May 14, 2019 at 09:05AM
Snapple Bowl XXV highlights Lauren Knego, @laurenknego
Editor's note: A photo gallery of pictures from Monday's press conference will be added to this story ASAP, so please consider revisiting this page. Best wishes to all the players and cheerleaders participating for two great causes in the Autoland Classic.
Nick Recine earned first-team All-State honors while capturing a state championship on the winningest team in Middlesex County history, but the Piscataway High School senior linebacker ranks his next football game among the most important of his career.
"Getting to play in one last high school football game with my teammates and other friends I know from other places is great," Recine said, referring to his involvement in the MyCentralJersey.com Autoland Classic.
"But the causes for this game are so much more important. I feel like that's the greatest honor."
(L to R), Nick Recine, Jordin Martell and Joey Bellamy of Piscataway H.S, have photos taken together prior to the Autoland Classic Press Conference at North Brunswick HS in North Brunswick on 05/13/19. (Photo: Mitsu Yasukawa/Northjersey.com)
Recine and offensive tackle Jordin Martell, a couple of USA TODAY NETWORK NJ All-State selections, highlight a quintet of players from the undefeated 2018 Piscataway gridiron squad who will be showcased in the charity all-star game.
More than 170 players and cheerleaders who will be participating in this year's installment of the summer classic between soon-to-be graduated seniors from Middlesex and Union counties were formally introduced during a news conference at North Brunswick High School on Monday night.
Complete rosters for the game can be found at the conclusion of this article.
All proceeds from the contest, which has raised $682,000 since its inception, benefit the Edison-based Lakeview School, a program of the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities, and Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside.
Autoland Classic Press Conference (Photo: Marissa Greenstein Plancher)
During game week, players and cheerleaders will visit children from both charities, which has proved over the years to be a life-altering experience for many participants, some of who went on to pursue careers as special education teachers.
"You help make miracles happen," Venus Majeski, director of development and community relations at the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities, told those gathered at Monday night's press conference.
"You become a hero to that boy who will never throw a football and for that girl who will never cheer as loud or jump that high."
New Jersey Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame mentor Marcus Borden, who is the founder and director of the Autoland Classic, praised Autoland President Mark Montenero and all of the car dealer's leadership, including former J.P. Stevens High School quarterback Michael Maffucci Jr., an Autoland sales manager who played in the Snapple Bowl, for its willingness to serve as the game's primary sponsor.
Marcus Borden speaks during the Autoland Classic press conference (Photo: ~Marissa Greenstein Plancher)
"Mark Montenero is the consummate philanthropist," Borden said. "He loves to give back to the community. He and his crew have been outstanding partners over the years getting involved in our game. He's just a special man. He cares so much about giving back to the kids and making a difference. We are so fortunate to have Autoland as a title sponsor."
Each county will conduct the first of seven practices at Colonia (Middlesex) and Linden (Union) high schools on July 8. Players and cheerleaders from both sides will gather for the annual all-star game banquet at the Pines Manor in Edison on July 17.
Middlesex leads the series 15-10 and has won 10 of the past 13 games. Six of the past 14 meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less. Middlesex snapped a two-game losing skid with a 22-6 victory last summer.
This year's contest will be held 7 p.m. July 18 at Kean University's Alumni Stadium, where Borden hopes to break the single-game fundraising record of $55,000, which was set at Woodbridge High School's Nicholas A. Priscoe Stadium three years ago.
Borden said he has assembled an all-star lineup of sponsors and contributors including FieldTurf, Kean University, Metro Team Outfitters, Adidas, Sports Shots Unlimited, Riddell, the Pines Manor and MyCentralJersey.com.
The real stars, of course, are those competing in the game including Piscataway's quintet, which also features cornerback Nasir Best, offensive guard Charles Parker and wide receiver Joey Bellamy.
Recine and Best anchored a Piscataway defense that limited opponents to 156.2 total yards and 6.8 points per game. Among the leading tacklers in school history, Recine recorded 124 tackles and 10 sacks. He had 36 hits behind the line of scrimmage, forced two fumbles, recovered three fumbles and intercepted a pass. Best recorded 36 tackles and forced a fumble on defense. Martell and Parker paved the way for an offense that amassed more than 4,400 yards and averaged nearly 40 points per game. Bellamy was a difference-maker for a team that won a Middlesex County-record 13 games.
