Cranford High School

We’re beyond the halfway mark of the 2021 New Jersey high school football season and Jersey Sports Zone’s statewide Game Ball polls are still going! Our team of MMJ’s are highlighting batches of stellar performances with game ball voting where players in every corner of the state are honored on a weekly basis. Did we miss a player? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our MMJ’s below. The polls stay open through Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. Thanks to everyone for voting! South Jersey Future nominations can be submitted to Mike Frankel: MikeFrankel@jerseysportszone.com North Jersey Future nominations can be submitted to Jay Cook: Jay@jerseysportszone.com Central Jersey Future nominations can be submitted to Nery Rodriguez: Nery@jerseysportszone.com

Another great week of high school football in New Jersey has 11 nominees captured by JSZ cameras for this week’s Top Play Belt. Check out the top plays and cast your vote! The Jersey Sports Zone team went through all of our clips and have 11 great nominees for our Week 3 Top Plays. The polls are open now through Tuesday at 3pm. The winner of our poll will be presented with the JSZ Top Play Belt at a midweek practice. Watch all of our top plays below and cast your vote! Congratulations to our Week 1 and Week 2 Top Play Belt Winners – Jared Tynes of North Brunswick and Tommy Amanwkaa of Hillsborough! Congratulations to our Week 1 and Week 2 Top Play Wi

The 2021 softball season was much anticipated after no play last year and teams gave fans much to cheer about as JSZ captured the best walk-offs, strike outs, comebacks and much more from around the diamond in New Jersey. Capping off our summer recap series, here is the Top 10 softball games of the year. No. 10: Verona wins it in 12! A marathon between Mahwah and Verona to reach the NJSIAA Group 2 Softball Final ended after twelve innings when a close play at the plate led the Hillbillies to victory on 6/15. Jay Cook has all the action: No. 9: Sophia Mount K’s 15 to reach Group 4 Final  In her first Varsity season, Livingston freshman Sophia Mount pitched a 15 strike out, two hit gem to advance the Lancers to the Group 4 Final on 6/15. Nery Rodriguez was on the call: No. 8: Cranford reigns supreme in Union County Cranford hoisted its first Union County Championship in nearly two decades following a 12 strike out performance from Morrigan Gardiner on 5/27. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez recaps the evening: No. 7: Clayton Lady Clippers are finally State Champions Clayton had a memorable 2021, the Lady Clippers went 28-2 for their best season in school history and Meadow Lake’s one hitter, 10 strike outs led Clayton to the Group 1 State Championship, the program’s first on 6/17. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights: No. 6: Morris Catholic parties like it’s 1986 Morris Catholic’s 35 year wait for a State Title ended on 6/18 when the Crusaders defeated Lodi Immaculate 11-1 for the Non-Public B Championship. Jay Cook recaps the evening: No. 5: Robbinsville takes Group 2 Final  No strangers to Championship hardware, it was an unexpected season for an underclassmen heavy Robbinsville team as they entered the Tournament of Champions for the first time since 2018, following their Group 2 Final win on 6/17. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the call:  No. 4: Livingston walks off with Group 4 Title in 8 Livingston fought for their right to celebrate the program’s first ever State Championship with an eight inning 3-2 Group 4 Title win over Hillsborough on 6/19. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis was there for all the action: No. 3: Donovan Catholic leaves no doubt as NJ’s best team in TOC Final There was not much debate as to who was the best team to end the 2021 season. Donovan Catholic went 29-1 with their best performance coming in the Tournament of Champion Final on 6/20. The Griffins bested Livingston 18-5 with 17 runs coming in the third inning. Rich Chrampanis has the call:  No. 2: Metzger pitches Colts Neck to Group 3 Championship Ava Metzger left no doubt as the Garden State’s premiere pitcher. The Colts Neck senior and Gatorade’s Player of the Year struck out 320 batters in 2021 with eight coming in the Cougar’s 2-0 win over Cranford in the Group 3 State Final for their first ever title on 6/18. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis was there:  No. 1: Adriana Romano’s 6 RBI’s leads epic comeback for Non-Public A Title  Hope seemed lost for Donovan Catholic as the Griffins were down to their last out, trailing by three in the bottom of the seventh of the Non-Public A Final. Adrian Romano having already hit one home run, belted a second with two base runners on to tie the game as Donovan Catholic would go on to win 8-7 in 10 innings. Romano went 3-4 for six RBI’s and also racked up eight strike outs while allowing just one earned run in relief. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights and postgame reaction from Seton Hall University:

It’s a big day in high school softball as spots in the Public state finals are on the line across the state. JSZ has you covered! Check back throughout the day as the highlights come in! Verona 9 Mahwah 8 (12 Innings) | Group 2 State Semifinal Verona punched its ticket to its first-ever state […] To access this post, you must purchase an All Access Pass. You can log in here or purchase an All Access Pass here. Become an All Access Pass Holder. You will be redirected to login or purchase page.

Cranford 5 Governor Livingston 1 | Union County Final (2) Cranford (18-5) defeated (5) Governor Livingston (13-9) 5-1 for the Union County Tournament Championship. The evening was headlined by pitching as Cranford’s Morrigan Gardiner finished with 12 strikeouts while Governor Livingston’s Anna Popola had 10. The score remained tied at 1-1 until an error and […] To access this post, you must purchase an All Access Pass. You can log in here or purchase an All Access Pass here. Become an All Access Pass Holder. You will be redirected to login or purchase page.

JSZ has a pair of marquee games from the diamond for you on this Tuesday. Enjoy the highlights! Mainland 7 Buena 1 It was a Petty Day in Linwood, and Mainland ace Chase Petty pitched another gem. In his third start of the season, Petty twirled a complete game one-hitter, striking out 17 in front […] To access this post, you must purchase an All Access Pass. You can log in here or purchase an All Access Pass here. Become an All Access Pass Holder. You will be redirected to login or purchase page.

Cranford 8 Westfield 2 In a battle of two undefeated Union County Conference teams, Cranford (4-0) defeated Westfield (5-1) 8-2. The 2020 Last Dance Tournament Winners and current top ranked team were able to get out to an early 4-0 lead off a two RBI double from Tony Silva in the bottom of the first. […] To access this post, you must purchase an All Access Pass. You can log in here or purchase an All Access Pass here. Become an All Access Pass Holder. You will be redirected to login or purchase page.

It was a shorter offseason compared to most other years, but the confidence and excitement coming from Cranford is very much through the roof. Cranford – the winners of last summer’s Last Dance World Series – are preparing for the start of a full high school baseball season. The Cougars should open the year as the No. 1 team in New Jersey. The team returns a plethora of weapons who we saw shine in the LDWS. The lineup will include leadoff man Marcus Johnson, Ryan Jaros, Will Gallagher and Luca Limmeria. Joe Carrea and Rob Salvatore are back as well to lead a talented pitching staff. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story:

