the weekend

Couple of thoughts on Montgomery. The Cougars are 6-9, but geez, forget the record. They're a much better team. Freshman right fielder J.T. Tartacoff is impresssive both defensively and at the plate. He bats in the leadoff spot. Senior shortstop John Engelmann is another fine player.

But, unless Montgomery goes 4-0 this week, they're going to miss the state sectional playoffs.

Here's the week Montgomery faces: Immaculata on the road Tuesday, at Franklin Wednesday, at Warren Hills Thursday and a rematch with Somerville Friday night. Montgomery would have to go 4-0 to make the playoff field.

Might finally get a chance to see a Hunterdon/Warren Tournament game Saturday. Eighth-seed Voorhees at fifth-seed Delaware Valley could be fun.

Last year, Phillipsburg beat Warren Hills in the county final, which meant we didn't have a local representative. We're locked in for one this year. Hunterdon Central can't possibly lose to sixth-seed Hackettstown in the other semifinal, right? Then again, that's what I thought about Voorhees' chances against top-seed and defending champ Phillipsburg.


Spoke to South Hunterdon first-year coach Toby Jefferis Sunday night. The Eagles got their first win last week by beating Bound Brook 5-3 Tuesday. The next day the Eagles were beaten by North Plainfield 10-2. "I told the kids they can't stand prosperity," he said. "I don't think most of them knew the word."

But the Eagles did get their win. The win came a day after a 23-2 loss in the Hunterdon/Warren Tournament to Warren Hills. Jefferis didn't pitch his ace -- senior Jacob Stevens -- against Warren Hills since he figured the team had a better chance in the games against Bound Brook and North Plainfield.

All of our schools have now won at least one game. For the record.

Our podcast will be done Monday night. So look for it sometime Tuesday