Well, it was quite a good weekend over here, as I went 15-5 in my public high school football sectional championship picks, something that, as someone who did the research and had a chance to see what could come about for the sectional championship weekend in the respective home stadiums of the higher-seeded teams.
Now featuring the bowl games to come this upcoming weekend!
***All teams, rosters, names, schedules, statistics, etc., are courtesy of NJ.com and all the reporters who put in the hard work to give great coverage. I own nothing.***
Sectional Champions:
________________________________________________________________________________
Here’s what we have as the leftovers to the good stuff that will follow the Thanksgiving holiday! All games are played at MetLife Stadium, which is pretty sweet for those who never been to a Giants or Jets game.
NORTH, GROUP 2 BOWL:
Kittatinny vs. Rutherford: Friday, November 23 at 1:00 p.m.
| KITTATINNY: |
| FIRST ROUND: Mahwah (W: 48-12) |
| SEMIFINALS: Westwood (W: 41-20) |
| FINALS: Newton (W: 28-19) |
| RUTHERFORD: |
| FIRST ROUND: Newark Central (W: 35-14) |
| SEMIFINALS: Mountain Lakes (W: 26-21) |
| FINALS: Lyndhurst (W: 32-14) |
Kittatinny has put together a storybook season, capturing the program’s first sectional championship in program history, capturing the North 1, Group 1 sectional championship with a 28-19 win at top-seeded Newton, one of five picks I missed in last week’s predictions (but not so much focus on this and focusing on the game to come).
The Cougars received masterful performances from running back Jacob Mafaro (25 rushes, 334 yards, 3 TD) and a defense that led the team to make history this past Friday on the road.
After falling behind 7-0, a 21-point second quarter put Kittatinny ahead for good, as they battled Newton. The defensive effort included two recovered fumbles and an interception, as Kittatinny led the 2017 N1,G1 champions, Newton, 21-13 at halftime. Defense and key plays on offense put the Cougars into a position to add something else, in the first year of the bowl games.
On the other side, Rutherford overwhelmed Lyndhurst 32-14 in the North 2, Group 2 finals, defending their title from a year ago. The top-seeded Bulldogs got a magnificent game on the ground from Abellany Mendez, who ran for 154 yards on 19 carries for four touchdowns, overwhelmingly becoming the difference of the game. Quarterback Kyle Russell threw a touchdown pass to Mendez, going 8-for-12 for 84 yards and the lone touchdown pass, setting the battle of two powerful North Jersey football programs. Rutherford’s suffocating defense prevented any major chances for the Golden Bears, picking off two passes and recovering one fumble as they coasted to a victory and sectional championship.
I look at this game and say to myself that we have ourselves quite a battle that awaits Friday afternoon. Kittatinny is led by quarterback James Franco (43-for-82, 896 yards, 15 TD, 7 INT), who’s carried his team throughout the sectional tournament and with all their successes this season. He also controls the game on the ground (104 carries, 622 yards, 12 TD), along with Jacob Mafaro (217 carries, 1,701 yards, 19 TD), who present a threat on the ground. Austin Seames is a target through the air (10 catches, 303 yards, 7 rec TD). These guys will need to come ready to go against a tough Rutherford team if they want to add to the accolades of this 2018 season.
Rutherford is as dominant as they were last year, powered by quarterback Kyle Russell (76-for-142, 1,057 yards, 8 TD, 10 INT), who has led his team on both sides of the ball on offense, with the ground game statistics that include 37 carries, 329 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Abellany Mendez is a major target for the Bulldogs offense, who can also control the game on both sides of the game, especially a golden presence on the ground (17 carries, 1.536 yards, 36 TD), one Kittatinny will need to contain when both teams take to the field.
All of this alone, Rutherford shouldn’t have as much issue, since it is difficult to contain a really dynamic player in Mendez, which will leave Kittatinny with their hands full as the game approaches quickly this Friday afternoon.
Since this is a neutral site, the crowd factor really won’t be much of a factor. These teams are stacked, but I plan to go with the Bulldogs here, to capture the first North, Group 1 Bowl Game.
DC’s Pick: Rutherford 34, Kittatinny 14
________________________________________________________________________________
NORTH, GROUP 1 BOWL:
Hasbrouck Heights vs. Butler: Friday, November 23 at 4:00 p.m.
| HASBROUCK HEIGHTS: |
| FIRST ROUND: New Providence (W: 42-0) |
| SEMIFINALS: Weequahic (W: 26-6) |
| FINALS: Shabazz (W: 13-7) |
| BUTLER: |
| FIRST ROUND: Pompton Lakes (W: 21-0) |
| SEMIFINALS: Walkill Valley (W: 20-0) |
| FINALS: Park Ridge (W: 35-28) |
Hasbrouck Heights has been having a season of a lifetime, maintaining an 11-0 record and defeating two of the toughest schools within the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 bracket in Weequahic and Shabazz, both champions of the section (Indians in 2016 and Bulldogs in 2017). They have blown through their competition weekly and have done so with speed and skill on offense and a great defense.
