Game Recap

State Playoffs, Round 1; Final Score: 11) Howell Rebels 7, 22) West Windsor Plainsboro South Pirates 2'

Game Summary: WALL -- In a game that had all the potential to be their last, Rebels' seniors Nick Peras and Dave Ramos stole the show at Gold Coast Arena, Monday night.

Peras lead all scorers with a hat trick, his second of the season, scoring goals in each period and electrifying 'The Rebellion'.

Dave Ramos also scored twice along with Eddie Pyskaty who scored later in the third period. Rebels' goalie Zack Peras was magnificent throughout the game, allowing just two goals, and earning his second career state playoff victory.

What went right: For Howell in the first round of states, almost everything went right. The 11th-seeded Rebels came out on Monday night with a motive, scoring early and often, putting the game out of reach at the first intermission. Despite only having a two-goal lead, Howell's defense was superb with players blocking shots and terrific play from all the defensemen. On the offensive end, the Rebels were on the power play for the majority of the night and dominated on it--with two man-advantage goals. All three lines were effective throughout the night with goals being scored from each of them. Overall, Howell was a dominant, state-championship-esque team on this night.

What's Next: Nothing is set in stone in terms of who Howell will play, but many have their eye on the 6th-seeded Middletown South Eagles. In the only meeting this season, the Eagles stormed back with two straight goals to defeat the Rebels, despite Howell dominating throughout the game.

This time, however, things are different.

The Rebels fell short, as many know, in the Shore 'B/C' Dowd Cup, while Middletown South beat both Brick and Brick Memorial in their run through the Handchen Cup, the tournament between Shore 'A' teams. If these teams meet, as expected, it will take another terrific game from Howell to advance to the third round of states--a place they have never been before.