Sports

from e-Newspaper for June 29, 2022

by The Observer Newspaper

Obituaries

Sports & Recreation

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.

By Jason Bernstein

jason@theoserver.com

As Johnny Lembo walked off the field at Lyndhurst High School for the final time, the Golden Bears vocal quarterback and leader was at a loss for words

“It just feels amazing because I grew up here and have been playing on this same field since I was four years old,” said Lembo. “I have no words to explain this feeling.”

Whether it was playing with old teammates for the final time, or lining up with future teammates for the first time, Saturday night’s (June 25) Bergen County Football AllStar Game provided plenty of emotions and smiles even with the unusual result of a 16-16 tie.

“Man it meant the world to me to go out with the whole South side here and play one last game with everyone, my teammates,” North Arlington wide receiver Jaivon Aquino said. “We didn’t get the win, but we all came here, we all had fun, we had a great time. I’m blessed to be here at this moment. I love all of my seniors and I love everyone from North Arlington. It meant the world to play one last game with them.”

Aquino, who will continue his career at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, was one of four Vikings selected for the game, joining Dylan McDermott, Iker Bouzas and Edardo Aguilar. Host Lyndhurst also had four representatives in Lembo, Ricky Rainey, Jake Schutt and Ethan Rodriguez.

“It always is (being on the same team as some of your rivals), but it’s always fun 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.”

FIRE

Continued from Page 1

cus, Belleville, North Arlington, Bayonne, North Hudson Regional and Hoboken.

While the fire was underway, firefighters from Hoboken, Jersey City and Secaucus provided house coverage in case of any other incidents. The Gong Club, of Jersey City, also provided refreshments and cooling stations for firefighters, who not only had to contend with a pesky blaze, but also the outside temperatures that rose to around 90º-Fahrenheit.

“There were also numerous residents who came by to offer water. I wish I knew them all by name, but we knew they were there — and we’ve very grateful for them for all they did,” Mastandrea said.

Mastandrea also said despite the conditions, “no one, residents of members, was injured” in the fire.

Two pets — a cat and a dog — were also removed from the homes.

The Kearny FD maintained an overnight fire watch to ensure there were no flareups — there were none — and that ended around 8:30 a.m., Monday, June 27.

The Red Cross arrived on the scene and provided temporary housing to all the affected residents. The two homes were deemed uninhabitable.

Lastly, the Kearny Police Department was also on scene and they assisted with the initial evacuation of residents, kept the large crowd of onlookers that developed well under control and blocked traffic in numerous locations. Laurel Avenue, between Devon and Chestnut streets, was kept closed until mid-morning, Monday, July 27.

So much lost

Meanwhile, all families involved in the fire are parishioners of St. Stephen’s Church, just a few blocks away. And, sadly, most of their possession were destroyed. One of the victims is among the eldest parishioners in the entire parish.

Another has children in the CCD program.

And yet another has children in the CCD program in addition to being a catechist (CCD teacher.)

To assist all the families, the parish is collecting gift cards — of any amount — to retail and grocery stores. The youngsters are 8, 10 and 18 — and there are six displaced adults in total. The parish is only accepting gift cards, but if you’re unable to purchase them, you may also drop off a check at the rectory, made payable to the St. Stephen’s Charity Fund” with “Fire Assistance” in the memo line. The parish will then use those funds to buy the gift cards.

Those able to donate cards may do so by leaving them at the church rectory on Washington Avenue. If the rectory is closed when you arrive, there is a drop slot on the office door where the cards may be left.

Dr. Prakash J. Doshi

Premier Care

TALKS

Dr. Hector Aguilar

CONCUSSIONS

Concussions, occurring from falls, blows to the head, sports injuries, violent shaking of the head or upper body, and other actions, sometimes cause loss of consciousness and are considered a traumatic injury affecting brain function. Although temporary, signs include lack of concentration, memory loss, headaches, and problems with balance and coordination. Symptoms are not always obvious and may be delayed and last for days, weeks, or longer. Additional physical indications include nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, fatigue and drowsiness, blurred vision, confusion, amnesia regarding the traumatic incident, and dizziness. Emergency medical attention is paramount when loss of consciousness exceeds 30 seconds, fluid or blood from the nose, intensifying headaches, dilated pupils, ringing in ears, slurred speech, or lack of coordination.

Brain imaging may be recommended for some people with signs and symptoms such as severe headaches, seizures, repeated vomiting or symptoms that are becoming worse. Brain imaging may determine whether the injury is severe and has caused bleeding or swelling in the skull. To schedule an exam, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-998-7474, or visit us 7 days a week at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B. We treat hypertension, arthritis, and acute and chronic injuries.

P.S. Concussions cause the brain to move inside the head and bump against the skull, damaging neurons and possibly bruising the brain at the site of impact.