Story by – Nick Gantaifis – Record Sports Department
A three point loss in last fall’s opener wasn’t going to spoil Hawthorne’s 2018 season.
Following a 35-32 setback to league rival Lyndhurst last September, the Bears went on to win six of their final seven games, highlighted by a four-game win streak to close out the regular season.
The strong finish resulted in a 6-2 record and the No. 4 seed in North 2, Group 2.
“We had a great group of seniors last year and they led by example,” coach John Passero said. “Though it didn’t end the way we wanted, we played a tough team in Mountain Lakes that ended up giving top seed and eventual state champions Rutherford a battle in the semifinals. And even though we lost the first game of the season, we pulled together as a team and learned from it. We continued to get better and ended up having a nice season.”
Last season was valuable for the younger and less experienced players as the Bears outscored their opponents 170-38 in six wins, giving some underclassmen the opportunity to play.
“We have a lot of holes to fill this season and there’s a lot of kids vying for starting roles,” Passero said. “There was a lot of opportunity last year to get the younger ones playing time and that will help them as they move into bigger roles this year.”
The tradition
Hawthorne has won three state sectional titles, all in the 1970s. During a five-year span, the Bears claimed back-to-back championships in 1974 and 1975 and their last in 1978.
The 1970s was also their best decade in terms of winning percentage as they finished with a 69-19-4 record between 1970-79.
Overall, Hawthorne has qualified for the playoffs 23 times since 1974.
The challenge
Hawthorne is going through a rebuilding year after losing 16 seniors and a significant amount of starters on both sides of the ball.
The Bears replace eight on defense and another nine on offense, including five linemen and their quarterback.
“How quickly our new starters adjust to the varsity will determine how we do this season,” Passero said. “Most of our starters played on the junior varsity last year, but it’s a whole different game playing on Friday nights and weekends.”
Expectations
Hawthorne will improve as the season progresses. Expect a learning curve and adjustment period as several first-year starters get acclimated.
Three starters return on defense: Senior defensive backs Jalen Palmer, Joe Aliano and senior linebacker Adam Deitrich, a second team All-NJIC Liberty selection who recorded 58 tackles and an interception in 2018.
“He mostly played on the outside last year and he’ll move inside this season,” Passero said. “His experience will help some of the new guys come along.”
On offense, Palmer is expected to get the bulk of the carries after posting more than 1,000 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior.
Senior wide receiver Shane Rooney returns and will help ease in two untested quarterbacks in senior Jayden Paladino or sophomore Troy Eckert, who are competing for the starting role.
“We’re going to be somewhere in the middle of the pack this year,” Passero said. “Where we fall in the middle all depends on how we adapt.”
