Not far from the birth of college football, another New Jersey football program made history of it’s own last year. Piscataway capped off a perfect 13-0 season with a win in the inaugural North Group 5 Bowl Game at MetLife stadium to capture its 10th State Title. In 2019, longtime Head Coach Dan Higgins reloads with a cast sprinkled with less varsity experience, but this year’s group of Chiefs is ready to cement their own legacy come December.  JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez stopped by training camp: Piscataway 2019 Schedule Friday, Sept. 6 — vs. Franklin Friday, Sept. 13 — vs. Sayreville Saturday, Sept. 20 — vs. Edison Friday, Sept. 27 — at New Brunswick Saturday, Oct. 5 — at St. Joe’s (Metuchen) Friday, Oct. 11 — at North Brunswick Friday, Oct. 18 — at South Brunswick Friday, Oct. 25 — at Elizabeth Friday, Nov. 1 — vs. Hillsborough

When Mike Schatzman took over the Minutemen program before last season, he was the third head coach in as many years. After laying a new foundation in 2018, Township hopes to take a big step forward this fall. Seniors Jack Dunn and Zach Andrews will anchor the line for the Minutemen. Senior RB Andrew Nocille and junior TE Jaden Allen will be two more players to watch for Washington Township. JSZ’s Mike Frankel checks in with the Minutemen: Washington Twp. Minutemen 2019 Schedule Friday, September 6th – vs. Cherokee Friday, September 13th – at Kingsway Friday, September 20th – at Atlantic City Friday, September 27th – vs. Eastern Friday, October 4th – vs. Egg Harbor Twp. Friday, October 11th – vs. Holy Spirit Friday, October 18th – at Williamstown Saturday, October 26th – vs. Vineland Friday, November 1st – at Hammonton Coverage of Washington Township is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care.

A disappointing 2-8 season left a sour taste in the mouth of Paramus Catholic’s football program. However, the Paladins are driving into 2019 with a new heir of confidence as last year’s down season fades into the rearview mirror. Led by senior offensive lineman and high D-I recruit Devin Willock — along with juniors Dorian Nowell and Jarred George — the Paladins feel confident as head coach John Whitehead builds a new culture in Paramus. JSZ’s Jay Cook previews the Paladins leading up to the 2019 season: Paramus Catholic 2019 Schedule Thursday, Aug. 29 — vs. West Catholic (P.A.) Saturday, Sept. 7 — at Pope John Friday, Sept. 20 — at Hackensack Friday, Sept. 27 — vs. Seton Hall Prep Saturday, Oct. 5 — at St. Joe’s (Mont.) Friday, Oct. 11 — at DePaul Friday, Oct. 18 — vs. St. Peter’s Prep Friday, Oct. 25 — vs. Bergen Catholic Friday, Nov. 1 — at Don Bosco Prep

The Passaic Tech Bulldogs finished their 2018 season with a 2-7 record. But this year, the team is out for blood. The offense and defense have been working hard this summer at camp. Head Coach Matt Demarest says there is a lot of competition in regards to landing a spot in the starting lineup. The talent is strong and the players are all in. JSZ’s Madison Bess has the full preview: Passaic County Tech Bulldogs 2019 Schedule Friday, Sept. 6 — at West Essex Friday, Sept. 13 — vs. Hackensack Sunday, Sept. 21 – at Seton Hall Prep Saturday, Sept. 27 – vs. Ridgewood Friday, Oct. 4 – at Clifton Friday, Oct. 10 – vs. Kennedy Friday, Oct. 18 — vs. West Orange Friday, Oct. 25 — at Wayne Hills Friday, Nov. 1 — at Eastside

The Newark Central Blue Devils are coming off of a 4-6 record from the 2018 season. They are looking to power ahead with a more balanced offense. They not only plan to be strong runners with the ball, but they are also looking to make strides with their passing. JSZ’s Madison Bess has the full preview: Newark Central 2019 Schedule Saturday, Sept. 7 — vs. Columbia Friday, Sept. 13 — vs. Cedar Grove Friday, Sept. 19 – vs. West Essex Sunday, Sept. 28 – at Nutley Friday, Oct. 4 – vs. Caldwell Saturday, Oct. 11 — at Snyder Saturday, Oct. 19 — vs. West Side Saturday, Oct. 26 — at Lincoln Saturday, Nov. 2 — vs. Imm. Concept.

