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[GardenStateBaller]

2 hours ago, paladin4ever said:

The story requires a subscription. What are the details here?

Seems like the punishment is rather weak if there was a major transgression. PC is not expected to make the postseason in 2022. 
 

The freshman team is another story. Undefeated this year. This is the future of PC football. Assuming there are no transfers, they will be loaded in the next couple of years.

Paramus Catholic football found guilty of illegal recruiting, banned from 2022 postseason

• Updated: Oct. 01, 2022, 6:12 p.m.|
• Published: Oct. 01, 2022, 4:00 p.m.

 

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• Luis Torres | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
• Matthew Stanmyre | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Paramus Catholic, one of the premier high school football powerhouses in New Jersey, has been found guilty of illegally recruiting a top player from Belleville High, NJ Advance Media has learned.

 

The decision was handed down by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Controversies Committee during a special Sept. 15 hearing, according to legal transcripts, resulting in severe and multi-pronged penalties for Paramus Catholic.

 

The punishments include a 2022 postseason ban, two years of probation for the football program, a possible compliance review by the NJSIAA at any time during the probationary period and mandatory proof of sportsmanship training for all football coaches.

 

The groundbreaking decision is believed to be one of the few times ever a New Jersey high school has successfully proved illegal recruiting that led to significant penalties, and one that could serve as a warning for schools that recruit across all sports.

 

 

“Generally speaking, it’s a start to assure parity amongst the schools,” said Ari Schneider, an attorney from the Busch Law Group who represented Belleville in the case. “Obviously, recruiting is rampant and nobody stops it or nobody checks it. From speaking to a lot of superintendents, there’s concerns that this is happening, but Belleville had the opportunity to do something about it.

 

 

“They felt it was important for their student-athletes both now and moving forward,” Schneider added.

 

 

According to legal documents obtained by NJ Advance Media, Christian Maldonado, a Paramus Catholic assistant coach and the school’s assistant admissions director, sent the player multiple text messages while he was enrolled at Belleville. The texts reflected “a concerted effort on the part of an assistant coach at Paramus Catholic to urge a talented player to transfer; to convince that player to ignore the entreaties of his current coach; and to pressure that player to make a decision by the next day,” according to the documents.

 

Maldonado denied his texts were meant to convince the player to transfer to play football at Paramus Catholic during the hearing, but the Controversies Committee “found Maldonado to not be a credible witness,” according to the documents.

 

 

The Controversies Committee also found that Paramus Catholic was unable to establish a definitive set of facts relating to the player’s application and enrollment process. For example, the player said he never spoke to Paramus Catholic head coach Greg Russo prior to enrolling; Russo said he spoke to the player about football at a “Student For a Day” event Feb. 2. In addition, Maldonado testified that the player enrolled at Paramus Catholic Feb. 9; the NJSIAA Transfer Form completed by Paramus Catholic indicated the player enrolled Feb. 14.

 

 

“After hearing the witnesses, reviewing the evidence, and deliberating, the Committee determined that Paramus Catholic had violated the NJSIAA’s rules against athletic recruitment,” the documents said.

 

 

“It’s the only decision the Controversies Committee could’ve made, but I’m extremely disappointed in the penalties that were levied,” Belleville superintendent Richard Tomko told NJ Advance Media. “I’m actually taken aback. I’ve been in administration for 24 years. I’m a former AD. I’ve held every administrative position, and all of those years you get some of these recruitment violations and it’s always hearsay and very difficult to prove.

 

“This is the first time I can remember in NJSIAA history where this is irrefutable evidence,” Tomko continued. “We got a kid audiotaped saying what happened. We have text messages from the coach during a school day. Even the NJSIAA when they laid out the decision, they actually talk about those things. One hundred percent irrefutable, and the penalties, in my opinion, are a joke. It’s probably the most watered-down penalties I’ve ever seen.”

 

 

Paramus Catholic athletic director William McPartland declined comment when reached by phone Saturday. Russo did not immediately return phone messages left Saturday.

 

NJSIAA Executive Director Colleen Maguire declined comment Saturday, saying the association does not comment on Controversies Committee decisions.

 

 

The NJSIAA recruiting rule states: “A member school shall be responsible for athletic recruitment by anyone associated with the school or acting at the direction of the school, including but not limited to administration, staff, coaches, students, parents, booster clubs, or any organization having a connection with the school.” NJSIAA Bylaws, Art. 5, Sec. 4(D)(3).

 

 

The documents spell out that from March 2021-September 2022, 19 varsity football players transferred to Paramus Catholic, including three that previously attended Belleville.