JSZ honors a season unlike any other with our fourth annual JSZ All-Zone team. We’ve got the top players from New Jersey at every position and the announcement of our 4th Zoneman Trophy Winner The 2020 football season provided incredible memories in the midst of adversity. Despite teams losing games due to the pandemic, JSZ cameras were able to find the best of the best from New Jersey high school football. All this week, we will present the 2020 JSZ All-Zone football team. Audric Estime wins 2020 JSZ Zoneman The St. Joe-Montvale running back will always remember the day he won the Zoneman Trophy. That’s because he happened to make national headlines when he flipped his commitment from Michigan State to Notre Dame signing with the Irish shortly after accepting the JSZ Zoneman Trophy. Estime was a force topping 1800 yards and 22 ground scores in just eight games of action Watch JSZ’s Zoneman Trophy presentation and an extended interview with Audric during his signing day ceremony: Estime received 33 votes from JSZ’s 72 person voting panel of head coaches and statewide media: Thank you to the head coaches and statewide media who cast their vote for the 2020 Zoneman Coaches: Joe Wojechowski, Lenape, Sean Clancy, Notre Dame, Rich Hilliard, St. Joe-Metuchen, Joe LaSala, Woodbridge, Vin Mistretta, Jackson Memorial, Montrey Wright, Salem, Kenny Scott, Winslow, Kevin Smith, Ocean City, Pat Gallagher, Williamstown, Steve Scanlon, Clearview, Chris Sacco, Absegami, Tim Gushue, Shawnee, Pete Lancetta, St. Augustine, John Whitehead, Paramus Catholic, Vito Campanile, Bergen Catholic, John McKenna, DePaul Catholic, Dan Sabella, Don Bosco Prep, Darnell Grant, West Orange, Bill Fitzgerald, Seton Hall Prep, David Schuman, Red Bank Regional, Dan Curcione, Donovan Catholic, Jeff Rainess, Holmdel, Jim Raso, Hammonton, Rich Hansen, St. Peter’s Prep, Tony Grandinetti, Wall, Jim Sharples, Jackson Liberty, Dom Marangi, St. Joe-Montvale, Mike Lange, Red Bank Catholic, Don Klein, Ocean Township, Bryant Garvin, Newark East Side, Jason Acerra, Bayonne, Andrew Patterson, Robbinsville, Brian Bowers, Delbarton, Todd Smith, Hun, Chris Beagen, Sayreville, Dave Ellis, Freehold Boro, Al Chiola, Linden, Dallas Whitaker, Somerville, John Viotto, South Brunswick, John Emel, Penns Grove, Rob Davis, Barnegat, Brian Russo, Rahway, Lou Grasso, Union, Roger Kotlarz, Wayne Valley, Scott Bray, Bridgewater-Raritan, Kevin Kostibos, Summit, Len Zdanowicz, Brick Township Media: Rich Chrampanis, JSZ, Jay Cook, JSZ, Nery Rodriguez, JSZ, Mike Frankel, JSZ, Kenneth Bradley, JSZ, James Mooney, JSZ, Andrew Koob, NJ.com, Sean Miller, NJ.com, Mike McGarry, Press of Atlantic City, Kevin Minnick, NJ.com, Tom Williams, Prime Events, Pat Lanni, NJ.com, Ryan Patti, Rivals.com, Dave McCarthy, McCarthy Report, Shawn Brown, 247 Sports, Chris Melvin, Asbury Park Press, Todderick Hunt, NJ.com, Mike Kinney, NJ.com, Joe Zedalis, NJ.com, Bob Badders, Shore Sports Network, Chris Gallagher, News 12 NJ, Sunil Sunder Raj, Gannett, Kyle Franco, NJ.com, John Jones, Max Preps, GMC Gridron 2020 JSZ All-Zone Non-Public Offense (Click player’s name to watch their JSZ All-Zone profile!) QuarterbackRunning BackWide Receiver Tight EndOffensive LineZoneman Finalists Steve Angeli, Bergen CatholicRyan Butler, Bergen Catholic Naran Buntin, Mater Dei PrepAlex Bauman, Red Bank Catholic Chase Bisontis, Don Bosco Prep Tahj Bullock, St. Peter's Prep Andrew Butler, DePaul CatholicJahdir Loftland, Donovan Catholic Nick Dunneman, Seton Hall Prep Jack Larsen, Seton Hall PrepDominick Brogna, Bergen CatholicCookie Desiderio, Somerville Cole Freeman, DelbartonRickey "Pop" Spruill, Notre Dame Jayon Farrar, Donovan Catholic Nuccio Lisitano, DePaul CatholicCamron McNair, Donovan Catholic Audric Estime, St. Joe-Montvale Kanye Udoh, St. Augustine Prep Nasir Hill, St. Augustine Prep Justin McNulty, Holy SpiritCasey Larkin, Wall Najih Rahman, Red Bank Catholic Aidan Monteiro, St. Peter's Prep Patrick Smith, Holy Spirit Jaylan Sanchez, St. Peter's PrepGeno VanDeMark, St. Joe-Montvale 2020 JSZ All-Zone Non-Public Defense/Special Teams Defensive LineLinebackerDefensive BackKicker/Punter  Dominick Giudice, Mater Dei PrepPJ Casale, Delbarton Jayden Bellamy, Bergen CatholicPatrick Ryan, Delbarton Keshon Griffin, St. Joseph Academy Timmy Hinspeter, Don Bosco Prep Jordan Campbell, St. Peter's PrepSebastien Tasko, St. Joe-Montvale Jake Louro, Red Bank Catholic Frankie Monte, St. Joe-MontvaleJaeden Gould, Bergen Catholic Qy'aeir Price, DePaul CatholicAi'Johnnie Rembert, Holy SpiritJahqir Haley, St. Joseph Academy Ethan Rodriguez, St. Peter's PrepAhmad Ross, St. Joseph AcademyJake Jarmolowich, Delbarton George Rooks, St. Peter's PrepA'Khoury Lyde, DePaul Catholic DJ Samuels, Bergen Catholic 2020 JSZ All-Zone Public Offense QuarterbackRunning BackWide ReceiverTight EndOffensive Line  Joe Crifasi, BectonJaiden Abrams, HammontonJoJo Bermudez, Cedar CreekSean Clapp, RamapoMatthew Fries, Cranford Charles DePrima, RamapoAl-Jay Henderson, IrvingtonJaimen Bryant, SomervilleJordan Harris, Woodbridge Chad Martini, Watchung HillsAli Lee, Jr., WoodbridgeAlijah Clark, CamdenJustin Evans-Jenkins, Irvington Sha'Kim Shuler, Freehold BoroNasir Robinson, Penns GroveXavier Coleman, LenapeWinston Jordan, Highland Regional Demie Sumo, WillingboroTyler Davis, LenapeJoe Metzger, Delsea Will Towns, Jackson MemorialDesmond Igbinosun, UnionJoe Mancino, Holmdel Bhayshul Tuten, PaulsboroAnthony Johnson, Burlington Twp.Grant Puharic, Wall John Volker, Rumson-Fair HavenJake Schneider, Ocean CityBilly Searle, Nutley Josh Toner, Cherokee 2020 JSZ All-Zone Public Defense/Special Teams Defensive LineLinebackerDefensive BackKicker/PunterReturn Specialist Zaire Angoy, IrvingtonLeQuint Allen, MillvilleJayden Brown, Winslow Twp.Jai Patel, South BrunswickAl Shadee-Salaam, East Orange Jihaad Campbell, Timber CreekKharyi Banton, Newark West SideJalen Cheek, Winslow Twp. Donovan Ezeiruaku, WilliamstownLocksley Burke, East OrangeDarian "Duce" Chestnut, Camden Von Factor, Rumson-Fair HavenLuke Cole, LenapeBrody Colbert, Williamstown Luke Doerr-Fredrickson, West MorrisMikai Gbayor, IrvingtonLee Coleman, Salem Mike Jarvis, ShawneeJake Inserra, Ocean CityShaquan Loyal, Newark West Side AJ Pena, SomervilleEmeril Mitchell, Winslow Twp.Dorian Rawls, West Orange Jordan Thompson, Parsippany HillsCharlie Sasso, WallRyan Ruane, Rumson-Fair Haven John Testa, Wayne ValleyKeon Sabb, Williamstown Corey Walker, Newark West Side Meet the 2020 Zoneman Finalists Tahj Bullock, St. Peter’s Prep QB Before ever taking a snap at St. Peter’s Prep, fans and coaches on the St. Peter’s Prep stands and sidelines buzzed about a kid nicknamed “Ducee” who would take New Jersey by storm. Now Tahj Bullock’s illustrious high school career is over – and he’ll be discussed as one of the most impactful player to ever play for the Marauders. Bullock, a Virginia Tech commit, flashed in the six games St. Peter’s Prep played in this season. He completed 51 percent of his passes for 818 yards and a touchdown to interception ratio of 12:0. Ducee also accounted for 306 yards and six more touchdowns on the ground, bringing his career touchdown total to an impeccable 52 scores. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story on Bullock Cookie Desiderio, Somerville RB Players like Cookie Desiderio don’t come around very often – and the numbers he produced in 2020 were just as unique. The Somerville bruiser exceeded every and all exception in this wild season with 1,569 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on only 152 carries. That comes out to 10.3 yards every single time Desiderio took a handoff. You know what makes those numbers so impressive? It’s the fact that Desiderio did it in only seven games and that he surpassed every single benchmark he previously set in his junior season. Desiderio becomes the second player in Somerville history to be nominated for the award (Jalahn Dabney, 2018.) The recognition is well-deserved. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the feature: Audric Estime, St. Joe’s (Mont.) RB Audric Estime put in an offseason for the ages to deliver one of the most dominant single season efforts anyone has ever seen in North Jersey. While playing in arguably one of the toughest divisions in the entire country, the St. Joe’s (Mont.) product ran roughshod over the competition for 190 carries, 1,857 yards and 22 touchdowns. All of those were career highs in only eight games played. The Michigan State commit was also the only player in the state to account for 2,000 scrimmage yards and finished 2020 with a total 2,042 yards and 24 touchdowns. The Big 10 better be ready for what’s coming. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story: Casey Larkin, Wall ATH Both the soul and heartbeat of Wall’s undefeated 2020 team is, without question, Casey Larkin. A starter on both sides of the ball for the Crimson Knights, Larkin shined in every game he played. At running back, he rushed for 870 yards and 13 touchdowns on only 97 carries. At defensive back, Larkin anchored the Crimson Knights defense with 32 tackles, five pass defenses and a fumble recovery. Wall won the unofficial Shore Conference championship this season and finished the year 7-0. Larkin delivered two standout performances in the semifinal and finals. Some in New Jersey consider Wall to be the state’s top-ranked team – if they indeed are, then Larkin had a major say in that decision. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the story: Patrick “Cheeks” Smith, Holy Spirit RB If you ask any high school football fanatic in South Jersey who the area’s top player was this season, the answer would be short and quick: Cheeks. Patrick Smith, the Holy Spirit standout, was an absolute force to be reckoned with every time the rock was in his hands. Smith concluded an unforgettable 2020 campaign with 1,719 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on a workhorse-like 221 carries this season. Holy Spirit ended the season at 8-0 after becoming the unofficial South Jersey champions with a 21-7 win over Lenape in the WJFL Bracket A Final. Smith’s incredible top-end speed and vision helped drive the Spartans to the upper echelon on New Jersey high school football in a crazy season. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the feature: JSZ Plays of the Year The JSZ Football Plays of the Year will wrap up on December 21st with the six winners of each category vying for the top overall play of the year. We’ll interview the winner on December 23rd! Special Teams TD of the Year: Monday, Dec. 7th through Wednesday, Dec. 9th.TD Pass Play of the Year: Thursday, Dec. 10th through Saturday, Dec. 12th.Defensive TD of the Year: Sunday, Dec. 13th through Tuesday, Dec. 15th.TD Run of the Year: Wednesday, Dec. 16th through Friday. Dec. 18th.Sack of the Year: Saturday, Dec. 19th through Monday, Dec. 21st.2020 Overall Play of the Year (6 Plays of the Year winners): Monday, Dec. 21st through Wednesday, Dec. 23rd

