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2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week

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Centennial Slate for Class of 2020 Revealed

Announced Jan. 15, 2020

Jimmy Johnson Elected as a part of Centennial Slate

Announced Jan. 12, 2020

Bill Cowher Elected as a part of Centennial Slate

Announced Jan. 11, 2020

15 Modern-Era Player Finalists

Announced Jan. 2, 2020

38 Centennial Slate Finalists

Announced Dec. 19, 2019

25 Modern-Era Player Semifinalists

Announced Nov. 26, 2019

122 Modern-Era Nominees

Announced Sept. 12, 2019

Second-quarter run lifts NJCU past Rutgers-Camden women

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (Jan. 18, 2020) – The New Jersey City University women’s basketball team scored the final 13 points of the first half and 19 straight points over the second and third quarters combined as it went on to defeat Rutgers University-Camden, 67-57, in a New Jersey Athletic Conference game here Saturday afternoon.

With their third straight win, the Gothic Knights improve to 6-8 overall and 4-5 in the NJAC. It marked the first time since January, 2002 that NJCU has won three straight conference games.

Rutgers-Camden fell to 9-6 overall and 2-7 in the NJAC with its second straight loss.

—

NJCU has won its last two games against Rutgers-Camden, dating back to last season, after the Scarlet Raptors had won seven straight in the series. Rutgers-Camden leads the all-time series, 39-26.

The Gothic Knights got off to a quick 5-0 start and led, 12-2, before the Scarlet Raptors cut the gap to 17-12 at the end of the quarter. Senior guard

Fatimah Williams

scored 10 of those points for Rutgers-Camden.

The Raptors continued their surge by scoring the first five points of the second quarter – all by sophomore guard/forward

Tamara Johnson,

including a layup 1:29 into the quarter that tied the game at 17-17. Those were the last points the Raptors scored until two minutes into the third quarter. NJCU ran off the last 13 points of the first half, to take a 30-17 halftime lead, and followed with the first six of the third quarter to make it a 36-17 game and a 10:39 scoring drought for the Scarlet Raptors.

The Gothic Knights built a 39-19 lead before the Raptors whittled the margin to as close as eight points (56-48) with 2:43 remaining in the game. They also cut the gap to eight points (62-54) with 26 second remaining.

Senior guard Hannah Johnson led NJCU with 23 points, aided by 9-for-12 shooting from the floor, including 3-for-5 from three-point range. Junior forward Ayanna Lewis had a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, while adding six blocked shots.

Freshman forward Sarah Edmond collected 13 points for the Gothic Knights, junior guard Alexandria Sams had eight assists, and six steals.

Williams notched her third double-double of the season for Rutgers-Camden, collecting 23 points to tie for game-high honors. She also had a game-high 13 rebounds, tying her career high set on Jan. 13 against the University of Valley Forge. Her 23 points raised her career total to 1,044, moving her into 13th place on the program’s all-time list. She passed Andrea Fogel (1986-89), who had 1,037 points.

Tamara Johnson collected 15 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. Freshman forward/center

Kayla Newton

and freshman guard/forward

Jalissa Pitts

both added six rebounds, while scoring nine and eight points, respectively.

NJCU shot 25-for-57 (43.9 percent) from the floor and Rutgers-Camden shot 20-for-62 (32.3). The Raptors held a 42-38 edge off the boards, but also made 27 turnovers, while NJCU had 24.

The Scarlet Raptors return to NJAC action Wednesday when they host Rowan University at 6 p.m.

Lions beat Clearview

The local Lions boys team battled until no time was left to beat visiting Clearview 59-58 on two foul shot by Rasheer Fleming. In a wild last two minutes, Freshman Liam Gorman tied the game at 41, before Clearview increased the lead to 49-41 with over one minute left.

