GARFIELD – Garfield boys soccer coach Mark Pieklo has been around the NJIC Colonial Division long enough to know that every win can be a big win.

Especially when it comes against the defending division champion.

Senior Nikolce Ilioski and sophomore Jorge Salas each scored in the first five minutes of the second half to provide the difference as the Boilermakers held off Hawthorne, 3-2, Friday in the division and season opener for both teams.

“It’s huge to get off to a quick start, especially in this league,” said Pieklo, whose team dropped both its meetings against Hawthorne last season.

Last season, the division came down to a battle among Hawthorne, Garfield, Pompton Lakes and Glen Rock.

And this season looks to be no different.