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No. 4 Vol. 4
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April 2022
Marinelli Selected to Phil Simms 2022 All-Star Football Classic
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By Anthony Sorce f you live in the vicinity of Cedar Grove, NJ, the morning of November 26th 2021, is still etched in your mind. The Cedar Grove Panther Football Team had a date with the Park Ridge Owls at Met Life Stadium. Who is the best Group 1 football team in the North Region? The underdog Panthers in dramatic fashion, pulled out a slim 13-12 victory on a chilly Black Friday Morning. All of the Senior Panthers played their final HS Football game of their Varsity Careers. The 4thquarter come from behind victory could not have been any sweeter for these young gentleman. You never forget your last varsity football game especially when you have worked so hard for that championship ring. Senior Standout Wide Receiver Mike Marinelli was plagued by some ankle issues on that morning. Marinelli reflects “Although I was dealing with a sprained ankle, I would not let that stop me from competing. Throughout the whole game I was optimistic and knew we wanted it more. We fought until the very end and came out with the win. There is no better feeling than watching that clock strike zero and going crazy with your teammates. These teammates are friends that I have been playing football with my whole life. Winning a championship game at MetLife with them is a moment I will never forget.” The North Group 1 Bowl was not the last game as a Cedar Grove Panther for the Marinelli. Marinelli will put on the black and gold helmet one last time on June 12th 2022, as member of the North All Stars in the Phil Simms North/South High School Football AllStar Classic at Kean University.
Marinelli was introduced to Cedar Grove Football when he was in the 2ndgrade. Mike simply put just wanted to hit people on the field. “As I grew up through the program, I realized my love for the sport,” said Marinelli. “Football is a Fall Sport, I just couldn’t get enough of it. I decided to also play in the Spring and it was the Spring league that got me introduced to a higher level of play” Marinelli’s parents were a big influence on him during his athletic career at all levels. Mr and Mrs.Marinelli made it a point to be at every single sporting event. Mike Sr. and Laura inspired their son providing transportation to him for any hours of extra training, that would eventually pay off. Mike’s High School Football Career began in Wayne, NJ as a member of the DePaul Spartans. During Freshman year, Marinelli formed close friendship with QB Alfonso Lombardi. The pair would eventually transfer out of DePaul and back to their hometown. “Alfonso is a great leader who can take control of any offense, no matter what is at stake.” Mike also speaks very highly of one his best friends on the team Patch McCarthy “Patch is a leader on and off the field, he has always been a beast.” Mike has formed some very close bonds over his career with the coaching staff. “I have spent the most time with Coach Risimini, he can find the positive in any situation” Marinelli has nothing but respect for his Head Coach Rob Gogerty. “Coach has always been there for me and my teammates. When I first transferred into CG, Gogerty was welcoming and ready to get to work. He knew I wanted to compete and gave me opportuni-
Mike Marinelli, #20, celebrates with his close friend and teammate, Patch McCarthy, #44, as the Cedar Grove Panthers defeated Park Ridge 13-12 this past November in North Group 1 Bowl at Met Life Stadium. Marinelli will play one last varsity football game on June 12th in the annual Phil Simms North/South All-Star Game. Photo by Anthony Sorce.
ties to do that although I was the “new kid” on the team. As a senior Coach Gogerty and I have become very close and he has become a role model to me.” Coach Gogerty, has all the praise in the world for his standout wide receiver, “I am really excited about Mike representing our Cedar Grove High School football program and being selected to represent the
North squad in the annual North/South All Star Game. We nominate a few guys each year because we feel we have the talent that deserves to be on display in this game and it’s awesome that Mike will be representing our program. I know he will do a great job!” The one accolade that stands out for the 2021 Panthers was simply put, by Marinelli, continued on page 24