We’ve got another tremendous group of nominees that dazzled JSZ cameras in Week 7. Check out our Top Plays and cast your vote now! Jersey Sports Zone had cameras all around the state for Week 7 of the 2020 high school football season. We have 10 nominees up for this week’s JSZ Top Play. Watch our video and cast your vote NOW! The polls stay open through Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. The winner of our poll will get a visit from JSZ and be presented with the Top Play Belt. Thanks to everyone for watching our highlights. Check out some great plays from Week 7: Take Our Poll Congratulations to Vineland’s Levi Manson for winning the JSZ Top Play Belt for Week 6!

Before we turn to the gridiron over the weekend, the JSZ team has highlights from three in-conference matchups. Stay tuned for our coverage as it pours in! Rumson-Fair Haven 8 RBC 0 | Boys Luke Pentikis had three goals and an assist to lead a second straight dominating game by the Bulldogs. RFH had a […] To access this post, you must purchase an All Access Pass. You can log in here or purchase an All Access Pass here. Become an All Access Pass Holder. You will be redirected to login or purchase page.

The Cougars leave no doubt as they claim New Jersey’s Last Dance World Series championship in convincing fashion with a 12-2 win in five innings over Jackson Memorial in Trenton. Watch JSZ’s extended highlights and team coverage of the final game in this remarkable tournament Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance World Series highlights were brought to you by Sterling National Bank Cranford 12 Jackson Memorial 2 (5 Innings) | Last Dance World Series Championship Cranford came into single elimination play as the #13 seed out of the North but ended July as the undisputed top team in New Jersey with its third consecutive rout of a highly ranked state baseball power. The Cougars outscored Don Bosco Prep, Bergen Catholic and the Jaguars by 34-2. Cranford jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first and put the game away with a devastating eight-run second inning. Joe Corea pitched outstanding and went the distance to seal the championship. JSZ brings you extended highlights as well as post-game reaction from Arm&Hammer Ballpark in Trenton: Thanks to Louro Chiropractic Center for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage of Jackson Memorial through the Last Dance World Series Jersey Sports Zone’s post-game coverage and championship features is brought to you by RWJBarnabas Health, the title sponsor of the Last Dance World Series

We now know the final four teams left in the 222-team Last Dance Tournament. JSZ has highlights from a pair of North Jersey games at TD Bank Ball Park and another duo from the South Jersey bracket at FirstEnergy Park in the Elite 8 round. Stay tuned as the highlights roll in all day long! Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank. North Region | Elite 8 | TD Bank Ballpark Bergen Catholic (BC Crusaders) 4 Delbarton (Tidal Wave) 2 Luis Delacruz was on his game Tuesday as the Bergen Catholic catcher knocked in all four of his team’s runs as the Crusaders stood tough and knocked out the defending Non-Public A champions. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of all Bergen Catholic athletics is brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics. Cranford (Cougar Baseball) 12 Don Bosco (DiamondBacks) 0 #13 seed Cranford punched its ticket to the North Region final with a dominating 12-0 victory over #1 seed Don Bosco. The Cougars held onto a tight 2-0 lead early before getting a jolt in the sixth inning when Cranford put six runs on the board. Aiden Plick and Ryan Juros combined for seven RBI’s while Will Gallagher pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just one hit and striking out eight. Cranford will face Bergen Catholic in the North final. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights:  South Region | Elite 8 | FirstEnergy Park Sader Baseball (Bishop Eustace) 3 vs. Gloucester Catholic (Brooklawn) 0 Eustace pitcher Anthony Solometo spent his first two seasons at GC, and the North Carolina commit threw a gem against his former team. Solometo allowed just one hit and struck out 12 in six innings of work. David Alleva delivered the key hit of the ballgame; a three-run homer in the 4th inning. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction: Coverage of Gloucester Catholic is made possible by NJM Insurance. Jackson Jags (Jackson Memorial) 6 Falcon Baseball (St. Joseph Met.) 1 Matt Potok went the distance on a 4-hitter, striking out 9 and walking none and the Jaguars touched two future ACC pitchers for four runs in the second inning to earn a spot in the South Championship game vs. Bishop Eustace. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights form Lakewood: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Jackson Memorial is brought to you by Louro Chiropractic Center Jersey Sports Zone’s championship preview and post-game MVP interviews this week are brought to you by RWJ Barnabas, the title sponsor of the Last Dance World Series