 

 

One of the former Belleville player testified he first considered transferring to Paramus Catholic at the end of December 2021. He participated in the offseason conditioning program at Belleville during late December until January 2022.

 

 

The player submitted an online application to Paramus Catholic on Jan. 25, 2022, according to the documents.

 

Sometime in January 2022, former Belleville head coach Jermain Johnson -- now the head coach at Montclair -- learned the player was considering transferring to Paramus Catholic. On two occasions, Johnson spoke with the player about the potential transfer.

 

 

On Feb. 9, Johnson met with the player in his classroom and recorded a conversation that lasted over an hour. The phone was placed on a desk and the player did not know the conversation was being recorded.

 

 

During his testimony, Johnson said he recorded the conversation because he “thought it was concerning that, you know, from what he was telling me that, you know, these coaches are reaching out to him, you know, and, listen as a coach we don’t want to get any or your kids recruited underneath your watch.”

 

 

Their conversation centered around the player transferring to Paramus Catholic and his interactions with Maldonado. Maldonado texted the player during the meeting and Johnson asked the player who he was texting with.

 

The text message exchanges were read aloud, and the first text Maldonado sent to the player implored him not to stay at Belleville, according to the documents.

 

 

“Don’t let them persuade you, man. It -- it’s all b…….. He’s probably telling you that he’s going to get you an offer all of a sudden, which is nonsense. You should ask him why all of a sudden is he doing this. What has he been doing until now?”

 

 

Maldonado admitted to generating the text messages in the hearing, but denied they were intended to put pressure on the player to enroll at Paramus Catholic.

 

 

Over the past decade, Paramus Catholic has emerged as one of the top football programs in the country, producing a slew of top college prospects and future NFL players such as Jabrill Peppers, Juwann Bushell-Beatty and Rashan Gary. The Paladins won back-to-back Non-Public Group 4 state championships in 2012 and 2013 and a third title in 2016.

 

This year’s team is 1-4 on the season and currently ranked 16th out of 17 teams in the Non-Public A United Power Rankings. Paramus Catholic can appeal the decision to the NJSIAA Executive Committee.

 

 

Paramus Catholic has been accused of illegally recruiting football players before. In 2014, Scotch Plains-Fanwood challenged the transfer of All-American defensive lineman Rashan Gary, a future NFL first round draft pick who plays for the Green Bay Packers. The NJSIAA held a special hearing, but Scotch Plains failed to prove Gary was recruited.

 

 

Five weeks after Paramus Catholic was accused of recruiting Gary, former St. Peter’s Prep coach Rich Hansen said Paramus Catholic tried to snatch the state’s top-rated junior recruit at the time, Minkah Fitzpatrick, just before the 2013 season. Fitzpatrick now is a star defensive back with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

[paladin4ever]

Thanks, GSB.

So the Belleville coach recorded his conversation without the player’s knowledge? This is an adult speaking to a kid. Seems like an entrapment play. Not sure if legal but douchey nonetheless. Without knowing the full testimony, tough to know the full story. Still, the punishment seems light for such an alleged violation.

[GardenStateBaller]

HS football Top 20, Oct. 2, 2022: Ranking upheaval as September turns to Shock-tober

• Updated: Oct. 02, 2022, 7:01 p.m.|
• Published: Oct. 02, 2022, 7:00 p.m.

Jaylen McClain (8) of Seton Hall Prep makes the tackle on Joseph Rozynski (13) of Pope John after losing his helmet during the Rumble at the Raritan football game at Rutgers University on 9/3/22.Tom Horak | For NJ Advance Media

 

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• Mike Kinney | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Talk about your Fall festivals.

 

But let’s be clear. We’re not speaking of pumpkin patches, apple cider or early Halloween decorations here, although there obviously was plenty for Top 20 residents to be frightened of this weekend as September flipped to October.

 

These falls were loud, they were painful and also thoroughly unexpected. Seven teams in the NJ.com Top 20 lost games in Week 5, and a whopping five of them fell to teams either lower in the poll or unranked.

 

It was easily the biggest shakeup this season and one of the most surprising collection of upsets in recent memory. As a result of this unsuspecting upheaval, four new teams – Wayne Valley, Pennsauken, North Hunterdon and Union City – join the Top 20 as Millville, Irvington, Ridgewood and Donovan Catholic make their way out following setbacks.

 

 

That marks quite an emotional swing for Ridgewood in the matter of just seven days. The Maroons joined the Top 20 last week after a 12-7 upset over then-No. 17 Passaic Tech, and make a quick exit following a 12-10 loss to 3-2 and unranked Paterson Eastside.