"It's an honor to play in this game," Bellamy said. "I saw all the upperclassmen when I was younger coming here, and I feel very blessed to be in this game."
Middlesex County players pose for a group photo at Monday's press conference (Photo: ~Marcus Borden)
MIDDLESEX COUNTY PLAYERS
Aaron Ahr, North Brunswick P/PK/WR (6-2, 185)
Benedict Arthur, Sayreville DT (6-2, 235)
David Barr, St. Joseph OT (6-3, 312)
Joe Bellamy, Piscataway WR (5-8, 165)
Nasir Best, Piscataway CB (5-11, 180)
Sean Breheney, North Brunswick OLB (6-2, 205)
Anthony Burke, Edison OT (6-2, 290)
Matthew Cinelli, Woodbridge C (6-2, 260)
Freddy Cingerana, Dunellen OG (5-10, 250)
Valentin Cintron, St. Joseph OG (6-3, 330)
Kentheotio Cross, South River DT (6-0, 300)
Jordan Davis, St. Joseph RB (5-9, 165)
Agustin DelValle, Sayreville C (5-7, 230)
Zach Delvecchio, South Plainfield FB (5-10, 235)
Michael DeSantis South River QB (5-11, 195)
Tim Gudzak, East Brunswick TE (6-4, 220)
Eric Hamilton, Colonia QB (6-0, 180)
Justice Harris, Colonia RB (5-11, 165)
Kasi Hazzard, J.P. Stevens OLB (6-0, 190)
James Henderson, Carteret TB (5-9, 175)
Manny Herrera, North Brunswick OLB (6-2, 215)
Dennis Howard, J.F. Kennedy SS (6-2, 215)
Josh Irvin, Middlesex CB (5-8, 160)
Kequan Jamison, Colonia WR (6-4, 208)
Jalen John, South Brunswick DE (6-0, 265)
Fizan Khan, Carteret DE (6-3, 235)
Xavier Long, Edison DT (5-10,285)
Jordin Martell, Piscataway OT (6-3, 280)
Keegan McGuire, Edison DE (5-11, 215)
Matthew Mekhail, Monroe WR (5-9, 150)
Chance Modica, Woodbridge WR (6-0, 165)
Jalen Murray, St. Joseph LB (6-0, 225)
Amir Mustafa, Woodbridge DT (6-4, 270)
Kyle Orta, Bishop Ahr LB (5-11, 210)
Brandon Outlaw, North Brunswick CB (5-9, 175)
Charles Parker, Piscataway OG (6-3, 265)
Kamille Pryor, Edison FS (5-9, 155)
Nick Recine, Piscataway LB (6-0, 195)
Eddie Rogers, Spotswood SS (6-2, 195)
Jaden Rojas, Metuchen WR (5-7, 140)
Constantino Sacasa Old Bridge OLB (5-9, 180)
Jacob Sanders, Dunellen SLOT (5-6, 140)
Mike Schweyher, Middlesex FS (5-11, 170)
Brandon Seijo, Perth Amboy WR (5-8, 155)
Chris Sica, Colonia OT (6-4, 270)
Aditya Singh, East Brunswick OG (6-1, 250)
Michael Slover, South Brunswick LB (5-11, 215)
Dondré Tate, South Plainfield CB (5-10, 180)
Al-Quan Taylor, New Brunswick DE (5-10, 215)
Baraka Yabidi, Dunellen DE (6-1, 250)
Middlesex County cheerleaders pose for a group photo at Monday's press conference (Photo: ~Marcus Borden)
MIDDLESEX COUNTY CHEERLEADERS
Jovanna Alves, Spotswood
Gabriella Alves, Spotswood
Angelina Alves, Spotswood
Angelia Amado, Edison
Shayla Benbow, Piscataway
Jillian Bengivenga, South Plainfield
Sophia Boni, North Brunswick
Maria Brock, Colonia
Ashley Cook, South Brunswick
Dazzlyn Cosme, Perth Amboy
Maggy DelPopolo, J.F. Kennedy
Ava Dinicola, Carteret
Angelique Dulin, Metuchen
Emily Fedor, Bishop Ahr
Jordan Fraraccio, J.P. Stevens
Nicole Gabriel, Spotswood
Jaclyn Green, Old Bridge
Asia Harris, Carteret
Scarlet Herrera, Woodbridge
Jazmin Hilario, Perth Amboy
Megan Hode, Middlesex
Lexi Holland, Monroe
Madison Johnson, Middlesex
Hannah Kurtz, South River
Samantha Lavid, J.F. Kennedy
Arianna Leone, Edison
Tarra Lourenco, Metuchen
