The final stretch of the sectional semifinals is in the books, and JSZ brings you four great games! Bayonne goes on the road to take down Piscataway, Summit wins on a time-expiring field goal, and Winslow Twp. continues their dominance. Plus, Schalick reaches its third straight sectional final. Stay tuned as the highlights roll in!
Bayonne 27 Piscataway 13 | North 2 Group 5 Section Semifinal
The Bees delivered a spirited second half performance to take down a perennial Group 5 power for one of the program’s biggest wins in the last two decades. Led by a talented senior class, sixth-seeded Bayonne (8-2) continued their trek through the North 2 Grou 5 bracket after avenging a loss to second-seeded Piscataway (8-3) from last year’s state tournament. After halftime, Nico Sampson and Jared Edwards connected for a 99-yard touchdown, Sampson scored a one yard touchdown and Jerome Hayes Jr. scored on a scoop-and-score to close the door for the win. Bayonne will be back on the road next Friday night when they visit top-seeded Bridgewater-Raritan in the section final.
JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights + reaction from Piscataway:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Bayonne is brought to you by Jersey City Medical Center.
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Piscataway is brought to you by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.
Summit 31 West Essex 28 | North 2 Group 3 Semifinal
Cooper Smoragiewicz booted a 34-yard field as time expired to give Summit their first win over West Essex in 23 years and a spot in the North 2 Group 3 championship game. Alex Schwark had 11 carries for 107 yards and three TD’s for the Hilltoppers. His 37-yard TD run in the fourth quarter gave Summit a 28-21 lead but West Essex QB Jake Long converted on fourth down for a 9-yard TD run to tie the game 28-28 at the five minute mark. Summit got a big catch from Will Holmes and a pass interference call to set up Smoragiewicz’s herocis. Long was fantastic for West Essex (6-4) throwing for two touchdown passes and running for two racking up 207 yards of total offense. Summit (9-2) will face top seed West Morris for the North 2 Group 3 title.
JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-game reaction from Summit:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Summit and West Essex is made possible by Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.
Winslow Twp. 47 Shawnee 7 | South Group 4 Semifinal
The Eagles raced out to a two touchdown lead in the opening three minutes of the first quarter and rolled past the Renegades in a rematch of last year’s sectional title game. Jalen Parker led the way with five passing touchdowns in the victory. North Carolina commit Nyqir Helton and Delaware commit NaKeem Powell had two touchdowns for top-seeded Winslow Twp. (9-2). Cole Anderson connected with Tyler Nickels for an 85-yard touchdown in the loss for fourth-seeded Shawnee (7-4). Winslow will face Millville for the South Group 4 title next week.
JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Atco:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Winslow Township Football is brought to you by Kwartler Manus Personal Injury Attorneys.
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Shawnee is made possible by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.
Schalick 35 Paulsboro 28 | South Group 1 Semifinal
After an altercation in last week’s quarterfinal game, Paulsboro (9-2) entered this semifinal matchup without 16 players. Schalick (5-6) took advantage of the depleted Red Raiders to advance to their third straight sectional final. Sophomore quarterback Kenneth Bartee accounted for four of the Cougars’ five touchdowns, while Ayden Jenkins added scoring runs of 24 and 25 yards. Schalick now moves on to the South Group 1 Final, where they’ll face reigning state champion Glassboro.
JSZ’s Tyler Mroz has the highlights from Paulsboro:
