Swordfish have been taken on the deep drop especially with the full moon coming up. Blue Marlin, white marlin and bigeye tuna have been taken on the troll. Dolphin is around the pots and tilefish are in the deep on the bottom. Some catches weighed in at Capt. Andy’s include: Jay Weinberg, of Bulls Eye Charters, who had 15 yellowfin in the Wilmington Thursday night. All were taken on live squid. Hard Work, out of Margate, Capt. Chris Chester, went 6-for-12 on yellowfin on the west wall of the Spencer. Tom Christ of Brennan Marine in Somers Point reported hot offshore action. Last Thursday, Bill Haas and crew on the Rose Lee ventured to the Wilmington and the Lindenkohl. They boated seven yellowfin in the 70- to 80-pound class and had a 140-pound bigeye. Bob and Bruce Cummings and crew on the Bonnie Lee had three yellowfin in the 80-pound class and 20 dolphin up to 20 pounds. Frank Jankowski of Frank’s Boat Rentals in Strathmere will close Sunday for the season. He said crabbing has improved tremendously this week. It is what it should be this time of the year. He said many crabbers are coming in with 20 to 30 crabs with the more serious crabbers netting 40 to 50 crabs. Anthony Baccrgi, of Marlton, caught 40 crabs, Joe Cook, of Bluebell, Pa., caught 30 crabs and Chris Sacro, of Harleyville, Pa., netted two dozen. Jankowski said bluefish range in the one- to two-pound range and the striper action has improved in the back bays. Trolling is the way to go when trying to catch the striper. Weakfish are scarce and that should change whereas the seabass are in abundance and will be around until the temperatures drop. Return to Story Index

By land, by air Mainland Regional dominates Absegami, 21-14
By R.J. LIBERATORE Jr. Sports Editor

LINWOOD – Absegami’s high school’s reign as a Cape-Atlantic League American Division varsity football champion may be over, thanks to rival Mainland Regional. The host Mustangs defeated visiting Absegami, 21-7, Friday afternoon to improve to 2-0 in the conference and make their claim as a legitimate contender for the season championship. Mainland is 2-1 overall. Absegami dropped to 0-1 in the conference and 1-1 overall after beating National Conference Pleasantville in the season’s opening weekend. “We take it one week at a time,” Mainland Regional head coach Bob Coffey said after the game. However, he knows that the current standings place his team in a tie with undefeated Hammonton and Egg Harbor Township, both 2-0, atop the conference standings. “We really play together as a team,” said junior quarterback Brent Caprio, who led the charge against Absegami by scoring on a five-yard run and passing to Kyle Davis for a 17-yard touchdown. “We don’t get on anybody’s case.” Caprio should know. Caprio fumbled the ball away on what would have been an eight-yard touchdown run on the Mustang’s first drive in the first quarter. “I got my offensive line together on the sideline and said they gave me a great hole to run through and I let them down,” he said. However, their response calmed Caprio. “They said, ‘Have a short memory,’” Caprio said. He did. Caprio forgot about his blunder and went on to run and pass Mainland past Absegami. Caprio finished with 13 rushes for 53 yards and completed 8-of-14 passes for 114 yards and no interceptions. His work was good enough for a 149 passer rating. “It’s easy when your receivers are running great routes and catching the ball,” he said. “All I have to do is put it up there.” Receiver Kyle Davis led the way with five catches and one touchdown. “He did a great job selling the fake,” Caprio said. “All I had to do was throw it to him. We have a synergy out there. It’s like we are best friends.” Running back Ronald Moody ran inside and outside, carrying the ball 15 times for 71 yards, including a four-yard run that gave the Mustangs a 7-0 lead with 1:32 remaining in the first quarter. Kyle’s 17-yard touchdown capped a eight-play, 64-yard drive to give Mainland a 14-0 lead with 8:45 remaining before halftime. Caprio ran a left-side sweep into the end zone from the 5 for the final Mustang points with 1:42 left to go in the game. When Mainland wasn’t scoring points, its defense was shutting down the once-potent Absegami offense. Led by senior lineman Stephen Feriozzi and junior Lancelot Miller, the Mustangs sacked Absegami quarterback three times for 28 yards in losses. They also combined to make key defensive stops whenever the Braves seemed poised to take control. “They don’t get the credit they deserve,” Coffey said, “because they are always in the middle, surrounded by that mass of humanity.” With Mainland leading, 14-0, Absegami tried to mount a fourth quarter comeback. Absegami scored its only points when quarterback Matt Coulter connected with Charles Wynn on a 11-yard touchdown pass with 9:22 left in the game to pull to within seven points at 14-7. The touchdown capped an 11-play, 75-yard Absegami drive that was kept alive by a Mainland pass interference that gave Absegami a first-and-10 on the 11-yardline. Just when Absegami appeared ready to come back, the Mainland defense proved to be ready for the challenge. Late in the fourth quarter, Mainland forced Absegami to pump deep in its zone. Braves punter John Kisler fumbled the snap and Mainland’s Michael Weatherby tackled him in on the 15-yardline. The play set up the Mustangs’ final points in the form of Caprio’s 5-yard touchdown run. Mainland held Coulter and the Absegami offense in check throughout the game. Coulter completed only 9-of-23 passes for 86 yards and he gave up two interceptions. His rating was 67.4. On the ground, Coulter carried the ball 13 times for 32 yards and teammate John Harvey ran nine times for 26 yards, all in the first half. Mainland held a 235-144 advantage in total yards gained. Extras: Caprio is ranked 6th among the leading CAL passers with a 106.3 passer rating…Moody has rushed 42 times for 237 yards and a 5.6 average…Davis is the No. 2 pass receiver with 10 catches for 170 yards.