Brook Matthews, South River
Maggy Mogollon, South Plainfield
Sofia Montoya, East Brunswick
Grace Myers, East Brunswick
Lindsey Nebel, South Brunswick
Caroline Orokos, North Brunswick
Kayla Rosario, Woodbridge
Nicole Ryan, Monroe
Trinity Tang-Sinad, J.P. Stevens
Natalia Vislocky, Colonia
Dana Washington, Piscataway
Brianna Wright, Bishop Ahr
Union County All-Star football players gather for a photo at Monday's press conference (Photo: ~Marcus Borden)
UNION COUNTY PLAYERS
Isaiah Alejo, Linden OL (6-2, 265)
Shuaib Amin, Abraham Clark DL (6-0, 180)
Samuel Aristizabal-Sanchez, Linden OL (6-2, 265)
Josh Barthelus, Rahway OL (6-0, 225)
Zach Blevins, Cranford DL (6-2, 220)
Chris Bruno, Governor Livingston FB (6-1, 195)
Clifton Brutus, Abraham Clark CB (6-3, 180)
Jonathan Cardoza-Chicas, Rahway PK (5-11, 215)
Dante Cassaro, Cranford CB (5-11, 175)
Kelvin Chinekezi, Linden OL (6-2, 265)
Joe D-Anna, New Providence LB (6-0, 215)
Aboubakar Diaby, Hillside DL (6-2, 220)
Matt Doran, Cranford S (5-10, 190)
Alex Dorce, Linden CB (6-1, 190)
Rodrigo Escobar, Elizabeth OL (6-2, 295)
Kwame Frimpong, Hillside OL (6-1, 260)
Mario Fuentes, New Providence LB (5-10, 195)
Zahir Gordon, Elizabeth LB (6-0, 185)
Ernesto Hernandez, Union DL (6-1, 215)
Tyrone Hines, Summit CB (5-7, 160)
Sebastian Iakouchevitch, Arthur L. Johnson FB (6-0, 210)
Amad Jean-Charles, Hillside OL (6-4, 260)
Jack Kelly, Summit S (6-0, 190)
Dan Lamotta, New Providence DL (5-10, 230)
Isaiah Martinez, Union LB (6-0, 220)
Dashon Moore, Rahway RB (5-7, 160)
AJ O-Brien, David Brearley DL (6-0, 245)
Shimei Paige Rahway LB (5-11, 215)
Najee Peele, Hillside LB (5-7, 190)
Jake Pencek, Governor Livingston LB (6-0, 185)
Khair Pendleton, Abraham Clark SS (5-10, 180)
Justin Peterman, Union RB (6-0, 190)
Mateus Ramos, Hillside FB (5-9, 205)
Matt Richel, Governor
Snapple Bowl XXV highlights Lauren Knego, @laurenknego
Editor's note: A photo gallery of pictures from Monday's press conference will be added to this story ASAP, so please consider revisiting this page. Best wishes to all the players and cheerleaders participating for two great causes in the Autoland Classic.
Nick Recine earned first-team All-State honors while capturing a state championship on the winningest team in Middlesex County history, but the Piscataway High School senior linebacker ranks his next football game among the most important of his career.
"Getting to play in one last high school football game with my teammates and other friends I know from other places is great," Recine said, referring to his involvement in the MyCentralJersey.com Autoland Classic.
"But the causes for this game are so much more important. I feel like that's the greatest honor."
(L to R), Nick Recine, Jordin Martell and Joey Bellamy of Piscataway H.S, have photos taken together prior to the Autoland Classic Press Conference at North Brunswick HS in North Brunswick on 05/13/19. (Photo: Mitsu Yasukawa/Northjersey.com)
Recine and offensive tackle Jordin Martell, a couple of USA TODAY NETWORK NJ All-State selections, highlight a quintet of players from the undefeated 2018 Piscataway gridiron squad who will be showcased in the charity all-star game.
