The Jewish Link and The Humble Toast would like to recognize Jacob Guttman and Sammy Lewin as this week’s Sportstars of the Week. The Yeshivat Noam first grade duo, led their Bergen County Flag Football K/1 Colts team to victory over a very talented BCFL K/1 Dolphins team, this past Sunday. Coach Michael Javitt set the scene for The Jewish Link: “This week we played a very tight and competitive playoff game and, despite fantastic effort from the whole team, we found ourselves down by one point with only 25 seconds left to play after the opposing Dolphins team scored and then converted the extra point. Our guys didn’t flinch, and with 11 seconds left and the ball around mid-field, we decided to dial up a passing play. Jacob and Sammy had already connected once this game for a passing TD. On this play, Jacob’s first look was to teammate Mikey Neiss, who drew double coverage on the play. Meanwhile, Sammy, lined up on the other side, found the hole in the coverage and signaled for the ball. Jacob, identifying the open man, lofted a beautiful pass over the heads of the defenders and into Sammy’s waiting arms, who managed to come down with it, keep his feet and turn upfield. It was a footrace for the end zone and, with time expiring, Sammy broke the last tackle attempt at the goal line to rumble in for the score and the W to the cheers of his teammates. Jacob and Sammy are great players and teammates and a joy to coach.” Fellow BCFL coach, and Sammy’s dad, Jake Lewin added, “The K/1 Colts do not play set positions, and all of their players get opportunities to snap, run, throw and catch. In crunch-time situations (or for required passing plays), we can always rely upon Jacob Guttmann to make the right throw and Sammy Lewin to make primetime plays. Sammy has had a few multi-touchdown games in fall ‘22, and Jacob has both thrown and rushed for TDs this season. Both Sammy and Jacob are staunch defenders, too. Sammy lines up over center as the first line of defense, and Jacob, as free safety, is there to defend the pass and prevent big gains. He even has two interceptions this season!”
Jacob and Sammy, congrats on the championship and on being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the Week! Who is your role model and why?
Jacob: My coaches are role models for me. They help everyone and they always know what to do to help our team.
Sammy: My daddy, because he is always teaching me how to play sports and learns with me on Shabbos.
What is your favorite sport?
Jacob: Football is my favorite sport because it is a lot of fun and I get to play with all my friends.
Sammy: Football, because I love playing the game. I also like to watch football on Sundays with my dad.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Jacob: Being QB on the BCFL K/1 Colts team is a huge accomplishment. This is my first year playing and I learned so much in such a short period of time!
Sammy: Catching the winning touchdown for the BCFL K/1 Colts in the playoffs.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Jacob: Tom Brady is a really good athlete and I like him. I’m a huge Giants fan though and like watching games with my family.
Sammy: Justin Jefferson because he dances “The Griddy.”
What is your pregame routine?
Jacob: I stretch before a game and have some candy to give me energy.
Sammy: Playing football fusion on the iPad.
What is your earliest sports memory?
Jacob: I have been playing soccer for a few years and Teaneck baseball (TBO). I added football to my list of sports and I love it!
Sammy: I went to a Rangers game with my dad when I was three.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
Jacob: I really like to spend time with my family. We always go on adventures and have the best time exploring new places and trying new things.
Sammy: Having playdates or birthday parties with friends.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
Jacob: Being QB and helping win games with my team is the best feeling! It is such a great feeling supporting my team and running the plays my coaches teach us.
Sammy: I get to share it with my good friend and teammate Jacob.
The Humble Toast Star of the week will receive a $25 gift card to The Humble Toast. Please send nominees for an upcoming The Humble Toast Jewish Link Stars of the Week to [email protected].
By Jewish Link Sports Desk
