Bergen North-South football game returning to Lyndhurst

Edward Kensik | Correspondent

LYNDHURST - Some of the best Bergen County football seniors will be hitting the gridiron, many for the last time, for the annual North-South game that will be held again at Lyndhurst High School.

For the first time last season the contest of the top seniors in the county was played at Lyndhurst, and it appears that the all-star football committee was pleased with the accommodations.

"Having the game at Lyndhurst is truly an honor," said Lyndhurst football coach Rich Tuero who is also a coach on the South team. "The opportunity to host the event for all of Bergen County is humbling."

The game is Friday night with the anticipated kickoff at 7 p.m.

Tuero added that Saddle Brook coach Leo Ciappina, who organizes the all-star game, wanted it back in Lyndhurst.

"Leo Ciappina does a tremendous job organizing this event," said Tuero. "The amount of work he puts into this is incredible, and it always goes off without a hitch. Leo was so impressed with how well the event was executed he asked me almost immediately if we would host it again and I said absolutely."

Tuero, whose team finished over .500 last season with a 5-4-1 record, said he likes to coach so many kids throughout Bergen County for the all-star contest.

"What I love about the game is getting the opportunity to work with kids from so many other towns," said Tuero. "Honestly, watching all these guys come together and form that bond in only six practices is awe-inspiring."

The host Golden Bears have five representatives, including defensive end Michael Carrino and offensive guard Matthew Schnool, in the game. For both of them it will be their last game in the blue and gold of Lyndhurst. And both will be playing football at the same college this fall, Montclair State University.

Schnool he likes the game since it is with his coach on the sideline and he wants to demonstrate his football acumen against some of the best in the county.

"I'm looking forward to being able to play for my coach one last time and I want people from all over Bergen County to know who I am," said Schnool.

Carrino just wants to be back on the gridiron and battle against the best.

"I’m looking forward to a good competitive game," said Carrino. "And what I would like to get out of the game is more experience."

The other players on the South team from Lyndhurst are kicker Marildo Mera, linebacker Anthony Lisanti and offensive tackle James Podolski.

For the Rutherford team that finished with an 8-2 record and a NJIC Colonial Division title, six Bulldogs will be part of the game in wide receiver Kevin Kosakowski, quarterback Tom Reid, running back Sebastian Medina, cornerback Laris Mulic, offensive lineman Shawn Williams and defensive end Anthony Melfa.

In coming off a 7-3 record and a state playoff bid, Becton has four representatives in wide receiver Seven Strong, safety Jonathan Rengifo, linebacker Joe Lesho and offensive lineman Luis Pontier.

St. Mary is represented by linebacker Ryan Watson and offensive guard Dominic Speciale, while North Arlington has defensive end Vincent Crawford playing in the contest.

Bergen County All-Star Football Game

South Bergenite representatives

Michael Carrino, Lyndhurst, defensive end; Kevin Kosakowski, Rutherford, wide receiver; Seven Strong, Becton, wide receiver; Marildo Mera, Lyndhurst, kicker; Tom Reid, Rutherford, quarterback; Jonathan Rengifo, Becton, safety; Sebastian Medina, Rutherford, running back; Joe Lesho, Becton, linebacker; Ryan Watson, St. Mary, linebacker; Anthony Lisanti, Lyndhurst, linebacker; Luis Pontier, Becton, offensive line; James Podolski, Lyndhurst, offensive tackle; Matthew Schnoll, Lyndhurst, offensive guard; Vincent Crawford, North Arlington, defensive end; Dominic Speciale, St. Mary, offensive guard; Laris Mulic, Rutherford, cornerback; Shawn Williams, Rutherford, offensive line; Anthony Melfa, Rutherford, defensive end