Boonton made the jump from four wins to seven and a post-season win, the eighth in program history. The Bombers ground attack will be led by Corey Dempster who’s a three-year starter. Boonton will open the season on Thursday, August 29th when they host Kearny, the first official day of the 2019 campaign. Jersey Sports Zone had a chance to catch up with the Bombers during Super Football Conference Media Day: Boonton Bombers 2019 Schedule Thursday, Aug. 29 — vs. Kearny Friday, Sept. 13— at Weequahic Friday, Sept. 20 — at Verona Friday, Sept. 27 — vs. Whippany Park Friday, Oct. 4 — vs. Morris Catholic Saturday, Oct. 12 — at Kinnelon Friday, Oct. 18 — vs. Parsippany Friday, Oct. 25 — at Pequannock Friday, Nov. 1 — vs. Mountain Lakes

A spectacular finish is an understatement. Sayreville capped off an 11-1 season with a thrilling last second victory in the inaugural South Group 5 Bowl Game. The Bombers captured their fifth sectional title and became one of New Jersey’s first State Champions. Having graduated top Division I talent, Head Coach Chris Beagan will look to Seniors Mark Whitford, Anthony Jackson, Glenn Wright Jr. and two-way threat Jayvis Wayside to try and lead the beloved program back to MetLife Stadium in December.  JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez stopped by training camp: Sayreville 2019 Schedule Friday, Sept. 6 — vs. Hunterdon Central Friday, Sept. 13 — at Piscataway Saturday, Sept. 20 — vs. North Brunswick Friday, Oct. 4 — vs. Edison Saturday, Oct. 11 — vs. New Brunswick Friday, Oct. 18 — at Old Bridge Friday, Oct. 25 — at South Brunswick Friday, Nov. 1 — at Union

Pleasantville won a playoff game last season for the first time since 2003. The Greyhounds graduated several Division I athletes, but look to stay in the mix near the top of South Jersey Group 2. Senior RB Joshua Kotokpo and senior LB Ernest Howard will help lead a young but talented team this season. JSZ’s Mike Frankel checks in with the Greyhounds in Pleasantville: Pleasantville Greyhounds 2019 Schedule Friday, August 30th – vs. Salem Friday, September 6th – at Haddonfield Friday, September 20th – at Lower Cape May Friday, September 27th – vs. Gloucester Friday, October 4th – vs. Cedar Creek Friday, October 11th – vs. Gloucester Catholic Friday, October 25th – at Buena Friday, November 1st – at Middle Township Thursday, November 28th – at Ocean City

Rumson-Fair Haven won its fifth sectional title in six years and was one of the first champs in New Jersey’s new bowl series. The Bulldogs were all business on the practice fields as the focus is clearly on keeping this remarkable run going. With 96 players in training camp, Rumson has plenty of depth to replace some of the key contributors from last year’s 10-2 squad. John Volker is expected to lead the rushing attack following the departure of 1700 yard rusher Alex Maldjian. Christian Lanzalotto and Keegan Woods combined for 295 tackles last year at linebacker. Rumson will turn to a collective effort by the defense to fill that void with Ryan Ruane manning the secondary. RFH will open the season in Week 0 against Red Bank Catholic in a game that will feature two of the best in the Shore Conference. Watch JSZ’s preview of Rumson-Fair Haven now: Rumson-Fair Haven 2019 Schedule Friday, Sept. 6 — at Red Bank Catholic Friday, Sept. 13— at Wall Friday, Sept. 20 — vs. Long Branch Friday, Sept. 27 — vs. Toms River North Friday, Oct. 4 — at Manalapan Friday, Oct. 11 — vs. Mater Dei Prep Friday, Oct. 18— vs. Middletown South Friday, Nov. 1 — at Jackson Memorial

Following a first round exit in the Central Group 5 playoffs, Trenton finished 2018 with a record of 5-5. Before equipment was handed out or workouts began, the offseason saw the Tornadoes focus on internal issues such as leadership and team chemistry.  Seniors James Hubbard, a three year starter at wide receiver has made the shift to quarterback while Safety Jazzir Merricks will take on a more prominent role at the slot position. Now with a closely bonded squad Head Coach Greg Hyslop will see if he can lead the city’s beloved program to its first State Title.  JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez stopped by the state capitol for the first day of training camp: Trenton 2019 Schedule Saturday, Sept. 7 — vs. Marlboro Saturday, Sept. 14 — vs. West Windsor-Plainsboro Friday, Sept. 20 — at Rancocas Valley Saturday, Sept. 28 — at Nottingham Saturday, Oct. 5 — vs. Vineland Friday, Oct. 11 — at Allentown Saturday, Oct. 19 — vs. Eastern Saturday, Oct. 26 — at Steinert Saturday, Nov. 2 — vs. Notre Dame Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our Trenton coverage!

Saint Joseph is the two-time defending Non-Public Group 2 state champion, and the Wildcats are eager to return to MetLife Stadium this season. St. Joe will also be traveling north to begin the 2019 campaign, as the Wildcats will battle Highland at Rutgers on August 31st. Senior RB Jada Byers, one of the most electric players in the state, will lead the way on offense. Junior QB Jayden Shertel and junior FB Ahmad Ross are other players to watch on offense for the Wildcats. Junior LB Tyler Paige will be taking charge on the defensive side of the ball. JSZ’s Mike Frankel checks in with St. Joseph in Hammonton: St. Joseph (Hamm.) 2019 Schedule Saturday, August 31 – vs. Highland at Rutgers Friday, September 13 – at Millville Saturday, September 21 – vs. St. Augustine Saturday, September 28 – vs. Atlantic City Friday, October 4 – at Haddonfield Saturday, October 12 – at Vineland Friday, October 18 – at West Deptford Saturday, October 26 – vs. Timber Creek Saturday, November 2 – vs. Holy Spirit

Middlesex 23 Union 7 – Autoland Classic Fans gathered at Kean University for the annual gridiron clash between Middlesex and Union County. Featuring a new name, the Autoland Classic needed an additional 45 minutes to begin due to weather, but once the skies cleared a close back and forth battle would ensue. Aaron Ahr of North Brunswick hit two early field goals to give Middlesex a 6-0 lead nearing the end of the second quarter. Just before halftime Union would score on a Ja’Kir Robinson touchdown to take a one point lead at halftime. Ahr would kick another field goal in the second act which would be accompanied by a Jordan Davis touchdown to put Middlesex ahead 16-7 midway through the fourth quarter. Aaron Ahr received MVP honors for his nine points that accumulated to 92 yards total. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has all the action: 

Jersey Sports Zone is about capturing great video highlights. As we get ready to turn the page towards the 2019-20 school year, we take one more look back at the top games captured by our cameras. We get things started with high school football. The 2019 season will be here before you know it. In August, we’ll begin our team previews throughout the state with a steady diet of features seven days a week. Then we’ll bring cameras around the Garden State every Friday night and Saturday afternoon bringing you extensive highlights and interviews. Here’s a look back on the Top 10 most viewed games on JSZ from the 2018 season: #10: RBC 14 Mater Dei Prep 10 – Non-Public Group 3 State Championship The Shore Conference often takes a backseat to the North Jersey superpowers, but an All-Shore state championship was a special moment for the Jersey Shore. Two outstanding defenses took center stage at MetLife Stadium with the Caseys emerging. #9: Saint Joe’s-Montvale 24 Saint Peter’s Prep 14 – Non-Public Group 4 Semifinals Audric Estime’s 143 yards and 2 TD’s helped the Green Knights punch their ticket to MetLife Stadium #8: Bergen Catholic 24 Saint Joe-Montvale 20 Anthony Corbin sparked a come from behind win with an early fourth-quarter interception and a touchdown run to knock off the #1 team in the state #7 Saint Peter’s Prep 26 Don Bosco Prep 23 (OT) Massai Maynor was the x-factor in a tremendous matchup. His game-winning TD run gave the Marauders a walk-off win #6: Don Bosco Prep 22 Byrnes (SC) 17 The Ironmen opened the 2018 season with a tilt against a South Carolina power. Don Bosco Prep’s late comeback was a great way to kick off 2018 #5: St. Joe’s-Montvale 13 Bergen Catholic 0 – Non-Public Group 4 Final The Green Knights become New Jersey’s #1 team of 2018 after a masterful defensive performance at MetLife Stadium. No need for an umbrella to watch this rain filled state championship: #4: Saint Peter’s Prep 34 Bergen Catholic 7 This was the revenge game of 2018. After Bergen Catholic won the state championship with a dominating win over the Marauders in 2017, Saint Peter’s Prep returned the favor early in the 2018 campaign: #3: Mater Dei Prep 28 DePaul Catholic 23 – Non-Public Group 3 Semifinal Before he was a Notre Dame commit, Clarence Lewis caught the game-winner from Rob McCoy late in the fourth quarter. This was a game that sent shock waves throughout New Jersey and served notice that Mater Dei Prep is a new power outside of the Shore Conference: #2: Bergen Catholic 14 Don Bosco Prep 13 The Crusaders and the Ironmen have to be considered one of the best football rivalries in the country. These two teams never disappoint when they face each other: #1: Bergen Catholic 35 Don Bosco Prep 17 – Non-Public Group 4 Semifinal Two bitter rivals with a spot in the state championship on the line was the recipe for our most viewed game of 2018: High School Football Previews are Coming! Coming up in August, JSZ gets ready for the 2019 football season with previews from every part of the state. We’re excited to head to training camp and get you ready for the big names and stories of the upcoming season. Here were the ten most viewed high school football previews of 2018 on Jersey Sports Zone: Bergen CatholicSaint John Vianney Mater Dei PrepRed Bank CatholicCamden Saint Peter’s Prep Don Bosco Prep Long Branch Rumson-Fair Haven Piscataway

After carrying the rock 156 times for 860 yards and reaching the end-zone 12 times in an eye-opening sophomore season, the Estime Express is gearing up for another championship ride from Montvale to East Rutherford. Rising sophomore running back Audric Estime exploded onto the North Jersey football scene last season and made his name known, week in and week out. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of Audric Estime: Estime’s first varsity season coincided with St. Joe’s winning the Non-Public Group 4 state final in a 13-0 battle — Estime scored the game’s only touchdown. Since the win, his college recruitment exploded. Estime holds offers from Boston College, Nebraska, Maryland, West Virginia, Pitt and Duke, among others. Expect more offers to pour in as the year goes on. Stay tuned with Jersey Sports Zone throughout the summer as we keep you updated on all the most recent recruiting news while showing you top-notch video highlight reelsof New Jersey’s top athletes.

Cody Simon is ready to be a Buckeye, but first he has one more season in New Jersey leading the Marauders defense. The four star linebacker gave his verbal commitment to Ohio State over the weekend. JSZ has a highlight reel from one of the Garden State’s most explosive defensive players. Saint Peter’s Prep linebacker Cody Simon was one of New Jersey’s high impact juniors and the numbers back it up. Simon had 89 tackles, 4.5 sacks, an interception and two fumble recoveries in 2019. He had the knack to make the big play with an 85 yard TD catch against St. Joe-Montvale and an 89 yard pick six TD against Bergen Catholic. With older brother Shayne in South Bend and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Cody made his pledge to the Big Ten and Columbus, Ohio: After much deliberation with my family and coaches, I have made the decision to attend THE Ohio State University‼️I am grateful to now be able to focus on my team and our success for the 2019 season. pic.twitter.com/e2CTj4U0VW— Cody Simon (@Cody_Simon30) June 29, 2019 Jersey Sports Zone has the film to back up the hype on this four-star prospect. Check out Cody Simon’s 2019 JSZ Highlight Reel:

We’re only a matter of weeks away from the start of the 2019 high school football season in New Jersey, and it’s got us at Jersey Sports Zone thinking… Who is the top Class of 2020 recruit the Garden State has to offer? There’s plenty of talented players to choose from, but one certainly stands out from the rest. He’s a four-star recruit, committed to play in the 2019 All-American Bowl and calls Don Bosco Prep home. In case you didn’t guess, we’ll help you out — it’s star tailback Jalen Berger. The 6-1, 187-pound prospect heads into his senior season after hand-picking his Top 10 schools after a national recruitment. Watch Jalen Berger’s JSZ highlight reel: Berger revealed his Top 10 schools earlier this month. The list consists of (in alphabetical order) Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Pitt, Rutgers, Syracuse, and West Virginia. Top 10!! (No Order)🤝 pic.twitter.com/ql4fVsr54J— Jalen Berger (@JalenBerger) June 18, 2019 Berger will be making his college commitment announcement during the All-American Bowl on January 4, 2020. Stay tuned with Jersey Sports Zone throughout the summer as we keep you updated on all the most recent recruiting news while showing you top-notch video highlight reels.