In two high school football state championships under the Friday night lights last week at Rutgers Stadium in Piscataway, two Catholic high schools of the Diocese of Camden came out on top.
The St. Joseph (Hammonton) Wildcats defeated the St. Mary (Rutherford) Gaels 40-0 to capture the State Non-Public Group II Championship. The 10-1 Wildcats, coached by Paul Sacco, won its 20th overall state title, and its second straight, with a win that saw them amass 474 total yards. Senior fullback Gordan Hill scored three touchdowns on 22 carries and 209 yards. Above left photo, St. Joseph’s players and their coach, Paul Sacco, celebrate their 20th state title. Left, Wildcat quarterback Anthony Giagunto tries to make a play for his team.
In the State Non-Public III championship, the Holy Spirit Spartans eked out a win over the St. Joseph-Montvale Green Knights, 14-13, to win their second state title in school history. The Charles Roman-led squad finished with 12-0 for the season. Joe Sarnese, a senior wide receiver and safety, ran 81 yards on a kickoff return to score a touchdown, and caught five passes for 43 yards. Bottom left, the Spartans and coach Roman celebrate their win. Right, the Spartans and coach Roman celebrate their win. Bottom right, Joe Sarnese brings a kickoff return into the end zone, for six points.
Photos by Alan M. Dumoff