The 2023 football season has finally come to a close and it’s time to recognize the best in New Jersey. From the Zoneman Trophy to the entire All-Zone team – meet the best football players that the Garden State has to offer in our full postseason award breakdown.
Micah Ford Wins 2023 Zoneman Trophy
For the first time ever, Jersey Sports Zone’s top individual football has a repeat winner
Toms River North’s QB Micah Ford once again stands at the top of the mountain in New Jersey high school football. Ford was named the 2023 Zoneman after our team collected 70 total ballots from coaches in all regions of the state and credentialed media. Despite missing nearly four games during the course of the season, Ford was able to get healthy for the state playoffs and lead his Mariners back to a second-straight Group 5 state championship. The Stanford commit tallied 2,569 scrimmage yards and 29 total touchdowns in his final high school season.
JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis profiles Ford through all the twists and turns of a wild season:
Coaches/Media Polled for the 2023 Zoneman Trophy
Walt Currie, Brick Memorial | Dave Oizerowitz, Toms River North | Dave Ellis, Freehold Boro | Matt Ahearn, Colts Neck | Len Zdanowicz, Brick Township | Vito Campanile, Bergen Catholic | Steve Dunn, Rutherford | Smoke Pierre, Irvington | Greg Russo, Paramus Catholic | Nick Campanile, DePaul Catholic | Matt Demarest, Passaic Tech | Rich Hansen III, St. Peter’s Prep | Humberto Ayala, Millville | Garrett Lucas, Rancocas Valley | Anthony Reagan, Woodbury | John Emel, Penns Grove | Keenan Wright, Atlantic City | Jim Raso, Hammonton | Chuck Smith, Mainland | Todd Romano, Caldwell | Dave Cord, Northern Highlands | Todd Smith, Hun | Joe LaSala, Woodbridge | Dom Gaston, Pope John | Wilbur Valdez, Union City | Mike DeFazio, Ramapo | Lou Grasso, Union | Mike Cipot, North Brunswick | Jason Glezmen, Keyport | Joe Goerge, South Brunswick | Dan Sabella, Don Bosco | Zoran Milich, Montgomery | Frank Duffy, Phillipsburg | Jon Simoneau, Bernards | Tim Gushue, Shawnee | Mike Schatzman, Washington Twp. | Mark Hendricks, Kingsway | Brian Bowers, Delbarton | Mike Wilson, Schalick | Tarig Holman, St. Thomas Aquinas | Kevin Smith, Ocean City | Joe Wojceichowski, Lenape | James Melody, Cedar Creek | John Adams, Woodstown | Don Sofilkanich, Sayreville | Thomas Farrell, Manchester Twp. | Jeff Papcun, St. John Vianney | Malachi Timberlake, Pleasantville | Brian Staub, Point Pleasant Boro | Darnell Grant, West Orange | Dan Curcione, Donovan Catholic | Mike Lange, RBC | Milo McGuire, Nottingham | Brian Dunn, Old Tappan | John Tierney, Pinelands | Rich Chrampanis, Jersey Sports Zone | Jay Cook, Jersey Sports Zone | Nery Rodriguez, Jersey Sports Zone | James Mooney, Jersey Sports Zone | Mike Frankel, Jersey Sports Zone | Luis Torres, NJ Advance Media | Ryan Patti, NJ Advance Media | Kevin Minnick, NJ Advance Media | Mike McGarry, Press of Atlantic City | Justin Wimberly, Zone6ix Football | Tom Williams, Prime Events | Mike Kinney, NJ Advance Media | Dave McCarthy, The McCarthy Report | Antonio Morales, NJ Athletics
2023 Zoneman Finalists Highlight Reels
Being named a Zoneman Trophy finalist means you’re recognized as one of the elite players in New Jersey. We’ve got you covered if you want to learn more about each of the six finalists for this year’s award, plus the full seven-year history of the Zoneman Trophy.
Meet the 2023 All-Zone Football Team
Our team covered hundreds of games this season in every corner of the state and we saw some of the best talent in New Jersey. So, let’s meet the 2023 All-Zone team!
JSZ’s Public Offense
(Click each player’s name to watch their profile)
JSZ’s Public Defense
(Click each player’s name to watch their profile)
JSZ’s Non-Public Offense
(Click each player’s name to watch their profile)
JSZ’s Non-Public Defense
(Click each player’s name to watch their profile)
