It was also a way for the coaches to get together and fraternize after trying their best to knock each other off only a few days prior.
In its heyday, the weekly Fifth Quarter Club meetings on Monday nights were regularly covered by the two local daily newspapers, filled with quotes and features from the weekend's action. The weekly meetings culminated with a grand dinner, with players from all the teams getting together for one final football celebration.
But then, the interest in the meetings waned. So did the attendance from the coaches.
However, thanks to the work of some coaches like Eddie Marinez of Emerson, the Fifth Quarter Club made a return appearance this year, in the form of the Hudson County Football Coaches Association, with the weekly meetings, discussions about the weekly games, and an awards banquet, which was held Tuesday night at the Casino in the Park in Jersey City.
It was a way for the teams that went hard at each other all season long to come together to present awards, celebrate excellence, and mingle with each other.
"It's good to see all the other guys without their helmets on," said Hudson Catholic senior running back Jonathan Calderon, who received three awards: as an All-County running back, as a defensive back, and the Offensive Player of the Year honor. "You get a chance to converse with guys you don't normally get a chance to speak to. It's an honor for me to be here and to get recognized by the coaches, because they can see that I helped to put Hudson Catholic football on the map. No one ever knew who Hudson Catholic was. Now, no one can ever overlook us again."
While several hundred players received some sort of an award for their seasonal accomplishments, there were six players who were singled out for their individual greatness.
Calderon received the Offensive Player, while Jerome Hayes of Bayonne, one of the most recruited players in the entire nation, was selected as the Defensive Player of the Year. Coincidentally, both players were similarly honored last week by The Hudson Reporter.
Hayes, the standout linebacker who will make official visits to the University of Miami and Michigan State in coming weeks, after already having made visits to the University of Florida and Rutgers, said that he was pleased to be recognized by the coaches as the Defensive Player of the Year.
"It means a lot to me and lets me know that people took notice of my talent," said Hayes, who will also participate in the National High School All-American Bowl in San Antonio next month. "Of course, I wish that people would have recognized the team's talents as well, but I'm pleased to be here and receive this award. It's something I will always remember, because it came from the Hudson County coaches."
Hayes said that he will not make a decision about his college choice until after he participates in the All-American Bowl Jan. 15.
"I'm really looking forward to that game," Hayes said. "It's the most important decision of my life, the place where I'm going to spend the next five years of my life. It's a decision that will show me where my future is."
Hayes will receive another honor on Monday when he participates in the annual MSG Heisman Trophy breakfast, where he will be honored among the top 30 players in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area and have breakfast with the newest Heisman Trophy winner and a handful of other former honorees.
"It's a good time of year for me," Hayes said. "I'm really looking forward to that as well. You can't ask for anything more than that."
Alan Peek of North Bergen was named the Defensive Lineman of the Year.
"It's a great honor for me to receive this award, because there are so many great players in Hudson County," Peek said. "There are a lot of good linemen, so for me to be the best means a lot. I like this dinner, because I'm able to make friends with the guys on the other teams. It's a way to say congratulations to them for a great season and good luck for the future."
Peek was also named to The Star-Ledger All-State second team. Hayes was a First Team selection. But Peek didn't downplay his position on the All-State team.
"Of all the great athletes that are in Hudson County, I'm on the second team in the entire state," Peek said. "That's even a greater honor."
Peek hasn't made a decision about college just yet, but he hopes his post-season accolades could lead to scholarship offers.
One player that doesn't have to worry about his future is the Hudson County Defensive Back of the Year, namely Michael Brown of St. Peter's Prep. Brown, who finished his career as one of the finest cover cornerbacks in the history of the county and a Third Team All-State selection, is headed to the University of Virginia next fall.
Teammate Kee-Ayre Griffin was named the Offensive Back of the Year and was the lone underclassman to receive an individual honor.
Gonzalo Rodriguez of Emerson was named the Offensive Lineman of the Year. Rich Hansen of St. Peter's Prep received the Coaches Association Coach of the Year, and his Marauders were named Team of the Year.
Calderon is still undecided about his college plans, having visits planned with Georgetown, Colgate, Monmouth and Central Connecticut in the coming months. But he will always remember the honor he received Tuesday night.
"It's a fitting way to end my career," he said.
And a memorable way as well. - Jim Hague
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