Tag: Erik Rosenmeier

by Mike Pavlichko

Winners of five straight, Cranford hopes to keep momentum going in playoff trip to Old Tappan

After a 2-2 start, with a pair of wins bookended by losses to Somerville and Summit, the Cranford football has won five straight games. And if they can make it six, they’ll be back in a sectional final for the second time in the last four seasons.

The Cougars (7-2) will be on the road for the first time in almost a month Friday when the fourth-seed travels to top-seed Old Tappan (8-1) for a North 2, Group 3 semifinal game. The winner would face either third-seed West Morris or second-seed West Essex.

The Golden Knights’ only loss of the season came on cutoff weekend at Pascack Valley by six; the Panthers are the top-seed in North 1, Group 3.

On its five-game win streak, Cranford has only allowed more than 13 points once, in a 27-22 home win over 5-seed Summit in the opening round last weekend. Gabe Worrell is their top runningback (77 yards, 10 touchdowns) while quarterback Tyler Veltre has thrown for 915 yards and four scores.

Defensively, they’re not fancy – with only four sacks and five picks on the year – but they have gotten the job done this season.

Meanwhile, Old Tappan has a QB named Zachary Miceli who’s thrown for nearly 1,600 yards on the season, while the team has rushed for 1,575 yards and 21 TDs, with five backs in triple figures this season, showing they can get the ball to many different rushers.

Click below to hear Cranford head coach Erik Rosenmeier talk abot the Cougars’, and their Friday playoff game at Old Tappan:

by Mike Pavlichko

Cranford seniors who saw a championship as sophomores now forging their own way

Ryan Carracino, Andrew Wozniak, Sean Riley, and Ben Fossella were the four seniors Cranford head coach Erik Rosenmeier brought to Big Central Media Days last week.

One thing they all have in common is that they all saw the varsity team win a championship in 2021, beating a high-flying Sparta team at home on a cold November night.

Now, they must forge their own path, with all the most significant pieces of that title team off at other places, many playing football – or other sports – in college.

And Rosenmeier – now the longest-tenured coach in Union County, in his 19th season and with a 125-60 record with the Cougars – knows how to push all the right buttons. You don’t get to coach for two decades at a school without winning a few games, and Rosenmeier’s program has won plenty.

Click below to hear Mike Pavlichko talk with Cranford head coach Erik Rosenmeier and senior linebacker/halfback Ryan Caraccino:

by Mike Pavlichko

This Week in the Big Central – Episode 15: The Cartys

There’s just one more team left!

On Episode 15 of “This Week in the Big Central,” driven by Mark Montenero and his team at the world-famous Autoland – our final regular weekly show – Mike Pavlichko takes a quick look back at Cranford’s loss in the North 3 regional championship, then has a full-on preview of Hillsborough’s South 5 regional title game against Kingsway out of the West Jersey Football League.

First, we hear from senior wide receiver and defensive back Tommy Amankwaa – the Rutgers commit – and senior quarterback Jay Mazuera.

Then, a very special segment on head coach Kevin Carty, Jr., and his father, Kevin Senior, who’s on his staff, working with the wide receivers. They talk about their time together as player and coach at Somerville, winning their championship in 1994 over Manasquan, and what it’s like with a life of football, including the younger Carty’s siblings, Ryan and Sean, who also are in coaching.

Then, it’s on to Saturday’s matchup at SHI Stadium at Rutgers, as we hear from Kingsway head coach Mark Hendricks and Carty Junior.

Finally, Mike gives his breakdown of the game.

by Mike Pavlichko

Cranford knocked off by West Morris in North 3 final, but Cougars will never forget their state title

There was disappointment to be sure.

Maybe a little shock, too, since Cranford had just given up 17 more points than they had in any single game this season, all eleven prior having been victories.

But even though the scoreboard at MetLife Stadium said West Morris Central 53, Cranford 14, the Cougars – coaches and players were still proud of their team.

As they should be.

Cranford lost in the North Group 3 regional championship game Friday at the Meadowlands, in the Big Central Game of the Week driven by Autoland on Central Jersey Sports Radio, but even immediately after the game, the Cougars were talking about their state championship, and how they wouldn’t have wanted to go out with anyone but “their guys.”

The Wolfpack – against a huge Cranford offensive line their head coach Kevin Hennelly said he had not seen the likes of at a Group 3 school in 30 years of coaching – dominated up front, on both sides of the ball.

Cranford got their yardage, but West Morris was better, outgaining their foes from Union County 265-148.

