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RBC’s Gordinier commits to Boston College
One of the top returning players from Red Bank Catholic’s state championship team has committed to play football in the ACC for the Boston College Eagles. Charlie Gordinier saw his offers skyrocket following an outstanding junior season that saw 83 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and an interception. He also came on late in the season at tight end making a number of key catches. He’s projected at tight end at the next level. Gordinier held 14 FBS offers including LSU, UCLA, Michigan State, Syracuse and Maryland before choosing the Eagles. Gordinier will be reunited with teammates (QB Steve Lubischer) at BC, but first Charlie will be one of the top players in the Shore Conference looking to lead the Caseys to back to back state titles. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel from Charlie Gordinier’s junior season: I am extremely blessed and excited to say that I am committed to Boston College to further my academic and athletic career! #DecideToFly 🦅 pic.twitter.com/SJOWksw191— Charlie Gordinier (@cgordinier22) April 10, 2019
Hillside’s Brian Ugwu Commits to Rutgers
Hillside’s senior linebacker and running back, Brian Ugwu, officially made his decision and put the pen to paper on Wednesday afternoon. The 6-3, 228-pounder will attend Rutgers University next fall. Ugwu has had an accomplished high school career, leading his team to their first sectional title in 32 years. The multifaceted player received many offers from other Division I football programs such as University of Pittsburgh and Temple University. But, Ugwu decided to stay local and loyal to the team who has shown him love since the start of his recruitment process. JSZ’s Madison Bess was in Hillside for Ugwu’s special day:
Woodrow Wilson’s Stanley King Staying Home, Commits to Rutgers
Stanley King is ready to represent his home state at the next level. The 6-5, 175-pound wideout hailing from Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden put pen to paper Wednesday morning and officially signed his National Letter of Intent with Rutgers University. King has left a legacy as one of the best playmakers in South Jersey history. He was named an Under Armour All-American this season and posted 148 receptions, 2,516 yards and 28 touchdowns over his high school career. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel from King’s senior season: No. 8 was the main offensive weapon on a Woodrow Wilson squad that scored 34 points per game, accrued a 9-4 record and won the South Jersey Group 3 sectional title in a 22-14 win over Burlington Township. King was one of 12 wide receivers selected to JSZ’s All-Zone statewide team, joining the likes of Charles Njoku (UCLA), Jaaron Hayek (Villanova), John Metchie (Alabama), Ayir Asante (Holy Cross) and fellow Rutgers commit John Guaimano. This play making WR is staying home! Welcome to the Brotherhood, @StanleyK_‼️ pic.twitter.com/m2yfH8MxDq— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) February 6, 2019 King selected Rutgers over Western Michigan, where his high school quarterback and JSZ Zoneman Finalist Nick Kargman is committed to. King was initially verbally committed to Louisville but decommitted just before his senior year started.
Bergen Catholic’s Tyler Devera Commits to Maryland
Tyler Devera emerged as New Jersey’s top tight end during his senior season and the Bergen Catholic product has officially made his college commitment. The 6-4, 225-pound Wayne native revealed he will continue his football career at Maryland. Devera made the official announcement via his Twitter account during Super Bowl LIII. C O M M I T T E D❗️…. LOCKS LESSONS🐢🐢#FearTheTurtle pic.twitter.com/Sh5Eoo8jpe— ₮Đ (@TylerDevera) February 3, 2019 Devera was the top receiving option in on an explosive Bergen Catholic offense that made it to the Non-Public Group 4 title game. Devera had a team-high 45 receptions for 613 yards and five touchdowns. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of Tyler Devera’s senior season here: Tyler Devera was one of four tight ends named to JSZ’s 2018 All-Zone team, alongside Red Bank Catholic’s Kevin Bauman (Notre Dame), West Deptford’s Jason Collier (Pitt) and Hun’s Dylan Deveney (Georgia Tech). Devera whittled his Top 5 list down to Maryland, Colorado, Louisville, UMass and Rutgers, where he decommitted from prior to the 2018 season.
Wayne Hills’ Charles Njoku Commits to UCLA
The top remaining uncommitted wideout in New Jersey has made his college choice. Charles Njoku, the 6-4, 200 pound wide receiver from Wayne Hills High School, announced Friday night he will be attending UCLA. Appreciated the journey but my story isn’t finished yet. COMMITED…all glory to god pic.twitter.com/ATOl5Wqzx8— C.C ΝJΘΚU (@Charles_Njoku3) January 26, 2019 Njoku was arguably New Jersey’s most dominant wide receiver during the 2018 season. He hauled in 52 catches, 1,106 yards and a staggering 16 touchdown receptions. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel from Njoku’s senior season here: Njoku was the top weapon on a high-octane Wayne Hills team that went 11-2, scored 34.9 points per game, won the North 1 Group 4 sectional final and also captured the inaugural North Group 4 Bowl at MetLife Stadium. If his last name sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Older brother David Njoku played tight end at the University of Miami and was selected 29th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2017 NFL Draft. His other brother, Evidence Njoku, is a redshirt freshman wide receiver currently enrolled at the University of Miami.
Assemblyman Wimberly Pushing for Increased Sensitivity Training in NJ Sports Programs
Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly (D-Passiac) has been around high school sports for more than half his life. He’s experienced levels of discrimination and unconscious bias over those years and says it still exists to this day. That’s why Wimberly is the lead sponsor on a bill creating guidelines for mandatory sensitivity training programs aimed at all athletic directors, coaches and referees associated with all public and non-public high schools sanctioned by the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association. The bill was unanimously voted out of the state’s Assembly Education Committee Thursday afternoon as legislators from both sides of the aisle pledged their support. Jersey Sports Zone’s Jay Cook was in Trenton for the hearing and has the story: Wimberly believes the training program should occur every four years and educate on topics like gender and sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, disabilities, religious tolerance, unconscious bias and diversity and inclusion. The bill, A-4679, still needs a sponsor in the state senate before it can progress through that legislative body. There’s no timeline on when the bill could reach the Assembly and Senate floor for a vote.
SJR’s Smith Vilbert Commits to Penn State
One of New Jersey’s top remaining uncommitted Class of 2019 prospects has a new home. Smith Vilbert, a senior defensive end for St. Joe’s (Mont.), announced Friday he will be signing his national letter of intent to play Division I football at Penn State University. Vilbert made the announcement via his personal Twitter account. Blessed to say that I am committed to Penn State University 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾#weare pic.twitter.com/gkQtelKWQO— Smithvilbert (@Smithvilbert2) January 18, 2019 Vilbert was a proverbial wrecking ball for the Green Knights during his senior season. In 2018, the 6-7, 251-pounder collected 43 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, had 11 quarterback hurries and notched nine sacks, second only behind Notre Dame commit Howard Cross III. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of Vilbert’s senior season: Vilbert anchored a defensive line that wrecked havoc on passers all season long in one of the country’s toughest high school conferences. St. Joe’s (Mont.) finished at 10-2 this past year and won the Non-Public Group 4 state sectional title. The Green Knights shut-out reigning champions Bergen Catholic, 13-0. After coming onto the scene in his senior season, Vilbert racked up 19 major D-I offers, including programs like Oregon, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Syracuse and Maryland. Vilbert joins All-American offensive lineman Caedan Wallce (Hun School, Princeton) and quarterback Taquan Roberson (DePaul Catholic, Wayne) as fellow Class of 2019 Penn State signees.
Top NJ Football Recruits Put Pen to Paper
Congratulations to the dozens of New Jersey high school football players who inked their National Letters of Intent Wednesday morning. Jersey Sports Zone has coverage from the St. Joe’s (Mont.) and Newark Central signing days as their top recruits make their college choices official. State Champs Grieco, Cross III Highlight SJR Signing Day Two of New Jersey’s most feared defensive players have made their college choices. Both JSZ All-Zone team members, defensive back Connor Grieco officially signed with Boston College and defensive lineman Howard Cross III will join Notre Dame. Grieco was one of the highest ranked uncommitted recruits coming into this week after decommitting from Rutgers mid-season. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story on the eight SJR signees: Central High School’s Mohammad Kamara Chooses Temple University Newark’s Mohammad Kamara made his decision public and official on National Signing Day at Central High School in front of his friends, family members, teammates and coaches. The Top 50 Linebacker was between Rutgers and Temple. However, Kamara signed with Temple University, and will further his athletic and academic career in Philadelphia next fall. JSZ’s Madison Bess was there to watch him sign his name on paper: Four Pleasantville Greyhounds Sign Meanwhile at Pleasantville High, four Greyhounds football players signed Division I letters of intent. Three of the four will play football, with one heading to track and field in college. Mohamed Toure is part of Rutgers Signing Day Class. SNJ Today’s Mike Frankel has more from South Jersey:
Shadon Willis Is The Heart of Hillside
Make no bones about it — Shadon Willis is the unquestioned Heart of Hillside. Albeit a talented football player, it’s the tribulations and challenges Willis overcame in an early life without parents and through the foster care system that make him one of his town’s most beloved young men. It’s also the main reason why Willis was presented the 2018 Heart of a Giant award, a collaboration between the New York Giants, USA Football and the Hospital for Special Surgery. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the inside look at Willis’ transformation into the young man he is today: Willis won JSZ’s Top Play for Week 4 and proudly wore his Top Play belt throughout the 2018 season:
Somerville’s Dabney wins 2018 JSZ Zoneman, top players honored in Woodbridge
The 2018 Jersey Sports Zone banquet celebrated a stellar season on the gridiron in the Garden State. The APA Hotel in Woodbridge honored the best of the best from every part of the state and culminated with our version of the Heisman. Watch all the videos from a special night to honor the newest members of the JSZ All-Zone fraternity! Somerville QB Jalahn Dabney is your 2018 Zoneman Winner After a stellar senior year with Somerville, a majority of coaches and credentialed media from around the state selected Jalahn Dabney as the 2018 Zoneman Trophy winner. Dabney amassed 3,444 all-purpose yards and 55 touchdowns for the Pioneers this season. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the interview with Dabney along with other players selected to JSZ’s All-Zone team. Zoneman Preshow Before the Zoneman banquet action kicks off check out our pre-show interviews with JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez: NJM’s Colin Dansberry with JSZ All-Zone quarterback Jay Foley of Haddonfield High School Jersey Sports Zone’s Zoneman Trophy was presented by NJM Insurance. Thanks to their support of South Jersey high school sports all year long! 2018 JSZ Zoneman Balloting With over 50 high school coaches around the state and more than 20 statewide media members, the ballots were cast just like the Heisman. 3 points or 1st place, 2 points for 2nd and 1 point for third. Name High School 1st 2nd 3rd Total Jalahn DabneySomerville188474 Antonio AlfanoColonia86440 Nick KargmanWoodrow Wilson641036 Jada ByersSt. Joe-Hammonton74231 Rahmir JohnsonBergen Catholic62426 Steve LubischerRed Bank Catholic44626 Taquan RobersonDePaul Catholic36122 Jalen BergerDon Bosco Prep24519 Juwon JacksonPiscataway25218 Ronnie HickmanDePaul Catholic33217 John OlmsteadSt. Joe-Metucehn32316 Jasiah PurdieHasbrouck Heights30110 Brian UgwuHillside1218 Jermaine CorbettLong Branch2006 Zoneman Trophy Balloting Committee Thanks to everyone from around the state who was part of the Zoneman process JSZ Staff: Rich Chrampanis, Nery Rodriguez, Courtney DuPont, Jay Cook, Bryan DeNovellis, Mike Frankel Statewide Media: Shawn Brown (Rivals), Kevin Minnick (NJ.com), Joe Zedalis (NJ.com), Pat Lanni (NJ.com), JJ Conrad (NJ.Com), Todderick Hunt (NJ.com), Simeon Pincus (My Central Jersey), Chris Melvin (Asbury Park Press), Mike Kinney (NJ.com), Bob Badders (Shore Sports Network), GMC Gridiron, Mark Trible (Courier-Post), McCarthy Report, Brian Carr (North Jersey.com), Ryan Patti (Rivals.com), Coaches: Paramus Catholic, Randolph, Colonia, Hillside, Bridgewater-Raritan, North Hunterdon, Bergen Catholic, Allentown, West Deptford, DePaul Catholic, Holmdel, Keansburg, Rumson-Fair Haven, Seton Hall Prep, Ramapo, Red Bank Regional, Brick Memorial, Freehold Boro, Irvington, Red Bank Catholic, Toms River North, Manalapan, Westfield, Phillipsburg, Bernards, Hillsborough, Somerville, Hunterdon Central, Rutherford, Trenton, Delaware Valley, Buena, Butler, High Point, Matawan, Penns Grove, South River, Salem, AL Johnson, Willingboro, Nottingham, Haddonfield, West Orange, Piscataway, Lincoln, Notre Dame, Lenape, Sayreville, Brick Township, Pitman In case you missed it, watch JSZ’s profile of our six Zoneman Finalists: Meet The 2018 Zoneman Trophy Finalists Antonio Alfano, Colonia Defensive Lineman Alfano has been the consensus top-ranked 2019 football recruit all season long and there’s good reason why. He is one of five New Jersey players selected to play in the 2019 All-American Bowl and is committed to play for Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide. Alfano dominated his competition in the Greater Middlesex Conference with 79 tackles and 10 sacks this season, along with a staggering 28 tackles for losses. JSZ’s Jay Cook gives you the inside-look at what makes Alfano such a highly-touted prospect: Jada Byers, St. Joseph (Hamm.) Running Back Byers was as electric as they come in the Garden State during his junior campaign. He looked like he was shot out of a cannon with the ball in his hands, rushing for 1,741 yards and 29 touchdowns on the season, all while helping power his St. Joe’s Wildcats to yet another Non-Public Group 2 championship. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez takes you down to Hammonton for a behind-the-scenes look at South Jersey’s most electrifying runner: Jalahn Dabney, Somerville Quarterback Dabney took over the starting quarterback job in Somerville at the end of the 2017 season and showcased his dynamic playmaking ability well throughout 2018. He compiled 3,444 yards from scrimmage this season and reached the end-zone 56 times to lead one of New Jersey’s most dangerous offenses. JSZ’s Courtney DuPont tells us what makes this dual-threat quarterback tick: Nick Kargman, Woodrow Wilson Quarterback Kargman will graduate from Woodrow Wilson with plenty of state records compiled during his senior season. The decorated South Jersey passer broke the state record single season passing mark with 3,963 yards and his 41 passing scores rank atop the state lists, as well. But what’s even more impressive is Kargman’s character off the field, as it’s made him an important part of the Woodrow Wilson community. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez tells us what makes Kargman so special: Rahmir Johnson, Bergen Catholic Running Back Johnson became the first Bergen Catholic rusher to break the 1,000-yard mark since 2008, a true testament to the level of competition that the Crusaders face on a week-to-week basis. After teammate Josh McKenzie went down with a torn ACL, Johnson assumed the full-time starting role and showcased his elite speed and craftiness all season long. He closed 2018 with 1,334 yards and 11 rushing scores. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story about this humble teammate and Nebraska commit: Steve Lubischer, Red Bank Catholic Quarterback Intelligence and athleticism is the blend of characteristics that has made Lubischer one of New Jersey’s most talented signal callers. At Red Bank Catholic, Lubischer blossomed into a premier dual-threat passer who had the ability to break the game on any down. JSZ’s chief operating officer Rich Chrampanis followed Lubischer’s trajectory all season long and tells us why this Boston College commit is so special: Other Top Vote-Getters Only the top-six vote-getters are on our Zoneman podium, but there were other plenty of players around the Garden State who had great seasons and garnered votes from coaches and media around the state. Those players were: 7th Place: Taquan Roberson, DePaul Catholic quarterback: Roberson, a Penn State commit, closed out his senior season in masterful fashion for the Spartans. He threw 29 touchdowns for 2,432 yards and will go down as one of the most decorated quarterbacks to play in New Jersey. 8th Place: Jalen Berger, Don Bosco Prep running back: Berger led one of New Jersey’s most talented backfields at Don Bosco Prep by displaying elite patience and explosiveness. Only a junior, he holds offers from top-tier Power 5 college football programs and has plenty more in the tank for his senior year. 9th Place: Juwon Jackson, Piscataway running back: Jackson was a main reason why Piscataway reached a 13-0 record and won both a sectional title and a newly-minted “Bowl Game” at MetLife Stadium. He rushed for 1,898 yards and 31 touchdowns on the season. 10th Place: Ronnie Hickman, DePaul Catholic wide receiver/defensive back: Hickman was arguably the most dangerous two-way player in New Jersey. Committed to Ohio State, Hickman was one of five New Jersey football players selected to the 2019 All-American Bowl. His senior season was unfortunately cut short due to a torn ACL late in the year. Josh Henderson wins JSZ 2018 Prep Player of the Year Hun running back and University of North Carolina commit Josh Henderson was named JSZ’s 2018 Prep Player of the Year. Henderson accepted his award during JSZ’s 2nd annual All-Zone football banquet in Woodbridge. Watch Courtney DuPont’s story on the future Tar Heel: Jersey Sports Zone’s Prep Player of the Year was presented by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates Meet the 2018 JSZ All-Zone Team We will be posting our highlight videos of every player honored throughout the next day – check back to click on the links below and see our highlights from our 2018 JSZ All-Zoners! QuarterbackRunning BackWide ReceiverTight EndOffensive LineZoneman Finalists Micahel Alaimo, St. Joe-MontvaleJean Alvarez, Union CityAyir Asante, St. Peter's PrepKevin Bauman, Red Bank CatholicKevin Cerruti, Long BranchJalahn Dabney, Somerville JC Collins, WillamstownJalen Berger, Don Bosco PrepMax Baker, RamapoJason Collier, West DeptfordBryan Felter, Bergen CatholicAntonio Alfano, Colonia Jay Foley, HaddonfieldAidan Borguet, DelseaGarrett Cody, Bergen CatholicDylan Deveney, HunJermaine Donaldson, EasternNick Kargman, Woodrow Wilson Danny Grozozski, Burlington TownshipJermaine Corbett, Long BranchJohn Guaimano, Cedar GroveTyler Devera, Bergen CatholicCJ Hanson, Saint John VianneyJada Byers, St. Joe-Hammonton Maasai Maynor, St. Peter's PrepGBJ George, LindenJaaron Hayek, Wayne HillsChristian Mahogoney, Paramus CatholicRahmir Johnson, Bergen Catholic Rob McCoy, Mater Dei PrepJoe Green, PhillipsburgConnor Holmes, SayrevilleSean Morris, St. Joe-HammontonSteve Lubischer, Red Bank Catholic Taquan Roberson, DePaul CatholicMalik Ingram, Mater Dei PrepMarlyn Johnson, PeddieJohn Olmstead, St. Joe-Metuchen Tom Sharkey, Wayne HillsJuwon Jackson, PiscatawayStanley King, Woodrow Wilson Bence Polgar, Wayne Hills Jack Stagaard, PhillipsburgMax Jackson, SummitJayvin Little, Timber CreekBlerim Rustemi, DePaul Catholic AJ Wingfield, RamapoJacob Mafaro, Kittatinny 2018 JSZ Plays of the Year Thanks to everyone who voted in our weekly polls for the JSZ Top Play Belt and for our year-end Football Plays of the Year. Every one of these players was honored at the JSZ banquet in addition to the All-Zone team. Watch all their great plays NOW! Jersey Sports Zone Weekly Top Play Winners Week 0: Tyler Phillips, Weequahic High School Week 1: M.J. Wright, Red Bank Catholic High School Week 2: Chris Kladrovics, Middletown High School South Week 3: Nick Cataldo, Camden High School Week 4: Shadon Willis, Hillside High School Week 5: Donovan Bacchetta, Lacey Township High School Week 6: Kyle & Kevin Vandever, Hammonton High School Week 7: Dominick Jacob, Toms River North High School Week 8: Rickey Eng, Pennington School / Lucas Loffredo, Edison High School Week 9: Nick Recine, Piscataway High School Jersey Sports Zone Plays of the Year Winners Touchdown Run of the Year: Jean Alvarez, Union City High School | Jada Byers, St. Joseph High School (Hamm.) Touchdown Pass Play of the Year: Jalahn Dabney/Kyree Hinton, Somerville High School | Bryce Mangene/Jahmier Washington, Rancocas Valley Regional High School Defensive TD of the Year: Michael Jarmolowich, Delbarton School | Santino Morina, Paulsboro High School Special Teams TD of the Year: Dan Tempone, Holmdel High School | Jordan Morant, Bergen Catholic High School Sack/Big Hit of the Year Zach Neeley, Freehold Borough High School | John Columbia, Red Bank Catholic High School Clutch Play of the Year Frank Wasserman, Hillsborough High School | Aaron Ahr, North Brunswick High School
Meet the 2018 JSZ Zoneman Finalists
Jersey Sports Zone is proud to announce the six finalists for the Zoneman Trophy, our version of New Jersey high school football player of the year. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, December 5 during JSZ’s second annual All-Zone football banquet at the APA Hotel in Woodbridge. Watch our profiles of six outstanding players and learn more about JSZ’s top football honor! The Story of the Zoneman Trophy and Our Football Banquet By Rich Chrampanis | Jersey Sports Zone Chief Operating Officer In the year 2000, I received the great honor of a Heisman Trophy ballot as I started my tenure on television at WPDE-TV in Myrtle Beach. I was so excited to get the chance to weigh in on such a significant award and it got me thinking of bringing the same kind of excitement to our high school football coverage. So we built a trophy and instead of the Heisman, the Zoneman was born. During my 15 years, we were fortunate to have some outstanding winners of our award starting with former Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins linebacker Lawrence Timmons, former Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson and current Clemson University wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, who caught the game winning TD pass in the 2016 National Championship game. The Zoneman tradition is still going strong in South Carolina, began its New Jersey chapter on the Jersey Shore and is now a statewide honor. We’re excited to continue this tradition in New Jersey high school football as we will present the most outstanding player in the state with our Second Annual Zoneman Trophy. Freehold Borough quarterback Ashante Worthy won the inaugural Jersey Sports Zone Zoneman Award for the top football player during the 2017 season. The Zoneman Balloting Our 2018 Zoneman was voted on by head coaches from every part of the state (WJFL, Shore Conference, Greater Middlesex Conference, Mid-State 38 and the NJSFC) as well as the JSZ staff and media representatives from around the state. Every ballot has a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place vote with three points awarded for 1st, two for 2nd and one point for 3rd. We are excited to announce the finalists for the 2018 Zoneman Trophy in alphabetical order: Meet The 2018 Zoneman Trophy Finalists Antonio Alfano, Colonia Defensive Lineman Alfano has been the consensus top-ranked 2019 football recruit all season long and there’s good reason why. He is one of five New Jersey players selected to play in the 2019 All-American Bowl and is committed to play for Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide. Alfano dominated his competition in the Greater Middlesex Conference with 79 tackles and 10 sacks this season, along with a staggering 28 tackles for losses. JSZ’s Jay Cook gives you the inside-look at what makes Alfano such a highly-touted prospect: Jada Byers, St. Joseph (Hamm.) Running Back Byers was as electric as they come in the Garden State during his junior campaign. He looked like he was shot out of a cannon with the ball in his hands, rushing for 1,741 yards and 29 touchdowns on the season, all while helping power his St. Joe’s Wildcats to yet another Non-Public Group 2 championship. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez takes you down to Hammonton for a behind-the-scenes look at South Jersey’s most electrifying runner: Jalahn Dabney, Somerville Quarterback Dabney took over the starting quarterback job in Somerville at the end of the 2017 season and showcased his dynamic playmaking ability well throughout 2018. He compiled 3,444 yards from scrimmage this season and reached the end-zone 56 times to lead one of New Jersey’s most dangerous offenses. JSZ’s Courtney DuPont tells us what makes this dual-threat quarterback tick: Nick Kargman, Woodrow Wilson Quarterback Kargman will graduate from Woodrow Wilson with plenty of state records compiled during his senior season. The decorated South Jersey passer broke the state record single season passing mark with 3,963 yards and his 41 passing scores rank atop the state lists, as well. But what’s even more impressive is Kargman’s character off the field, as it’s made him an important part of the Woodrow Wilson community. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez tells us what makes Kargman so special: Rahmir Johnson, Bergen Catholic Running Back Johnson became the first Bergen Catholic rusher to break the 1,000-yard mark since 2008, a true testament to the level of competition that the Crusaders face on a week-to-week basis. After teammate Josh McKenzie went down with a torn ACL, Johnson assumed the full-time starting role and showcased his elite speed and craftiness all season long. He closed 2018 with 1,334 yards and 11 rushing scores. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story about this humble teammate and Nebraska commit: Steve Lubischer, Red Bank Catholic Quarterback Intelligence and athleticism is the blend of characteristics that has made Lubischer one of New Jersey’s most talented signal callers. At Red Bank Catholic, Lubischer blossomed into a premier dual-threat passer who had the ability to break the game on any down. JSZ’s chief operating officer Rich Chrampanis followed Lubischer’s trajectory all season long and tells us why this Boston College commit is so special: Other Top Vote-Getters Only the top-six vote-getters are on our Zoneman podium, but there were other plenty of players around the Garden State who had great seasons and garnered votes from coaches and media around the state. Those players were: 7th Place: Taquan Roberson, DePaul Catholic quarterback: Roberson, a Penn State commit, closed out his senior season in masterful fashion for the Spartans. He threw 29 touchdowns for 2,432 yards and will go down as one of the most decorated quarterbacks to play in New Jersey. 8th Place: Jalen Berger, Don Bosco Prep running back: Berger led one of New Jersey’s most talented backfields at Don Bosco Prep by displaying elite patience and explosiveness. Only a junior, he holds offers from top-tier Power 5 college football programs and has plenty more in the tank for his senior year. 9th Place: Juwon Jackson, Piscataway running back: Jackson was a main reason why Piscataway reached a 13-0 record and won both a sectional title and a newly-minted “Bowl Game” at MetLife Stadium. He rushed for 1,898 yards and 31 touchdowns on the season. 10th Place: Ronnie Hickman, DePaul Catholic wide receiver/defensive back: Hickman was arguably the most dangerous two-way player in New Jersey. Committed to Ohio State, Hickman was one of five New Jersey football players selected to the 2019 All-American Bowl. His senior season was unfortunately cut short due to a torn ACL late in the year. The 2018 JSZ Football Banquet Jersey Sports Zone will honor the top players in the state at our second-annual JSZ Football Banquet set for Dec. 5, 2018 at the APA Hotel in Woodbridge. The All-Zone team will consist of top players at every position from around the state, winners from the Plays of the Week and Plays of the Year polls and the announcement of the coveted 2018 Zoneman Trophy. We are excited to celebrate the 2018 season with video highlights of every single player in attendance. We will post our All-Zone team, all of our features and the announcement of our 2018 Zoneman Trophy winner right here on Jersey Sports Zone in the days leading up to and just after the banquet. Players and head coaches being honored are part of our guest list. Any family, friends or supporters of your hometown team can purchase tickets to our dinner and program at the link below: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jersey-sports-zone-all-state-football-banquet-tickets-51564905019
Watch JSZ Saturday 12.1 NJSIAA State Football from MetLife!
