Football

The 2019 Cresskill Cougars football team is anything but similar to the 2018 squad. Last year, the Cougars were 5-3, placed 3rd in their league, and headed into the state sectional playoffs as the 7th seed. Now this year’s team is 6-2, won the first league championship in 5 years, and are the top seed in their playoff bracket with an opportunity to win the first football sectional championship since 1997. They play the 8th seeded New Providence Pioneers on Friday night in Cresskill at 7 pm for a spot in the semifinals of the state tournament.

Boys’ Soccer

On Tuesday, November 6, the Cresskill Cougars varsity boys’ soccer team won the third round of playoffs against Boonton, with a 1-0 victory and gaining the opportunity to play in the NJSIAA North 1 Group 1 championship. Josh Kim played a cross into a jam-packed penalty box, where right-winger, Dan Binderman, made a run to the front post. Binderman connected with the ball on a header, securing the victory. This is the first time in 32 years that the boys’ soccer team has made it this far. The Cougars are headed into the NJIC Patriot Division Co-Champions on Friday against Waldwick with a 18-4 record.

[Click here to read an extended play-by-play of Tuesday’s Cresskill vs. Boonton game.]

Girls’ Soccer

After coming out of the 2018-2019 season 4-13, the Cresskill Girls Varsity Soccer Team improved to 6-11. With barely enough kids to make a team, the girl recruited 3 freshman to complete their roster. Freshman Alyssa Shick helped the team with 5 goals and 2 assists. “The team improved in both skills and communication,” said sophomore Ava Manning. This was Ava’s second year playing and has high hopes for these young players. The players hope to bring these new skills to next season.

Volleyball

The future is bright for the girls of the CHS volleyball team. Although a loss on Tuesday to 3rd seeded Wood-Ridge ended the Lady Cougars’ 2019 season, their potential is quite high for next year. 10 of the 18 girls on the varsity team are returning next fall for another shot at the North 1 Group 1 state title. The expectations are anything but low and they intend to exceed them.

Additional reporting by David Chu.