And the three turnovers by Cranford – two fumbles and a pick – didn’t help either, finishing the game minus-three, a week after they were plus-6 against Sparta in winning the North 2 Group 3 title.

Cranford finishes the season 11-1, while West Morris ends at 10-3.

Click below for postgame reaction from Cranford QB Shane VanDam and Head Coach Erik Rosenmeier:

by Mike Pavlichko

This Week in the Big Central – Episode 14: The Lucky Threes

We’re off to the Meadowlands!

On Episode 14 of “This Week in the Big Central,” driven by Mark Montenero and his team at the world-famous Autoland, Mike Pavlichko has a look back at Hillsborough and Cranford’s state title wins, with postgame reaction from players and coaches.

Then it’s on to preview the North Jersey Group 3 Regional Championship, as Cranford gets set to take on West Morris at Met Life Stadium Friday afternoon.

First, Mike talks with West Morris head coach Kevin Hennelly.

Then, it’s on to Cranford as we catch up with Illinois-bound Cranford offensive lineman Matt Fries, who talks about the tight bond on the O-line, as well as following in his brother Will’s footsteps. Then, we hear from head coach Erik Rosenmeier on the matchup with West Morris.

Finally, Mike breaks down the matchup on both sides of the ball.

by Mike Pavlichko

Their state title already won, Cranford puts unbeaten record on the line when they meet West Morris at MetLife

It’s a bit of an awkward game, and it has been for the three years of its existence, and it won’t be next year when New Jersey high school football finally plays to group champions.

But Friday’s North Group 3 Regional Championship Game between North 2 champ Cranford (11-0) and North 1 winner West Morris Central (8-3) will have a little extra juice for the Cougars, as they look to protect their perfect record, and achieve their second such performance in seven seasons.

Their 2015 state title team also went 12-0, and so far – but maybe not for much longer – is the only perfect season in the school’s long history of playing football, which dates back to 1903.

Friday’s final game of the season for Cranford is the Big Central Game of the Week driven by Autoland, and will air on Central Jersey Sports Radio with pregame at approximately 3:45 pm, and kickoff at 4:00 from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Mike Pavlichko and guest color commentator Matt Yascko will call all the action; click here to listen.

Click below to hear Cranford head coach Erik Rosenmeir reflect on the Cougars’ state title win over Sparta, and break down Friday’s game against West Morris with Central Jersey Sports Radio’s Mike Pavlichko:

by Mike Pavlichko

Murray’s career game, Gallagher’s three picks help Cranford win third state title

Despite falling behind early, 7-3, top-seed Cranford rode solid play all the way around to its third state sectional championship of the playoff era.

The undefeated Cougars improved to 11-0 with a 45-21 win over third seed Sparta (8-4), in a game that – in the end – wasn’t event that close.

Scroll down for postgame reaction.

Cranford dominated on both sides of the field in Friday night’s Big Central Game of the week, driven by Autoland, and heard live on Central Jersey Sports Radio.

There was the offensive line, which allowed a handful of negative plays against one of the state’s most disruptive defensive ends, but was able to pave the way for a career high 304 yards (unofficially) for senior Colin Murray, who dominated himself. He also had two touchdowns.

And there was the defense, which helped Cranford to a plus-7 in the turnover category, fueled by five picks of Sparta quarterback Austen Frattura – four of which came in the decisive second half. Frattura had come into the game with 16 TD passes and just two interceptions, but left with two scores and five INTs on the night.

Cranford senior runningback Colim Murray (left) and senior left tackle Geoff Gretta pose with the NJSIAA championship trophy. (Photo: Mike Pavlichko)

Three of those interceptions were by Will Gallagher, the Cranford baseball team’s shortstop, who’s also a wide receiver, and actually finished with as many interceptions and more yards on defense than he had catches on offense.

Murray and Gallagher were named co-Autoland Players of the Game, and will receive a custom football at the end of the year.

Cranford now moves on to play West Morris in the North Group 3 regional championship, to be played either next weekend, or the weekend of December 4 and 5, at either Met Life Stadium in the Meadowlands or Rutgers University’s SHI Stadium. Sites, dates and times will be announced Sunday by the NJSIAA.

The Cougars will face West Morris (9-3), the top seed out of North 1, Group 3, which won that sectional title Friday night with a 21-0 win over second-seed West Essex.