A new week means we’re down to the Round of 32 in the Last Dance Tournament. The stakes are high with single elimination action at big-time venues all over the state. Jersey Sports Zone has cameras at most of the games on Tuesday, so be sure to check back throughout the night for all of the exciting action! Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank. South Region | Arm & Hammer Park Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking 6 Lawrence Irish Road (Notre Dame) 2 It was a matchup many anticipated being the 2020 Mercer County Tournament Final prior to the cancellation of spring sports. Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking (Hamilton West) defeated Lawrence Road Irish (Notre Dame) 6-2 following a four-run rally in the top of the seventh started by senior David Zamora. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights:  Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring both our Hamilton West and Notre Dame coverage. South Region | First Energy Park Brooklawn (Gloucester Catholic) 1 Middletown North 0 Tyler Parks threw a gem for GC, allowing just three hits in a complete-game shutout. The UNC-Charlotte commit struck out six. Adam Gates played a big role in the win as well, throwing out a Lions runner at the plate, and driving in the only run of the game with a sixth-inning single. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction from the home of the Blue Claws in Lakewood: Coverage of Gloucester Catholic is brought to you by NJM Insurance. Middletown North coverage is made possible by ACI Medical and Dental School. South Region | First Energy Park Washington Twp. 11 Sussex Red (High Point/Wallkill Valley) 1 (5 innings) The Minutemen cruised into the Round of 16 thanks to strong outing on the hill from Nick Hammer. The La Salle commit allowed just one earned run in five innings of work. Dylan Sharkey and Colson Gonzalez both drove in runs, and had two hit apiece in the victory. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from Lakewood: Coverage of Washington Township is made possible by Cooper University Health Care. North Region | Yogi Berra Stadium Don Bosco Prep 7 Governor Livingston 6 The Ironmen score six times in the sixth inning to avoid an upset and advance to the Last Dance Sweet 16. The Highlanders had the #1 seed in the North on the ropes scoring twice in the first and adding three more runs in the 5th to take a 5-0 lead. But Don Bosco had three 2-run base hits from Michael Drenzin, Kevin Stefanski and Charlie Granatelli to take a 7-5 lead. Governor Livingston loaded the bases in the 7th but saw a controversial non-call go against them and fell short as Caden Dana got the strikeout to end it with the go-ahead run on second base. This was one of the most thrilling games of the tournament and JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has all the highlights: North Region | Yogi Berra Stadium Bergen Catholic 10 Mount Olive 0 (6 innings) The Crusaders erupted for six runs in the bottom of the first inning and University of Maine commit Angelo Deer threw five shutout innings to get BC a spot in the Sweet 16 of the Last Dance. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Yogi Berra Stadium Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Bergen Catholic is brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics North Region|TD Bank Ballpark Delbarton (Tidal Wave) 12 Wood-Ridge 0 The Tidal Wave has proven to be arguably one of the most complete teams competing in the Last Dance. Liam Corcoran, Mark Darakjy, Kyle Vinci, Matt Carey and Nick McLaughlin all contributed into another blowout win. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights: South Region | Arm & Hammer Park Jags (Jackson) 4 Middlesex 0 North Region|TD Bank Ballpark Cranford 13 Errico Baseball Club (Montclair) 9 The Cranford Cougars are moving forward in the Last Dance! Aiden Plick, Jake Diclerico, Mike Murphy powered an explosive Cougars offense through to the tournament’s next round. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights: South Region | Owens Park Bishop Eustace 11 Cherokee 5 The Crusaders erased a three-run deficit in the third inning, and pounced on some late mistakes to punch its ticket to the Round of 16. Charlie Sanzio and Joe Pence led the way for SBC, combining for 5 RBIs in the game. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Owens Park: South Region | Owens Park Williamstown 7 BPC Spartans (Holy Spirit) 3 The Braves’ bats caught fire as they powered past the Spartans and into the Round of 16. Greg Zerbe got the Braves on the board with a solo homer in the second inning. Brody Colbert and Ryan Achey delivered a pair of 2 RBI singles as part of a five-run fourth inning. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Owens Park: South Region | First Energy Park Kingsway 4 Howell 3 The Howell Rebels controlled the majority of the game off the efforts of Vin Impresa on the mound. But a late pitching change for the Rebels kept Kingsways hope alive. The comeback ensued and the Dragons put up three unanswered runs in the seventh inning to secure the win and advance to the Round of 16. JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights from Lakewood: South Region | First Energy Park Falcons Baseball (St. Joes Metuchen) 6 Deptford 3 In their first game are the senseless death of former teammate Dan Anderl, St. Joes Metuchen was all business in their win over Deptford. The Falcons scored at least one run in the first 5 innings from a slew of players. Underclassman RHP and UVA Commit Donovan Zsak had 9 strikeouts over 6 IP for St. Joes. The Falcons will take on Williamstown tomorrow morning in the Round of 16. JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights from Lakewood: Coming this Friday….JSZ Top Plays from the Last Dance Tournament We’ll compile the top plays captured by JSZ cameras in the second week of the Last Dance Tournament and ask you to vote for the top play. The winner of our poll this weekend will get a JSZ Game Ball and a presentation with their teammates. Thanks to RWJ Barnabas for supporting the Last Dance Tournament and our coverage!