JSZ is pleased to bring you coverage from the football “Bowl Game” Weekend at MetLife Stadium. We have extensive video highlights from the final four games of the 2018 season! Long Branch 20 Shawnee 17 – South Group 4 Bowl Championship The Green Wave rallied from a 17-0 halftime deficit to score 20 unanswered points and close out the 2018 football season with a thrilling come from behind victory. Jermaine Corbett had two TD runs and topped 2,000 yards in his junior season. Marc Dennis’ 21 yard TD pass to Matthew Clarke in the third quarter proved to be the game-winning score. Long Branch produced three second-half turnovers. Luke Arnold’s fumble recovery on a kickoff after Corbett’s second touchdown run set the stage for the Dennis-Clarke go-ahead score. Devyn Blount and William Levy had two picks to preserve the win and a 12-1 mark for Long Branch. JSZ has the full highlights and post-game reaction from the season finale for New Jersey high school football: Thank you Rosario Realty for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage of Long Branch High. The Green Wave’s special moment at MetLife was made possible by our friends at Rosario Realty Rumson-Fair Haven 26 Woodrow Wilson 18 – South Group 3 Bowl Championship Collin Coles 21-yard TD pass to Jackson McCarthy with 1:15 remaining was the game-winner as RFH wins the South Group 3 championship in a hard fought game at MetLife Stadium. Woodrow Wilson QB Nick Kargmann threw for 291 yards and 3 touchdowns to become NJ’s all-time single-season leading passer in a loss. Rumson-Fair Haven ran the ball 51 times and threw just six, but made the most of their pass attempts. Collin Coles threw two TD passes in the second half and Keegan Woods shined on defense with 11 tackles, a caused fumble and an interception. JSZ has the highlights and post-game reaction from East Rutherford: Thanks to Gold Coast Cadillac for their support of JSZ’s Rumson-Fair Haven coverage. Gold Coast Cadillac is the reason we can bring you this special moment for the Rumson-Fair Haven community! Piscataway 31 Ridgewood 21 – North Group 5 Bowl Championship Piscataway after capturing their second North 1 Group 5 Sectional Title in three years finished the season as the North Group 5 Bowl Game Champions. While star running back Juwon Jackson had 119 yards rushing Piscataway relied on its entire offense to make plays including offensive lineman Jordin Martell who scored on a 4-yard fumble recovery to give the Chiefs a 17-13 lead at the break. Senior Lord Jones stepped up as an emotional leader to accompany a 29-yard touchdown for Piscataway in their 31-21 victory. They become the first team in school history to go 13-0. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Haddonfield 17 Hillside 7 – South Group 2 Bowl Championship With dreams of an undefeated season in mind, it was the Haddonfield Bulldawgs who put together a complete four-quarter effort to capture the South Group 2 Bowl championship. The Haddons played nearly shutdown defense against a talented Hillside squad and both the offense and special teams pulled through with scores. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from MetLife Stadium:
Watch JSZ Friday 11.30 NJSIAA State Football from MetLife!
The final weekend of the high school football season kicks off with the Non-Public Group 2 state championship between St. Joe-Hammonton and Holy Spirit followed by an awesome matchup in the North Group 5 Bowl as Phillipsburg and Wayne Hills had a thriller. JSZ has highlights and post-game reaction of both games! Wayne Hills 35 Phillipsburg 21 – North Group 4 Bowl Game The Wayne Hills Patriots fought back & defeated the Phillipsburg Stateliners after being down 21-14 at halftime. Charles Njoku lead the way to victory with six catches for 117 yards and three touchdowns. Check out full highlights of Wayne Hills’ North Group 4 Bowl Game victory at MetLife Stadium now: St. Joseph-Hammonton 41 Holy Spirit 22 – Non-Public Group 2 State Championship Jada Byers topped 200 total yards and three touchdowns and Ahmad Brown and Ahmad Ross added two more scores apiece as the Wildcats made it back to back state championships and an amazing nine titles in the last 10 years. SNJ Today’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and post-game reaction from MetLife Stadium:
Watch JSZ’s Saturday 11.24 Football Bowl Game Highlights
The NJSIAA’s introduction of new regional bowl games to close out the high school football season adds another layer to playoff football in the Garden State. Over the next two weekends, Jersey Sports Zone will bring you extensive highlights and coverage of the 10 bowl games along with the three Non-Public sectional championships, all hosted at MetLife Stadium. Make sure to check in early and often for highlights of your favorite team. St. Joe-Montvale 13 Bergen Catholic 0 – Non-Public Group 4 State Championship The Green Knights defense delivered a true rare shutout against their rival to solidify a second straight state title and avenged a 24-20 loss to Bergen Catholic in October. The Crusaders were shutout for the first time since 1989, a span of 322 games. Angelo Guglielmello kicked two field goals and became NJ’s all-time leading scorer when it comes to kickers. Audric Estime scored the game’s lone touchdown in the second quarter. JSZ has all the highlights and post-game reaction from MetLife Stadium: Thanks to Equinox Fitness for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage of Bergen Catholic Red Bank Catholic 14 Mater Dei Prep 10 | Non-Public Group 3 State Championship The Caseys defense produced four turnovers and had a goal-line stand in the fourth quarter to give Red Bank Catholic a state title. Steve Lubischer scored on an 11-yard TD run and Billy Guidetti found the zone from three yards out to account for RBC’s offense, but it was the Caseys defense that shined with the game on the line. Malik Ingram ran for 250 yards and a touchdown in a losing effort . Mater Dei had two trips inside the 10-yard line that resulted in a fumble and a fourth-quarter stop by Steve Cmielewski and Jake Louro. Cmielewski led the RBC defense with 17 tackles. JSZ has all the highlights from a tremendous showcase for Shore Conference football and post-game reaction from MetLife Stadium: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Red Bank Catholic is brought to you by Playa Bowls in Red Bank. Thanks to Playa Bowls for allowing us to capture RBC’s state championship! Ramapo 42 Summit 22 | North Group 3 Bowl Game Championship After losing in the North 1 Group 3 Sectional Final to River Dell the past two seasons Ramapo defeated Summit to be the first North Group 3 Bowl Champions. Quarterback AJ Wingfield threw for 277 yards and five touchdowns while running back Max Baker had three scores of his own. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Equinox Fitness for sponsoring our Summit coverage! Penns Grove 35 Willingboro 26 | South Group 1 Bowl The Penns Grove Red Devils overcame a major 20-point deficit against Willingboro to capture the ever elusive perfect season, becoming the first South Jersey team to go 13-0. Jersey Sports Zone’s Mike Frankel has all the highlights from a thrilling come-from-behind win:
Watch JSZ’s Friday 11.23 Football Bowl Game Highlights
The NJSIAA’s introduction of new regional bowl games to close out the high school football season adds another layer to playoff football in the Garden State. Over the next two weekends, Jersey Sports Zone will bring you extensive highlights and coverage of the 10 bowl games along with the three Non-Public sectional championships, all hosted at MetLife Stadium. Friday’s schedule features: North Group 2 Bowl: Kittatinny vs. Rutherford, 1 p.m. North Group 1. Bowl: Butler vs. Hasbrouck Heights, 4:05 p.m. South Group 5 Bowl: Sayreville vs. Williamstown, 7:05 p.m. Rutherford 62 Kittatinny 14 | North Group 2 Bowl It was the game of their careers and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Abellany Mendez and Kyle Russell were nearly unstoppable as they powered the Bulldogs with a combined nine total touchdowns to win the first ever bowl game championship in New Jersey high school football history. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from MetLife Stadium: Hasbrouck Heights 41 Butler 7 | North Group 1 Bowl Jasiah Purdie scored five touchdowns in an electrifying performance as the Aviators close out a perfect 12-0 season and an incredible 32-1 run over the past three years. Purdie had 19 carries for 138 yards and four scores on the ground and added five catches for 68 yards highlighted by a 42 yard TD catch to start the second half. Hasbrouck Heights opened the game with a 19 yard TD from Michael Robertson on a hook and lateral and put the game away with three Purdie TD runs in the second quarter. JSZ has the highlights and post-game reaction from MetLife Stadium: Sayreville 14 Williamstown 7 | South Group 5 Bowl After trailing 7-6 for nearly 48 minutes, the Sayreville Bombers made a play when they needed it most. With only 47 seconds left on the clock, Sayreville’s Connor Holmes recovered a botched punt snap in Williamstown’s end zone and the Bombers completed a two-point conversion to win the first ever South Group 5 bowl game. What an absolutely thrilling game from MetLife Stadium — JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the great highlights:
Watch JSZ’s 2018 Thanksgiving Football Highlights!
