The Boro

So, who gets more attention on the forums these days?

Immaculata? Probably. But what about Hillsborough? Are you expecting me to rip head coach Vin Coviello and blame him for going 3-7 last year in his first year?

Coviello is in his second year. He replaced longtime coach Rick Mantz, who led the Raiders to a Central Jersey Group IV title in 2000. Vinnie had a tough act to follow.

"It really doesn't bother me," said Coviello of the critics. "If it wasn't me, it would be another coach."

Can Hillsborough turn things around? The Raiders have a brutal schedule -- Piscataway to open Friday night followed by the likes of Hunterdon Central and Franklin. Franklin should be better. The Warriors can blame the loss to Hillsborough for them not making the playoffs.

Hillsborough will be speedy and senior lineman Rocco Mazzagatti will be in his fourth year of varsity football. Junior quarterback Mike Daly is a year older and wiser and has a long list of receivers to throw. Daly threw for 636 yards last year with four touchdowns.

Sophomore running back/defensive back Mike Banaciski played as a freshman last year.

"He's a special kid," Coviello said.

The Raiders could look a lot better this year, but the results might not be found on their final record. The season could be hard to judge for those not close to the program -- which means a lot more critique for the head coach.