Next up: Millville Mainland at Millville, 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 28 The Mustangs hope to improve to 3-0 in the conference when they take on the 0-3 Thunderbolts at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 28. The Mustangs are hoping to win their first CAL American title since they went 6-1 in the conference and 8-2 overall to win the conference in 2003. Millville lost 26-0 to Oakcrest last week and dropped 18-0 to Egg Harbor Township the week before. The Thunderbolts haven’t scored a point since they lost to Buena Regional 28-14, during the first week of the season.

Up Next: Hammonton Hammonton at Absegami, 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 28. It’s do-or-die time for Absegami. History has shown that no team that loses more than one conference game has any chance of winning the season title. The Braves and Blue Devils joined Atlantic City in sharing the CAL American Conference title in 2006. However, Absegami and Atlantic City are a combined 1-3. Even worse, the NJSIAA Group IV South defending champion Braves are currently ranked 15th in the race for one of eight playoff spots. Hammonton is led by running back Chris Helm who has 233 yards on 37 carries for a 6.3 average. Hammonton quarterback Herb Storey is ranked fifth among the leading CAL passers. Defensively, Hammonton has allowed only 18 points in three games. Return to Story Index

Golf results

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP -- Heather Petronis and John Petronis, both of Northfield, won their respective age groups at the Southern Atlantic Jr. Classic held Sunday, Sept. 16 at McCullough’s Emerald Links. John Petronis won the 10-13 age group with a five-over-par 40. Heather Petronis won the 14-18 age group with a two-over-par 71. The top local finishers listed by division, place, name, hometown and score are: Ages 6-9: 2. Eric DeKarski, Egg Harbor Township, 22; 5, Chris Masusock, Egg Harbor Township, 25; 5, Brett Campbell, Egg Harbor Township, 25; and 9, Lya Hogg, Linwood, 50. Ages: 10-13: 3, Matt Tepedino, Linwood, 45; 7, John Masusock, Egg Harbor Township, 55; 8, Anthony Godleski, Somers Point, 56. Return to Story Index

Dynamo Gymnastics level 4, 6, squads win titles

The level 4 and level 6 gymnastics teams from Dynamo Gymnastics each won titles Sunday, Sept. 23 at the Fall Fling held at Will-Moor in Mount Laurel. The Level 4 Team placed second out of six teams and all girls qualified to go to sectionals.
Level 4, ages 10-15 Kaleigh Black won the floor exercise with a personal best score of 9.5, and finished fifth on vault (9.0), fifth on beam, fifth in the all-around (35.2) and sixth on bars.
Level 4, age 8 Elana Tiger placed second in the all-around with a personal best score of 35.9, second on beam (9.1), floor, fourth on vault (9.3) and eighth on bars. Ryan Flemming placed third on bars (9.1), fifth beam, eighth in the all-around (34.4), eighth on the vault and ninth on floor.
Level 4, ages 6-7 Alexandra Harrison placed third on vault (9.25), sixth in the all-around, sixth in the beam, eighth on the floor and ninth on the bars. Cana Click placed fifth on bars, tied for sixth in the all-around, seventh on the vault, floor and beam.
The Level 6 Team placed second out of five teams and all of the Dynamo girls qualified to go to sectionals. Level 6, ages 8-9 Mariah Hubbard won the all-around (34.725), the floor (9.2), the beam and finished third in the vault competition.
Level 6, age 10 Jena Johns won the beam with a club record 9.6, and took second on floor, third in the all-around, fourth on the vault, and seventh on the bars. Brittany Hull placed second on the beam with a personal best 9.3, and fourth in the all-around and floor, fifth on the bars and eighth on the vault.
Level 6, ages 11-15 Esther Choi placed third on the vault, fifth on the floor, sixth in the all-around and eighth on bars.

Lady Spartans show the way

The Holy Spirit High School varsity girls tennis team every match Lower Cape May, Our Lady of Mercy, Pleasantville and Wildwood Catholic last week. Here is the Holy Spirit High School sports week in review: