Vikings come on strong to finish season
North Arlington did not make the state playoffs, but they came close and finished the 2012 season with a bullet.
The Vikings ended the season with three straight wins, culminating with a dominating 39-18 victory over Glen Ridge on Nov. 16 in the consolation game.
With the win over a pretty good Ridgers team, North Arlington finished with a 4-6 record.
In the four victories, North Arlington head coach Anthony Marck points to the 34-22 victory over neighborhood rival, Queen of Peace, that was moved to Belleville High School on a Saturday night and was well-attended between the two schools. “We really came out to play a complete game,” said Marck as the win ended a tough five-game losing streak. “We played a physical game.”
Vikings quarterback A.J. Nocciolo was looking forward to that game since the schedule came out last July. The senior signal caller leads the honors for North Arlington after being named to the first team All North Jersey Interscholastic Conference. Junior tight end Nick Martin, junior wide receiver Mike Brazzel and senior Brandon Navarro at defensive line were named to the first team.
On the second team, there was senior defensive end Ian Camean, junior linebacker Kenny Kuzmuk and senior defensive back Andrew Paparelli. On the honorable mention list, there was senior running back Denis Song and senior linebacker Mike Baloga.
Nocciolo culminated his career at North Arlington in fine fashion with more than 2,500 yards in total yards. The senior he threw for 2,045 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 428 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
“He was one of the best players that I have ever coached,” said Marck about Nocciolo. “He was the best quarterback that I have ever coached. Physically everything was on display and he also has the intangibles with his leadership on and off the field.”
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