 

 

Scroll through below to review this freshly minted Top 20.

 

 

1-Don Bosco Prep (4-2)

Last week: No. 1

 

Here’s why: There wasn’t any letdown for Don Bosco Prep the week after it came off a huge win over rival Bergen Catholic. Facing No. 2 St. Peter’s Prep at MetLife Stadium, the Ironmen came away with a 35-26 win over the Marauders, using a potent rushing attack behind a dominant offensive line. Junior running back Logan Bush ran for 196 yards on 32 carries and the defense came up with two huge stops when St. Peter’s Prep attempted two separate two-point conversions in the fourth quarter. Don Bosco Prep has an off week before gearing up to play against Seton Hall Prep.

 

 

Schedule/results

 

 

• Friday, Aug. 26: vs. Archbishop Spalding (MD) - WIN (48-28)
• Friday, Sept 2: at Edgewater (FL) - LOSS (34-10)
• Friday, Sept. 9: vs. St. Joseph (Mont.) - WIN (44-35)
• Friday, Sept. 16: vs. Iona Prep (NY) - LOSS (42-35)
• Saturday, Sept. 24: at Bergen Catholic - WIN (31-7)
• Friday, Sept. 30: at St. Peter’s Prep - WIN (35-26)
• Friday, Oct. 14: vs. Seton Hall Prep
• Friday, Oct. 21: at Paramus Catholic
• Friday, Oct. 28: vs. DePaul

 

2-St. Peter’s Prep (4-2)

 

Last week: No. 2

 

 

Here’s why: The Marauders dropped the nightcap of the Zone6ix Classic at MetLife Stadium to No. 1 Don Bosco Prep in 35-26 fashion on Friday. St. Peter’s Prep’s ground game was what worked in the losing effort as sophomore Jalen Cline and senior Isaiah Giles each ran 10 times, with Cline going for 132 and Giles compiling 61. Each of the two had a touchdown and senior quarterback Champ Long threw a pair – one going to senior Zion Fowler and the other to junior Hassan Moore. Head coach Rich Hansen III and company have a week off before hosting Paramus Catholic on Oct. 14.

 

 

Schedule/results

 

 

• Saturday, Aug. 27: at St. Augustine at Ocean City - WIN (41-7)
• Saturday, Sept. 3: vs. St. Joseph Prep (PA) at Rutgers - LOSS (55-20)
• Friday, Sept. 9: at DePaul - WIN (23-10)
• Friday, Sept. 16: vs. Delbarton - WIN (32-27)
• Saturday, Sept. 24: at St. Joseph (Mont.) - WIN (41-38)
• Friday, Sept. 30: vs. Don Bosco Prep - LOSS (35-26)
• Friday, Oct. 14: vs. Paramus Catholic
• Saturday, Oct. 22: at Bergen Catholic
• Saturday, Oct. 29: vs. Seton Hall Prep

 

3-Bergen Catholic (5-1)

 

Last week: No. 4

 

 

Here’s why: The Crusaders got back on track with a 35-7 victory against DePaul in Wayne on Friday. They pulled to a 21-0 advantage at halftime thanks to a pair of touchdowns from senior running back Saeed St. Fleur, one on a four-yard scamper and the other on a 71-yard pass from senior quarterback Jack Duffy. Quarterback Dom Campanile tossed a 22-yard score to fellow sophomore Quincy Porter for the other first-half touchdown. He would throw one more to senior Jack Comeau from 12 yards out before St. Fleur punched in his third touchdown on a five-yard run to make up the 35 points. Bergen Catholic has the week off and then will visit St. Joseph (Mont.) on Oct. 15.

 

 

Schedule/results

 

 

• Saturday, Aug. 27: vs. Cardinal Gibbons (NC) - WIN (49-14)
• Friday, Sept. 2: at Saguaro (AZ) - WIN (28-7)
• Saturday, Sept. 10: at Delbarton - WIN (21-6)
• Saturday, Sept. 17: vs. Seton Hall Prep - WIN (35-14)
• Saturday, Sept. 24: vs. Don Bosco Prep - LOSS (31-7)
• Friday, Sept. 30: at DePaul - WIN (35-7)
• Saturday, Oct. 15: at St. Joseph (Mont.)
• Saturday, Oct. 22: vs. St. Peter’s Prep
• Saturday, Oct. 29: vs. Paramus Catholic

 

4-St. Joseph (Mont.) (3-3)

 

Last week: No. 5

 

 

Here’s why: Joey Gaston showed his “moxie,” as coach Dan Marangi described it, in St. Joe’s 41-13 win over then-No. 19 Donovan Catholic at MetLife Stadium. Gaston threw three first-half touchdown passes and used his legs effectively, rushing for 67 yards. St. Joe’s scored in all three phases, including two special teams touchdowns and a pick-six on defense, courtesy of junior Yasin Willis. St. Joe’s has an off week before getting ready to host Bergen Catholic on Oct. 15.

