Andrew Miller | For NJ Advance MediaWallington’s Damian Zurawski celebrates his 2nd half goal in front of Waldwick’s James Huber during boys soccer action in Waldwick’s 1-1 (9-8) victory on penalty kicks in the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 semifinals in Waldwick on Monday, November 5, 2018.
Is it finally Wallington’s time in North 1, Group 1?
Wallington has not won a sectional championship since 2012 and last won a state title in 2010. With nine seniors back from last year’s team, Wallington seems primed to get back on top of Group 1. Its class of 2020 is headed by deadly attackers Damian Zurawski and Nick Zielonka, who combined for 67 goals and 35 assists last season. In the midfield, Joseph Tabaka, Nikodem Wojtowicz, Wojciech Iwanicki, Alexander Zielonka and Mateusz Tecza round out an experienced core. When it comes to defense, it will be looking to some younger players to step up with juniors Christian Homa, Omar Shaarawy and Konrad Baj as well as sophomore Christian Nowak to take big strides alongside senior Jakub Peta. Between the pipes, it will be a new face as senior Anthony Betkowski and junior Amir Mahmoud will both be vying for the starting job.
Will the NJIC continue dominating North 1, Group 1?
Nine of the last 10 years, the North 1, Group 1 champion came from the NJIC. During the stretch those teams went on to win state titles just two times – Wallington in 2010 and Pompton Lakes in 2017. Regardless, this year’s sectional tournament will be a battle between NJIC squads as Wallington, Waldwick, Park Ridge, Wood-Ridge, Pompton Lakes and Cresskill and Hasbrouck Heights.
How quickly can Glen Rock reload?
Loaded was the best way to describe Glen Rock last season. It ended on top of Bergen County after claiming its first county tournament championship. It stayed hot behind an incredible attack and cruised to the North 1, Group 2 championship. It will need to do some reloading after graduating leading scorers Ben Zakowski and Nick Rogers. With those two gone, Glen Rock will look to Jason Kapiloff to breakout after playing behind Zakowski. It will be strong in the back with Koki Otsu and Oscar Horwitz leading the way. Conor Daly and Ryan McCarthy will key Glen Rock’s midfield.
How will Harrison replace star forward Omar Sowe?
Replacing a two-time All-State player is never an easy task, but it is the one facing Harrison this season. Last year it was a North 2, Group 2 sectional finalist and a Hudson County Tournament sectional finalist. It will look to Jairo Araujo and Allan De Melo to help fill the attacking roll left behind. Araujo had 15 goals and 15 assists last season, while De Melo had 12 goals and seven assists.
Despite key loss, Hasbrouck Heights set to make some noise
Hasbrouck Heights is a senior heavy team that returns most of last year’s successful team. It will need to replace leading scorer Emiland Elezaj, who is playing academy soccer this season. It is hoping senior forward Mario Gomez can pick up some of that scoring, while Victor Barris, Alec Escalante and Michael Gerges will handle the playmaking in the midfield. Ryan Garden, Killian Turner and Nick Petrosino will key the offense in front of goalkeepers Logna Kennedy and Dylan VanRyn.
Richard Greco covers boys soccer for NJ.com and may be reached at rgreco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Richard_V_Greco. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