The third annual JSZ Football Banquet featured the top players in New Jersey, an inspiring JSZ Courage Award and Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano opening our ceremony. It all capped off with Woodrow Wilson’s Fadil Diggs winning the Zoneman Trophy. Watch Jersey Sports Zone’s team coverage now! Rutgers Greg Schiano speaks at third annual Jersey Sports Zone Football Banquet The top high school football players from every part of New Jersey were assembled at the Delta Hotel in Woodbridge for the JSZ Football Banquet. Before the highlights of the 2019 JSZ All-Zone team, Rutgers head football coach Greg Schiano got things started with a great message to the honorees. The Scarlet Knights have made it known that recruiting the best players in -state is a top priority. Schiano was joined by assistant coaches Nunzio Campanile and Fran Brown to celebrate New Jersey’s best on the gridiron: Fadil Diggs wins JSZ Zoneman Trophy Woodrow Wilson defensive end and wide receiver Fadil Diggs took home the JSZ Zoneman Trophy. The Texas A&M commit helped lead the Tigers to a South Group 3 Regional Championship and won the balloting among NJ head football coaches and statewide media members. St. Joe-Hammonton running back Jada Byers was the runnerup. Byers and Diggs had equal first-place votes but Fadil was on nine more ballots in the Heisman style voting which gave him the top honor: The Zoneman Trophy was presented by NJM Insurance. Thanks to NJM’s Joe Dotro for being on hand to honor the best players in New Jersey! Zoneman Voting Name High School 1st 2nd 3rd Total Fadil DiggsWoodrow Wilson252411134 Jada ByersSt. Joe-Hammonton251610117 Jalen BergerDon Bosco Prep13182499 Cody SimonSaint Peter's Prep12142080 Luke WyplerSt. Joe-Montvale251026 Kyle MonangaiDon Bosco Prep42521 Thanks to everyone from around the state who was part of the Zoneman process Zoneman Ballots JSZ Staff: Rich Chrampanis, Nery Rodriguez, Mike Frankel, Jay Cook Statewide Media: Chris Melvin, Asbury Park Press, Dave McCarthy, McCarthy Report, Todderick Hunt, NJ.Com, Bob Badders, Shore Sports Network, Kevin Minnick, NJ.Com, Andrew Koob, NJ.Com, Pat Lanni, NJ.Com, JJ Conrad, NJ.Com, Mike McGarry, Press of Atlantic City, Ryan Patti, Rivals.Com, Tom Williams, PrimeEvents.Net, Tom McGurk, Courier-Post, Brian Carr, NorthJerseySports.Com, Shawn Brown, 247 Sports, GMC Gridiron, Joe Zedalis, NJ.Com, Mike Kinney, NJ.Com, Mike Fenske, MJF Recruiting, Brian Dohn, 247 Sports, JP Parachini, Worrell Media Coaches: John McKenna, DePaul Catholic, Vito Campanile, Bergen Catholic, Dallas Whitaker, Somerville, Dan Russo, Vineland, Pete Lancetta, St. Augustine Prep, Jim Raso, Hammonton, Tim Gushue, Shawnee, John Emel, Penns Grove, Rob Hinson, Timber Creek, Dennis Thomas, Millville, Steve Scanlon, Clearview, Chuck Smith, Mainland, Joe Hoyle, Dwight Morrow Bill Fitzgerald, Seton Hall Prep Montrey Wright, Salem Kevin Smith, Ocean City Kevin Stetser, Egg Harbor Twp. Joe Wojceichowski, Lenape Jay Graber, Matawan Kevin Kostibos, Summit Dan Higgins, Piscataway Ken Loomis, Wildwood Vin Mistretta, Jackson Memorial Jeff Rainess, Holmdel John Fiore, Montclair Brian Bowers, Delbarton John Whitehead, Paramus Catholic Barris Grant, Hillside Len Zdanowicz, Brick Township John Adams, Woodstown Benji Wemberly, Hackensack Rob Davis, Barnegat Marion Bell, West Side Jamil Jackson, Elizabeth Drew Gibbs, Ramapo Rich Hansen, St. Peter’s Prep Wilber Valdez, Union City Kevin Carty, Hillsborough Frank Duffy, Phillipsburg Augie Hoffmann, St. Joe’s (Mont.) Ed Guerreri, Manalapan Jim Sharples, Jackson Liberty Brian Russo, Rahway William Nahan, Randolph Drew Lachenmayer, Allentown David Schuman Red Bank Regional Kenny Scott, Winslow Twp. Brian Leary, Highland LJ Clark, Lakewood Dan Sabella, Don Bosco Sean Clancy, Notre Dame Chris Thomas, Pitman Dan George, Long Branch Clifton Tabb, Pennsauken Mike Schatzman, Washington Twp Tim Hagerty, Glassboro Ralph Cinque, Clifton Sights and Sounds from JSZ Banquet Before the players came inside to eat dinner and watch JSZ’s All-Zone presentation, Nery Rodriguez gave us some red carpet coverage having fun with some of the best players in the state! JSZ Courage Award Winners Coach Dwayne Savage, Kenneth Smith – Camden Coach Chris Sacco, Ernest Howard, Pleasantville Jersey Sports Zone’s Mike Frankel was shooting highlights of Camden and Pleasantville in the state playoffs when gunshots rang out during the third quarter wounding two and killing 10-year old Micah Tennant. Through adversity, both towns turned to their football teams to help unite communities and begin the healing process. JSZ was proud to honor four great leaders with this award. In case you missed it, Jersey Sports Zone chronicled the resumption of the Camden/Pleasantville game at the home of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles Meet the 2019 JSZ All-Zone Team QuarterbackRunning BackWide ReceiverTight EndOffensive LineZoneman Finalists Michael Alaimo, St. Joe-MontvaleJaiden Abrams, HammontonTedy Afful, DePaul CatholicKevin Bauman, Red Bank CatholicChandler Bird, Saint AugustineJalen Berger, Don Bosco Prep Louie Barrios, Cedar CreekMyles Bailey, North BrunswickAhmad Brown, Holy SpiritDominic Busby, Seton Hall PrepBryan Felter, Bergen CatholicJada Byers, St. Joe-Hammonton JD Breslauer, Parsippany HillsMatt Colantuono, Seton Hall PrepEJ Comerford, Parsippany HillsShawn Collins, MontclairBardhyl Gashi, West EssexFadil Diggs, Woodrow Wilson Tahjamell Bullock, Saint Peter's PrepCorey Dempster, BoontonCarnell Davis, St. Augustine PrepCharles Finley, DePaul CatholicJalen Genao, Union CityKyle Monangai, Don Bosco Prep Andrew Butler, DePaul CatholicAudric Estime, St. Joe-MontvaleMalik Harvey, Woodrow WilsonLucas Giordano, Seton Hall PrepCody Simon, St. Peter's Prep Ryan Clark, Donovan CatholicEthan Harris, Northern HighlandsKyree Hinton, SomervilleNajae Hallenbeck, Toms River NorthLuke Wypler, St. Joe-Montvale Charles DePrima, RamapoMalik Ingram, Mater Dei PrepConnor Kennedy, LenapeDeclan McCauley, Westfield Devin Kargman, Woodrow WilsonAli Lee, Jr. WoodbridgeChris Long, WillingboroJosh Toner, Cherokee Connor Katz, CranfordMuheem McCargo, Woodrow WilsonJelani Mason, Saint Peter's PrepColin Tunc, Bergen Catholic Vincent Pinto, Park RidgePiotr Partyla, LyndhurstMalachi Melton, Cedar CreekGeno VanDeMark, St. Joe-Montvale Andrew Sanborn, UnionTrebor Pena, OceanAhmirr Robinson, UnionDevon Willock, Paramus Catholic Hank Shapiro, WestfieldFrank Riggio, VeronaGriffin Rooney, WestfieldIsaiah Wright, Saint Peter's Prep Zakee Swann, IrvingtonByron Shipman, Saint Peter's Prep Jake Tirone, RamapoTarheeb Still, Timber Creek Cortaz Williams, Notre Dame Zahir Swann, Irvington Defensive LineLinebackerDefensive BackKicker/PunterJSZ All-Prep Team Jeremiah Grant, Bergen CatholicTirek Austin-Cave, CamdenNahree Biggins, HillsideVincenzo Rea, ManalapanAaron Armitage, Blair Academy Jahmir Greene, Don Bosco PrepBobby/Tommy Coury, PhillipsburgDarian "Duce" Chestnut, CamdenSebastien Tasko, St. Joe-MontvaleNick DeGennaro, Hun Dominick Giudice, Mater Dei PrepJake DeLuccia, Wayne ValleyNasir Clerk, IrvingtonChristian Forbes, Lawrenceville Cameron Horsley, CinnaminsonSolomon DeShields, MillvilleJermaine Corbett, Long Branch Ian Franzoni, Hun Aaron Lewis, WillamstownGordon Forsyth, Rumson-Fair HavenCasey Larkin, WallSanoussi Kane, Blair Academy Leon Lowery, North BrunswickMikai Gbayor, IrvingtonClarence Lewis, Mater Dei PrepChristopher Mayo, Peddie Tywon Malone, Bergen CatholicCharlie Gordinier, Red Bank CatholicJoe Lusardi, SummitMatt Sluka, Peddie Andrew Messineo, RidgewoodTyreem Powell, VinelandElijuwan Mack, St. Joe-MontvaleKorey Smith, Peddie Collin McCarthy, Jackson MemorialColin Ramos, Don Bosco PrepJordan Morant, Bergen Catholic Isaiah Raikes, Saint Augustine PrepMakhi Scott, Penns GroveRJ Moten, Delran George Rooks, Saint Peter's PrepDalton Short, ShawneeAlex Odom, Kingsway Khurram Simpson, Mater Dei PrepClyde Washington, LenapeRomaine Robinson, Don Bosco Prep Amin Vanover, Saint Joe-MontvaleJack Wittmaack, RidgewoodEric Rogers, Burlington Twp. Ryan Ruane, Rumson-Fair Haven Keon Sabb, Glassboro DJ Woodbury, Burlington City JSZ Top Plays from 2019 We had the Top Play Belt winners of 2019 and the end of year Plays of the Year winners attend the banquet. Thanks to everyone who voted all year long! Jersey Sports Zone Weekly Top Play Winners Week 0: Sam Williams, PingryWeek 1: Thomas Amankwaa, HillsboroughWeek 2: David Hicks, Red Bank RegionalWeek 3: Nate Summerville, ShawneeWeek 4: Nasir Calhoun, Donovan CatholicWeek 5: Nasir Abney, Holy CrossWeek 6: Mike Casanata, Wayne HillsWeek 7: Jada Byers, St. Joe-HammontonWeek 8: Jake Cook, MainlandWeek 9: Jimmy Pepe, Randolph Week 10: Lonnie Cebulski, Jackson Memorial Jersey Sports Zone Plays of the Year Winners Touchdown Run of the Year: Billy Guidetti, Red Bank Catholic Touchdown Pass Play of the Year: Hank Shapiro/Griffin Rooney, Westfield Defensive TD of the Year: Wally Doman, Jackson Memorial Special Teams TD of the Year: Damon Murray, Hoboken Sack/Big Hit of the Year: Amin Vanover, St. Joe-Montvale Clutch Play of the Year: Jahmir Brown, Woodbridge Viewers Choice Play of the Year: Brandon Martins, Nutley 2019 JSZ Zoneman Trophy Finalists In case you missed it, watch JSZ’s profile of our six Zoneman Finalists: Jalen Berger, Don Bosco Prep Jalen Berger has been one of New Jersey’s most prolific recruits throughout his four-year varsity career as the starting running back at North Jersey power Don Bosco Prep. Berger, named a 2020 All-American, delivered the goods in his senior season while accounting for 1,218 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns for the Ironmen. Berger remains uncommitted yet holds offers from college football’s best — Alabama, Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, LSU and Michigan are among the schools recruiting him. The announcement will come on live TV during the All-American bowl on Jan. 4 from San Antonio, TX. Jada Byers, St. Joseph (Hamm.) There’s no other way to put it — Jada Byers is the most dynamic scoring threat to ever grace South Jersey. Byers, a Sacred Heart commit, was an electric runner with the football who scored a South Jersey record 102 touchdowns in three years of varsity play with the Wildcats. His mark of 644 career points ranks second in South Jersey history only behind Kevin Harvey. The highlights of Byers’ 2019 season was a 10-touchdown performance against Morris Catholic in the sectional semifinals. Fadil Diggs, Woodrow Wilson There might not be a better two-way player in the Garden State. The Woodrow Wilson star and future Texas A&M Aggie shined on both sides of the ball in a stellar 2019 season. He collected 95.5 tackles and 17.5 sacks on defense while also catching 65 passes for 1,031 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense. Woodrow Wilson head coach Preston Brown told JSZ Diggs is the best player in Camden’s history. Kyle Monangai, Don Bosco Prep Talk to anyone in North Jersey and they’ll tell you Don Bosco Prep doesn’t get back to it’s winning ways without Kyle Monangai on the field. After transferring to the Ramsey private school from Seton Hall Prep after his sophomore season, Monangai put up eye-popping numbers. He put up 2,903 scrimmage yards on 310 touches with 35 touchdowns in arguably the toughest conference in America. He holds 25-plus D-I offers yet remains uncommitted. Cody Simon, St. Peter’s Prep He’s the best player on the best team in New Jersey — does anything else need to be said? Simon’s boasts one of the most polished resume’s we’ve seen in years. He was a preseason for the 2019 Butkus Award, was one of five N.J. players named an All-American and is committed to play at Ohio State. Simon led the Marauders with 106 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions and four touchdowns on defense and special teams. Luke Wypler, St. Joe’s (Mont.) What does it take to be ranked the No. 1 center in the entire country? Watch the way Luke Wypler dominates on the gridiron. Wypler’s intelligence and intensity on the field is a major reason why St. Joe’s had the toughest offensive line in the state — that translated to a Non-Public Group 4 championship in 2018. Wypler, also named a 2020 All-American, is committed to play at Ohio State after a stellar career in Montvale.

The opening round of the state playoffs concludes with Saturday action all around the state. JSZ has two fourth-quarter rallies, an upset by Notre Dame and a revenge win for Ocean City. Watch our teaser and then scroll down to watch all the action Westfield 27 Bridgewater-Raritan 23 | North 1 Group 5 The Blue Devils rallied from a 23-0 deficit late in the third quarter to put together 27 unanswered points and one of the great comebacks in NJ high school football playoff history. Hank Shapiro threw for 317 yards and 3 TD passes including the 29-yard TD pass to Griffin Rooney on the game-winner. Rooney and John Czarnecki both topped 100 yards receiving in the win. Westfield will take on top seed Ridgewood in the sectional semifinal. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from one of the most exciting games of 2019: Jersey Sports Zone brought you this incredible game thanks to the support of Princeton Orthopaedic Associates (Bridgewater-Raritan) and Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (Westfield). Notre Dame 34 Delbarton 31 | Non-Public Group 4 Notre Dame (9) captured its first playoff win since 2004 with a 34-31 victory over Delbarton (8). The Irish got a lift from running back Cortaz Williams who finished with 210 rushing yards, four touchdowns and an interception. ND advances to face St. Peter’s Prep (1) in the quarterfinals. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our Notre Dame coverage. Special thanks to Tip of the Spear Football for sponsoring our Delbarton coverage. Irvington 22 Cranford 21 | North 1 Group 4 The Blue Knights rally for 14 fourth-quarter points capped off by a Taiyon Battle touchdown run with 2:16 left in the game to rally into the sectional semifinal. Connor Katz threw three first-half touchdown passes to give the Cougars a 21-8 halftime lead but Irvington got a 50-yard TD from AJ Henderson and Battle’s game-winner to earn a date with top seed Northern Highland in round two. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the comeback from Irvington: Thanks to Quick Chek for supporting JSZ’s high school football playoff coverage Ocean City 21 Mainland 14 | South Group 4 Just eight days after losing to the Mustangs 21-6, the Red Raiders exacted revenge against their rivals. Joe Repetti threw two touchdown passes to Jake Schneider and ran for a score to lead the way for Ocean City. Zack Graziotto threw two touchdown passes for Mainland in the loss. The Mustangs had the ball inside the Red Raiders ten yard line with under a minute left, but Chris Armstrong recovered a fumble to seal the win for OC. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction as Ocean City earned its first playoff win since 2001: Paramus Catholic 42 St. Joseph (Met.) 7 | Non-Public Group 4 Paramus Catholic might be the No. 10 seed in the Non-Public Group 4 bracket, but the Paladins sure didn’t play like it. Michael Hudson was thrust into the starting quarterback role Saturday and led the way with a four-touchdown performance in a blowout win against No. 7 seed St. Joseph. The Paladins will face No. 2 St. Joe’s (Mont.) next Saturday. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Metuchen: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of the state playoffs is proudly sponsored by QuickChek. Hillside 36 Cinnaminson 2 | South Group 2 Hillside has a habit of jumping up five scores on their opponent before halftime — it was the opposite on Saturday as the Comets exploded for 36 points in the second half to blowout Cinnaminson in the opening round of the state playoffs. JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights from Hillside: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Cinnaminson is provided by NJM Insurance. Delran 29 Manasquan 14 | South Group 2 University of Michigan commit R.J. Moten’s 51-yard touchdown late in the first quarter was the spark fifth-seeded Delran used fly right past No. 4 seed Manasquan in the opening round of the state playoffs. Dustin Desher, Eren Ibas, Jake Bauman and Kenny Fletcher all contributed to a Bears attack that outgained Manasquan 334-157. Delran advances and will face top-seeded West Deptford next Friday. JSZ has the highlights from Manasquan: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of the state playoffs is made possible by QuickChek. Paulsboro 20 Glassboro 14 | South Group 1 The Red Raiders jumped out to an early 12-0 lead over the Bulldogs, but needed a stout defensive effort in the second half to preserve the win. Bhayshul Tuten scored twice for the Red Raiders to highlight a productive day on the ground. Paulsboro advances to the Group 1 South semifinals and will host 3-seed Gateway next Saturday. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Paulsboro: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of the state playoffs is proudly sponsored by QuickChek.