In the 13-7 sectional championship win over Shabazz, Hasbrouck Heights was carried by touchdown receptions from Jasiah Purdie and Shawn Calhoun. In a tightly-played game, the defense also slowed down a Shabazz team that was looking to add to a 35-0 state championship win last year over Weequahic. For the Aviators, Zai’heer Jenkins intercepted a pass, while Anthony Marino and Mateo Ochoa recovered one fumble each in the win.
The Aviators average around 34.4 points per game and come into the game with a lot of players ready to go on both sides. Among this core of playmakers includes quarterback Spencer Lee (53-for-72, 894 yards, 11 TD, 1 INT), two-way dynamic athlete Jasiah Purdie, who dominates on both sides of the offense on the ground (86 rushes, 622 yards, 13 TD) and through the air game (31 catches, 668 yards, 9 TD).
Michael Robertson (80 rushes, 787 yards, 7 TD) and Rocco Minichiello (25 rushes, 245 yards, 5 TD) also power Hasbrouck Heights on the rush. The defense has also carried the Aviators, including six interceptions and returning one of those picks for a touchdown.
Butler comes into the bowl game with a lot of players who are hungry to add to their sectional championship win last week. Quarterback Evan Smith powers the Bulldogs under center (111-for-164, 1.349 yards, 14 TD, 2 INT), as well as on the ground (105 carries, 586 yards, 8 TD). The Bulldogs outdueled the Park Ridge Owls 35-28 to capture the North 1, Group 1 crown and secure a berth in the first boel game in high school football history.
While the Butler defense carried them through the first two rounds, they needed to get work on offense and it all came together at the right time. Evan Smith scored the game-winning touchdown with 1:39 left in the fourth quarter, proving to be the difference as the Bulldogs defeated the Owls 35-28. In that win, Smith went 13-for-17 for 165 yards and one touchdown pass. On the ground, Smith got 29 carries for 141 yards and three scores, including the game-winner.
Their offense averages around 29.8 points per game throughout the 2018 season on the turf.
Other key players for the Bulldogs this entire season include Sean Centinaro (155 carries, 1,228 yards, 13 TD) and Derek Timpanaro (32 rushes, 420 yards, 4 TD).
What’s clear, Smith will be the main target on the ground and passing that Hasbrouck Heights will need to find a way to counter, both with the defense and the offensive tools the Aviators contain ahead of Friday’s battle. Butler’s lone loss came to Hasbrouck Heights as well, a 30-15 setback on September 28, the difference between the two teams for the conference title.
We may see ourselves a high-scoring battle, but we could also see a defensive battle, a low-scoring affair. This is a tough one for me to select, but I’ll give the nod to the Aviators, who have done a lot of good things all season long. The Bulldogs will give everything they can, but the Aviators have a little more in the tank, this will be a closer result than the Week 4 game and I could see Butler making this an interesting game, that’s for sure.
DC’s Pick: Hasbrouck Heights 28, Butler 24
________________________________________________________________________________
SOUTH, GROUP 5 BOWL:
Sayreville vs. Williamstown: Friday, November 23 at 7:00 p.m.
| SAYREVILLE: |
| FIRST ROUND: Hillsborough (W: 41-14) |
| SEMIFINALS: Manalapan (W: 24-14) |
| FINALS: North Brunswick (W: 6-0) |
| WILLIAMSTOWN: |
| FIRST ROUND: Washington Township (W: 34-3) |
| SEMIFINALS: Vineland (W: 28-7) |
| FINALS: Rancocas Valley (W: 56-20) |
This game will take Friday Night Lights to an all-new definition, especially with the performances the two sectional champions put on this past weekend. Sayreville got one touchdown last week, but behind a very strong defensive presence, suffocated the hot running game of North Brunswick, as well as limiting Myles Bailey on the rush in a 6-0 win, the second championship for the Sayreville Bombers in three seasons.
They were Group 3 in 2016 when they defeated Middletown North to win the North 2, Group 3 title, moved up to 2017 (reached North 2, Group 4 Semifinals, lost to North Hunterdon) and now Group 5 in 2018. They have adapted to the changes quite well, capturing their second title in three years. Their lone loss came to North 2, Group 5 sectional champion Piscataway 27-6 on October 19.
The Bombers are well-known for their offense and are led by their signal-caller behind center Mark Whitford (111-for-185, 1,333 yards, 14 TD, 5 INT), a member on both the 2016 and 2018 sectional championship teams. He can also run the ball well whenever depended upon. His stats on the ground game include 156 yards on 16 carries and two scores.
He is surrounded by a well-oiled machine on offense, featuring running backs Zuriel Wright (95 rushes, 706 yards, 6 TD) and Savon Kirksey (65 rushes, 400 yards, 6 TD) to lead the way along with receivers Jacari Carter (25 catches, 310 yards, 6 TD) and Connor Holmes (28 catches, 340 yards, 4 TD), who must find ways to exploit the Williamstown defense, which has been very good all season long.
Wiliamstown comes into action with a 12-0 record, riding their stud-filled defense. The Braves’ statistics on defense include 27 sacks, six fumble recoveries, causing five fumbles, nine interceptions and one safety. Overall, the Braves have yielded only 79 points through their 12 games played, coming through to around 6.6 points allowed per game. Now that we are filled in on what Williamstown has done defensively, let’s take a look at who will lead the way on offense.