A mad comeback was now in the makings, missed fouls shots by Clearview allowed the Lions to battle back from an 8 point defecit.  Down 58-57 with 9 sec remaining the Lions pushed the ball to Fleming who missed the potential winning shot as time expired. The sound and hand waving by the referee indicated a foul was called on Clearview, putting Fleming on the foul line to be one of the heros of the night.

A picture is worth a thousand words

Pictured below Rasheer Fleming winning shot

Pictured below Freshman Liam Gorman

Big second quarter helps MSU sink Rutgers-Camden women

MONTCLAIR, N.J. (Jan. 15, 2020) – The Montclair State University women’s basketball team outscored Rutgers University-Camden by 20 points in the second quarter and went on to defeat the Scarlet Raptors, 88-53, in a New Jersey Athletic Conference game here Wednesday night.

The Red Hawks, who improved to 11-4 overall and 6-2 in the NJAC with their sixth straight win, held a narrow 15-11 lead after one quarter before going on a 26-6 run in the second quarter. They had a nine-point run in the first quarter on a trio of three-pointers by junior guard Taylor Brown to take the lead for good at 15-9.

In the second quarter, Montclair State had an early seven-point run before closing out the half by scoring the last 12 points. They held a 41-17 lead at the break.

The loss snapped the Scarlet Raptors’ four-game winning streak and dropped Rutgers-Camden to 9-6 overall and 2-6 in the NJAC.

Montclair State now leads the all-time series, 45-17, after Rutgers-Camden won the two head-to-head games last season.

Freshman guard Nickie Carter paced the Red Hawks with 22 points, shooting 9-for-15 from the floor, including three treys. Brown, who was 4-for-8 from three-point range, finished with 12 points and a game-high six assists, while freshman forward Saniya Myers added 11.

The Red Hawks, who shot a red-hot 15-for-29 (51.7 percent) from three-point range, placed 13 players in the scoring column. Junior forward Kayla Bush had a game-high 12 rebounds to help Montclair State hold a 48-27 advantage off the boards. Bush added nine points as she barely missed a double-double.

Senior guard

Fatimah Williams

collected a game-high 15 points for the Scarlet Raptors, two days after joining the 1,000-point club against the University of Valley Forge. Williams raised her career total to 1,021 points.

Freshman guard/forward

Jalissa Pitts

finished with 12 points for the Raptors, while sophomore guard/forward

Tamara Johnson

added 11 points and seven rebounds. Freshman forward/center

Kayla Newton

paced the Raptors with 10 rebounds, tying her career high accomplished three previous times this season.

Rutgers-Camden shot 20-for-61 (32.8) from the floor, including 3-for-14 (21.4) from three-point range. Montclair State was 33-for-64 (51.6) from the floor.

The Scarlet Raptors return to NJAC action Saturday with a 1 p.m. game at New Jersey City University.

ALEX KARRAS FINALLY VOTED INTO PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

By Raymond Rolak

Sports Editor

NEW YORK–

The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio announced that Lions Defensive Tackle Alex Karras was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the 15-person Centennial Slate for the Class of 2020.

Alex Karras hosting Saturday Night Live in 1985 with guests Billy Crystal and Tina Turner.

This special added class into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was expanded to celebrate the National Football League Centennial.

Karras was known as the dominant defensive tackle of his time who utilized a variety of innovative moves and stunts to elude his blocking opponents.

Karras played for Detroit from 1958-70 and was named first-team All-Pro three times, earned four Pro Bowl berths and was a member of the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade Team.

He was selected by the Lions in the first round (10th overall) of the 1958 NFL Draft out of the University of Iowa.

Mrs. Martha Firestone Ford, the Lions owner and chairman said, “We would like to congratulate the entire Karras family on the selection of Alex into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

While we were thrilled to induct Alex into our most recent Pride of the Lions Class in 2018, today’s announcement solidifies his place as not only one of the all-time great Lions players, but also one of the best to ever play in the NFL.

We also would like to congratulate all of Alex’s fellow Centennial Slate Hall of Fame inductees.”