We’re in Day Two of the state playoff tournament and JSZ has plenty of action from up and down the state. Highlights are coming from Carteret’s late come-from-behind win; a battle between all-state scorers Rob Higgins and Daniel Sofield; Colonia advancing with a big double-digit win and the RBC girls advancing thanks to a star freshman. Enjoy all the action! (6) Carteret 55 (11) Parsippany Hills 54 – Boys North 2 Group 3 First Round Carteret held off Parsippany Hills to advance to the second round of the North 2 Group 3 tournament. Despite being down as many as 12, the Ramblers battled back to tie the game and with 5.7 seconds remaining. Senior Tim Ellis then put Carteret ahead on a late free throw to seal the victory. Ellis finished the night with 18 points, six rebounds and two steals. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights:  Sponsor! Thank you to Campazino restaurant for sponsoring our Carteret coverage! (4) Colonia 56 (13) Cranford 36 – Boys North 2 Group 3 First Round Chad Baker had 18 points and 10 rebounds and Luke Valeriano scored his 1000th career point on a free throw late in the third quarter as the Patriots used a 20 point 4th quarter to pull away in a first round state playoff win. Colonia will host #5 seed Snyder in the quarterfinals. JSZ has the highlights and post-game reaction from the Patriots 21st victory of the season: (9) Middletown North 47 (8) Jackson Liberty 42 – Boys Central Jersey Group 3 First Round A testy battle between two of the Shore Conference’s most pure scorers did not disappoint, but it was Middletown North’s Rob Higgins getting the upper hand on Jackson Liberty’s Daniel Sofield. Higgins scored a game-high 22 points, but it was his defensive efforts limiting Sofield that stood out most. JSZ’s Jay Cook has all the highlights from Jackson: (7) Red Bank Catholic 62 (10) Camden Catholic 47 – Girls Non-Public South A First Round The Red Bank Catholic Caseys punched their ticket to the quarterfinal of the Non-Public South A Tournament on Tuesday night, defeating the Camden Catholic Fighting Irish. RBC’s freshman standout, Justine Pissott, scored the game-high 19 points. Sophia Sabino and Julia Setaro also scored in the double digits with 11 and 12 points, respectively. RBC will take on St. John Vianney in the quarterfinal on Thursday, Feb. 28. JSZ’s Madison Bess has the highlights from Red Bank: Sponsor! Thank you to Playa Bowls in Red Bank for sponsoring Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Red Bank Catholic! Sponsor! Thank you to NJM Insurance for sponsoring Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Camden Catholic!

It’s the final weekend of regular season football in New Jersey and JSZ has extended coverage.  With the impending Nor’Easter moving games to Friday afternoon, we have 15 games of action.  Check back in for Bergen Catholic’s emphatic win over DePaul, a Middletown South upset of RFH, plus Ramapo and Hillside closing out perfect regular seasons, a controversial TD in Notre Dame’s win over Trenton plus much more!  Watch our Friday Highlights Teaser than scroll down to watch all the action! Bergen Catholic 42 DePaul 7 Nebraska-commit Rahmir Johnson rushed for 261 yards and two scores and Garrett Cody hauled in three touchdown passes as Bergen Catholic rolled to a dominant win against DePaul. It’s the second week in a row the Crusaders have scored 42 points, and they seem to have found a groove as the Non-Public Group 4 playoffs soon begin. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Wayne: Sponsor Shoutout! Without our great sponsors, Jersey Sports Zone wouldn’t be able to bring great highlights like this game between Bergen Catholic and DePaul. Thanks to Equinox Fitness, we can! We appreciate their sponsoring of all Bergen Catholic athletics.             Middletown South 14 Rumson-Fair Haven 7 Trevor Brey had a pair of 1-yard TD runs and the Middletown South defense produced two fourth-quarter interceptions to seal an upset win.  Both teams close out the regular season with 6-2 records and will be home next week for the playoffs.  JSZ has the highlights and post-game reaction from the Swamp: Sponsor Shout Outs! Thanks to Gold Coast Cadillac for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage of Rumson-Fair Haven and Monmouth Building Center was the reason we were there for Middletown South’s big win to close out the regular season! Notre Dame 21 Trenton 7 After losing their opener to Allentown, Notre Dame went on to win the rest of their games to finish the year 7-1. In their latest victory the Irish took down Trenton 21-7 to be Co-Champions of the WJFL Capitol Division along with the Tornadoes. Late in the fourth Trenton down by a single possession thought they came up with an interception but Notre Dame running back Ricky “Pop” Spruill also caught the ball resulting in a touchdown to put the game out of reach. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights:   Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring both our Notre Dame and Trenton coverage! Nottingham 26 Allentown 24 In their regular season finale Nottingham bounces back from a home loss to Notre Dame last week to defeat Allentown 26-24. Dionte Nicholson and Marc Kauffman were able to not only make plays on offense, but on defense as well including a sack from Nicholson late in the fourth that would lead to the game ending bat down by the North Stars. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for our coverage of Nottingham and Allentown. We look forward to bringing you more North Star and Red Birds highlights all year long! Ramapo 42 Randolph 0  AJ Wingfield had 259 yards of total offense and threw two TD passes to Isaiah Savitt as well as running for another score as the Green Raiders made a major statement in a battle of unbeatens.  JSZ has the highlights of the North Jersey showdown: Hillside 39 Cranford 10 | Hillside Finishes Regular Season Undefeated  Hillside defeated a group 4 school for the first time in school history today. Ugwu, Nicolas-Paul, Willis, and Biggins all contributed to the win with their star QB Gavin Melendez throwing for ever 250 yards. Head Coach of Rutgers Football, Chris Ash, was there to see some of the action. Check out full highlights now brought to you by our MMJ Courtney DuPont: Somerville 58 Cranford 10 | Somerville Undefeated Regular Season Jalahn Dabney did his thing today. He had 237 passing yards, 157 rushing yards, ran in 2 touchdowns and threw 4 more. What more can you ask for from a quarterback? Check out highlights of the man who does it all now: Pope John 30 Seton Hall Prep 20 Quarterback Niko Hroncich went wild with four touchdown as Pope John captured their first win of the 2018 season. Hroncich and the Lions went on a 22-3 run in the second half fueled by three touchdowns from the signal-caller. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from West Orange: Newark Central 42 Montclair Immaculate 15 Syfee Campbell had three touchdowns and Mohammad Kamara had an amazing three-play sequence that featured a QB pressure, an interception followed by a 52 yard TD catch as the Blue Devils wrapped up the regular season with their fourth win of the season.  Watch JSZ’s highlights from Codey Field in Montclair:   Toms River North 31 Southern Regional 21 Jarrod Pruitt had three touchdown runs including a pair in the fourth quarter as the Mariners broke a 14-14 tie with 17 points in the final 12 minutes.  Ray Carlson had a key interception in the opening minute of the fourth quarter to help TRN reach the 6-2 mark.  JSZ has the highlights of the regular season finale in Ocean County: Thanks to CJA Construction for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage of Toms River North all year long. Holmdel 31 Raritan 0 The Hornets stung quickly and often Friday night, scoring on special teams as well as moving the ball up and down the field, en route to a 31-0 win over crosstown rival Raritan. Holmdel running back Dean Gallo had a rushing touchdown and a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown in the effort. JSZ’s Bryan DeNovellis has the highlights from Hazlet: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of all Holmdel and Raritan is brought to you by BCB Bayshore with a headquarters on Laurel Avenue in Holmdel.             Freehold Boro 42 Howell 7 Sha’Kim Shuler had four touchdown runs and two TD passes as the Colonials close out the regular season with a dominating performance at home.  JSZ has the highlights of the Shore Conference finale for playoff bound Freehold Boro: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Freehold Boro is sponsored by Playa Bowls in the Freehold Raceway Mall Williamstown 14 St. Augustine Prep 7 The Braves continued their dominant ways under rainfall Friday night as Williamstown captured an undefeated regular season and the WJFL’s American Division title. JSZ’s Mike Frankel is on the call: St.  Joseph (Hamm.) 28 Holy Spirit 14 The Wildcats overcame a 14-0 first quarter deficit and scored 28 unanswered points to again put South Jersey on notice thanks to their explosive play, Junior tailback Jada Byers rushed for a remarkable 266 yards and a pair of scores in the win, including a potential JSZ Week 8 Top Play nominee. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: Pennington 41 Point Pleasant Beach 14 Brandon West threw for 239 yards and 4 TD passes to lead the Red Raiders to their 6th win of the season.  JSZ has the highlights of Pennington at Point Pleasant Beach from Friday night on the Jersey Shore: Thanks to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates (Pennington) and Peak Coaching for Success (Point Pleasant Beach) for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage for the 2018-19 school year  