Quarterback J.C. Collins has been as good as can be all season, coming into Friday night with productive numbers in the air (77-for-119, 1,192 yards, 11 TD, 4 INT) and as well as on the ground, the numbers are off the charts (157 carries, 1,142 yards, 16 TD). He will give Sayreville’s defense headaches if he is able to keep playing at the pace that he is.
Wade Inge is another force on the Braves ground game, handling the bulk of the work along with Collins (173 carries, 1,189 yards, 19 TD), another target on the rush that will need to have a good game. Damonte Campbell has numbers on the passing game and they are good (29 catches, 465 yards, 6 TD). The Braves do have players who can make plays on the ground and the air, so my take is scoring first will be the main task. If Williamstown takes the early lead, it will give their defense a chance to do their thing and keep Sayreville’s offense at bay.
We do have two very good teams going at it, which is what makes the newly-installed bowl games absolutely good stuff to watch, but this one has me thinking who will capture the South, Group 5 title. I’m feeling the Braves will complete the unbeaten season and capture the championship, but they will capture it with force, the defense allowing them to coast to a victory under the MetLife lights.
DC’s Pick: Williamstown 27, Sayreville 7
________________________________________________________________________________
NORTH, GROUP 3:
Ramapo vs. Summit: Saturday, November 24 at 10:00 a.m.
| RAMAPO: |
| FIRST ROUND: Demarest (W: 31-7) |
| SEMIFINALS: Sparta (W: 42-33) |
| FINALS: River Dell (W: 31-7) |
| SUMMIT: |
| FIRST ROUND: Voorhees (W: 57-39) |
| SEMIFINALS: Montville (W: 51-14) |
| FINALS: Rahway (W: 36-14) |
This is a game that features two absolutely dominant football teams that have a long history of success and are each looking to end a successful season on a high note on what will be a great matchup. Ramapo plowed through their competition throughout the whole season, receiving tough tests from River Dell and Sparta along the way.
The Raiders are led by dynamic quarterback A.J. Wingfield (146-for-220, 2,223 yards, 28 TD, 6 INT), an outstanding athlete who can do just about anything on offense for his team. He can also run the ball very well (55 carries, 413 yards, 6 TD). Wingfield will present trouble to the Summit defense with what he can do and with the cast he has to surround him on offense.
This cast of players including an outstanding offensive line and guys on both sides of the offensive game plans.
On the ground, Ramapo will turn to Luke Ragone (132 carries, 784 yards, 10 TD) to pick up yardage when needed on crucial drives, including any play-calls that could potentially determine the momentum of the game at times. The Raiders also present a heavy passing game with Wingfield. Among those receivers for the Raiders include Max Baker (61 catches, 1,035 yards, 10 TD), Isaiah Savitt (23 catches, 517 yards, 10 TD) and Ty Jaten (17 catches, 264 yards, 7 TD), three guys that will need to be on their game to be able to contribute in a gridiron battle with another powerful program in Summit.
The Ramapo defense can also have a night or day just like the offense can. Among the defensive statistics for the Raiders includes ten sacks, six interceptions and two picks that were returned for a touchdown.
On the other side, Summit comes into play as the best Summit team since 2013, when they last won a championship. Quarterback Skyler Schulter (54-for-87, 764 yards, 10 TD) has been the signal-caller for the Hilltoppers going back to his sophomore season, with Summit up and coming from a few postseason losses to a sectional championship. Max Jackson presents a threat on the ground for the Hilltoppers and has the numbers to show for it (216 carries, 1,668 yards, 18 TD, ten 2-point conversions).
Joe Lusardi is a two-way player who can give Summit a boost both on the rush (24 rushes, 412 yards, 8 TD) and through the air (5 catches, 103 yards, 4 TD). Tyrone Hines is the main one on special teams, returning two kickoffs for a touchdown. Summit also presents a surprise cast of players who can successfully get two-point conversions, 27 of them to be exact.
These teams are stacked and present a lot of different things that can happen when they come to MetLife Stadium Saturday morning. Ramapo does have a bit more in guys on both sides of the ball, but Summit presents a decent game that both sides can make it trouble for their opponents. Ramapo is undefeated, while Summit has only one setback this year to Cranford, a 25-12 loss on October 12.
I’ve seen Ramapo play and they are well-coached, along with Summit, but I’m feeling the Raiders will be adding to their conference and sectional championships this season. It’ll be a tightly-played game, but I will go with Ramapo in this one.
DC’s Pick: Ramapo 31, Summit 21
________________________________________________________________________________
SOUTH, GROUP 1
Penns Grove vs. Willingboro: Saturday, November 24 at 1:00 p.m.
| PENNS GROVE: |
| FIRST ROUND: Woodstown (W: 40-6) |
| SEMIFINALS: Buena (W: 17-6) |
| FINALS: Salem (W: 14-7) |
| WILLINGBORO: |
| FIRST ROUND: Keyport (W: 54-7) |
| SEMIFINALS: Florence (W: 22-6) |
| FINALS: Paulsboro (W: 22-14) |
Our last public school matchup for the first week of bowl games features a South Jersey powerhouse in Penns Grove and an up-and-coming team in Burlington County, Willingboro. The Red Raiders avenged their state championship loss to Paulsboro with a 14-7 win over Salem, a team they beat 26-20 in the final week of the regular season.
Kavon Lewis is the key behind center for Penns Grove (90-for-139, 1,492 yards, 20 TD, 8 INT). The two major targets on the rush for the Red Raiders includes the 1-2 punch of Tyreke Evans (97 rushes, 889 yards, 16 TD) and Nasir Robinson (150 rushes, 1,085 yards, 10 TD), who must have big games to keep the unbeaten record Penns Grove has built all season with their dynamic offensive presence.
Tyreke Evans also presents a threat on the receiving game (22 catches, 484 yards, 9 TD), while Torvon Ransome (45 catches, 723 yards, 8 TD) will also need to step up, not so much for the big touchdown receptions, but whenever the Red Raiders go through the air, to be able to get the key passes/plays needed to move the chains and march into enemy territory for touchdowns. Ransome and Robinson each have a kickoff return for a touchdown.
In the 14-7 sectional championship win over Salem, they received a score from both Evans and Robinson, but got a strong game from the defense, including three interceptions and a recovered fumble, fending off a feisty Salem team that had the same levels of success as Penns Grove.
Willingboro has been a surprise this season, ousting a defending state champion in Paulsboro to lock up the program’s first sectional championship since 1985. They present a cast of well-coached athletes including quarterback Au-Shaun Davis, who presents a threat on both sides of the offensive display of the Chimeras. A two-way dynamic athlete, Davis can excel through the air (84-for-158, 1,074 yards, 9 TD, 8 INT) and can plow through the opposing defenses on the ground, rushing for three scores.
Other key guys on the ground include Zaire Clements (156 carries, 910 yards, 10 TD) and Demie Sumo (76 rushes, 548 yards, 5 TD), guys who need to fight through a tough Penns Grove defense.
Willingboro is also very good on defense, including 20 sacks, six recovered fumbles, seven forced fumbles, 13 interceptions and three picks returned for touchdowns.
This is another tough one to choose from, with both teams being as good as they’ve been. Penns Grove is undefeated and have proven how athletic they are on both sides of the game, but Willingboro has been tested with a tough schedule, playing opponents such as 2017 South Jersey, Group 3 champion Delsea, 2018 South Jersey, Group 2 finalist Camden, and 2018 South Jersey, Group 3 powerhouse Timber Creek (reached semifinals as SJ,G4 and then this year as SJ,G3). A key victory came against 2018 South Jersey, Group 3 sectional champion Woodrow Wilson, a 26-20 victory on October 20.
While it is at a neutral site and Penns Grove has plowed through their opponents in the regular season and fought hard to win the sectional championship that eluded them in 2017, I’m going to go with Willingboro here. The major decision-making in this was how they’ve triumphed through their tough schedule, including a win over a defending state champion in Paulsboro. However, I would not be surprised to see Penns Grove find a way to pull one off.
DC’s Pick: Willingboro 27, Penns Grove 21
________________________________________________________________________________
NORTH, GROUP 4:
Wayne Hills vs. Phillipsburg: Friday, November 30 at 8:00 p.m.
| WAYNE HILLS: |
| FIRST ROUND: Mount Olive (W: 41-14) |
| SEMIFINALS: Morris Knolls (W: 42-7) |
| FINALS: Old Tappan (W: 20-13) |
| PHILLIPSBURG: |
| FIRST ROUND: North Hunterdon (W: 49-7) |
| SEMIFINALS: Cranford (W: 21-0) |
| FINALS: Irvington (W: 42-7) |
The second week of the NJSIAA Bowl Games features two powerhouse programs that have posted 10+ wins, looking to add some more hardware to their accolades this season. Wayne Hills captured the North 1, Group 4 sectional championship with a 20-13 win over the previous defending champions, Old Tappan, overcoming a 13-0 deficit after the first quarter, while Phillipsburg washed away the bad tastes of the 2017 loss with a 42-7 drubbing of Irvington.
Both teams lost only one game in-state, the Patriots falling to the North, Group 3 Bowl champions Ramapo 38-22 on October 12, while the Stateliners were stunned by Union 34-24 back on September 21. Both teams have been posting high numbers with high-powering offensive attacks this season. Wayne Hills averages about 34.9 points per game (419 total points on the 2018 season), while Phillipsburg averages around 35.6 points per game (427 points per game).
This could very well be a star-studded offensive attack, where defense may not be a factor, unless in a key situation. Wayne Hills lost to Timpview (Utah), while Phillipsburg lost to Easton (PA), the second loss for both teams by teams that are out-of-state, showing why both public schools rank high in the state of New Jersey.
Wayne Hills is guided by quarterback Tom Sharkey (122-for-204, 2,227 yards, 30 TD, 6 INT), who can not only throw the ball and connect to his receivers, but can also run the ball particularly well when called upon to give his team some work on the rush (38 carries, 308 yards, 6 TD).
He is surrounded by a huge cast of offensive playmakers who have carried the Patriots all season long. Among these players include receivers Jaaron Hayek (58 catches, 1,086 yards, 15 TD) and Charles Njoku (46 catches, 987 yards, 13 TD), who both need to be on point all-game long and run all routes to make the big plays. If both in sync, they both could present a threat to Phillipsburg’s defense, which only yielded 14 points in their route to the North 2, Group 4 sectional championship win.
The Patriots also have guys who can play on the ground, including Michael Joyce (66 rushes, 546 yards, 8 TD), Adam Adiba (82 rushes, 611 yards, 6 TD) and Joseph Mongelli (56 rushes, 346 yards, 4 TD), who present a three-way assault on the ground game.
On the other side, Phillipsburg is guided by star quarterback Jack Staggard (131-for-209, 2,023 yards, 21 TD, 3 INT), someone who is capable of playing both sides of the offense, as well as pounding it on the ground (42 carries, 123 yards, 7 TD), especially in the situations where a small gain is needed to boost his team. The Stateliners present a variety of receivers on the passing game including Sterling Walker-Sutton (24 catches, 498 yards, 9 TD), Isaiah Craighead (16 catches, 176 yards, 3 TD), Raymond Poremba (33 catches, 470 yards, 3 TD) and Ray Stern (19 catches, 319 yards, 2 TD).
This provides Staggard with multiple targets through the air, which will be needed to find ways to score against a Wayne Hills defense that’s only yielded 184 points through the 12 games played, averaging out to approximately 15.4 points per game allowed by the Patriots. On the defense, Wayne Hills has been stellar and this dangerous defensive force includes nine forced fumbles, ten recovered fumbles, 37 sacks and ten interceptions, with one of those picks being returned for a touchdown.
Phillipsburg’s defense is also just as good, which has a task of cooling off a vicious Wayne Hills offense. Some of the numbers on the Stateliners defensive game includes ten forced fumbles, 11 recovered fumbles, 22 sacks and eight interceptions, with one of them being returned for a score, along with a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
I look at all of this and know we will be in for a real treat under the lights at MetLife Stadium Friday night. Both quarterbacks could have a big game and have produced so well all season. With a sectional championship under each other’s belts, the main goal was achieved, but there is a chance to add so much more to what has already been accomplished by both teams.
I had to flip a coin on this, but looking at these teams, I’ll have to go with the Patriots to win this, especially with all the different guys who have been doing so much good things all season long. Not a blowout, but just enough to beat Phillipsburg.
DC’s Pick: Wayne Hills 31, Phillipsburg 21
________________________________________________________________________________
NORTH, GROUP 5:
Ridgewood vs. Piscataway: Saturday, December 1 at 10:00 a.m.
| RIDGEWOOD: |
| FIRST ROUND: Passaic Tech (W: 35-7) |
| SEMIFINALS: Clifton (W: 14-7) |
| FINALS: Montclair (W: 27-7) |
| PISCATAWAY: |
| FIRST ROUND: Bridgewater-Raritan (W: 42-14) |
| SEMIFINALS: Ridge (W: 40-13) |
| FINALS: Union City (W: 28-7) |
These two teams bring a decent amount to the table, with Ridgewood winning their second sectional championship in the past three seasons and doing so through a tough regular season schedule, featuring North 1, Group 4 finalist Old Tappan, North 1, Group 3 semifinalist Paramus (both teams defeated Ridgewood) and North 2, Group 4 finalist Irvington.
Ridgewood, a heavy rushing team, is guided by quarterback Will Molihan (36-for-71, 605 yards, 5 TD, 3 INT), who can throw the air when needed, but can also rush on the ground and will need to step it up against one of the best public schools in the state in Piscataway (19 carries, 112 yards, 3 TD).
The Maroons have plenty of top-notch playmakers on the ground including Will Carfew, who will definitely need to be ready to go in key situations (179 rushes, 1,274 yards, 17 TD). Ridgewood’s ground game also consists of rushers such as Avery Scott (30 rushes, 323 yards, 4 TD), Will McDermott (35 rushes, 310 yards, 4 TD), Gabe Santiago (70 rushes, 421 yards, 4 TD) and Liam Tarleton (24 rushes, 185 yards, 3 TD).
Ridgewood can also pass the ball well when decided upon and may need one here and there and they have the guys who can help achieve this. Some receivers include leading receiver Tom Bourque (16 catches, 397 yards, 4 TD) and Will McDermott (5 catches, 117 yards, 1 TD). They will need to get Will Carfew going on the ground and get him to clash against a Piscataway defense that always gets going when the offense gets a score.
Piscataway, who is aiming to become the third 13-0 team this season (Ramapo, Penns Grove), is led by signal-caller Joseph Hatcher (48-for-94, 755 yards, 11 TD, 3 INT) who is surrounded by a cast of players on both sides of the offense, including a one-two punch on the rush, including star running back Juwon Jackson (154 carries, 1,770 yards, 31 TD, 1 kickoff return for TD), who is just like Will Carfew is for Ridgewood, along with Nasir Best (66 rushes, 652 yards, 6 TD). This combo is sure to give the Maroons quite a headache on defense if not contained.
Ridgewood’s defense will also need to step it up and they have all season long with their tough schedule, which prepared them for a moment like this. This includes five forced fumbles, six recovered fumbles, 14 sacks and 19 interceptions, with one of them being returned for a score. This core of defenders, featuring Jack Wittmaack (118 tackles, three recovered fumbles, three interceptions), Gavin Peene and Kevin Seitter (five interceptions each), will need to do something that all of Piscataway’s 12 opponents couldn’t do, which is slowing down the major playmakers of the Chiefs.
Piscataway’s offense has posted 477 points through all their 12 games, blowing through their competition and averaging around 39.8 points per game, as they reached the sectional finals for the first time since 2012, coasting easily to their first sectional championship since 2011. The dynamic offense could be in for a great day unless Ridgewood can step in the way, which they are very capable of doing.
Joseph Bellamy also has two punts returned for touchdowns.
This will be a different kind of matchup for both teams, especially with a GMC team matching up against an SFC football team.
I think you’ll see the Chiefs become the third team in the 2018 season to complete a 13-0 season, with all the weapons and playmakers they can use against the Maroons.
DC’s Pick: Piscataway 42, Ridgewood 14
________________________________________________________________________________
SOUTH, GROUP 3:
Woodrow Wilson vs. Rumson-Fair Haven: Saturday, December 1 at 1:00 p.m.
| WOODROW WILSON: |
| FIRST ROUND: Triton (W: 41-6) |
| SEMIFINALS: Delsea (W: 42-14) |
| FINALS: Burlington Township (W: 22-14) |
| RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN: |
| FIRST ROUND: Ocean Township (W: 28-7) |
| SEMIFINALS: Red Bank Regional (W: 14-9) |
| FINALS: Somerville (W: 42-35) |
Here is one matchup I thought was going to be interesting, a team that is skilled through the air in Woodrow Wilson and a team in Rumson-Fair Haven that has been one of the more ridiculously good programs in the Shore Conference.
Woodrow Wilson secured the South Jersey, Group 3 sectional championship behind a gritty performance from quarterback Nick Kargman and touchdown receptions from Stanley King and Naziq Murray in a 22-14 win over Burlington Township for the program’s first sectional championship since 2001 and their second one overall. Rumson-Fair Haven outlasted Somerville 42-35 in a surprising high-scoring affair for the program’s fifth sectional title in the past six seasons.
The Tigers have the reputation of doing well with the passing game and are led by the force behind center in quarterback Nick Kargman, who has thrown 8 TD passes in a game earlier this year and according to NJ.com, he needs only 23 more passing yards to break the South Jersey single-season passing record, held by Timber Creek quarterback and 2017 graduate Devin Leary.
Kargman’s numbers through the air are incredible and he has thrived all season long on the passing game (239-for-417, 3,666 yards, 38 TD, 16 INT), as well as the rushing game (12 rushes, 10 yards, 2 TD). He will be the anchor of the Woodrow Wilson offense as they go up against one of the toughest defensive units in New Jersey.
He will be surrounded by a cast of playmakers including stand-out wide receiver Stanley King (72 catches, 1,339 yards, 13 TD), Naiem Simmons (53 catches, 828 yards, 8 TD), Fadil Diggs (29 catches, 410 yards, 5 TD), along with Muheem McCargo on the rushing game (141 rushes, 876 yards, 12 TD), who will, without a doubt, be called upon to muster through a tough and physical Rumson-Fair Haven defense.
Speaking of defense, Woodrow Wilson’s defensive units have been powerrful, posting numbers that include 5 forced fumbles, nine recovered fumbles, 29 sacks and 14 interceptions, with three of them being returned for touchdowns. Woodrow Wilson’s setbacks this season have come to Delsea (56-14, but defeated them in the South Jersey, Group 3 semifinals), Central Jersey, Group 1 sectional champion Willingboro (29-14) and to South Jersey, Group 2 finalist and Thanksgiving Day rival Camden (39-28).
Rumson-Fair Haven, who’s gained their reputation of being a powerhouse in the Shore Conference by their defense, will be a team who will run the ball and try and chew time off the clock. Their offense is guided by quarterback Collin Coles (96-for-120, 1,222 yards, 13 TD, 11 INT), who will have a unit of playmakers who will be determined to bring everything to the table against a newer opponent such as Woodrow Wilson.
Alex Maljidan is the main anchor for the Bulldogs rushing game and was an absolute workhorse on the ground all season long (176 rushes, 1,529 yards, 23 TD), someone who will need to handle the physicality of the Woodrow Wilson defense, as well as pound the ball in the clock control aspect. Other key players on the offense for Rumson-Fair Haven include Ian O’Connor (33 catches, 459 yards, 7 TD) and John Volker (43 rushes, 230 yards, 5 TD, 1 punt return for TD).
The main story about Rumson-Fair Haven has been their defense and a few statistics to back all of this up include four forced fumbles, eight recovered fumbles, 26 sacks, seven interceptions, one safety and one fumble return for a touchdown. The Bulldogs defense has yielded just 110 points on the season, averaging to ten points given up per game. Rumson-Fair Haven had their lone setbacks to Non-Public, Group 3 champion Red Bank Catholic (14-13) and to Middletown South (14-7), but have thrived outside of those losses.
We will be in for a treat on this one. Rumson-Fair Haven is a force to reckoned with on defense, while Woodrow Wilson brings a very talented offense to the table and a game that will be new for both sides with the newly-installed NJSIAA State Bowl games, something that we as high school football fans should be excited to see. This one is so exciting, that I think we could see a battle out of this one.
I like Woodrow Wilson’s offense and what they bring to the table, but they will have a tall task on hands against Rumson-Fair Haven and the defense it brings to the table. I plan to go with the Tigers here, but the margin for the win will be a slim one, I mean, a slim one. Don’t sleep on the Bulldogs, who could find a way to pull this one out.
DC’s Pick: Woodrow Wilson 37, Rumson-Fair Haven 34
________________________________________________________________________________
SOUTH, GROUP 2:
Haddonfield vs. Hillside: Saturday, December 1 at 4:00 p.m.
| HADDONFIELD: |
| FIRST ROUND: Sterling (W: 41-7) |
| SEMIFINALS: Pleasantville (W: 28-6) |
| FINALS: Camden (W: 23-12) |
| HILLSIDE: |
| FIRST ROUND: South River (W: 39-0) |
| SEMIFINALS: Bernards (W: 21-3) |
| FINALS: Manasquan (W: 36-10) |
Here is something we all really want to see, two undefeated teams ready to go after it in a highly-anticipated matchup at the home of the New York Giants and the New York Jets. These two teams have blown through their competition all season long and will bring a lot to the table as the third game of the day on Saturday.
Haddonfield, a true force on the turf in South Jersey, captured their second straight sectional championship with a 23-12 win over Camden and soundly defeated Haddon Heights 41-8 in the annual Thanksgiving Day rivalry in a final tune-up before making the trek up the New Jersey Turnpike from Exit 4 to Exit 16E to take part in the first annual state bowl game.
The Bulldogs are led by quarterback Jay Foley (77-for-132, 1,284 yards, 21 TD, 4 INT), who can outright lead his team to a win, which will be needed against a tough Hillside defense. Among the cast of offensive playmakers to lead the Bulldogs include receivers John Foley (14 catches, 252 yards, 5 TD), Davis Smith (9 catches, 221 yards, 5 TD) and two-way dynamic player Chris Brown through the air (11 catches, 138 yards, 1 TD) and on the ground (77 rushes, 504 yards, 5 TD, 1 kickoff return for TD). These three will be crucial in the drives Haddonfield will need to put together, as well as control the ball well.
The rushers for the Bulldogs that will need to have be on their game include running anchors such as Tommy Baston (21 rushes, 441 yards, 4 TD) and Alex Kadar (18 rushes, 108 yards, 3 TD). The key for Haddonfield on offense is ball security. Hillside seems to thrive whenever the defense comes up with an early turnover, which usually always leads to points for the Comets.
The Bulldogs have scored 381 points through their 12 games, which equals out to around 31.8 points averaged per game. They will be put to the test at MetLife Stadium on Saturday. Huge wins for Haddonfield came in a two-week span, including a 22-15 win over St. Joseph’s (Hammonton) on September 29, showing how special this group was and what they are capable of bringing to the table and the next week featured a 27-21 win over West Deptford on October 5 in a rematch of the 2017 NJSIAA South Jersey, Group 2 state championship game, won by the Bulldogs.
Hillside, one of the more surprises from Union County under third-year head coach Barris Grant, have experienced such a turnaround and they’ve gone from a program that couldn’t, at the minimum, reach .500 nor make the playoffs, into a team that’s captured two straight sectional championships.
Quarterback Gavin Melendez has thrived under center all season long for the Comets and his numbers are here to show his amazing progress (80-for-124, 1,725 yards, 20 TD, 6 INT). The Comets, who have just about every single player back from the 2017 sectional championship team to lead them to the sectional title this year, includes a cast of players, including dynamic rusher Brian Ugwu (62 rushes, 1,105 yards, 8 TD), James Louis (67 rushes, 918 yards, 11 TD) and Jahon Moore (66 rushes, 614 yards, 5 TD). Shadon Willis also provides some strengths for the Comets on the rush (9 rushes, 142 yards, 3 TD)
The receiving game for the Comets is powered by Shadon Willis (23 catches, 589 yards, 10 TD), Nahree Biggins (18 catches, 471 yards, 6 TD, 2 punt returns for touchdowns) and Boris Nicolas-Paul (23 catches, 435 yards, 3 TD). For the special teams, Hillside has received a punt return for the touchdown from Yasir Holley.
The Comets offense has been downright phenomenal, posting 432 points through the 11 games played, bringing it out to around 39.3 points averaged per game. The defense for Hillside has also been just that good, yielding only 82 points, averaging to about 7.5 points allowed per game. Hillside will want to shift momentum with Haddonfield on the field for offense, so one key moment will be the major factor early on.
Hillside’s statistics on defense feature ten forced fumbles, seven recovered fumbles, 36 sacks, 11 interceptions, with three of them returned for touchdowns and three fumble returns for the touchdown.
That being said, we have a great game on hand. This one to me, is a coin toss. If Hillside doesn’t force an early turnover and if Haddonfield gets going on offense, this might be a tough one for the Comets, but the Bulldogs thrive when everything is constantly clicking for them. I had to flip a coin for this one and I’ll go with the Bulldogs because I like their wins over St. Joseph’s (Hammonton) and West Deptford, appearing to set the tone for what this group can do. At the same time, the Comets could give the Bulldogs quite a battle and are capable of winning, but I see the Bulldogs coming through.
DC’s Pick: Haddonfield 27, Hillside 21
________________________________________________________________________________
SOUTH, GROUP 4:
Long Branch vs. Shawnee: Saturday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m.
| LONG BRANCH: |
| FIRST ROUND: Middletown North (W: 42-0) |
| SEMIFINALS: Brick Memorial (W: 47-14) |
| FINALS: Brick Township (W: 21-14) |
| SHAWNEE: |
| FIRST ROUND: Mainland (W: 25-7) |
| SEMIFINALS: Millville (W: 28-26) |
| FINALS: Clearview (W: 20-17 in 2-OT) |
We have ourselves a tale of two teams, both defending sectional champions from last year’s football season. Long Branch has established themselves as a powerhouse along the Jersey Shore, alongside the likes of Rumson-Fair Haven and Manasquan, blasting through their competition and making this season on the gridiron another amazing one for the Green Wave, whose lone setback came to Non-Public, Group 3 champion Red Bank Catholic.
Long Branch rallied to defeat Freehold Township 43-42 in overtime, with a two-point conversion clinching the Central Jersey, Group 4 sectional championship for the Green Wave last season at Rutgers University.
On the other side, Shawnee has put together quite a storybook season, winning their second straight sectional championship as a sub .500 team. The stunner of the season coming against Millville, when the Renegades scored 12 points in a 66-second span to stun the Thunderbolts and reach the South Jersey, Group 4 sectional championship game. In a crazy game, Shawnee battled Clearview and after a go-ahead field goal, recovered a Clearview fumble to complete the storybook win.
In a massive and tough schedule that featured St. Augustine (Non-Public, Group 4 semifinalist), Woodrow Wilson (South Jersey, Group 3 sectional champions, playing in South, Group 3 Bowl Game), Union City (North Jersey, Section 2, Group 5 finalist), Williamstown (South Jersey, Group 5 sectional champions) and Rancocas Valley (South Jersey, Group 5 finalist), the Renegades were able to qualify and win the sectional title as a four-seed.
They went into the playoffs on a four-game losing streak and went 0-for-5 against the tougher teams, but got hot at the right time. After all, it isn’t about how you do in the regular season that counts, it’s about how you do in the postseason that counts, you know?
Now, we turn our attention to the last bowl game of the season.
The Green Wave offense is guided by the guy behind center in Marc Dennis (84-for-122, 1,334 yards, 20 TD, 2 INT), who can excel not only in passing, but also on the ground, posting numbers on the rush that could be crucial in the situations where only 1-2 yards are needed to get a key first down (89 carries, 377 yards, 3 TD).
On the air game, Long Branch is guided by receivers Matthew Clarke (29 catches, 515 yards, 6 TD), Zahdierr Blueford (4 catches, 118 yards, 3 TD) and Jayon Farrar (15 catches, 258 yards, 3 TD). On the rush, two-way offensive superstar Jermaine Corbett (211 rushes, 1,936 yards, 24 TD on ground, 19 catches, 220 yards, 4 TD in air) leads the way for the Green Wave. Corbett and other rushers such as Qua’Zhaun Dennis (62 carries, 362 yards, 3 TD) will be relied upon on a night where passing may not be an option, pending if rain and potential wind changes the primary focus on the game plan preparation.
Shawnee is guided by freshman quarterback Matt Welsey (46-for-79, 548 yards, 6 TD, 2 INT), who was inserted back as signal caller on October 26 against Rancocas Valley, allowing Joe Dalsey to return to his natural position as running back.
Joe Dalsey (65-for-115, 810 yards, 6 TD, 3 INT) who also leads the rushing game for the Renegades (154 rushes, 552 yards, 13 TD). He will need to have a good game on the ground against a stingy Long Branch defense. It may take one player’s effort to spark a team and this will be this type of scenario with Dalsey and the Shawnee offense. Jon Searcy (40 catches, 524 yards, 4 TD) leads a cast of Shawnee receivers who could be called upon for big plays through the air. Dom Frigola (15 catches, 204 yards, 2 TD) and Joey Moore (8 catches, 163 yards, 1 TD).
A lot of different players have seen a lot of action on the season and they will need every contribution to go up against Long Branch’s stingy defensive stand.
The Green Wave defense has put up five shutouts, only yielding 117 points through 12 games, showing only 9.8 points allowed per game, as a Group 4 school, which if you ask me, is a bit better than Rumson-Fair Haven. Their offense has been just as good, scoring 416 points in their games played, averaging around 34.7 points per game in their wins and ability to grind through every single opponent, picking up right where they left off last year.
The Renegades have a task on hand, but their tough schedule should have them prepared to go. However, the Green Wave has proven as a force along the Jersey Shore and they should be adding to their hardware this season and will capture their 12th win this season in style.
DC’s Pick: Long Branch 38, Shawnee 17