 

 

Schedule/results

 

 

• Friday, Aug. 26: at Good Counsel (MD) - LOSS (42-21)
• Saturday, Sept. 3: vs. DePaul - WIN (36-31)
• Friday, Sept. 9: at Don Bosco Prep - LOSS (44-35)
• Saturday, Sept. 17: vs. St. Anthony (NY) - WIN (63-49)
• Saturday, Sept. 24: vs. St. Peter’s Prep - LOSS (41-38)
• Friday, Sept. 30: at Donovan Catholic at MetLife Stadium - WIN (41-13)
• Saturday, Oct. 15: vs. Bergen Catholic
• Saturday, Oct. 22: at Seton Hall Prep
• Saturday, Oct. 29: vs. Delbarton

 

5-Seton Hall Prep (4-1)

 

Last week: No. 10

 

 

Here’s why: Jaylin McClain, Elijah Rippey and Daniel Carlucci anchored an unrelenting defense and junior QB Liam Londergen guided an efficient offense to send the Pirates to their second Top 20 upset in as many weeks. Seton Hall defeated then-No. 3 Red Bank Catholic, 17-0, Saturday in West Orange one week after handing then-No. 8 Irvington a 28-20 loss. McClain, Rippey and Carlucci each rang up 10 tackles and Kelvin Williams recorded eight to direct the Prep to its first shutout this season. Londergen completed 12-of-17 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown.

 

 

Schedule/results

 

 

• Saturday, Aug. 27: vs. Delbarton - WIN (32-27)
• Saturday, Sept. 3: vs. Pope John at Rutgers - WIN (14-7)
• Saturday, Sept. 17: at Bergen Catholic - LOSS (35-14)
• Saturday, Sept. 24: vs. Irvington - WIN (28-20)
• Friday, Sept. 30: at Red Bank Catholic - WIN (17-0)
• Saturday, Oct. 8: vs. Paramus Catholic
• Friday, Oct. 14: at Don Bosco Prep
• Saturday, Oct. 22: vs. St. Joseph (Mont.)
• Saturday, Oct. 29: at St. Peter’s Prep

 

6-Red Bank Catholic (5-1)

 

Last week: No. 3

 

 

Here’s why: The Caseys suffered their first loss and had an eight-game winning streak dating back to last season ended by a 17-0 loss to Seton Hall Prep last Friday night in Red Bank. For the second-straight week, RBC struggled on offense. The Caseys made only two trips into SHP territory. Statistically, Seton Hall Prep outgained RBC, 184-174. However, RBC had only one significant drive and that came late in the fourth quarter.

 

 

Schedule/results

 

 

• Friday, Aug. 27: vs. St. John Vianney at Ocean City - WIN (33-7)
• Friday, Sept. 2: vs. Freehold Borough - WIN (63-0)
• Friday, Sept. 9: at Wall - WIN (25-3)
• Friday, Sept. 16: at Middletown South - WIN (35-0)
• Friday, Sept. 23: vs. Donovan Catholic - WIN (14-7)
• Friday, Sept. 30: vs. Seton Hall Prep - LOSS (17-0)
• Friday, Oct. 7: at Manalapan
• Friday, Oct. 21: vs. Rumson-Fair Haven

[Testadura]

6 hours ago, paladin4ever said:

Thanks, GSB.

So the Belleville coach recorded his conversation without the player’s knowledge? This is an adult speaking to a kid. Seems like an entrapment play. Not sure if legal but douchey nonetheless. Without knowing the full testimony, tough to know the full story. Still, the punishment seems light for such an alleged violation.

We’re all family here.  You know we want PC back so we can hate on them.  They had some rough teams.  I’m almost over Jabrill’s leaving.  

[Testadura]

6 minutes ago, Testadura said:

We’re all family here.  You know we want PC back so we can hate on them.  They had some rough teams.  I’m almost over Jabrill’s leaving.  