More than 170 players and cheerleaders who will be participating in this year's installment of the summer classic between soon-to-be graduated seniors from Middlesex and Union counties were formally introduced during a news conference at North Brunswick High School on Monday night.
Complete rosters for the game can be found at the conclusion of this article.
All proceeds from the contest, which has raised $682,000 since its inception, benefit the Edison-based Lakeview School, a program of the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities, and Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside.
Autoland Classic Press Conference (Photo: Marissa Greenstein Plancher)
During game week, players and cheerleaders will visit children from both charities, which has proved over the years to be a life-altering experience for many participants, some of who went on to pursue careers as special education teachers.
"You help make miracles happen," Venus Majeski, director of development and community relations at the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities, told those gathered at Monday night's press conference.
"You become a hero to that boy who will never throw a football and for that girl who will never cheer as loud or jump that high."
New Jersey Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame mentor Marcus Borden, who is the founder and director of the Autoland Classic, praised Autoland President Mark Montenero and all of the car dealer's leadership, including former J.P. Stevens High School quarterback Michael Maffucci Jr., an Autoland sales manager who played in the Snapple Bowl, for its willingness to serve as the game's primary sponsor.
Marcus Borden speaks during the Autoland Classic press conference (Photo: ~Marissa Greenstein Plancher)
"Mark Montenero is the consummate philanthropist," Borden said. "He loves to give back to the community. He and his crew have been outstanding partners over the years getting involved in our game. He's just a special man. He cares so much about giving back to the kids and making a difference. We are so fortunate to have Autoland as a title sponsor."
Each county will conduct the first of seven practices at Colonia (Middlesex) and Linden (Union) high schools on July 8. Players and cheerleaders from both sides will gather for the annual all-star game banquet at the Pines Manor in Edison on July 17.
Middlesex leads the series 15-10 and has won 10 of the past 13 games. Six of the past 14 meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less. Middlesex snapped a two-game losing skid with a 22-6 victory last summer.
This year's contest will be held 7 p.m. July 18 at Kean University's Alumni Stadium, where Borden hopes to break the single-game fundraising record of $55,000, which was set at Woodbridge High School's Nicholas A. Priscoe Stadium three years ago.
Borden said he has assembled an all-star lineup of sponsors and contributors including FieldTurf, Kean University, Metro Team Outfitters, Adidas, Sports Shots Unlimited, Riddell, the Pines Manor and MyCentralJersey.com.
The real stars, of course, are those competing in the game including Piscataway's quintet, which also features cornerback Nasir Best, offensive guard Charles Parker and wide receiver Joey Bellamy.
Recine and Best anchored a Piscataway defense that limited opponents to 156.2 total yards and 6.8 points per game. Among the leading tacklers in school history, Recine recorded 124 tackles and 10 sacks. He had 36 hits behind the line of scrimmage, forced two fumbles, recovered three fumbles and intercepted a pass. Best recorded 36 tackles and forced a fumble on defense. Martell and Parker paved the way for an offense that amassed more than 4,400 yards and averaged nearly 40 points per game. Bellamy was a difference-maker for a team that won a Middlesex County-record 13 games.
"It's an honor to play in this game," Bellamy said. "I saw all the upperclassmen when I was younger coming here, and I feel very blessed to be in this game."
