THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015
career. “I was able to test my talents against some of the other great players in the county,” said Banks, who is headed to play at Montclair State University in the fall. Banks said that he never looked at his height – or lack thereof – as a deterrent to becoming a top-flight running back. “I never worried about that stuff,” Banks said. “I just came out and tried to play to the best of my ability. I never once worried about my size and never paid much attention to it. I just wanted to get the chance to play and prove myself, which I think I did.” Woupes and Banks grew up with each other in Kearny and were totally inseparable all throughout grade school and then high school. “I’ve seen Keon every single day of my life since I was 7 years old,” said Woupes, who will play defensive back at Bryant University in the fall. “We’ve always been together in everything. I was the fullback and he was the tailback. I did the blocking for him. It’s crazy to think that this was the last time we would play together. It’s a little bit sad.” Woupes believed that the last time they were teammates was last November, when the Gaels lost to St. Anthony in the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 1 state playoffs. “I thought that was it, but this gave us one more chance to be on the field together,” Woupes said. “We’ve been through a lot together. I’m going to miss being there for Keon.” Woupes said that
he was happy to get a chance to play in an AllStar game. “I’m here with all the players you played against and read about in the newspapers,” Woupes said. “It’s a big thrill to put the pads on and get out there one more time.” For Urgola, the game represented a sense of finality, because it was the final time he would put on a football uniform. Urgola is headed to Bergen County Community College in the fall, a school that doesn’t offer football. “This is it for me,” said Urgola, who played linebacker in the game. “It’s pretty wild to think that I’m going to stop playing football after this. I almost can’t believe it’s over. But it’s a great feeling to get one last chance to play. It has been a lot of fun, getting to know everyone.” For the North Arlington teammates, their careers will continue on and will become teammates with Banks at Montclair State. “I’m obviously very happy,” said Gugliuzza, who also played linebacker in the All-Star game. “It’s a huge honor for me. Dominic has been my best friend for all four years of playing football at North Arlington. I’m glad to share this with him. We’re playing against the best in Bergen County, so it’s definitely getting me ready for college. It also gives me confidence that I can play in college. I was a little bit nervous coming into the game, but I definitely proved it to myself that I could do it.”
Unfortunately, Reo, the standout two-way lineman for the Vikings last fall, suffered torn ligaments in his ankle in the first practice prior to the game and was unable to play. He was in his uniform jersey, on the sidelines, but was wearing a protective boot on his foot. “I’m very disappointed that this happened,” Reo said. “I was really looking forward to the game. It was only able to get one practice in, but I think I was able to handle myself well. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I think I was able to challenge myself a little. It’s just a shame that I couldn’t play in the game.” Reo will play either defensive end or tight end at Montclair State with Gugliuzza and Banks. “It’s great for me, because I got to be with some of my future teammates,” Reo said. “It was definitely a big honor.” And for guys like Urgola, Reo and Gugliuzza, they were able to finish their high school careers on winning notes, after struggling somewhat with their respective high schools last season. “It was definitely a great feeling,” Urgola said. And it’s safe to say that Urgola had fully recovered from the broken nose he suffered from Banks. It’s funny how the game of football can provide wild circumstances – breaking a nose one year and teammates in their final high school game. “It’s pretty crazy when you think about it,” Urgola said.
Follow The Observer on
&
BUSINESS
DIRECT Your ad HERE for only
$35 a week! ECUAMERICA CAR SERVICE LLC.
973-344-0555 973-344-5555
VIP CUSTOMER 24 HOUR SERVICE
I
Love
RY
PERFUME
DESIGNER FRAGRANCE DISTRIBUTOR Kearny - NJ (201) 246-0923
We sell original perfumes only!
www.iloveperfume.us
San Juan - PR (787) 701-4747
Accepting:
www.iloveperfume.us
125H Kearny Ave. • Kearny, NJ 201-246-0923
ACTION
Liquidation ServiceS Home & Office Surplus Furniture Reupholstery • Refurbishing Refinishing • Renting Buying & Selling of Fine Furniture Billy Haberthur
202 Vanderpool St., Newark
646-302-3152
Divorce $299 + Court Cost
Bankruptcy $450 + Court Cost
877 Broad St. #208 Newark, NJ 07102
(973)273-1325 www.divorcebankruptcyimmigration.com LAWN MAINTENANCE • SPRING CLEANUP DESIGN • RETAINING WALL • MULCH TOP SOIL • FENCE INSTALLATION CONSTRUCTION • PAVERS • TREE SERVICE
FREE ESTIMATES WWW.COPACABANALANDSCAPING.COM
201-997-9271
Restaurant & Bar Specializing in Seafood & BBQ Catering for All Occasions & Takeout
973.481.3646 224 GRANT AVENUE • EAST NEWARK
www.picnicrestaurant.com
CAN YOU HANDLE ON THE DRAG DOG?
SOONER OR LATER... YOU’LL HAVE ONE!
Open Monday - Friday 11AM - 5PM 732-773-9713 • vitoshotdogs.com
Corner of Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. & Guyon Dr. in Harrison!
Follow us!
To advertise in our Business Directory Call 201-991-1600
19