What might be as bad as transfers is SPP’s putting their inferior swag on and heretical values in the neighborhood of the Virgin Mother and the Baby Jesus.  We should have been on point but the Jesuits can be a bit duplicitous.  Ask Queen Elizabeth.  

my uncle was a Jesuit at Fordham, and my son was at Regis.  I’m not a fan of the Pope, the Rothschilds, or the globalists.  I’m a Bayonne guy thru and thru.  

[paladin4ever]

1 hour ago, Testadura said:

What might be as bad as transfers is SPP’s putting their inferior swag on and heretical values in the neighborhood of the Virgin Mother and the Baby Jesus.  We should have been on point but the Jesuits can be a bit duplicitous.  Ask Queen Elizabeth.  

my uncle was a Jesuit at Fordham, and my son was at Regis.  I’m not a fan of the Pope, the Rothschilds, or the globalists.  I’m a Bayonne guy thru and thru.  

Test, I’ve had the pleasure of being educated by both the Christian Brothers (at St. Joe’s WNY) and Jesuits (at Saint Peter’s College, now University) I understand what you mean.

Edited October 3, 2022 by paladin4ever

[Testadura]

10 hours ago, paladin4ever said:

Test, I’ve had the pleasure of being educated by both the Christian Brothers (at St. Joe’s WNY) and Jesuits (at Saint Peter’s College, now University) I understand what you mean.

You couldn’t do any better.  

[GardenStateBaller]

https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2022/10/04/national-catholic-high-school-football-league-it-could-happen/69535335007/

 

[paladin4ever]

PC defeats SHP 20-17. That’s a good win. SHP was 4-1 going into today with wins over RBC, Irvington, Delby and Pope John. Only loss to BC. Go Paladins!

[GardenStateBaller]

10 hours ago, paladin4ever said:

PC defeats SHP 20-17. That’s a good win. SHP was 4-1 going into today with wins over RBC, Irvington, Delby and Pope John. Only loss to BC. Go Paladins!

Nice win! I'll be seeing SHP live in-person next Friday night at DBP! 

[paladin4ever]

Riverboat Gambler…LFG!!!

 

[GardenStateBaller]

2 hours ago, paladin4ever said:

Riverboat Gambler…LFG!!!

 

The last time something like this happened he went 1-7 as interim HC. Just sayin. Great oppty, though. 

[GardenStateBaller]

 

[GardenStateBaller]

Big Six rankings

6. Paramus Catholic (2-4)

Last game: Beat Seton Hall Prep, 20-17

Next game: Friday at St. Peter’s Prep (4-2)

5. DePaul (2-4)

Last game: Beat Hudson Catholic, 38-20

Next game: Saturday at Pope John (4-2)

4. St. Joseph (3-3)

Last game: Did not play

Next game: Saturday vs. Bergen Catholic (5-1)

2. St. Peter’s Prep (4-2)

Last game: Did not play

Next game: Friday vs. Paramus Catholic (2-4)

2. Bergen Catholic (5-1)

Last game: Did not play

Next game: Saturday vs. St. Joseph (3-3)

1.Don Bosco (4-2)

Last game: Did not play

Next game: Friday vs. Seton Hall Prep (4-2)

[GardenStateBaller]

 

[GardenStateBaller]

SHP at DBP tonight at 7pm

 

[Hsfbfan]

16 minutes ago, GardenStateBaller said:

SHP at DBP tonight at 7pm

 

Watching game on tv

[GardenStateBaller]

7-0 DBP

[paladin4ever]

Well, the good news is that PC scored 41 points against SPP tonight. The bad news is that they gave up 70. It’s a work-in-progress for the Paladins, to say the least. 😬

[GardenStateBaller]

1 minute ago, paladin4ever said:

Well, the good news is that PC scored 41 points against SPP tonight. The bad news is that they gave up 70. It’s a work-in-progress for the Paladins, to say the least. 😬

Last I heard the Paladins were up 7-6!!! 

[paladin4ever]

7 minutes ago, GardenStateBaller said:

Last I heard the Paladins were up 7-6!!! 

It was 35-27 SPP at the half. SPP had a huge 3rd quarter. 

Edited October 15, 2022 by paladin4ever

[Testadura]

16 minutes ago, paladin4ever said:

It was 35-27 SPP at the half. SPP had a huge 3rd quarter. 

PC is improving.  Score?

[GardenStateBaller]

7 minutes ago, Testadura said:

PC is improving.  Score?

70-41 SPP 

[Testadura]

1 minute ago, GardenStateBaller said:

70-41 SPP 

I was first offended by 70 but PC gets credit for 41.  
 

the BNU doesn’t play D except for BC

[GardenStateBaller]