By Andy Loigu

Although they lost their opening game by a 23-20 score at Belvidere on Thursday evening, the young Hackettstown Tigers’ football team can look ahead to the rest of the season confidently, knowing they have the resilience to come back when the going gets tough.

It was the first varsity action for many of the Tigers, but after falling behind 20-6, they came from behind and caught up, with sophomore quarterback Carter Bujno’s fleet feet and accurate throwing arm leading the way. Senior wideout Myles Hatten extended several drives with his good hands, making important catches.

In a dramatic finish, Belvidere got the win via a 32-yard field goal from Pedro Isaque Dos Santos with 25 seconds showing on the scoreboard. Big Red’s win came in large part from the steady work from their offensive line.

The Tigers are now preparing for their next two games, hosting a very good High Point squad on September 5 and visiting Sussex Tech in Sparta, along Route 94 near Hardyston, on that long and winding road the Beatles sung about.

Almost two months away, but certainly in the minds of fans and players, is the 100th meeting of the Tigers/Blue Streaks rivalry, with custody of The Beater Board going to the winner. Surely the host Tigers will provide fitting pageantry and ceremony as they host Warren Hills in what will be billed as the “game of the century” on October 24. 

Trick or treat!

Congratulations to Dan Hirshberg, who I used to call “Lieutenant Dan” (my being a Forrest Gump fan). Dan has been chosen to the Warren County Hall of Fame this year. He founded the website Inside Warren, for whom I’ve contributed sports stories since 2015, and created the Athlete of the Year award in the 1980s, which has recognized the achievements of the county’s best and brightest student athletes at an annual dinner event. As the new millennium came and Dan no longer had enough time to remain the sports editor for The Star Gazette, he gave me instruction in what needs to be done to facilitate a successful event. I was able to continue the tradition with the cooperation of Warren County Community College, who allowed me to use the facilities at their new modern campus.

Dan was nice enough to take time from his busy schedule and speak (pro bono) about public relations to the mass media classes I taught at WCCC.

Dan coordinated numerous cultural programs and festivals through the years and shows no signs of slowing down. He also leads the way for various charitable groups who raise money to help the marginalized and unfortunate people living in the county. There, but for the grace of God, go we.

Congratulations once again, Dan, on a well-deserved honor.

The 15th annual Hall of Fame banquet event will take place on Saturday, November 15, at Panther Valley Golf Club this year.

Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building.