Middlesex County players pose for a group photo at Monday's press conference (Photo: ~Marcus Borden)
MIDDLESEX COUNTY PLAYERS
Aaron Ahr, North Brunswick P/PK/WR (6-2, 185)
Benedict Arthur, Sayreville DT (6-2, 235)
David Barr, St. Joseph OT (6-3, 312)
Joe Bellamy, Piscataway WR (5-8, 165)
Nasir Best, Piscataway CB (5-11, 180)
Sean Breheney, North Brunswick OLB (6-2, 205)
Anthony Burke, Edison OT (6-2, 290)
Matthew Cinelli, Woodbridge C (6-2, 260)
Freddy Cingerana, Dunellen OG (5-10, 250)
Valentin Cintron, St. Joseph OG (6-3, 330)
Kentheotio Cross, South River DT (6-0, 300)
Jordan Davis, St. Joseph RB (5-9, 165)
Agustin DelValle, Sayreville C (5-7, 230)
Zach Delvecchio, South Plainfield FB (5-10, 235)
Michael DeSantis South River QB (5-11, 195)
Tim Gudzak, East Brunswick TE (6-4, 220)
Eric Hamilton, Colonia QB (6-0, 180)
Justice Harris, Colonia RB (5-11, 165)
Kasi Hazzard, J.P. Stevens OLB (6-0, 190)
James Henderson, Carteret TB (5-9, 175)
Manny Herrera, North Brunswick OLB (6-2, 215)
Dennis Howard, J.F. Kennedy SS (6-2, 215)
Josh Irvin, Middlesex CB (5-8, 160)
Kequan Jamison, Colonia WR (6-4, 208)
Jalen John, South Brunswick DE (6-0, 265)
Fizan Khan, Carteret DE (6-3, 235)
Xavier Long, Edison DT (5-10,285)
Jordin Martell, Piscataway OT (6-3, 280)
Keegan McGuire, Edison DE (5-11, 215)
Matthew Mekhail, Monroe WR (5-9, 150)
Chance Modica, Woodbridge WR (6-0, 165)
Jalen Murray, St. Joseph LB (6-0, 225)
Amir Mustafa, Woodbridge DT (6-4, 270)
Kyle Orta, Bishop Ahr LB (5-11, 210)
Brandon Outlaw, North Brunswick CB (5-9, 175)
Charles Parker, Piscataway OG (6-3, 265)
Kamille Pryor, Edison FS (5-9, 155)
Nick Recine, Piscataway LB (6-0, 195)
Eddie Rogers, Spotswood SS (6-2, 195)
Jaden Rojas, Metuchen WR (5-7, 140)
Constantino Sacasa Old Bridge OLB (5-9, 180)
Jacob Sanders, Dunellen SLOT (5-6, 140)
Mike Schweyher, Middlesex FS (5-11, 170)
Brandon Seijo, Perth Amboy WR (5-8, 155)
Chris Sica, Colonia OT (6-4, 270)
Aditya Singh, East Brunswick OG (6-1, 250)
Michael Slover, South Brunswick LB (5-11, 215)
Dondré Tate, South Plainfield CB (5-10, 180)
Al-Quan Taylor, New Brunswick DE (5-10, 215)
Baraka Yabidi, Dunellen DE (6-1, 250)
Middlesex County cheerleaders pose for a group photo at Monday's press conference (Photo: ~Marcus Borden)
MIDDLESEX COUNTY CHEERLEADERS
Jovanna Alves, Spotswood
Gabriella Alves, Spotswood
Angelina Alves, Spotswood
Angelia Amado, Edison
Shayla Benbow, Piscataway
Jillian Bengivenga, South Plainfield
Sophia Boni, North Brunswick
Maria Brock, Colonia
Ashley Cook, South Brunswick
Dazzlyn Cosme, Perth Amboy
Maggy DelPopolo, J.F. Kennedy
Ava Dinicola, Carteret
Angelique Dulin, Metuchen
Emily Fedor, Bishop Ahr
Jordan Fraraccio, J.P. Stevens
Nicole Gabriel, Spotswood
Jaclyn Green, Old Bridge
Asia Harris, Carteret
Scarlet Herrera, Woodbridge
Jazmin Hilario, Perth Amboy
Megan Hode, Middlesex
Lexi Holland, Monroe
Madison Johnson, Middlesex
Hannah Kurtz, South River
Samantha Lavid, J.F. Kennedy
Arianna Leone, Edison
Tarra Lourenco, Metuchen
Brook Matthews, South River
Maggy Mogollon, South Plainfield
Sofia Montoya, East Brunswick
Grace Myers, East Brunswick
Lindsey Nebel, South Brunswick
Caroline Orokos, North Brunswick
Kayla Rosario, Woodbridge
Nicole Ryan, Monroe
Trinity Tang-Sinad, J.P. Stevens
Natalia Vislocky, Colonia
Dana Washington, Piscataway
Brianna Wright, Bishop Ahr
Union County All-Star football players gather for a photo at Monday's press conference (Photo: ~Marcus Borden)
UNION COUNTY PLAYERS
Isaiah Alejo, Linden OL (6-2, 265)
Shuaib Amin, Abraham Clark DL (6-0, 180)
Samuel Aristizabal-Sanchez, Linden OL (6-2, 265)
Josh Barthelus, Rahway OL (6-0, 225)
Zach Blevins, Cranford DL (6-2, 220)
Chris Bruno, Governor Livingston FB (6-1, 195)
Clifton Brutus, Abraham Clark CB (6-3, 180)
Jonathan Cardoza-Chicas, Rahway PK (5-11, 215)
Dante Cassaro, Cranford CB (5-11, 175)
Kelvin Chinekezi, Linden OL (6-2, 265)
Joe D-Anna, New Providence LB (6-0, 215)
Aboubakar Diaby, Hillside DL (6-2, 220)
Matt Doran, Cranford S (5-10, 190)
Alex Dorce, Linden CB (6-1, 190)
Rodrigo Escobar, Elizabeth OL (6-2, 295)
Kwame Frimpong, Hillside OL (6-1, 260)
Mario Fuentes, New Providence LB (5-10, 195)
Zahir Gordon, Elizabeth LB (6-0, 185)
Ernesto Hernandez, Union DL (6-1, 215)
Tyrone Hines, Summit CB (5-7, 160)
Sebastian Iakouchevitch, Arthur L. Johnson FB (6-0, 210)
Amad Jean-Charles, Hillside OL (6-4, 260)
Jack Kelly, Summit S (6-0, 190)
Dan Lamotta, New Providence DL (5-10, 230)
Isaiah Martinez, Union LB (6-0, 220)
Dashon Moore, Rahway RB (5-7, 160)
AJ O-Brien, David Brearley DL (6-0, 245)
Shimei Paige Rahway LB (5-11, 215)
Najee Peele, Hillside LB (5-7, 190)
Jake Pencek, Governor Livingston LB (6-0, 185)
Khair Pendleton, Abraham Clark SS (5-10, 180)
Justin Peterman, Union RB (6-0, 190)
Mateus Ramos, Hillside FB (5-9, 205)
Matt Richel, Governor Livingston CB (6-1, 175)
Ja-Kir Robinson, Rahway QB (6-3, 180)
Matt Savino, Cranford OL (6-2, 295)
Anthony Sidoli, New Providence WR (6-0, 180)
Sean Simmons, Union DL (6-1, 220)
Emmett Smith, Westfield WR (5-10, 170)
Robert Spagnola, Jonathon Dayton LB (5-7, 165)
Kyle Sparrow, Plainfield DL (6-0, 190)
Tahjir Tate, Elizabeth DL (6-1, 260)
LeShane Taylor, Elizabeth QB (6-2, 190)
Hunter Timpson, Summit DL (6-0, 245)
Javon Wactor, Elizabeth RB (5-10, 175)
Henry Walsh, Summit OL (6-5, 260)
Clarence Wilkins, Elizabeth WR (5-11, 165)
Union County cheerleaders pose for a group photo at Monday's press conference (Photo: ~Marcus Borden)
UNION COUNTY CHEERLEADERS
Daniella Aiello, Governor Livingston
Amanda Anthenelli, Governor Livingston
Maria Jose Arias, Summit
Kayla Balke, Dayton
Dahmiye' Brown, Rahway
Gianna Cassara, Scotch Plains-Fanwood
Erikka Chester, Rahway
Jessica Cronin, New Providence
Kayla Daniels, Union
Emma DiNunzio, Governor Livingston
Devon Everton, New Providence
Victoria Gil, New Providence
Lexi Gonnelli, Governor Livingston
Alana Hammond, Westfield
Teshona Hicks, Elizabeth
Porter Ja'Nay, Plainfield
Serafima Kardonova, Dayton
Reilly Lazas, New Providence
Alexa Linsky, Westfield
Kyasia Mallary-Burns, Union
Jada McNeill, Linden
Rebecca Monis, Linden
Jhaida Robinson, Elizabeth
Nichole Smith, David Brearley
Nicole Tomich, Governor Livingston
Gabrielle Waligo, Linden
Jalynn White, Union
Katie Zarember, Dayton
Alexa Zsak, Scotch Plains-Fanwood