The Record, Bergen County, NJ

Aviators Can't Rest On Their Laurels

The perfect 12-0 season and accompanying North 1, Group 1 football title obviously was an incredible source of pride and joy for Hasbrouck Heights. The party, however, is over for the Aviators.

It's Time to Stay Focused for Bc

The word "potential" has been following the Bergen Catholic boys soccer team for the past two years, ever since the Crusaders won back-to-back championships in the Bergen County freshman tournament. But this is the year coach Mark Edge hopes they shake that title. "Last year we had one of the more successful seasons we've had in recent years," the fifth-year coach said of last year's 16-4-1 season and berth in the Bergen County semifinals. "But we need to keep ourselves grounded. This team ne...

Young Maroons Have Lots of Talent

If it were a matter of sheer numbers, Ridgewood already would have the County title locked up. The Maroons had 72 hopeful players on the field when training for the girls soccer season began about two weeks ago. Yes, 72 players. Even more astounding is that no one will be cut. Ridgewood coach Jeff Yearing has never cut a player in his 22 seasons. The biggest challenge is where to put them all.

Notes

In case of rain today After discussions Friday between Open officials and CBS, a decision to call off today's men's semifinals and tonight's women's final 24 hours in advance because of the expected heavy rain was set aside for several potential (and confusing) scenarios.

Federer, Nadal Reprise Possible

NEW YORK After the runs by Mardy Fish and Gilles Muller, another disappointing James Blake performance and all the hubbub about Sam Querrey, the men's side of the U.S. Open now leaves behind an intriguing final four for its semifinals. No. 2 Roger Federer, defending his four straight Open championships, vs. No. 3 Novak Djokovic in a rematch of last year's final. Top-seeded Rafael Nadal, seeking to win his third straight Grand Slam title, vs. the player who'll be ranked fourth in the world af...

Reaching for the Gold ; Pascack Valley Reg. Wants to Wear State Crown

Pascack Valley Regional was denied a gymnastics State title last fall by about the narrowest margin possible. No North Jersey team has won a State title since Wayne Hills in 1981, but with everyone back from last year's team, this could be the year Pascack (a co-op team from Pascack Valley and Pascack Hills) ends the drought. The team is ranked No. 1 in The Record preseason Super Six.

Gymnasts to Watch

Chelsea Goldschrafe, Ramapo, senior The reigning State all-around champion returned to practice this week after sitting out most of the summer with a back injury. She should be fully healthy when the Green Raiders need her and is the favorite to successfully defend her title.

Around the Leagues

NNJIGL Chelsea Gurley has qualified for the sectional finals two years in a row for Clifton. She and classmate Donnalayha Cook welcome a talented freshman class led by Gabriella Cruz. ... Fair Lawn is concentrating on learning new skills and developing its program; look for juniors Olivia DiMitri and Amanda Sokol to compete in the all-around. Senior Sara Kim will do floor and beam. Junior Meghan Keelan will tackle the vault and bars. ... Coach Ann Danziger takes over at Indian Hills, where th...

Rutgers Suspends Inman and Griffin

PISCATAWAY Rutgers men's basketball coach Fred Hill Jr. announced Friday that seniors JR Inman, the former St. Joseph star, and Jaron Griffin will be suspended from game competition at the beginning of the 2008-09 season for violating team policies. Inman and Griffin will continue to participate in team activities, including practices. The Scarlet Knights begin preseason practice on Friday, Oct. 17.

Cichero Returns to Red Bulls After Suspension

Practice was over for nearly 20 minutes and most of the Red Bulls were off the field, either inside the locker room or walking along the outside track. Gabriel Cichero was alone in front of the goal at Montclair State, a grown man lost in a World Cup fantasy.

Kiwanuka Not Happy ; Chides Skins' Samuels for 'Dirty Play'

EAST RUTHERFORD Mathias Kiwanuka was happy Friday there was no serious damage to his left ankle, which was injured on the final play of Thursday night's 16-7 win over Redskins. But he was not happy with Redskins tackle Chris Samuels, who he had beaten on that play. "Honestly I thought it was a dirty play," said Kiwanuka, who suffered a broken left fibula and ankle last season. "There's no question about it. I just don't think there is any place for that in the NFL.

Giants Report Card

Running game: A-minus Brandon Jacobs opened his contract season with 116 yards and a 5.5-yard average, bowling over S LaRon Landry on one occasion. Derrick Ward added 39 yards and Tom Coughlin admitted it was his fault not getting Ahmad Bradshaw in the game at some point. The Giants had 154 yards total, about half of them to the flank where Jeremy Shockey used to seal off the defense.

Celebrate the Season by Sharing Your Football Memories and Game Day Tips.

Todays question: What is your fondest memory of Giants Stadium?

Jets Plan Rushing Invasion

FLORHAM PARK Unlike last summer, Thomas Jones didn't miss any practice time this preseason because of an injury. Yet his August statistical lines with the Jets look eerily similar. In 2007, he played in only one game, and had 27 yards and one touchdown on eight carries.

Schedule Breakdown

Sunday at Miami Dolphins Stadium

Position-by-Position Breakdown

Quarterback Since being traded to the Jets, Brett Favre quickly has shown that his 38-year-old arm still can bring the heat when necessary. He has been getting a crash course in offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's complicated system, which is being streamlined somewhat to fit him. Favre's ability to read defenses is excellent, and the Jets' receivers have quickly learned that with Favre, everyone in the pattern is a threat to catch the ball. But Favre still sometimes tries to fit the...

Mets Notes

Wagner closer Billy Wagner threw a combined 32 pitches off a mound and flat ground Friday and is on target to return next week.

Coke Gets Cup of Coffee ; Rookie Left-Hander Hopes to Stick with Yankees

SEATTLE A three-hour drive from San Francisco, the quaint hamlet of Sonora, Calif., has suddenly become a Yankees town. "My dad said that people that you would never imagine running around with Yankees stuff on are running around with Yankees stuff," Phil Coke said. "It's like 'Hometown Boy Done Good' or something."

Yankees Notes

Melky steps back Melky Cabrera returned to the Yankees on Friday a different player than when he left. Since his demotion to Class AAA Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre on Aug. 15, Cabrera worked on the areas he was asked to improve, with pitch selection and base running chief among his priorities. But he is no longer the starting center fielder, or the heir apparent.

Rowe's Plays of the Day

*Temple (+6) against Connecticut The Owls' chance to avenge their controversial loss at Connecticut last season.