Click below to hear Mike Pavlichko down on the field with postgame reaction from Cranford’s state title win:

Cranford senior RB Colin Murray
Cranford senior WR/CB Will Gallagher
Cranford head coach Erik Rosnemeier
by Mike Pavlichko

This Week in the Big Central – Episode 13: The Championship Weekend 2021

It’s time to crown some champions!

On Episode 13 of “This Week in the Big Central,” driven by Mark Montenero and his team at the world-famous Autoland, we’ve got complete previews of the three conference teams vying for championships this weekend.

Mike Pavlichko is joined by Dom Savino for quick look back at the semifinals, then we go through both games with the players and coaches involved.

First, it’s a look at our Big Central Game of the Week, driven by Autoland, as the North 2, Group 3 title game features top-seed and undefeated Cranford (10-0) taking on Sparta (8-3). Mike Pavlichko talks with Cranford head coach Erik Rosnemeier and runningback Colin Murray, as well as Sparta head coach Frank Marchiano.

Then, Mike takes a look at the Central Jersey Group 5 title tilt, featuring top-seed and undefeated Hillsborough (11-0) entertaining third-seed North Brunswick (8-3). Mike Pavlichko stopped by each team’s practice this week to catch up with Hillsborough head coach Kevin Carty, Jr., and defensive end/tight end Will Dixon, as well as North Brunswick head coach Miek Cipot and top runningback Marquis Perry.

Mike and Dom close it out with a closer analysis of both matchups.

Listen to Cranford take on Sparta in the Big Central Game of the Week driven by Autoland with an extended pregame starting at 6:30, followed by kickoff at 7 with Mike Pavlichko and Justin Sontupe, while Tim Catalfamo provides live updates from the Hillsborough-North Brunswick game. Click here to listen live, and for free.

Postgame reaction will follow from both contests later Friday night on cjsportsradio.com.

by Mike Pavlichko

Cranford looks to keep the beat going when Cougars host Spartans in North 2, Group 3 title game Friday night

In two prior state championship seasons, Cranford has gone a combined 22-1.

When you’re hot, you’re hot, and the Cougars are hot again.

Top-seed Cranford is 10-0 in 2021, and will put that perfect mark on the line Friday night in the North 2, Group 3 title game, when the Cougars host third-seed Sparta (8-3) in the North 2, Group 3 title game at Memorial Field Friday night.

It’ll be the Big Central Game of the Week, driven by Autoland. Pregame will start at about 6:30 on Central Jersey Sports Radio, with Mike Pavlichko and Justin Sontupe covering all the action. Kickoff is at 7, and you can listen to the live audio stream by clicking here.

Cranford will be playing in its third sectional finals – all under head coach Erik Rosenmeier – and the Cougars have won twice: in 2011 and 2015, going undefeated that second time.

They’re led by quarterback Shane VanDam, who’s thrown for 1,339 yards and 16 touchdowns, with only two picks all season. Five different receivers have caught touchdown passes, including Will Gallagher, who has half of them.

PRIME TIME MATCHUP: Listen to postgame reaction from Cranford’s win over Woodbridge, a battle of unbeatens on CJSR

And then there’s runningback Colin Murray, who has rushed for 1,718 yards on 2016 carries, with a whopping 29 touchdowns to lead the Big Central.

And with New Providence’s season over, another 68 yards would put him over Charlie Barth to top the league in rushing as well. Last Friday night, in a 42-7 semifinal win over Pascack Valley, he reeled off 212 yards on just nine carries, scoring two touchdowns.

Click below to hear previews of the game and a look at Cranford’s season with Central Jersey Sports Radio’s Mike Pavlichko:

Senior Colin Murray

Head coach Erik Rosenmeier
by Mike Pavlichko

Run defense, O-line power Cranford to first sectional final since 2015

There was no real turning point, but there was a point where Cranford just turned it on.

After “slogging” through the first quarter, and “only” leading fourth-seed Pascack Valley 14-0, the top-seeded Cougars rolled off four more touchdowns in the second stanza to take a 42-0 lead into halftime, and that was all she wrote.

Though they allowed one Pascack Valley score in the second half, the game was never in doubt after that, playing the entire second half with a running clock.

The win moves the Cougars to 10-0, and puts them in a sectional final for the first time in six years. It will be Cranford’s first time hosting a sectional final next Friday night, when they entertain third-seed Sparta. The Spartans (8-3) beat 2-seed River Dell on the road Friday night 42-0.

Click below to hear Mike Pavlichko talk with Cranford head coach Erik Rosenmeier: