Friday night of Week 5 featured some sensational games all across the state! Check back often as the highlights roll in!
Donovan Catholic 51 Rumson-Fair Haven 13 | Shore Conference
Griffins senior running back Alex Staten set a school record with 371 rushing yards on just 18 carries and three total touchdowns to lead an explosive Donovan Catholic offense and a dominant performance in a battle of Shore unbeatens. Kahden Davis threw for 165 yards and two touchdown passes including an 18-yarder to Staten to give the Griffins a 17-7 halftime lead. Staten over 20 yards per carry in an all-time great Shore Conference performance. Donovan Catholic moves to 6-0 with RFH falling to 5-1.
JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-game reaction from an historic night in Toms River:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Donovan Catholic is made possible by Community Medical Center in Toms River.
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Rumson-Fair Haven is brought to you by Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch.
Caldwell 32 West Essex 28 | Super Football Conference
A rivalry that always delivers, Caldwell and West Essex provided an instant classic on Friday night amidst a comeback for the ages! After being down 28-6 midway through the 3rd quarter, the Chiefs scored 26 unanswered points to close the game and stun the Knights 32-28 to remain unbeaten at 5-0.
The Chiefs started their comeback with 3:30 left in the third as junior quarterback Adam Sepe ran for a 7-yard touchdown. They then scored on their next possession with senior running back Nicco Capaldo scoring his second rushing touchdown of the night to make it 28-19 with 11:30 left in regulation. After a Matt Murtagh interception on the Knights’ next drive, junior wide receiver Dante Placenti ran for a touchdown on a sweep and, with the PAT, made it 28-26 with 7:00 remaining. Finally, with 2:43 remaining, Sepe connected with Placenti for an 82-yard touchdown to put the Chiefs ahead for good.
The win keeps the Chiefs unbeaten at 5-0 and drops West Essex to 5-1.
JSZ’s Ryan Sudol has the highlights and post-game reaction from North Caldwell:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Caldwell and West Essex is made possible by Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.
Rancocas Valley 21 Millville 20 | West Jersey Football League
Syracuse commit delivered the game-sealing interception to halt a furious comeback from the Thunderbolts to keep the Red Devils undefeated. McQueen added a touchdown, while Zach Merhar tossed three touchdowns in the victory for Rancocas Valley (6-0). Robbie O’Connor threw a pair of touchdowns and set the school record for career passing touchdowns for Millville (3-2).
JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from the Holly City:
Northern Highlands 27 Ramapo 17 | Super Football Conference
The Highlanders came out firing in this rivalry matchup, building a 20-10 halftime lead before holding on for a road victory over the Raiders! QB Jack Branagh put the finishing touch on the win with a 60+ yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, while Tucker Kanning added a 38-yard TD run in the opening period. The win marked Northern Highlands’ (4-2) first victory over Ramapo (4-2) since 2022.
JSZ’s Sean Dugan has the highlights + post-game reaction from Franklin Lakes:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Northern Highlands is brought to you by American Dream in East Rutherford.
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Rampo is made possible by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.
Old Bridge 14 Sayreville 12 | Big Central Conference
Leading by two points with 1:24 to go, Chase Rizzo secured a 4th-down interception to give Old Bridge (5-1) its fifth straight win. Aiden Rios accounted for both of the Knights’ touchdowns, with one going through the air to Amari Alsbrook. Sherwin Appiah led the way for the Sayreville (4-2) offense with a game-high 117 rushing yards and a score. Old Bridge has a chance to win the National Gold Division next week in a road showdown against Monroe.
JSZ’s Tyler Mroz has the highlights from Old Bridge:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Old Bridge and Sayreville is brought to you by RWJ Barnabas Health at Old Bridge.
St. Augustine 49 Burlington Twp. 0 | West Jersey Football League
The Hermits held the Falcons to negative yardage for the game, as they bounced back from the loss to Millville in a big way. Dylan Dellanoce threw for nearly 250 yards and three touchdowns, while Roman Coney rushed for a pair of scores for St. Augustine (5-1). Burlington Township (4-2) saw its four-game winning streak come to an end.
JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from Richland:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of St. Augustine is made possible by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.