He also was a member of what many consider to be the NFL’s original “Fearsome Foursome” – Karras, Roger Brown, Darris McCord and Sam Williams.

These four defensive linemen dominated the NFL in the early 1960’s.

In 2018, along with Herman Moore and Roger Brown, the Lions inducted Karras into the ‘Pride of the Lions’, the highest honor bestowed upon former Detroit Lions players.

He was previously snubbed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame because of his NFL suspension in 1963.

Karras\’s partial ownership in Detroit\’s Lindell A.C. Bar became a source of controversy.

League officials urged him to sell his financial interests in the place because of reports of gambling and organized crime influence.

After first threatening to retire rather than give the bar up, Karras admitted placing bets on NFL games and was suspended by the league, along with Green Bay Packers\’ running back Paul Hornung.

The suspensions were harsh.

Both received banishment for one season.

During his exile, Karras had a celebrated pro wrestling match, taking on the memorable character, Dick-the-Bruiser, in front of a standing-room-only event at the Olympia Stadium in Detroit.

Karras\’ story telling skills and unique sense of humor came to the attention of writer George Plimpton.

Plimpton had heard many funny Karras stories while training with the Lions for his book

Paper Lion

.

When the book was made into a full featured movie in 1968, Karras made his film debut, playing himself.

The film premiered in Detroit on October 2, 1968 and starred Alan Alda.

That was the start of a new career for Karras.

In 1972, Karras hosted a local weekly football program for Windsor, Ontario CBC affiliate CKLW-TV,

The Alex Karras Football Show

; his program generally preceded the CBC\’s Wednesday night CFL telecasts.

A very memorable role came shortly after.

In the western parody and comedy,

Blazing Saddles

(1974), Karras played Mongo, a very strong and slow-witted thug.

Mongo rode into town on a huge Brahman Bull and knocked out a horse with one punch.

His famous line came next.

He responded to a question from the Sheriff with, \”Don\’t know …… Mongo only pawn in game of life.\”

The scene made pop-culture history.

Alex Karras was born on July 15, 1935 in Gary, Indiana.

Besides football, he excelled as an actor, sports broadcaster, author and producer.

Other hit credits also included

Porky\’s

(1981) and

Victor Victoria

(1982).

In the 1980s, Karras had huge success with the TV sitcom

Webster

, playing George Papadapolis.

It was the story of an inter-racial adoptive father and son.

It was a role that showcased his softer side.

Karras had a contentious relationship with his college coach, Forest Evashevski.

On Evy’s 90th birthday, Karras called his old coach and apologized for being such a ‘Malakas‘ (Greek for jerk), at Iowa.

Karras was very proud of his Greek heritage.

Karras was selected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991.

He was married to the actress Susan Clark.

His first wife was Ivalyn Joan Jurgensen.

He had six children.

He died on October 10, 2012 of chronic kidney failure in Los Angeles, California.

Robert W. J. Kain, 92, WW II Navy Veteran, KofC Council 674, GCHS Alum

Robert W.J. Kain (Bob/Beans) of Deptford, NJ died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on January 9, 2020. Age 92. Beloved husband of Ruth (nee Brill). Loving father of Maureen Underwood (Harry) of W. Deptford, Theresa Kain-Henry (Tom) of W. Deptford, Vincent Kain (Beth) of Glassboro, Julie McHenry (Pat) of Gloucester, Ronnie Kain-Beckett (Pat) of Deptford, Edward Kain (Cathy) of Somerdale, Marie Poloney (Adam) of Pitman and the late Robert J. Kain. Robert was blessed with fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Robert was a 1945 graduate of Gloucester Catholic H.S. where he was captain of the basketball team. He was a WWII Navy Veteran and a 1952 graduate and “Golden Hawk” of St. Joseph’s University. He was an Honorary Life member of Gloucester City Knights of Columbus Council #674. Robert worked at Koppens Beer Distributor for 25 years as an accountant and general manager before starting his own business – RJ Kain Fundraising. Robert loved his business and continued working well into his 90’s.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing Wednesday, January 15, 10am to 11:45am at St. Mary’s Church, 426 Monmouth St. Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Mass of Christian Burial 12pm at the church. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Gloucester Catholic Alumni Association, 333 Ridgeway Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030.

Arrangements by BOUCHER FUNERAL HOME, Deptford.

www.boucherfuneralhome.com

Eckrich Donates $125K to Teachers at the College Football Playoff National Championship

Kirk Herbstreit attempts football throw to win donation to Extra Yard for Teachers

New Orleans, La. – (Jan., 2020) –

Kirk Herbstreit, ABC/ESPN College Football Analyst, Emmy-award winner and longtime Eckrich partner, attempted two football throws resulting in a $125K donation from

Eckrich

to

Extra Yard for Teachers

, the primary cause of the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation.

Ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship between LSU and Clemson, crowds and teachers gathered at the Eckrich activation in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter to watch Herbstreit and Marty Smith attempt to win $1 million. Despite missing two throw attempts, Eckrich was honored to donate $100K to Extra Yard for Teachers. In addition to Herbstreit’s throw, teachers of the year from across the country made their own throw attempts resulting in an additional $25K donation from Eckrich to Extra Yard for Teachers for a total of $125K.

“I’m thrilled to be able to support such a great cause,” Herbstreit said. “It feels great to be able to give back to the teachers who do so much in all of our communities. Eckrich is such a generous partner and I\’m proud to continue partnering and working with them.”

Eckrich has partnered with Extra Yard for Teachers since 2018, and, with this throw, has now donated $1.1 million to the organization dedicated to elevating the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers in four focus areas: resources, recognition, recruitment and professional development.

“We’re really happy and proud to be able to donate $125K to Extra Yard for Teachers,” said Elizabeth Di John, senior marketing director at Smithfield Foods. “Teachers are so instrumental and impactful in all of our communities, so to be able to support them in this way is extremely special to the Eckrich brand.”

\”It has meant so much to us to work with a partner like Eckrich who believes in what the College Football Playoff Foundation is doing to uplift the teaching profession,” said Britton Banowsky, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation. “With their support, we have been able to make a greater impact and have been able to give so many different teachers all across the country the recognition they deserve.\”

Eckrich is completing its fourth year as the official smoked sausage and deli meat sponsor of the College Football Playoff. As part of the partnership, the brand also launched the fourth year of its Road to the National Championship $1 Million Challenge sweepstakes in the summer of 2019, where 23 lucky fans won the opportunity to throw for $1 million at some of the biggest college football games of the year.

For more information, please visit

www.Eckrich.com

or follow @EckrichMeats on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Gloucester City Middle School Basketball

Gloucester City Middle School 5/6 boys defeated Audubon today in Camden County Basketball League action, 47-36.

Gloucester\’s Keegan Cohan had 15 points

Photo\’s Courtesy Bruce Darrow

Pictured Tristan Garcia

Pictured Dennis Havers

Pictured Byrant Lin

Pictured Drew Hannold

Pictured Keegan Cohan

Rutgers-Camden women win third straight game, 63-57

CAMDEN, N.J

(

Jan.

11

, 2020

) –

The

Rutgers University-Camden women’s

basketball team opened its game here Saturday with a seven-point run and went on to post a

63-57

victory over Rutgers University-Newark in a New Jersey Athletic Conference contest.

The win was the third straight for the Scarlet Raptors, all coming in a six-day span during the week. They raised their record to 8-5 overall and 2-5 in the NJAC. Rutgers-Newark fell to 1-12 overall and 0-7 in the NJAC with its 11th straight loss.

Newark now leads the all-time series, 39-31.

Freshman guard/forward

Jalissa Pitts

scored the first five points of the game for the Scarlet Raptors and senior guard

Fatimah Williams

added the next field goal as Rutgers-Camden took a 7-0 lead. The Raptors led, 15-6, after on

e quarter and 30-18 at halftime, with Pitts notching all nine of her points during

the first 20 minutes and sophomore forward

Breanna Ettrick

scoring all seven of her points for the game.

The second-half production was carried by Williams, who notched 19 points to finish with a game-high 25, while junior guard

Shane Holmes

scored seven of her 10 points after the break. Holmes also finished with a game-high five assists, while sophomore forward

Tamara Johnson

added four assists.

Holmes added a career-high seven rebounds to lead the Scarlet Raptors, while Johnson, Williams and Pitts notched six apiece.

Rutgers-Newark received a big game from sophomore guard/forward Dorian Capurso, who notched a double-double with 11 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Sophomore guard Syncere Lambert added nine points and senior center Comfort Akinbo added eight. Freshman forward Ebony Odom Barnes grabbed eight rebounds, helping the Scarlet Raiders hold a 42-38 edge off the boards.

Rutgers-Camden shot 21-for-56 from the floor (37.5 percent) and 18-for-29 (62.1) from the foul line. Rutgers-Newark was 19-for-50 (38.0) from the floor and 13-for-28 (46.4) from the line.

Newark made 21 turnovers and Camden had 15.

The Scarlet Raptors have another three-game week next week, beginning with a non-conference 7 p.m. game

Monday

at the University of Valley Forge.

Stingy Newark defense shuts down Camden men

​

CAMDEN, N.J

. (

Jan.

11

, 2020

) –

The

Rutgers University-Newark men’s basketball team entered Saturday’s New Jersey Athletic Conference contest coming off a

program-record defensive effort and the Scarlet Raiders didn’t hurt their nationally-ranked defensive ratings against Rutgers-Camden.

Newark held the Scarlet Raptors to 38 points as it defeated Rutgers-Camden, 59-38, to raise its record to 10-4 overall and 6-1 in the NJAC. The victory came only three days after the Scarlet Raiders shut down NJAC foe Montclair State University, 58-29, to set a program record for fewest points allowed.

Rutgers-Camden fell to 4-9 overall and 1-6 in the NJAC with its fourth straight loss.

Rutgers-Newark

, which entered the contest with the 10th-ranked defense in Division III,

has won

seven

of its last

eight

games against Rutgers-Camden, although the two teams split last season’s two-game series. Rutgers-Newark leads the all-time series, 5

3

-36.

The Scarlet Raptors held the lead only early in the game, scoring the first field goal on a layup by junior guard

Arian Azemi,

falling behind on a

trey by Newark senior guard Chase Barneys and then scoring the next four points to take a 6-3 lead. Newark countered with the next six points, taking the lead for good at 9-6 on a three-pointer by sophomore forward Jamir Patterson with seven minutes gone in the game. By halftime, the Scarlet Raiders held a 33-19 lead and they led by as many as 31 points (58-27) in the second half.

Barneys finished with a game-high 20 points, while Patterson canned 10 and added six rebounds for the Scarlet Raiders. Junior guard David Logan had a game-high four assists

and

added a team-high seven rebounds as Newark held a 41-27 advantage off the boards.

Azemi finished with 17 points for the Scarlet Raptors, including 13 in the second half. Sophomore guard

Keysean Simmon

d

s

led the Raptors in scoring during the first half, notching six of his eight points. Senior forward

Isaac Destin

collected game highs of eight rebounds and three blocked shots

.

Rutgers-Newark shot 21-for-53 from the floor (39.6 percent) and 8-for-15 (53.3) from the foul line, but the Scarlet Raiders also had nine treys (in 19 attempts), including four by Barneys.

Rutgers-Camden shot 14-for-43 (32.6) from the floor, including only 1-for-10 from three-point range. The Raptors went 9

–

for-13 (69.2) from the foul line.

Rutgers-Camden

plays another NJAC