The state tournament is in full effect and section finals are starting to come into focus. Stay with us all night as we bring highlights from four games around the state!
Northern Highlands 26 Woodbridge 7 | North 2 Group 4 Semifinal
The Highlanders leaned on stingy defense and Chase Calarco to end the Barrons’ perfect season on their home turf. Calarco powered in two rushing touchdowns and hauled in a 33-yard touchdown pass to complete a statement win for third-seeded Northern Highlands (6-4). The Highlanders’ defense forced four turnovers and stymied second-seeded Woodbridge (10-1) virtually all game long. Northern Highlands advances to their fifth-straight sectional final game where they’ll face top-seeded Phillipsburg next Friday night.
JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights + reaction from Woodbridge:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Northern Highlands is brought to you by American Dream Mall in East Rutherford.
Point Pleasant Boro 49 Manchester Township 14 | South Group 2 Semifinal
Jake Clayton had an interception on the second play of the game and turned around on offense to score two times on the ground along with a 46-yard touchdown pass to lead the Panthers (9-2) to a spot in the South Jersey Group 2 championship against Camden next week. Dylan Reitmeyer added three touchdowns on the ground in the victory. Manchester Township (8-3) closed out its best ever season winning a playoff game for the first time in school history.
JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Point Pleasant:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Manchester Township is made possible by Community Medical Center in Toms River.
Rancocas Valley 35 Hillsborough 30 | South Group 5 Semifinal
The Red Devils forced a fumble deep in their own territory late in the fourth quarter to punch their ticket to a sectional final for the first time since 2018. Brody Deiter brought in four catches for 77 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score in the victory. Jameer Bellamy had a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown and broke loose for a 51-yard rushing touchdown for second-seeded Rancocas Valley (9-2). Jackson Jankowicz rushed for 252 yards and four touchdowns for third-seeded Hillsborough (7-4). Rancocas Valley will face top-seeded Toms River North for the South Group 5 title next week.
JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from Mount Holly:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Hillsborough is brought to you by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates.
St. John Vianney 41 Notre Dame 10 | Non-Public B First Round
Sophomore running back Abdul Turay became the second player in New Jersey to top 2,000 rushing yards after his 22 carry, 211 yard performance with three touchdowns as the Lancers won their first state playoff game since 2017. SJV will travel to defending state champion Red Bank Catholic in the Non-Public B quarterfinals.
JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-game reaction from Lawrence Township:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Notre Dame is brought to you by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates.
