Brainiacs brawl for bragging rights

Thanksgiving in this county isn't just a day for rival football games and turkey dinner. It's also means the traditional clash of academic titans as students from rival city high schools.

Staff graphic/Joe Moore

The 11th annual Academic Bowl is a pressure-packed battle of wits pitting the best gray matter from Vineland and Millville high schools in a cerebral tug-of-war for the championship trophy.

"And bragging rights," said Donna Cedermark, coach of the Millville High School team, which will defend its title.

At 10 a.m. Saturday, the two schools will face-off in the Vineland High School South auditorium. The public is invited to attend the event sponsored by The Daily Journal.

A team consists of four seniors and four juniors and two alternates.

Two seniors and two juniors from each high school will compete for the first 30 minutes. The two other seniors and juniors take the stage for the second half.

Correct answers earn a team five points. If an answer is ruled incorrect, the opposing team may challenge for three points.

The team with the highest score at the end of the second half wins the competition.

To date, Vineland has won the competition five times and Millville four. There was one tie.

Read DJ staffer Deborah Marko's full report.

MEET THE TEAMS

Vineland High School team:

Seniors Kerry Cerana, Nick Smaniotto, Justin Petronglo, Rosa Melillo and James Riendeau.

Juniors Dana Maffei, Gina Trivellini, Tasha Brailey, Ali Yeager and Destiny Rivera.

Millville High School team:

Seniors Ben Davidson, Matt Riggins, Mike Riggins, Kate Aranoff and Alison Ball.

Juniors Seth VanEmbden, Amelia Winner, Kaila Gaughan, Anne Timmreck and Kelsey Vizzard.