The high school football season heads into Week Three and Jersey Sports Zone had cameras around the state capturing everything from upsets to blowout wins to record-setting coaching nights.  Click below to watch a preview of our Friday Week 3 coverage then scroll below to watch 11 games of action from around New Jersey: Union 34 Phillipsburg 24 Playing at Maloney Stadium in Phillipsburg is no easy task. In fact, the Stateliners hadn’t lost a home game since 2016, but tonight that streak ended. The Union Farmers’ explosive offense, led by Junior QB Andrew Sanborn, took down Phillipsburg 34-24. Sanborn had over 300 passing yards and two touchdowns. Our MMJ Courtney DuPont has can’t miss fourth quarter highlights for you! Check it out now: Sponsor Alert!! Coverage of Phillipsburg is brought to you by the Garnet Booster Club. Thanks to this great sponsor JSZ can bring you exciting PBurg Highlights all year round. Rahway 22 Cranford 0  After opening the season with blowout victories fans couldn’t wait to see the matchup between Rahway and Cranford. The game would be much tighter for both teams as the score remained at 0 heading into half time. In the third quarter Rahway quarterback Jakeer Robinson would find Dashon Moore for a 12 yard touchdown that would lead to 22 unanswered points in the Indians’ shutout victory. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights:  Ramapo 35 Old Tappan 7 Ramapo head coach Drew Gibbs became the winningest football coach in school history thanks to a dominant performance from his team. Quarterback AJ Wingfield had four touchdowns and Max Baker scored three on their way to beating the Old Tappan Golden Knights for the first time in a decade. JSZ’s Jay Cook has all the highlights from Old Tappan: Red Bank Catholic 42 Red Bank Regional 7 Steve Lubischer threw four touchdown passes to Jaden Key in the first half and Billy Guidetti scored a pair of rushing TD’s in the second half as the Caseys improve to 3-0.  JSZ has the highlights of Shore Conference football action in Little Silver: Two great sponsors are the reason we can bring you RBC/RBR highlights.  Thanks to Playa Bowls in Red Bank and Ryser’s Landscape Supply for their support of Jersey Sports Zone Saint John Vianney 37 Middletown North 20 The Lancers rallied from a three-point halftime deficit with 20 unanswered points in the second half to even its record at 2-2.  Kavon Chambers topped 200 yards on the ground with 2 scores and Josh East had a TD run to go along with 2 TD passes.  JSZ has the SJV comeback from Friday night in Middletown: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Saint John Vianney is made possible by BCB-Bayshore, your community bank! Rumson-Fair Haven 28 Brick Memorial 14 Alex Maldjian had three TD runs giving him 12 total scores on the season and Ian O’Connor caught a 40 yard TD pass from Collin Coles to help RFH reach the 4-0 mark on the season.  JSZ has the highlights of Shore Conference football from Brick: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Rumson-Fair Haven is being brought to you by Gold Coast Cadillac Brick Township 34 Freehold Boro 15 The combination of Jim Leblo and Cole Groschel shined on offense and defense as the Green Dragons pulled away with two late touchdowns in the fourth quarter.  JSZ has highlights of the Green Dragons putting the game away in the late stages: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Freehold Boro is made possible thanks to Playa Bowls in the Freehold Raceway Mall Asbury Park 27 Point Pleasant Beach 6 Junior Haughton ran for 81 yards and a score and Kahlik Walker added two TD runs as the Blue Bishops picked up their first win of 2018.  JSZ has the highlights from Asbury Park: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Point Pleasant Beach is made possible thanks to Ryne Olsen and Peak Coaching for Success Ewing 27 Hopewell Valley 7 Tywayne Reed had two TD’s in the 4th quarter and Caleb Stokes added a TD run to go along with a TD pass as the Blue Devils score 20 in the 4th quarter to improve to 2-1 on the season.  JSZ has the highlights and post-game reaction from Madison Bess from this WJFL showdown: Thanks to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage of Ewing and Hopewell Valley Camden 45 Delsea 15 The High outplayed Delsea in the second half of action as Camden rolled to a 45-15 win over the Crusaders. Rameer Nock and Monte Williams led the way with three touchdowns apiece. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: Sponsor Shoutout! Thanks to Jersey Sports Zone’s newest sponsor, NJM Insurance, we’ll be able to bring you great highlights from schools across southern and western New Jersey.           Timber Creek 24 Vineland 10 The Timber Creek Chargers zapped Vineland by two touchdown thanks to a half dozen turnovers on defense. The Timber Creek defense also only allowed a staggering 5 rushing yards all game. On the highlights is JSZ’s Mike Frankel: MORE HIGHLIGHTS TO BE POSTED THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT

Ocean Township 42 Lakewood 37 (OT) – Central Jersey Group 3 Boys Andrew Seager had 15 points and 17 rebounds as the Spartans outscored the Piners 5-0 in overtime to advance to round two of Central Jersey Group 3.  Lakewood had two chances to win in regulation and Ocean missed a go-ahead free throw.  In OT, the Spartans got a free throw, a Brian Lauststen offensive rebound and layup and a Seager dunk to advance.  Watch the highlights of a Shore Conference battle in the state playoffs: Thanks to Inzelbuch Law for giving us the ability to bring you Lakewood Piners highlights and features all year long Winslow Township 62 Hammonton 34 – South Jersey Group 3 Boys The #11 seed raced out to a 14-0 first quarter lead and had ten different players score in a road win at #6 Hammonton.  SNJ Today’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from South Jersey: Red Bank Regional 52 Cranford 31 – North 2 Group 3 Girls  Meghan Murray scored 17 points to lead three Bucs in double digits as RBR is through to the second round of the state playoffs for a second straight year.  Caitlyn Decker added 14 points and senior guard Bridget Tobin contributed 12 points.  Red Bank Regional travels to Chatham in round two.  JSZ has highlights of the Bucs home win: JSZ’s coverage of Red Bank Regional is made possible by Ryser’s Landscape Supply. Delsea 61 Deptford 55 – South Jersey Group 3 Girls Glory Morton scores 23 points to lead Delsea into the South Jersey Group 3 Quarterfinals and a showdown with top seed Mainland.  SNJ Today’ s Mike Frankel has the highlights:  

Last week, Mike Bruno of Johnson High School, won the Mid-State Game Ball for his outstanding performance in week 8 against the North Plainfield Canucks. This week we have a new set of nominees who have preformed exceptionally this past week. Vote now for your favorite week 9 athlete, and they could receive the Week 9 Game ball, as well as, a Game Ball Ceremony featured right here on Jersey Sports Zone! Take Our Poll If you would like to nominate a player for a game ball please try to do so by Saturday evening, or Sunday morning through email. Please include in your email the player’s name, the team he players for, and his stats for the weekend. You may send your email to JSZ’s Courtney DuPont at courtney@jerseysportszone.com Week 8 Game Ball Ceremony: