The Redwings deliver a statement performance in a 50-14 victory, ending an 11-year wait for a sectional title behind a dominant showing on both sides of the ball.
Hoboken didn’t leave much room for doubt Friday night.
The Redwings (11-1) overwhelmed Waldwick/Midland Park (10-2), earning a 50-14 victory in the NJSIAA North 2, Group 2 sectional championship at Waldwick. It was a dominant performance from start to finish, as Hoboken controlled the game offensively, defensively and on special teams to secure its first sectional championship since 2015.
For head coach Joe Borkowski, the championship represents another milestone in a remarkable turnaround. After taking over a program that was coming off an 0-8 season four years ago, Borkowski has helped transform Hoboken into one of North Jersey’s most dangerous teams.
The Redwings entered Friday unbeaten against New Jersey competition this season, and they played like a team determined to finish the job.
Hoboken wasted little time establishing control. On its opening possession, quarterback Kyle Mercorelli connected with Nick Benway for a 66-yard touchdown, immediately putting the Warriors on their heels.
The Redwings continued to attack through the air and on the ground, with Devin McMillan finding the end zone on a short touchdown run before Mercorelli connected with Jaeden Wright for another explosive 62-yard score.
By the end of the first quarter, Hoboken had built a 19-0 advantage and forced Waldwick/Midland Park into an uncomfortable position.
The Warriors struggled to find any rhythm against Hoboken’s aggressive defense. Penalties, negative plays and an interception by Samond Walker prevented them from establishing the ground game that had carried them throughout the season.
Waldwick/Midland Park entered the championship averaging 44 rushing attempts per game, with junior running back Luciano Mayer leading the way with 1,938 yards and 25 touchdowns. However, Hoboken consistently disrupted the Warriors’ offensive approach and forced them to look elsewhere for production.
McMillan added another long touchdown run in the second quarter before Hoboken’s Mercorelli connected with Samond Walker on a screen pass, and Walker turned the play into a double pass, finding Benway downfield for another touchdown.
The Redwings had a 31-0 lead before the Warriors finally found some offensive momentum.
After Ben Junta recovered a Hoboken fumble, Waldwick/Midland Park put together its best drive of the first half. Quarterback Will Dell’Aglio connected on multiple passes before using his legs to move the Warriors into scoring position. With 11 seconds remaining, Dell’Aglio found Jake Watson in the middle of the field for a touchdown.
Any momentum from the score was quickly erased, however, as Chance Rivera returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, sending Hoboken into halftime with a commanding 37-7 lead.
The Redwings continued their dominance after the break. Dell’Aglio moved the Warriors into Hoboken territory on the opening possession of the second half, but Jae’on Walker intercepted a pass in the end zone to end the threat.
Walker later added a 12-yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 44-7. With the game firmly in hand, Hoboken continued to find production throughout its lineup, as Algelis Reyes added another rushing touchdown.
Waldwick/Midland Park managed a late touchdown with under a minute remaining, but the result had long been decided.
For Borkowski, the performance was exactly what he expected from a group he believes has the talent and versatility to compete with anyone.
“I’d love to say I’m surprised, but I’m not,” Borkowski said. “We got a talented young group. We can score in so many ways, and we’re fast and we’re physical. I think we really displayed that tonight.”
Hoboken’s ability to spread the production around has been one of its biggest strengths all season. Mercorelli, McMillan, Benway, Walker and Rivera all played significant roles in Friday’s victory, showcasing the different ways the Redwings can hurt opposing defenses.
“We’re a really dynamic group,” Borkowski said. “Super proud.”
The championship also carried special meaning for a senior group that has helped restore pride in Hoboken football.
“It’s everything to me,” said senior Devin McMillan. “I’ve been working hard since I was a little kid. To come here now and win the sectional finals, it means everything to me.”
McMillan also made sure to recognize the community that has continued supporting the program since its last championship in 2015.
“I want to thank them for sticking around since 2015 and trusting the process of Hoboken football,” McMillan said.
Borkowski echoed that appreciation, pointing to the support from the school district and community throughout the program’s turnaround.
“The community and the school district have been awesome and super supportive,” Borkowski said. “We saw how many people came out tonight from Hoboken, and next Friday night, it’s gonna be electric at home.”
After more than a decade without a sectional championship, Hoboken finally has another one. And after the way the Redwings performed Friday night, their season is far from over.
