By Jim Hague
Observer Sports Writer
The 1994 NJSIAA Non- Public A state championship football game between Bergen Catholic and St. Peter’s Prep might have taken place 20 years ago, but don’t dare tell that to Kearny natives Jeff Skinner and Gerry McDermott.
The two former Prep standouts, who combined for the game-clinching touchdown in Giants Stadium on that fateful December afternoon two decades ago, were one of the most prolific passing combinations in the history of the school.
Last Saturday morning, Skinner and McDermott returned to their high school alma mater to participate in a football reunion, a way to raise money for a scholarship foundation named after a guy who was important to both local standouts. S
kinner, McDermott and about 50 or so other former Prep gridiron greats returned to Jersey City to play in the Jerome Pedersen Memorial Football Classic, named after the former Prep do-everything who died tragically at the tender age of 27 in 2001.
“It’s really special to come back,” said Skinner, who quarterbacked the Marauders to the 26-24 upset win over Bergen Catholic, ranked No. 1 in the entire nation at the time, in the state championship game.
“I don’t get the opportunity to come back often and throw the ball around. It’s a lot of fun. Coming back again, it really feels like yesterday. I’m running into people all the time and all they want to do is talk about the 1994 state championship game.” McDermott now lives on Long Island, but most of his family still resides in Kearny. He was at the game with his two young sons and his pregnant wife, due in August.
“I try to get back to Prep at least once or twice a year, but this is special, because I get to run around with Skinner once again.”
The two hooked up for several passes during the games. It looked as if the clock had stopped still.
Skinner went on to play at Wagner, while McDermott played at Fordham.
“It’s great to see good friends and teammates that I played with 20 years ago,” McDermott said. “I still keep in touch with a lot of the guys, but it’s hard to see them all. When you think it’s 20 years ago, it puts everything in perspective. It makes me feel old.”
McDermott said that he was happy to do something to keep the memory of Pedersen, who was known affectionately as “Gee.” Pedersen was the equipment manager, bus driver, assistant trainer, scorekeeper, you name it, down at the Prep during those days.
Kearny native Jeff Skinner showed that he still had the skills of a quarterback who led St. Peter’s Prep to the 1994 NJSIAA Non-Public A state title.
“Jerome was such a good guy and such an integral part of our team,” McDermott said. “It’s an excellent opportunity to come back and celebrate a great life. What happened to him was sad, especially at such a young age. It really makes you appreciate things more. I always remember him in that equipment room. I always tried to get something extra, like a better facemask. It was tough to get what I wanted, because of him.”
“It’s a shame that it took so long to get something done like this,” Skinner said. “He did so much for our program and never got the credit. He was one of us.”
Skinner now lives in Glen Rock with his wife and son.
“I’m just glad I can still throw it a little,” Skinner said.
Alfredo Huaranga graduated in 2003, but the Harrison native wanted to be a part of the reunion and to honor Pedersen as well.
“The Prep family is such a tight-knit close family,” said Huaranga, whose wife, Kim, is the athletic director at Harrison High School. “I just love being here. I love Prep. I knew Gee and he was a great guy. He was always there to help us, whether to give us a hand or a ride somewhere. We’re all here together today. Everyone came together finally to remember Jerome and never forget him.”
Rich Hansen, who coached the Marauders’ three state championship squads, including the 1994 team, considered to be the best in the history of the school, felt honored to be part of the celebration, given that he coached all of the players on the field.
“It’s awesome to see so many great guys who meant so much to our program over the years to finally come back and have some fun,” Hansen said. “Maybe they’re rekindling the flame a little. It’s all about memories, a strong family bond we all shared. It’s good to see that.” Hansen was asked if he could believe it was 20 years since Skinner and McDermott combined for that great touchdown catch in Giants Stadium.
“It’s crazy,” Hansen said. “I’ve been to so many of their weddings and then the christening of their children. Time sure flies.”
And Hansen was happy that the day was for such a good cause.
“Gee is the one who breathes the life into all of us,” Hansen said. “If you played here, if you didn’t have the chance to know him, you certainly knew of him. He was important to all of us. That’s what makes this special. It doesn’t matter the generation you came from. You know him. The guys are excited to be here and excited for the cause. I feel good for the Prep football bloodline.”
Lawrence Alexander graduated in 1999, but he remembered Pedersen very well. Alexander was the organizer of the event.
“I lived right around the corner from Gee (in Newark), so many times, I would ride to Prep with him,” Alexander said. “He was a bridge builder for me. He was my friend, my bridge, my caregiver. Once I took off that helmet and headed home, the only one I had was Jerome.” Alexander estimates that the event raised approximately $4,000 for the Jerome Pedersen Memorial Scholarship Fund.
“My goal is to raise the cost of one year tuition for a student,” Alexander said. “When we have days like Saturday, we can’t lose.”
So much so that the Second Annual Jerome Pedersen Football Classic is already scheduled for June 20, 2015.
In that respect, friends like Skinner and McDermott can get together for a few passes then as well.
