A ‘Spirited’ Homecoming [PODCAST]
Purple and gold" in Middle Township?
That's what you'll see when the Panthers take the field against Ocean City in their annual homecoming game. It's already been one of the most exciting and "spirited" weeks in school history, and it wraps up with what's expected to be an incredible Saturday turnout in Cape May Court House.
Middle Township head football coach Frank Riggitano joined us on the South Jersey Sports Report to look back on Homecoming Week, and previews his team's matchup with the Red Raiders. We also find out the background behind those purple jerseys, and why their place in Middle Township lore dates back more than 100 years.
Another local high school has a much shorter football history, but that's not stopping them from rolling over opponents and into the record books in 2012. The Cedar Creek Pirates remain one of the teams to beat in the National Conference, only adding to their lead after a vicious 53-6 win.
Pirates coach Tim Watson spoke to us moments after his squad's latest convincing victory to explain what went right, what can still be fixed, and what's next for Cedar Creek.
Some of the area's brightest stars continue to shine on the gridiron, and it's catching the attention of one of the Northeast's premier scouts. The South Jersey Sports Report had the chance to welcome Scarlet Knights Beat Writer and Fox Sports Recruiting Analyst Sam Hellman to the show, moments before kickoff between Syracuse and Rutgers in Piscataway.
We find out why one local prospect will actually be on the sidelines for that game, and how he could come back to South Jersey with a scholarship. Hellman also explained why a local star is being tested before heading off to "Linebacker U" next season, and gives us the latest on recruiting news for some of the best local athletes.
We also check in with South Jersey Hall of Fame sports reporter Tom Williams, who recaps the best high school action from across the Cape-Atlantic League.
It's also likely to be a big weekend for basketball in South Jersey, too.
The Philadelphia 76ers will make their long-awaited return to Atlantic City when they host the new-look Brooklyn Nets in the Boardwalk Classic Saturday night. Mike Gill, 97.3 ESPN-FM radio personality and host of the "Sports Bash", spent a few minutes breaking down pro basketball's return to Boardwalk Hall.
He also shared details on his dinner with 76ers' President Rod Thorn, and why there's a lot to be excited for going into the upcoming NBA season.
And what makes one man competing in a local marathon event so interesting?
The fact that he'll be doing it all while dribbling a basketball. Find out why he's blending his love for basketball with a great charity cause, and just how many dribbles it takes to make it more than 13 miles...
Listen to this week's show:
Frank Riggitano, Middle Township head football coach
Tim Watson, Cedar Creek head football coach
Tom Waszaj, will dribble basketball during entire A.C. Half Marathon
Sam Hellman, FOX Sports recruiting analyst
Mike Gill, host of the Sports Bash on 97.3 ESPN-FM
Tom Williams, South Jersey Hall of Fame sports reporter
We’d also like to congratulate the South Jersey Athlete(s) of the Week:
The St. Joe's Wildcats offensive line
We often throw the spotlight on individual play-makers who routinely reach the end zone, but it’s time to give a nod in the direction of the Wildcats front five. St. Joe rushed for 401 yards in a 39-0 victory over Oakcrest, as six Wildcats gained at least 30 yards on the ground. St. Joe has won 23 consecutive contests.
Also, to learn more about Tom Waszaj and the incredible charity he's supporting, visit www.liquidwater.com
It’s all right here, on The South Jersey Sports Report. Listen every Saturday, 9-11 a.m. on 97.3 ESPN-FM or 973espn.com
Follow Tyler Donohue on Twitter @SouthJerzSports.