Wednesday, June 29, 2022
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
Sports & Recreation
7
NA & Lyndhurst send numerous players to Bergen County All-Star Game
Contributed photos
TOP: In the group photo: left to right is Jack Schutt, Johnny Lembo, assistant coach Mike D’Errico, Ricky Rainey and Ethan Rodriguez. TOP RIGHT: Jaivon Aquino in the two-toned helmet on the sidelines. BOTTOM RIGHT: Johnny Lembo.
last game with everyone, my teammates,” North Arlington wide receiver Jaivon Aquino As Johnny Lembo walked said. “We didn’t get the win, off the field at Lyndhurst High but we all came here, we all School for the final time, the had fun, we had a great time. Golden Bears vocal quarterI’m blessed to be here at this back and leader was at a loss moment. I love all of my senfor words iors and I love everyone from “It just feels amazing beNorth Arlington. It meant the cause I grew up here and have world to play one last game been playing on this same field with them.” since I was four years old,” Aquino, who will continue said Lembo. “I have no words his career at Fairleigh Dickto explain this feeling.” inson University in Madison, Whether it was playing with was one of four Vikings selectold teammates for the final ed for the game, joining Dylan time, or lining up with future McDermott, Iker Bouzas and teammates for the first time, Edardo Aguilar. Host LyndSaturday night’s (June 25) hurst also had four representBergen County Football Allatives in Lembo, Ricky Rainey, Star Game provided plenty of Jake Schutt and Ethan Rodriemotions and smiles even with guez. the unusual result of a 16-16 tie. “It always is (being on the “Man it meant the world to same team as some of your me to go out with the whole rivals), but it’s always fun South side here and play one By Jason Bernstein jason@theoserver.com
because they come together and it’s a beautiful thing to see the teams come together and be one,” said Lyndhurst head coach Rich Tuero. “That was our message before the game, to be one. We’re the South team today.” With the score tied at 8, Lembo seemed poised to be the hero on his home field, when he used his legs to power the South team’s 69-yard drive that culminated in him rushing for 20-yard TD run with 3:14 remaining before succeeding on a designed run for the twopoint conversion that made it 16-8. “It got me really excited. I was hyped for that,” said Rainey, his longtime teammate and top passing target. “I’ve never seen John run like that in my life and he put it all out there tonight. That’s my boy, I
love him.” “I can’t really explain it. I thought I was back in my blue and gold for a second,” the FDU Madison-bound Lembo said. “That last drive, it really hit me when I scored.” Incredibly, fireworks could be seen behind the far end zone following Lembo’s conversion, which seemingly made for the perfect cinematic ending for him and the South. The North team had other ideas, marching down the field. With just 37 seconds left, Devin Miller-Singh of St. Joseph Regional rushed for a 3-yard touchdown on a play that was initially ruled a fumble recovered in the end zone. The referees confirmed that Miller-Singh crossed the goalline before losing possession and afterward, he successfully ran in the conversion to ensure
the draw. While the final score might not have been what it hoped, for Rainey the game provided a proper sendoff. His last “official” game for Lyndhurst — a regional crossover against Pequannock — was cut short due to an ankle injury. This time, for Rainey and others, it was a chance to share one final on-field memory with those he played with for his entire football life. “Together, we started from the flag (football) days. I remember when we were young and it’s great to finish it off with each other,” said Rainey, who will play at Montclair State. “It was a great time with them and I’m going to miss them when I go to college and I’m sure they’re going to miss me too. But they’re my boys for life.”
