Only 3 teams remain for the Pioneers fall slate of sports. It’s deep into state tournament time and here’s how NPHS did in some big time games last week.

Football

The football team took on the daunting task of traveling to first seeded Point Pleasant Boro, and gave the Panthers a real challenge. The game was back and forth in the first half, sending NP into halftime down 14-7. Senior quarterback Dean Licari, and senior running back Charlie Barth both made some big plays down the stretch but NP was never able to find that second touchdown. Point Pleasant scored two late touchdowns to finish on top 28-7. It was a misleading score for the Pioneers, but it ended their deepest playoff run in years. Now the team has some time before the annual Thanksgiving classic against Governor Livingston on Nov. 25.

Girls Soccer

The girls soccer team had a championship or bust mentality all season, and it was put to the test last week. The girls began the week with a big 2-0 victory over North Arlington in the sectional semifinals. Two huge goals from sophomore Bridgit Ryan propelled New Providence into the finals. The Pioneers hosted third seeded Whippany Park, with a sectional title on the line. The game felt like a championship one, going back and forth between two very good teams. At the end, it was a late set piece goal for Whippany Park that led them to a 2-1 win. The Pioneers’ very successful campaign ends in heartbreaking fashion. The sectional title run came up just short, but the season was an extremely successful one for the Pioneers, who brought home a conference title for the first time in ten years. 

Cross Country

It was group championship time for the cross country squad, as they traveled to Holmdel Park for the final race of the season. The team was able to get the race in before some hail cancellations delayed other groups. It was a successful showing for the Pioneers as well. Boys-wise, the team finished 11th in group one, being led by Hayden Singer, who finished 18th in the group one race. For the girls, they saw a 4th place finish in group one. Miranda Bournique led the pack finishing 15th in group one. Although they were unable to repeat as group one champs, it’s a great race for NP who continues to show dominance throughout recent years.