Cougar Power on Full Display: Wins Pile Up Across Courts, Fields, and Turf in Busy Sports Stretch

Nicholas Mistretta

MHS ’79 Cougar Sports Correspondent

Montgomery Football Jumps Out Early, Holds Off North Hunterdon for 24–8 Win

The Montgomery Cougars wasted no time seizing control on Friday night at Cougar Stadium, scoring 24 unanswered points in the first half on their way to a 24–8 victory over North Hunterdon. The win improved Montgomery’s record to 3–1, while the Lions fell to 0–4.

The Cougars opened the game with a safety before running back Caiden Miller powered into the end zone twice in the first quarter on runs of three and one yard, helping Montgomery build a 15–0 lead. In the second quarter, quarterback Jack Kristjanson connected with Trey McFadden on a 26-yard touchdown strike, and McFadden later added a 9-yard field goal to push the lead to 24–0 at halftime.

Montgomery’s defense made sure the advantage held. Zach Mutton recorded a team-high eight tackles, including a tackle for loss, while Dragomir Georgiev and Michael Bellamy combined for 16 stops. McFadden and Xavier Harrigan each snagged interceptions as the Cougars kept the Lions scoreless until the fourth quarter.

North Hunterdon broke through late when Nicolas Alparone capped a drive with a 3-yard touchdown run, followed by a two-point conversion pass from quarterback Chase Rochelle to Dan Figurski, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Montgomery’s early surge.

Offensively, Miller led Montgomery’s ground game with 87 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. Kristjanson threw for 136 yards and a score, with McFadden his favorite target—six catches for 79 yards and a touchdown.

Montgomery Girls Soccer Blanks Franklin, 7–0

The Montgomery High School girls soccer team put together a dominant performance on Saturday, rolling to a 7–0 shutout victory over Franklin. The win improved the Cougars to 5–3 on the season, while Franklin dropped to 0–6.

Emma Radley led the attack with a hat trick, scoring three goals in the first half to help Montgomery build an insurmountable lead. Emma Seamon added two goals and an assist, while Nicole Schwarcz tallied a goal and two assists in a well-rounded effort. Paulina Perez capped the scoring with a goal in the second half.

Montgomery spread the ball around effectively, as Kayla Stroman, Mila Vazquez, Amelia Montas, and Ryane Riddell each recorded assists. In total, the Cougars finished with seven goals on seven assists, showcasing their offensive depth.

Defensively, goalkeepers Victoria Formica and Nuvika Shah combined for three saves to preserve the clean sheet. Franklin was limited to just a handful of chances throughout the match.

Montgomery Field Hockey Powers Past Stuart Day, 6–1

The Montgomery High School field hockey team delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, defeating Stuart Country Day School 6–1 behind an aggressive attack and relentless pressure. The win improved the Cougars to 3–4 on the season.

Montgomery came out firing in the opening quarter, scoring three quick goals to seize early control. Maddie Gomez and Elli Pizzuli each scored twice, while Ella Garrison and Sophia Soron added one goal apiece. Soron and Pizzuli also chipped in with assists.

The Cougars’ offense was relentless, racking up 29 shots on goal and capitalizing on three of their 10 penalty corners. Stuart goalkeeper Najma Tahiry turned in a strong effort with 23 saves, but Montgomery’s pressure proved overwhelming.

Defensively, Montgomery limited Stuart to just five shots on goal. Goalkeeper Carrie Anderson made two saves in the cage to secure the win. Stuart’s lone tally came from Abby Chirik in the first quarter.

Montgomery will look to carry its momentum into the coming week as it continues to build toward a .500 record.

Montgomery Boys Soccer Settles for 1–1 Draw with Northern Burlington

The Montgomery High School boys soccer team battled to a 1–1 tie with Northern Burlington on Saturday, as the Cougars’ offense was stymied despite generating 12 shots on goal. The draw moved Montgomery to 5–1–1 on the season, while the Greyhounds improved to 2–3–1.

Montgomery struck first in the opening half when Lachlan Daly found the back of the net to give the Cougars a 1–0 advantage at the break. But Northern Burlington answered in the second half, as Brody Sheehan scored off an assist from Monroe Castor to even the match at 1–1.

The Cougars pressed hard for a winner, but Northern Burlington goalkeeper George Senf was outstanding, stopping 11 shots to keep Montgomery from reclaiming the lead.

In goal for Montgomery, Alex Acot made six saves to preserve the tie.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com