Happy Thanksgiving from the Jersey Sports Zone team. We’ve got six Thursday football rivalries including the 112th edition of Phillipsburg and Easton, the 96th round between Long Branch and Red Bank Regional, the Battle of Middletown, Perth Amboy/Carteret and two South Jersey traditions! Watch our teaser that shows our statewide coverage and then scroll below for full highlights from each of our games: Easton 31 Phillipsburg 26 | 112th Annual Thanksgiving Game The tradition continued with this year’s annual Thanksgiving Day game between the Red Rovers and Stateliners. With dangerously cold temperatures amidst, Easton found a way to pull off another victory. This would be the 4th straight turkey day win for the Red Rovers who now hold a 65-42-5 record within the rivalry. Our MMJ Courtney DuPont has the full highlights for you. Check them out now: Sponsor Alert! Coverage of Phillipsburg is brought to you by the Garnet Booster Club! Long Branch 33 Red Bank Regional 14 | Green Wave win 96th round of Thanksgiving rivalry Marc Dennis threw three third-quarter touchdown passes, two to Matthew Clarke, as the Green Wave rallied from a 14-12 halftime deficit to avenge a loss to rival RBR last Thanksgiving eve. The Green Wave are 11-1 and look to win the South Jersey Group 4 Bowl game next week against Shawnee to set a school record with 12 wins. JSZ has the highlights and post-game reaction from the battle for the Ty Lewis Trophy: JSZ brings you this great rivarly game thanks to two great sponsors supporting their hometown team. Thank you Rosario Realty (Long Branch) and Ryser’s Landscape Supply (Red Bank Regional)! Middletown South 10 Middletown North 7 | Eagles Win 30th Turkey Day Game In a hard-fought game with bitterly cold weather, Middletown South emerged from it’s 43rd Thanksgiving Day meeting with Middletown North as champions for the 30th time. Vinny Condito scored the Eagles’ lone touchdown in a game where points were as hard to come by as a second round of desserts. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Middletown North: Sponsor Shoutout! Thanks to Monmouth Building Center, Jersey Sports Zone is able to bring you great highlights from one of the best Thanksgiving Day rivalries in the state. Perth Amboy 14 Carteret 13 | Fourth Quarter Thanksgiving Comeback! After being shut out for three quarters, Perth Amboy rallied back with two touchdowns in the fourth to take a 14-13 lead. Running back Kenneth Carrillo scored both for the Panthers with quarterback Tahjmere Oneal getting the go-ahead an eventual game winning two point conversion. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Campozino for sponsoring our Carteret coverage! Vineland 26 Millville 6 | 147th Meeting Nahzir Broome had 12 carries for 131 yards including a 48 yard run on the game’s second play to lead Vineland to a third straight win on Thanksgiving against Millville in one of the nation’s oldest Turkey Day traditions. SNJ Today’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: Highland 20 Triton 12 | Backyard Brawl Sophomore Johnny Martin had 29 carries for 268 yards and 2 TD’s and Kasim Randall-Dale’s 30 yard TD run was the game-winner as the Tartans win the Backyard Brawl. SNJ Today’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from South Jersey:
Watch JSZ Sunday 11.18 State Sectional Football Finals Highlights
JSZ brings you the final three sectional championships of the NJ state playoffs. Sunday high school championship football brings JSZ cameras to wins for Summit, Ramapo and Rumson-Fair Haven. Watch it all now! Rumson-Fair Haven 42 Somerville 35 – Central Jersey Group 3 Championship Alex Maldjian had an epic workhorse performance with 50 carries for 281 yards and 4 touchdowns as the Bulldogs avenged last year’s sectional title loss to Somerville at Rutgers by handing the Pioneers their first loss of the season on their home field. Jalahn Dabney had 270 yards of combined offense with four TD passes and a TD run, but RFH scored on its first possession and never surrendered the lead. Ian O’Connor had two TD catches for the Bulldogs who have won sectional titles in five of the last six years. JSZ has full highlights and post-game reaction: Sponsor Shout Out! We were able to be on hand for Rumson’s state championship thanks to the support of Gold Coast Cadillac in Oakhurst Summit 36 Rahway 16 – North 2 Group 3 Championship The North 2, Group 3 State Sectional Final between Summit and No. 19 Rahway capped off a great three day championship weekend of football. Summit went ahead 22-0 on three scores from running back Joe Lusardi. Rahway would counter with back to back scores of their own to make it a one possession game. However, following an interception from Jack Kelly and a touchdown a touchdown from Max Jackson the Hilltoppers would eventually walk away with a 36-14 victory. Summit will face Ramapo on 11/24 at MetLife Stadium for the North Group 3 Bowl Game. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Equinox Fitness for sponsoring our Summit coverage, we look forward to bringing you more Hilltopper athletics all year long! Ramapo 31 River Dell 7 – North 1 Group 3 Championship Ramapo’s dual-threat quarterback AJ Wingfield scored three rushing touchdowns and the Raider defense limited River Dell to only 161 total yards as Ramapo flew to win a state sectional title. It’s championship No. 11 for Ramapo, who very well may have staked their claim as the top public school in New Jersey. JSZ has all the highlights from the Raiders win:
Watch JSZ Saturday 11.17 State Sectional Finals Highlights
Jersey Sports Zone is pleased to bring you highlights from football state sectional finals across the Garden State and both semifinals from the Non-Public Group 4 bracket. We’ve got highlights from Bergen Catholic-Don Bosco, St. Peter’s Prep-St. Joe’s (Montvale), Woodrow Wilson-Burlington Township and more! Watch our preview then scroll below to watch seven games of high school football playoff action in New Jersey: Bergen Catholic 35 Don Bosco Prep 17 | Non-Public Group 4 Semifinal Anthony Corbin’s 78-yard TD run on a fake punt sparked 21 unanswered points and give the Crusaders a second win in 2018 over their archrival and a spot in the state championship game at MetLife Stadium against St. Joe-Montvale. Rahmir Johnson had 17 carries for 155 yards and two touchdowns. The future Nebraska Cornhusker ripped off runs of 44 and 62 yards as part of Bergen Catholic’s explosive third quarter. JSZ has all the highlights and post-game reaction from another great chapter in this rivalry: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Bergen Catholic is made possible by Equinox Fitness Clubs. St. Joe’s Montvale 24 St. Peter’s Prep 14 | Non-Public Group 4 Semifinal Sophomore tailback Audric Estime carried the rock for a career-high 143 yards and two touchdowns as the Green Knights punched their ticket to MetLife Stadium for the Non-Public Group 4 Finals. The St. Joe’s defense was bulletproof in the second half, forcing a pair of turnovers and shutting down the Marauder offense. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Montvale: Sayreville 6 North Brunswick 0 | Central Jersey Group 5 Championship It’s never a dull moment when Greater Middlesex Conference rivals Sayreville and North Brunswick square off. In a game that featured a one yard touchdown from quarterback Mark Whitford as they only score the Bombers were able to rely on defense to win the Central Group 5 Title 6-0. It is Sayreville’s fifth Sectional Championship since 2010. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Piscataway 28 Union City 7 | North 2 Group 5 Championship Nasir Best had two second-half TD runs and the Chiefs defense shut out Union City for 47:40 to earn the 10th sectional title in school history. Piscataway’s defense and special teams play was the difference. JSZ has highlights of the Chiefs championship win: Woodrow Wilson 22 Burlington 14 | South Jersey Group 3 Championship Staying on par with his record-breaking season, Woodrow Wilson quarterback Nick Kargman played up to the challenge by tossing three touchdowns to three different receivers as the Tigers won their first state sectional championship in 17 years. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has highlights and post-game reaction with Woodrow Wilson: Hillside 36 Manasquan 10 – Central Jersey Group 2 Championship The Comets broke open a 14-10 game with three fourth quarter touchdowns to make it back-to-back sectional championships. Shadon Willis had a 23 yard TD catch and a 44-yard pick six in the win. Hillside is now 11-0 and will face Haddonfield in the Central-South Group 2 bowl game at MetLife Stadium. JSZ has highlights and post-game reaction from Hillside: Penns Grove 14 Salem 7 | South Jersey Group 1 Championship Tyreke Brown’s touchdown catch just seconds before the first half closed proved to be the last score in the South Jersey Group 1 title game and it helped secure the second-ever state sectional championship for the Penns Grove Red Devils. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and an passionate interview after this hard-fought win:
Watch JSZ Friday 11.16 State Sectional Finals Highlights
It’s championship Friday on JSZ! Six sectional titles were handed out across the state and Jersey Sports Zone has highlights from every one of them. Coming up this weekend, we’ll have more sectional title action from Saturday as well as the Non-Public Group 4 semifinals featuring Bosco/Bergen and St. Peter’s/St. Joe-Montvale. We’ll wrap things up on Sunday with three more sectional championship games that were postponed due to weather. Click below to watch our teaser for our Friday night coverage and scroll below to watch all the highlights: Long Branch 21 Brick Township 14 | Central Jersey Group 4 Championship Jermaine Corbett had a 77-yard TD run on the second play from scrimmage and lineman Kevin Cerruti had a three-yard INT return for a TD off an Imir Durant tip in the opening minute of the third quarter that gave the Green Wave the lead for good as coach Dan George’s team won their second consecutive sectional title. Brick Township tied the game at 7 after an Anthony Prato 24-yard TD pass to Cole Groschel in the second quarter. Cerruti’s defensive TD gave Long Branch a 14-7 lead and Marc Dennis added a one-yard TD run to extend the lead to 21-7. Brick Township cut the deficit to 21-14 late in the third quarter on a Jim Leblo three-yard TD run, but Long Branch’s defense was able to stand tall in the final 12 minutes. JSZ has highlights and post-game reaction from Long Branch: Sponsor Shout Out! Thank you Rosario Realty for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage of Long Branch all year long! Rosario Realty is the reason JSZ was able to capture this special moment for Long Branch High School Wayne Hills 20 Old Tappan 13 | North 1 Group 4 Championship It’s not often you see a defending champion be considered an underdog, but in Friday night’s North 1, Group 4 Sectional Final this was the case when second seed Old Tappan faced off with top seeded Wayne Hills. The Patriots after trailing by a touchdown at halftime rallied back to score twice thanks to running back Michael Joyce who would finish with 181 rushing yards and a touchdown. Late in the fourth with a 20-13 lead a sack from Gabe Dellechiaie secured the victory for the 10 time Champions. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the call: Kittatinny 28 Newton 19 | North 1 Group 2 Championship The Kittatinny Cougars rolled behind the fantastic play of junior tailback Jacob Mafaro (134 yards, 3 TD) as they plowed through Newton to capture their first state sectional football championship in school history. JSZ has the highlights from Newton: Willingboro 22 Paulsboro 14 | Central Jersey Group 1 Championship The Chimeras fell behind 6-0 early in the first quarter but rolled off 22 unanswered points on the way to its first sectional title in 33 years. Quarterback Ah Shaun Davis was 16 of 22 for 198 yards and a TD pass. Chris Long had 10 catches for 112 yards, a TD catch and a 2-point conversion. JSZ has the highlights from Moorestown High: Haddonfield 23 Camden 12 | South Jersey Group 2 Championship Haddonfield did not disappoint hundreds inside their jam packed stadium Friday night as the Bulldogs played stingy defense and scored on big plays to capture their second-straight South Jersey Group 2 title with a 23-12 win over Camden. Haddonfield’s Johnny Foley had a standout performance in the win. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: Sponsor Shoutout! Thanks to great sponsors like NJM Insurance, Jersey Sports Zone was able to bring you top-notch highlights of this South Jersey football clash. Shawnee 17 Clearview 14 (2OT) | South Jersey Group 4 Championship Joe Dalsey walked away from Shawnee’s second consecutive South Jersey Group 4 championship win as the hero after finding the endzone twice on touchdown runs and also kicking a field goal in double overtime. Shawnee’s story throughout the season was interesting — they finished only 2-6, yet came back and played impeccable football downs the stretch. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has all the highlights and post-game reaction:
Vote now for 2018 JSZ Football Plays of the Year!
THANK YOU to everyone who voted in our 2018 JSZ Plays of the Year. With an overwhelming response, we are happy to announce that we will honor the top two finishers in each category at the JSZ Football Banquet on December 5 in Woodbridge As we gear up for the sectional finals and upcoming state championships and bowl games, JSZ has compiled the best plays captured by our cameras during the 2018 football season. We need your vote in six different categories. The polls are open NOW through Thursday at 9:00 pm. The winners of the polls will be honored at the 2nd annual JSZ Football banquet at the APA Hotel in Woodbridge. Our Top Play winners from the season will also be honored as well as the top players in the state with our JSZ All-State team. Watch all sixty of our nominees in the videos below and cast your vote! Thanks to all the athletes for giving us so many great moments from the 2018 season! Take Our Poll Take Our Poll Take Our Poll Take Our Poll NEW NOMINEE! Thanks for pointing out Tyler Cook’s big hit against Paramus Catholic. It’s now on the poll for voting along with the 10 nominees above Take Our Poll Take Our Poll
Watch JSZ Playoff Football Highlights from 11.10
A full plate of Saturday high school football playoff games. We;ve got the headline-grabbing game of the day as Mater Dei Prep stuns DePaul Catholic plus RBC punches their ticket to MetLife Stadium, the RFH-RBR rivalry and Cinnaminson/Manasquan goes down to the wire, and many more games from around New Jersey. The JSZ has a total of 12 Saturday playoff games to go along with our 9 games from Friday night. Watch our teaser and then scroll below to watch all the action: Mater Dei Prep 28 DePaul Catholic 23 | Non-Public Group 3 Semifinal Call it whatever you want, but those in attendance Saturday night in Wayne might say this was the game of the year. Mater Dei Prep’s offense did not falter in the fourth quarter as Rob McCoy and Clarence Lewis connected on a 29-yard TD pass with less than two minutes to go. With DePaul at the 2 yard line on the last play, Mater Dei’s Tahaj Parland made a leaping deflection to seal the win. JSZ’s Jay Cook has all the highlights from this heart pounding last-second thriller: Red Bank Catholic 27 Pope John 0 | Non-Public Group 3 Semifinal Red Bank Catholic’s defense produced six sacks and an interception and the Caseys O-Line paved the way for three rushing touchdowns to give RBC a spot in the state finals for the first time since 2014. Billy Guidetti, Steve Cmielewski and Steve Lubischer all scored on the ground and Kevin Bauman caught a 41 yard TD pass to close out the scoring. It will be an All-Shore Conference championship game when RBC takes on Mater Dei Prep. JSZ has the highlights from Saturday night football in Red Bank: A special thanks to Playa Bowls in Red Bank for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage of the RBC Caseys Bergen Catholic 42 Seton Hall Prep 6 | Non-Public Group 4 Quarterfinal No. 1 in the NJ Top 20 Bergen Catholic picked up its seventh win in a row with a 42-6 victory over Seton Hall Prep in the Non-Public Group 4 Quarterfinals. The Crusaders opened the game with an 88 yard kick off return from Jordan Morant and two touchdowns from Garrett Cody gave them a comfortable lead heading into the second half. University of Nebraska commit Rahmir Johnson added a touchdown along with 129 rushing yards. Bergen Catholic will face Don Bosco in the semifinal round. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Equinox Fitness for sponsoring our Bergen Catholic coverage! Long Branch 47 Brick Memorial 14 | Central Jersey Group 4 Semifinal Jermaine Corbett had 23 carries for 314 yards and 5 total TD’s to give the Green Wave a spot in the sectional finals for a second straight year. Brick Memorial took a 14-13 lead with :35 seconds left in the second quarter before Marc Dennis fired a 37 yard TD pass to Niles Montgomery with just one second remaining in the half. That gave the Green Wave a 20-14 halftime lead and Corbett dominated the third quarter with TD runs of 29, 58 and 39 yards. JSZ has the highlights from a sensational performance on Saturday afternoon: Thanks to Rosario Realty for allowing us to get so many great Long Branch Green Wave highlights all year long! Rumson-Fair Haven 14 Red Bank Regional 9 | Central Jersey Group 3 Semifinal Collin Coles threw a pair of touchdown passes and Keegan Woods made a game-clinching interception with 1:12 to go to give the Bulldogs a 6th straight trip to the sectional finals and a rematch with the Somerville Pioneers. RBR rallied from 14-0 down with a Makai Mickens five-yard TD run and a Nick Ferrogine blocked punt safety, but Woods sealed the win with the pick. JSZ has the highlights from the Battle of Ridge Road: Thanks to Gold Coast Cadillac for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage of the Rumson-Fair Haven Bulldogs. Ryser’s Landscape Supply is the reason we can bring you so many great highlights and feature from Red Bank Regional High Somerville 31 Holmdel 20 | Central Jersey Group 3 Semifinal For the second time all season, the Somerville Pioneers trailed their opponent at halftime. The Holmdel Hornets led 14-10 and looked sharp in the first half, but in the second Duke McDuffie lead his team to a comeback victory. Our MMJ Courtney DuPont has the full highlights and post-game for you now: Phillipsburg 21 Cranford 0 | North 2 Group 4 Sectional Semifinal After a slow start in the first quarter, Jack Stagaard and Joe Green came through for the Liners during this sectional semifinal game. Stagaard was 17-24 with 264 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while Green had 21 carries for 120 yards and one touchdown. Check out full highlights now: Sponsor Alert!! Coverage of Phillipsburg is brought to you by the Garnet Booster Club! Summit 51 Montville 14 | North 2 Group 3 Semifinal Max Jackson and Joe Lusardi combined for 403 yards rushing and five scores on the ground as the Hilltoppers dominated on the way to the North 2 Group 3 finals. Summit will host Rahway next Saturday for the North 2 Group 3 championship. JSZ has the highlights from Saturday afternoon in Summit: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Summit is made possible by Equinox Fitness Clubs. Piscataway 40 Ridge 13 | North 2 Group 5 Semifinals Juwon Jackson to yet another win again this season as the Chiefs trounced the Ridge defense for 369 yards on the ground. Piscataway will be at home next weekend when Union City comes to town. JSZ’s Bryan DeNovellis has all the highlights: Manasquan 14 Cinnaminson 7 – Central Jersey Group 2 Semifinals Canyon Birch’s 2-yard TD run with 2:12 to go was the game winner as Manasquan will face top seed Hillside in the Central Jersey Group 2 championship next Saturday. The game featured two outstanding defensive performances. JSZ has the highlights from a game that went down to the wire: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Cinnaminson is made possible by NJM Insurance. Penns Grove 17 Buena 6 | South Jersey Group 1 Tyreke Brown’s nickname really should be “Mr. Do-It-All.” Brown was the only Penns Grove player to find paydirt Saturday as the Red Devils advance into the SJG1 tournament. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has all the highlights: Salem 15 Gateway 0 | South Jersey Group 1 Jamael opened the scoring up with a bang Saturday, taking a quarterback-keeper for 80 yards early in the game. Salem’s defense also buckled down as they gobbled up five sacks. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has all the highlights:
Watch JSZ Playoff Football Highlights from 11.9
It’s sectional semifinal Friday in New Jersey and the Jersey Sports Zone team braves the elements to bring you action all over the state. We’ve got Irvington’s double-overtime thriller at Randolph, the Lenape/Rancocas Valley rematch, a sensational performance from Brick Township’s Jimmy Leblo at Middletown South, a Jean Alvarez outburst against Union and much more. We’ll be posting our highlights throughout the night! Irvington 20 Randolph 17 | North 2 Group 4 Semifinals After trailing Randolph 17-3 at halftime in the North 2 Group 4 Sectional Semifinal, the Irvington Blue Knights came out the other end with a victory. The Knights stepped up offensively in the second half and dominated defensively during both overtimes. Check out full highlights of this exciting game now: Union City 46 Union 6 | North 2 Group 5 Semifinals Union City’s Jean Alvarez exploded for a season-high 195 yards along with four touchdowns to pace the Soaring Eagles with a dominant win at “The Roof” at Roosevelt Stadium. Joel Jimenez and Devin Gonzalez also tallied touchdown in the win. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Union City: North Brunswick 30 Edison 21 – Central Jersey Group 5 Semifinals Myles Bailey ran for 168 yards and three touchdowns (all three scores in the second half) and had a critical interception late in the first half to set up the go ahead field goal as the Raiders reach the sectional finals for the first time since 1979. JSZ has the highlights from an exciting game at rainy North Brunswick: Brick Township 42 Middletown South 14 | Central Jersey Group 4 Semifinals Jimmy Leblo had five touchdowns in the first 15 minutes of the game in a sensational performance as the Green Dragons advance to the Central Jersey Group 4 finals thanks to a dominating effort in Middletown. Leblo had four TD runs and a TD catch and the Green Dragons defense produced three first-half turnovers to race out to a 35-0 halftime lead. JSZ has the highlights from the Leblo Show on a rainy night in Monmouth County: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Middletown South is made possible by Monmouth Building Center in Shrewsbury Rancocas Valley 28 Lenape 7 | South Jersey Group 5 Semifinal One of the biggest rivalries in Burlington County saw the intensity dialed up even more as Lenape and Rancocas Valley squared up in a rematch of last year’s State Final. After falling in the game last year to Lenape, the Red Devils scored early thanks to quarterback Bryce Mangene and receiver Danny Kondras. Kondras would have three touchdowns in the semifinal as Rancocas Valley sits in the same position as last year with a chance to win the South Jersey Group 5 Championship. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Rutherford 26 Mountain Lakes 21 – North 2 Group 2 Semifinals Abellany Mendez had three TD runs and a jump pass TD to account for all of the Bulldogs offense as the top seed raced out to a 26-0 lead and held off a fierce comeback attempt by the herd. JSZ has the highlights and Madison Bess has post-game reaction from Rutherford: Haddonfield 28 Pleasantville 6 | South Jersey Group 2 Semifinals The Haddons roared in the second half behind Davis Smith’s touchdown grab and a pick-six to lock up a win in the South Jersey Group 2 semifinals. Haddonfield is going back to the sectional title game for a second year in a row. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: Sponsor Shoutout! Thanks to NJM Insurance, Jersey Sports Zone is able to bring you great highlights of Haddonfield football. Woodrow Wilson 42 Delsea 14 | South Jersey Group 3 Semifinals Following two tough losses to Delsea in the last year, Woodrow Wilson turned back around Friday and returned the favor. The Tigers exploded for a six-touchdown performance behind the wheels of Muheem McCargo as they advance through the South Jersey bracket. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has all the highlights, courtesy of SNJ Today: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of the Delsea Crusaders is proudly brought to you by NJM Insurance. Shabazz 49 Cedar Grove 6 | North 2 Group 1 Semifinals The Shabazz defense produced a safety and two touchdowns in the first half as the Bulldogs avenged a 22-19 regular season defeat against Cedar Grove to advance to the North 2 Group 1 championship. Shabazz will host Hasbrouck Heights next week in the championship game. JSZ has the highlights from Newark:
Nick Recine Wins JSZ’s Week 9 Top Play Belt!
Defense gets some love in Week 9. Nick Recine of Piscataway HS sacks Bridgewater-Raritan QB in round 1 of the playoffs and wins JSZ’s Week 9 Top Play Belt. Check out his ceremony now: Total Votes: 57,209 Take Our Poll Last Week’s Winners: Rickey Eng pf Pennington & Lucas Loffredo of Edison
Vote for JSZ Week 9 Top Play
It’s our final Top Play vote for the 2018 football season! We’ve got 10 more great nominees from around the state. We need your vote for the best of the best captured by JSZ cameras. Our polls will stay open through Tuesday at 3:00 pm. The winner will be presented with the Top Play belt at a mid-week practice. Coming up in a couple of weeks, JSZ will post our Plays of the Year nominees with the winners receiving an invite to the second annual JSZ Football Banquet in December in Woodbridge. Watch all of our nominees and cast your vote now! Take Our Poll Previous Top Play Winners
Watch JSZ 11.3 Playoff Football Highlights
The first round of the playoffs come to a close with Saturday action around the state. JSZ brings you more post-season highlights including Edison’s first playoff win in 18 years, a revenge win for the Brick Memorial Mustangs plus emphatic shutouts from Seton Hall Prep and Montclair along with a dominating performance from Piscataway. Watch our Saturday Week 9 Preview and then scroll down to watch nine games of action from around New Jersey: Randolph 34 Colonia 27 – North 2 Group 4 First Round Anthony Sofia’s 12-yard TD run with 3:18 to go in the 4th quarter broke a 27-27 tie as the 2nd seeded Rams held off an upset bid from the Patriots. Colonia stormed back from a 27-13 halftime deficit to tie the game at 27 in the 4th quarter. Randolph caused a fumble on defense and then avoided a turnover with a fumble recovery on offense to set the stage for Sofia’s game winning run. JSZ has all the exciting moments from this Saturday night thirller: Seton Hall Prep 17 Paramus Catholic 0 – Non-Public Group 4 First Round For the first time in eight seasons Seton Hall Prep won a playoff game. With just a field goal after one quarter of football quarterback Aidan Gilman would link up with Matt Colantuono for a touchdown to lead 10-0 at halftime. Gilman would throw another touchdown in the fourth quarter to lead the Pirates to a 17-0 victory in the first round of the Non Public Group 4 playoffs. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Edison 14 South Brunswick 7 – Central Jersey Group 5 First Round Tyler Montford’s 37-yard touchdown with under three minutes to go in the 4th quarter proved to be the difference as Edison’s defense produced three interceptions and two goal-line stands to give the Eagles their first playoff win since 2000. Noah Stansbury had an 8-yard TD catch and his seventh interception of the season in the win. The 6th seed travels to #2 North Brunswick this Friday night in the semifinals. JSZ has the highlights and post-game reaction from the upset: Montclair 35 West Orange 0 – North 1 Group 5 First Round After falling to West Orange to open the 2018 season, Montclair was able to deal a bit of revenge Saturday as the Mounties dominated from sideline to sideline in a 35-0 shutout against the Mountaineers. Quarterback Charles Murphy accounted for 208 yards and three total touchdowns while the Montclair defense allowed only 75 yards of offense on the afternoon. JSZ’s Jay Cook has all the highlights from the win: Piscataway 42 Bridgewater-Raritan 0 – North 2 Group 5 First Round Juwon Jackson ran for 100 yards and two TD’s in just one half of action and the Chiefs cranked out 367 yards of offense in one half to cruise into the North 2 Group 5 semifinals and a home game against Ridge in the semifinals. JSZ has the highlights from a dominating performance from the #4 ranked team in the state: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Bridgewater-Raritan is made possible by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates and Total Rehab and Sports Medicine Brick Memorial 21 Freehold Boro 13 – Central Jersey Group 4 First Round Jeff Lavarin’s 64-yard TD run late in the third quarter proved to be the game winner as Brick Memorial rallied from a 13-0 first quarter deficit to avenge a regular-season loss to Freehold Boro and advance in Central Jersey Group 4. Mustangs QB Tyler Sindel ran for 157 yards and two TD’s in the win. Brick Memorial will take on top seed Long Branch this Friday in the CJ Group 4 semifinals. JSZ has the highlights from Freehold: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Freehold Boro is brought to you by Playa Bowls in the Freehold Raceway Mall Woodrow Wilson 41 Triton 6 – South Jersey Group 3 First Round It was another brilliant offensive game for the Woodrow Wilson offense as Nick Kargman passed two touchdowns and Louisville-commit Stanley King had 163 yards and one receiving touchdown to push the Tigers into the semifinals of the South Jersey Group 3 bracket. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: Manasquan 40 Delaware Valley 21 – Central Jersey Group 2 First Round Canyon Birch ran for 186 yards and two touchdowns as the Warriors scored 40 straight points after falling behind 6-0 in the first quarter. The Warriors will host Cinnaminson in the Central Jersey Group 2 semifinals next Saturday. JSZ has the highlights from Manasquan’s offensive explosion: Penns Grove 40 Woodstown 6 – South Jersey Group 1 First Round Tyreke Brown, Penns Grove’s Swiss-army knife athlete, accounted for over 100 yards and a trio of scores on the day as Penns Grove won it’s 10th straight game. The Red Devils will meet with fellow undefeated Buena in the semifinals next week. JSZ’s Mike Frankel is on the call:
Watch JSZ 11.2 Playoff Football Highlights
As the high school football postseason begins, Jersey Sports Zone is pleased to bring you highlights from the opening round of the playoffs from across the Garden State. Check back in for coverage from: Elizabeth-Union, Allentown-Red Bank Regional, Middletown North-Long Branch, St. John Vianney-Pope John and much more! Watch our Friday Week 9 Teaser and then scroll below to watch all the highlights: South Plainfield 17 West Essex 16 – North 2 Group 3 First Round A pair of touchdown runs from Sammy Nieves and timely defensive stops in the second half were the keys behind South Plainfield’s (No. 7 seed) thrilling upset in the opening round of the state playoffs against West Essex (No. 2 seed). JSZ’s Jay Cook has all the highlights from the biggest upset in the first round of the NJSIAA playoffs: Union 28 Elizabeth 17 – North 2 Group 5 First Round After trailing at halftime 10-0 and a power outage on their home field causing a game delay, Union fought through adversity like no other. The Farmers came back to defeat the 6 seed Minutemen 28-17 with Michel Lucien leading the charge. Our MMJ Courtney DuPont has the full highlights of this extraordinary game available now: Pope John 33 Saint John Vianney 12 – Non-Public Group 3 First Round Chris Rodriguez had 29 carries for 115 yards and two touchdowns and Boston College commit Ireland Burke had a 38 yard blocked punt return for a score as the Lions (2-8) win their second straight game to advance in Non-Public Group 3 and a matchup with top seed Red Bank Catholic. JSZ has the highlights from Holmdel: Long Branch 42 Middletown North 0 – Central Jersey Group 1 First Round Jermaine Corbett ran for 126 yards and had two TD runs and a 15-yard TD catch to pace the Green Wave to a dominating win in the opening round of the playoffs. Long Branch’s defense had four interceptoins and delivered their 5th shutout of the season. JSZ has the highlights from Long Branch High: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Long Branch is brought to you by Rosario Realty Red Bank Regional 30 Allentown 13 – Central Jersey Group 3 First Round Nigel Mitchell and Makai Mickens combined for 237 yards on the ground and four touchdowns as the Bucs scored 23 straight points after falling behind 13-7 early in the third quarter. Red Bank Regional will face Rumson-Fair Haven in the Central Jersey Group 3 semifinals next Friday. JSZ has the highlights and post-game reaction from Little Silver: Thanks to Ryser’s Landscape Supply for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage of Red Bank Regional and Princeton Orthopaedic Associates makes our Allentown Redbirds highlights possible Holmdel 42 Nottingham 0 – Central Jersey Group 3 First Round In the opening round of the Central Group 3 playoffs fifth seed Nottingham was unable to find their footing against fourth seed Holmdel. On their first offensive possession the Hornets opened up with an 89-yard touchdown from Dean Gallo, he would add on another along with quarterback Jeff DeCicco who also had a pair of scores heading to give Holmdel a 28-0 lead at halftime. The duo would each find the end zone once again in the second act as they advance to the Central Group 3 semifinals to face top-seeded Somerville. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the call: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our Nottingham coverage. We look forward to bringing you more North Stars athletics all year long! Timber Creek 33 Wall 28 – South Jersey Group 3 First Round Jayvin Little had 7 catches for 117 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Timber Creek offensive attack. Little caught a TD pass from Justin Jefferson and Donovan Leary. Leary would also throw a TD pass to Tarheeb Still. Wall rallied from 13 down in the 4th quarter and got the ball back in the final moments with a chance to win, but the Timber Creek defense was able to make a final stand. JSZ has the highlights from an outstanding game in South Jersey Group 3: Delsea 20 Deptford 0 – South Jersey Group 3 First Round A potent rushing attack came into play for Delsea in rainy, wet conditions Friday night as the Crusaders pounded the rock for 342 yards in a shutout victory over Deptford. This Delsea team is focused on returning to the SJG3 finals yet again. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of the Delsea Crusaders is brought you by NJM Insurance. Buena 35 Glassboro 12 – South Jersey Group 1 First Round A three-touchdown performance from Jaden Roberts was all the boost this undefeated Buena team needed to power through Glassboro in a 35-12 trouncing. Buena will meet the winner of Penns Grove vs. Woodstown in the semifinals round next week. JSZ’s Mike Frankel is on the call:
Pennington’s Rickey Eng Wins Week 8 Top Play!
Rickey Eng has been one of Pennington’s most reliable weapons in 2018. This season Rickey has racked up 11 touchdowns and 740 receiving yards on 32 receptions. Last week in the Red Raider’s 41-14 win over Point Beach Eng linked up with quarterback Brandon West on a long a touchdown catch. The fans have voted and Rickey Eng is our Week 8 Top play winner. Watch his ceremony below: Take Our Poll
Edison’s Lucas Loffredo Won JSZ’s Week 8 Top Play Belt!
In the mud and pouring rain this past week Lucas Loffredo of Edison High School had an AMAZING touchdown run during the Eagles’ 15-0 victory over Plainfield. This incredible QB keeper was voted JSZ’s Week 8 Top Play. Check out Loffredo’s skills and Top Play Belt Ceremony now: Last Week’s Top Play Winner: Dom Jacob
Hunterdon Central’s RJ Thornton Wins Courtney’s Week 8 Game Ball!
RJ Thornton was nominated for Courtney’s Week 8 Game Ball after rushing for 132 yards and 3 touchdowns in Hunterdon Central 42-14 win over Franklin. Thornton won 56.67% of this week’s Mid-State votes. Check out his Game Ball Ceremony now: Total Votes: 24,930 Take Our Poll Last Week’s Game Ball Winner: Charles Amissah
NJSIAA Football Playoff Matchups Announced
There’s a new look to the NJSIAA playoffs as we take one step closer to true state champions. The sectional champions will get one more game in 2018 as North 1 and North 2 face-off in a bowl game and Central champions matchup against South in another bowl game. When the dust settles, there will be three Non-Public state champions and two champs from each public group (10 total). With the brackets revealed, Jersey Sports Zone has all the matchups plus a breakdown with a chance for you to watch our videos to get ready for post-season football in the Garden State! NON-PUBLIC Non- Public Group 4: (9) Paramus Catholic at (8) Seton Hall Prep – Sat. Nov 3, 2:00 pm, winner faces (1) Bergen Catholic on 11/10 (10) Notre Dame @ (7) St. Augustine Prep — Fri., Nov 2, 7:00 pm, winner faces (2) St. Joe-Montvale on 11/10 (6) St. Joseph-Metuchen at (3) St. Peter’s Prep on 11/9 (5) Delbarton at (4) Don Bosco Prep on 11/9 JSZ Notes It’s imperative for football teams to not look ahead especially during the post-season, but the semifinals of Non-Public Group 4 on November 17 will be a Super Saturday for New Jersey high school football. If the brackets hold to form, we will get a St. Peter’s Prep-St. Joe Montvale rematch along with Don Bosco Prep-Bergen Catholic part two. Scouting Report Watch St. Joe-Montvale’s 16-7 win over St. Peter’s Prep on the final day of the regular season Watch Bergen Catholic’s 14-13 win over Don Bosco Prep on 9/22 Watch Don Bosco’s 59-28 win over DePaul on 10/20 Watch St. Peter’s Prep’s 34-7 win over Bergen Catholic on 9/15 Non-Public Group 3 (1) Red Bank Catholic — bye in 1st round (7) Bishop Ahr @ (2) DePaul – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (6) Donovan Catholic @ (3) Mater Dei Prep – Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm (5) Pope John (4) St. John Vianney — Fri., Nov 3, 7:00 pm JSZ Notes DePaul Catholic was a heavy favorite to be the #1 seed for the entire regular season, but things took a dramatic change when the Spartans lost Ronnie Hickman to a season-ending torn ACL and ended the season with two losses and the Caseys scored a dramatic win over public school power Rumson-Fair Haven to run the table and a perfect regular season. Mater Dei Prep is stockpiled with talent and suffered their first loss in a 34-33 regular-season finale against Cheshire Academy out of Connecticut. This was smart scheduling by the Seraphs as they were virtually unchallenged in their Shore Conference schedule and the out of state game was the perfect way to prepare for what’s to come over the next few weeks. Pope John is not your typical one-win team. The Lions beat Seton Hall Prep to get a boost of confidence heading into the playoffs and the Pope John/SJV game this Friday night has the potential to be a down to the wire game. The Shore is anxious to see how Mater Dei Prep and possibly RBC matchup with the traditional North Jersey superpower in Depaul. Scouting Report Watch Red Bank Catholic’s 14-13 win over Rumson-Fair Haven Watch DePaul’s 16-13 win over St. Peter’s Prep Watch Mater Dei Prep’s 41-0 win over Manasquan Watch St. John Vianney’s 9-0 win over Middletown South Watch Pope John’s 30-20 win over Seton Hall Prep Group 2: (8) Immaculate Conception @ (1) St. Joseph (Hamm.) – Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm (7) Morris Catholic @ (2) Holy Spirit – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (6) Gloucester Catholic @ (3) Hudson Catholic – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (5) Holy Cross (4) Immaculata – TBD JSZ Notes St. Joe-Hammonton is the favorite as we got a likely preview of the Non-Public Group 2 finals in the final week of the regular season with St. Joe’s 28-14 win against Holy Spirit. Jada Byers had 266 yards in a spectacular performance and needs to be in the conversation for JSZ’s Zoneman Trophy, given to the top high school football player in New Jersey. Scouting Report Watch St. Joe-Hammonton’s 28-14 win over Holy Spirit GROUP 5 North 1: (8) West Orange @ (1) Montclair – Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm (7) Passaic County Tech @ (2) Ridgewood – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (6) Kennedy @ (3) Clifton – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (5) North Bergen @ (4) Hackensack – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm JSZ Notes We’ve got a fascinating first round rematch as West Orange visits Montclair. The Mounties were stunned on the road in Week 0. Montclair earned the #1 seed with a 6-4 record and benefitted from playing a very tough schedule that garnered enough power points to get the top spot while West Orange suffered four straight losses by 7 points or less on the way to a 3-6 campaign. Montclair ousted Ridgewood last year on the way to its sectional championship and we could see those teams tangle in the sectional finals in 2018. Scouting Report Watch West Orange’s 26-19 win over Montclair in Week 0 North 2: (8) Bridgewater-Raritan @ (1) Piscataway – Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm (7) Westfield @ (2) Union City – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (6) Elizabeth @ (3) Union – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (5) East Orange @ (4) Ridge – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm JSZ Notes Bridgewater-Raritan showed how wide open this bracket can be when it upset Union 21-19 on the final week of the regular season. Piscataway has been electric behind Juwon Jackson while Union City’s lone loss is to St. Peter’s Prep. Elizabeth and Union is a rematch from Week 1 with the Minutemen getting a 28-14 win. Scouting Report Watch Piscataway’s 27-6 win over Sayreville Watch Union’s 34-24 win at Phillipsburg Watch Elizabeth’s 12-0 win at Westfield Central: (8) Hillsborough @ (1) Sayreville – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (7) Trenton @ (2) North Brunswick – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (6) Edison @ (3) South Brunswick – Fri., Nov. 2, 6:00 pm (5) Manalapan @ (4) Hunterdon Central – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm JSZ Notes Sayreville overcame its lone loss with a big 34-28 win over South Brunswick to lock up the #1 seed. This is a deep field with teams like Edison and Trenton capable of leaning on their defenses. The Manalapan at Hunterdon Central game has the potential to be a thriller. The Braves did a great job of overcoming two heartbreaking losses in the first two weeks to get to 5-3 on the season. North Brunswick’s lone loss is to Sayreville and they are a #3 seed at 8-1 while South Brunswick gets the #2 seed at 5-4 and accruing more power points. This is going to be a fun bracket to watch over the next few weeks Scouting Report Watch Sayreville’s 13-12 win over Edison on game’s final play Watch North Brunswick’s 9-7 win over St. Joe-Metuchen in Week 0 Watch Edison’s 15-0 win at Plainfield in Week 8 South: (8) Washington Township @ (1) Williamstown – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (7) Eastern @ (2) Rancocas Valley – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (6) Kingsway @ (3) Lenape – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (5) Toms River North @ (4) Vineland – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 p.m. JSZ Notes Williamstown is ranked #17 in the latest state polls and proved that they are worthy of being considered among New Jersey’s best after a 14-7 win over St. Augustine Prep to run the table in the regular season. Rancocas Valley and Lenape had an amazing regular season game and it would be a treat to see them square off again in a rematch with a trip to the sectional finals on the line. Toms River North has a sophomore gunslinger in Jake Kazanowsky and a solid defensive unit. TRN at 3-5 Vineland should be a great game. The Fighting Clan had a rugged schedule that will make them playoff ready. Scouting Report Watch Williamstown’s 14-7 win over St. Augustine Prep in Week 8 Watch Rancocas Valley’s 19-16 win over Lenape in Week 7 Watch Lenape’s 27-24 win over Allentown in Week 4 Watch Vineland’s 31-7 win over Washington Township in Week 7 Watch Toms River North’s 31-21 win over Southern Regional in Week 8 GROUP 4 North 1: (8) Mount Olive @ (1) Wayne Hills – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (7) Passaic Valley @ (2) Old Tappan – Fri., Nov. 2, 6:00 pm (6) Wayne Valley @ (3) Morris Hills – Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm (5) Northern Highlands @ (4) Morris Knolls – Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm JSZ Notes Wayne Hills has been a fun team to watch with quarterback Tom Sharkey and the dynamic receiving duo of Charles Njoku and Jaaron Hayek. Old Tappan bounced back from two straight losses to Wayne Hills and Ramapo to roll off four straight wins. Congratulations to Bill Regan on his 250th career win at Morris Knolls. That 12-7 victory against Northern Highlands secured a home playoff game as the two teams will play for the second time in as many weeks. Scouting Report Watch Wayne Hills’ 14-9 win over Wayne Valley in Week 1 North 2: (8) North Hunterdon @ (1) Phillipsburg – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (7) Colonia @ (2) Randolph – Sat., Nov. 3, 7:00 pm (6) West Morris @ (3) Irvington – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (5) Cranford @ (4) Linden – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm JSZ Notes Phillipsburg’s rolling with a four-game win streak and the no-doubt top seed in North 2 Group 4 with a 7-1 mark. Irvington turned heads with back to back wins over Barringer and Montclair to close out the regular season. Linden’s BJ George is at 1472 yards rushing and could get to 2,000 if Linden can make a run in November. And when it comes to stats, Colonia’s Antonio Alfano is the rare player who makes eye-popping headlines on defense. Alfano had 6 sacks and 9 pancakes against Woodbridge. Colonia is a dangerous #7 seed. Scouting Report Watch Phillipsburg’s 21-7 win over Ridge in Week 7 Watch Irvington’s 24-6 win over Barringer in Week 7 Watch Linden’s 14-3 win over Elizabeth in Week 2 Watch Colonia’s 46-8 win over Carteret in Week 4 Central: (8) Middletown North @ (1) Long Branch – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (7) Northern Burlington @ (2) Middletown South – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (6) Jackson Memorial @ (3) Brick Township – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (5) Brick Memorial @ (4) Freehold Boro – Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm JSZ Notes A Shore Conference-dominated bracket with 7 of the 8 teams calling the Jersey Shore home. Long Branch has been fantastic and should be a Top 20 team if they run the table in the playoffs. Middletown North put a scare into RBC last week and Steve Bush’s ability to gameplan cannot be overlooked. Middletown South’s defense gave the Eagles a signature win over Rumson-Fair Haven. The Eagles know that if they can follow the blueprint of the RFH stunner, they’re going to be in the mix. Freehold Boro made the shift to Shy’Kim Shuler at quarterback and the Colonials have a tough offense to prepare for. Brick Memorial lost to Boro 20-17 and gets a chance to avenge that loss. The Colonials and Green Wave could rematch in the semifinals. Long Branch won the Central Jersey Group 4 championship at Rutgers on a two-point conversion in overtime. Scouting Report Watch Long Branch’s 26-0 win over Wall in Week 5 Watch Middletown South’s 14-7 win over RFH in Week 8 Watch Brick Township’s 34-15 win over Freehold Boro in Week 3 Watch Freehold Boro’s 42-7 win over Howell in Week 8 Watch Freehold Boro’s 20-17 win over Brick Memorial in Week 2 South: (8) Winslow Township @ (1) Millville – Fri., Nov. 2, 6:00 pm (7) Ocean City @ (2) Highland Regional – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (6) Hammonton @ (3) Clearview – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (5) Mainland @ (4) Shawnee – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm JSZ Notes Millville overcame a 0-3 start to roll of five straight wins and grab the #1 seed. Strength of schedule served the Thunderbolts well. We got a good look at Clearview in Week 8 and their Wing-T attack was impressive. Hammonton got a dramatic win courtesy of the Vandever twins in Week 6 and will try and write a similar script on the road in round one. Scouting Report Watch Clearview’s 23-9 win over Moorestown in Week 8 Watch Hammonton’s 20-14 win over Winslow in Week 6 GROUP 3 North 1: (8) Demarest @ (1) Ramapo – Fri., Nov. 2, 6:30 pm (7) West Milford @ (2) Paramus – Fri., Nov. 2, 6:00 pm (6) Pascack Valley @ (3) River Dell – Fri., Nov. 2, 6:00 pm (5) Lakeland @ (4) Sparta – Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm JSZ Notes Ramapo’s regular-season finale win over Randolph served notice that the Green Raiders are one of the best public schools in New Jersey. #3 seed took Ramapo to overtime in the regular season. Paramus is a perfect 9-0 with an OT win over Ridgewood highlighting their incredible 2018. Scouting Report Watch Ramapo’s 42-0 win over Randolph in Week 8 North 2: (8) Voorhees @ (1) Summit – Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm (7) South Plainfield @ (2) West Essex – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (6) Parsippany Hills @ (3) Rahway – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (5) Warren Hills @ (4) Montville – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm JSZ Notes Summit had a hiccup against Cranford but has been dominant in 2018. Rahway rolled seven straight wins after losing their opener to Somerville. West Essex sits at #3 with a perfect 8-0 mark. Rahway/West Essex is going to be a must-see game if they can win their first-round games. Montville with a 7-2 record shows how deep this bracket is. Scouting Report Watch Summit’s 36-6 win over Colonia in Week 5 Watch Rahway’s 22-0 win over Cranford in Week 3 Central: (8) Raritan @ (1) Somerville – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (7) Ocean Township @ (2) Rumson Fair-Haven – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (6) Allentown @ (3) Red Bank – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (5) Nottingham @ (4) Holmdel – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm JSZ Notes Somerville is the favorite here and has served notice as one of the best public school teams in New Jersey. Jalahn Dabney will be in our Player of the Year conversation for sure. Rumson-Fair Haven ends the regular season on a two-game skid and has star running back Alex Maldjian banged up, but RFH is hungry for a rematch with Somerville in the sectional finals. We have two fascinating Mercer/Monmouth matchups in round one. Red Bank Regional is one of the most improved teams in the state. No one would have booked them for a home playoff game in August. They are the #3 seed thanks to their stunner of Holmdel earlier in the regular season. Holmdel’s only loss is to RBR and coach Jeff Rainess and his team is going to be a tough out. Nottingham and their six player running attack at the Hornets is another game with great potential to go down to the very end. Scouting Report Watch Somerville’s 58-27 win over Delaware Valley in Week 8 Watch Rumson-Fair Haven’s 47-7 win over Lakewood in Week 6 Watch Red Bank Regional’s 28-25 win over Holmdel in Week 2 Watch Holmdel’s 31-0 win over Raritan in Week 8 Watch Nottingham’s 26-24 win over Allentown in Week 8 South: (8) Oakcrest @ (1) Burlington Township – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (7) Deptford @ (2) Delsea – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (6) Triton @ (3) Woodrow Wilson – Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm (5) Timber Creek @ (4) Wall – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm JSZ Notes Burlington Township closed out the regular season with back-to-back one-point wins to get to 8-0. We’ve got great star power in this bracket with Delsea running back Aidan Borguet and Woodrow Wilson quarterback Nick Kargman along with teammate Stanley King (Louisville). Delsea lost to Burlington Township 22-8 earlier in the regular season. Scouting Report Watch Burlington Township’s 41-7 win at Allentown in Week 6 Watch Delsea’s 38-16 win over Cedar Creek in Week 6 Watch Woodrow Wilson’s 59-37 win over Cedar Creek in Week 3 GROUP 2 North 1: (8) Pequannock @ (1) Newton – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (7) Glen Rock @ (2) Westwood – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (6) Mahwah @ (3) Kittatinny – Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm (5) High Point @ (4) Ramsey – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm JSZ Notes Newton’s lone loss was a one point defeat at Walkill Valley. #3 seed Kittatinny is 7-2 and lost at Newton 28-17. 6-3 Ramsey rolls into the playoffs on a 5 game win streak. North 2: (8) Newark Central @ (1) Rutherford – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (7) Dumont @ (2) Verona – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (6) Hanover Park @ (3) Lyndhurst – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (5) Mountain Lakes @ (4) Hawthorne – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm JSZ Notes Rutherford’s 7-game win streak was snapped by Hasbrouck Heights over the weekend. Verona lost back-to-back weeks to Shabazz and Weequahic, but has won three straight heading into the playoffs. #3 seed Lyndhurst’s lone loss was a 14-7 defeat against New Milford in double overtime. Central: (8) South River @ (1) Hillside – Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm (7) Delaware Valley @ (2) Manasquan – Sat., Nov. 3, 2:00 pm (6) Shore @ (3) Cinnaminson – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (5) Bernards @ (4) Lincoln – Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm JSZ Notes Hillside opened with six straight road wins and is the #1 seed in Central Jersey Group 2 with an 8-0 mark. Whenever our cameras pay a visit to the Comets, there’s plenty of highlights to be had. Manasquan plays disciplined hard-nosed football and will get a test from Del Val. Cinnaminson gets the 3-seed at 6-2 and gets Shore Regional who has moved up from Group 1 to Group 2 in 2018. Scouting Report Watch Hillside’s 39-10 win over Cranford in Week 8 Watch Cinnaminson’s 28-13 win over Ewing in Week 7 South: (8) Sterling @ (1) Haddonfield – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (7) Collingswood @ (2) Camden – Sat., Nov. 3, 3:00 pm (6) Barnegat @ (3) West Deptford – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (5) Cedar Creek @ (4) Pleasantville – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm JSZ Notes This is an exciting bracket. Haddonfield’s 8-0 resume is highlighted by wins over St. Joe-Hammonton and West Deptford. Camden has a ton of talent. West Deptford at Camden in the semifinals would be a war. That is one game we’ll circle on our calendar for sure. Scouting Report Watch Haddonfield’s 22-15 win over St. Joe-Hammonton in Week 4 Watch Camden’s 45-15 win over Delsea in Week 3 Watch West Deptford’s 28-21 win over Deptford in Week 7 GROUP 1 North 1: (8) Pompton Lakes @ (1) Butler – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (7) Cresskill @ (2) Park Ridge – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (6) Emerson @ (3) Boonton – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (5) Wallkill Valley @ (4) New Milford – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm JSZ Notes Butler earns the one seed with a 7-1 mark with its lone loss coming to Hasbrouck Heights. Park Ridge is also 7-1 and brings a high powered offense to the post-season. Boonton overcame an 0-2 start to win six straight and grab the third seed. On the other side, New Milford started 6-0, but drops to the 4-seed after two straight losses. North 2: (8) Bound Brook @ (1) Shabazz – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (7) New Providence @ (2) Hasbrouck Heights – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (6) Hoboken @ (3) Weequahic – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (5) Newark West Side @ (4) Cedar Grove – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm JSZ Notes Shabazz is the defending sectional champ and will be tested in a tough bracket. Hasbrouck Heights is a perfect 8-0 and has yet to be challenged in 2018. Weequahic is also unblemished and we all saw what Tyler Phillips did in Week 0 (viral video courtesy of JSZ!). Weequahic against Hasbrouck Heights is a potential must see game in the semifinals. Scouting Report Watch Weequahic’s 33-0 win over Morris Catholic in Week 0 Central: (8) Keyport @ (1) Willingboro – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (7) Maple Shade @ (2) Paulsboro – Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm (6) Asbury Park @ (3) Woodbury – Sat., Nov. 3, 10:30 am (5) Middlesex @ (4) Florence – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm JSZ Notes The Chimeras raised eyebrows around the state when they topped Cinnaminson and Woodrow Wilson. A tough schedule is rewarded with the #1 seed. While Willingboro is 4-4, Paulsboro at 6-2 and 5-2 Woodbury take the next two slots in this bracket. This “Central” bracket is South Jersey heavy, an example of the changes to the way the playoffs are built. Scouting Report Watch Willingboro’s 14-12 win over Cinnaminson in Week 4 Watch Paulsboro’s 37-0 win over Woodbury in Week 5 Watch Woodbury’s 20-6 win over Audubon in Week 1 South: (8) Woodstown @ (1) Penns Grove – Sat., Nov. 3, 12:00 pm (7) Overbrook @ (2) Salem – Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm (6) Schalick @ (3) Gateway – Fri., Nov. 2, 7:00 pm (5) Glassboro @ (4) Buena – Fri., Nov. 2, 6:00 pm JSZ Notes Penns Grove’s 26-20 win over Salem in the regular season finale ultimately decided this bracket as Gateway and Buena look to play spoiler in what could be a great rematch in the sectional final. Scouting Report Watch Penns Grove’s 42-6 win over Glassboro in Week 7 Watch Salem’s 65-14 win over Burlington City in Week 2 Watch Gateway’s 27-20 win over Paulsboro in Week 8 Watch Buena’s 38-18 win over Gloucester Catholic in Week 8
Vote now for JSZ Week 8 Top Play
JSZ wrapped up the regular season with 24 games around the state and once again we’ve found ten incredible plays from every part of the state. Watch this week’s Top Play nominees and cast your vote below. The poll stays open through Tuesday at 3:00 pm. The winner will get the JSZ Top Play Belt presented at a mid-week practice. Thanks again to all the incredible plays provided to us each and every week by the New Jersey high school football community! Take Our Poll Previous Top Play Winners
Vote for the final JSZ Game Balls of the 2018 Football Season!
Jersey Sports Zone honors the top performers from Week Eight in high school football with our Jersey Sports Zone Game Balls. We have ten nominees in four sections of the state. The polls are open now through Tuesday at 3:00 pm. We will stop by a midweek practice to present the winners with a JSZ Game Ball. This is the final week of voting for our Game Balls – we will have Top Play polls through the first two rounds of the playoffs. Thanks to everyone for voting and supporting Jersey Sports Zone! Nery’s Game Ball – WJFL Take Our Poll Jersey Sports Zone’s South Jersey Game Balls are made possible by NJM Insurance Group North Jersey Take Our Poll Courtney’s Game Ball – Mid-State 38 Take Our Poll Shore Conference Take Our Poll Missed our Weekend Highlights? Click HERE to watch JSZ’s Friday Week 8 Highlights Click HERE to watch JSZ’s Saturday Week 8 Highlights
Watch JSZ Football Highlights from 10.27
The regular season comes to a close in New Jersey high school football and JSZ brings you eight games of highlights in the rain and wind. St. Peter’s Prep and St. Joe’s-Montvale battled for playoff positioning, the MAPL final between Peddie and Hun came down to the final play, plus we’ve got big regular-season finale wins for Delbarton and Edison. Watch JSZ’s Saturday Week 8 preview of our coverage and scroll down to watch highlights of all our games: St. Joe’s-Montvale 16 St. Peter’s Prep 7 Touchdowns from Audric Estime and Gavin Sharkey and nearly lockdown play from the Green Knights’ defense were the keys to St. Joe’s 16-7 victory over St. Peter’s Prep Saturday. The win puts St. Joe’s at 7-2 on the season and they’re in the driver’s seat to a top seed in the Non-Public Group 4 playoffs. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Montvale: Hun 21 Peddie 16 After falling to MAPL rival Peddie 61-7 Hun pulled out an exciting 21-16 win. After trailing by nine at halftime the Raiders with the help of University of North Carolina commit Josh Henderson scored 21 straight points. As the Falcons staged a comeback trailing by five points and a goal line opportunity Malcolm Brunson grabbed a last second interception to secure the victory. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring both our Hun and Peddie coverage! Delbarton 23 Clifton 14 The defense in this game was insane, but in the end, it was Delbarton who capitalized for the homecoming win. Michael Jarmolowich scored three touchdowns and teammate Jake Kopeld caused a safety leading the Green Wave to victory. Our MMJ Courtney DuPont has the highlights for you: Gateway 27 Paulsboro 20 Ready for a blast from the past? The Gateway Gators captured their first victory over Paulsboro in 33 years, dating all the way back to 1985 when Michael Jordan won Rookie of the Year with the Chicago Bulls and Ronald Reagan was President of the United States. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from this historic South Jersey win: Edison 15 Plainfield 0 Lucas Loffredo had a 49 yard TD run in the first quarter and the Edison defense held Plainfield to -20 yards rushing as the Eagles shutout Plainfield on a muddy field to get to 6-2. JSZ has the highlights and post-game reaction from Edison’s playoff-clinching win: Ewing 14 Pemberton 0 Tywayne Reed stepped in for an injured Caleb Stokes at quarterback and delivered a pair of TD runs and the Ewing defense had five interceptions as the Blue Devils get a shutout win to reach 5-3 on the season. JSZ has the highlights and post-game reaction from Madison Bess: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Ewing is sponsored by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates Clearview 23 Moorestown 9 Troy Bentancur’s 67 yard TD run in the second quarter gave Clearview the lead for good as the Pioneers reach the 5-2 mark. Mike Ancona added two TD runs from the Wing-T attack. Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Moorestown is proudly brought to you by NJM Insurance. Buena 38 Gloucester Catholic 18 Buena Regional continued their dominant style of football through Week 8 as the Chiefs have captured their first undefeated regular season since 2014. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Gloucester Catholic is proudly brought to you by NJM Insurance.
Watch JSZ Football Highlights from 10.26
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
Watch JSZ Football Highlights from 10.25
It wouldn’t be the last week of the regular season without some sort of chaos. An incoming nor’easter has changed game schedules and we had Week Eight action starting on Thursday. Pinelands and Keansburg went head to head Thursday afternoon in the lone Shore Conference game of the day. Make sure to check in on Friday and Saturday as JSZ will bring you two dozen football games from the final week of the regular season. Pinelands 38 Keansburg 20 Senior running back Evan Burton rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns as he became the only player in school history to rush for three 1,000-yard seasons. The Wildcats now sit at 4-4 on the season and will await the remaining games this week to see if they qualify for the postseason. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from a special night in Little Egg Harbor:
Charles Amissah is Courtney’s Week 7 Game Ball Winner
Charles Amissan made a big time defensive play for the Comets returning a fumble for a 45 yard touchdown during Hillside’s homecoming game again Plainfield. Check out his Game Ball Ceremony below: Total Votes: 36,137 Take Our Poll Last Week’s Winner: Juwon Jackson – Piscataway
Justin Johnson of Burlington Township wins South Jersey Week 7 Game Ball
Undefeated Burlington Township has been has been on a scoring frenzy this season with their last 14-13 win over Highland being their only single possession victory of the year. In that game receiver Justin Johnson kicked off the game with a 78 yard touchdown, he would finish with four receptions for 139 yards to help the Falcons improve to 7-0 on the year. The people have voted and for this performance Justin is our NJM Insurance Week 7 Game Ball winner in the WJFL! JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez stopped by to practice for an acceptance ceremony: Take Our Poll Have a question? Ask Nery: nery@jerseysportszone.com
Vote now for JSZ’s Week 7 Top Plays
We’ve got 11 nominees captured by JSZ cameras showcasing the amazing talent on display during Week 7 of NJ high school football. Watch our Top Plays and cast your vote NOW through Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. The winner of our poll will get a JSZ Top Play Belt presented to them at a mid-week practice Take Our Poll Previous Top Play Winners
Voting is underway for JSZ Week 7 Game Balls
Jersey Sports Zone honors the top performers from Week Seven in high school football with our Jersey Sports Zone Game Balls. We have ten nominees in four sections of the state. The polls are open now through Tuesday at 3:00 pm. We will stop by a midweek practice to present the winners with a JSZ Game Ball. You can always nominate a player by emailing our team. madison@jerseysportszone.com (North Jersey), courtney@jerseysportszone.com (Mid-State 38), nery@jerseysportszone.com (WJFL), rich@jerseysportszone.com (Shore Conference) Nery’s Game Ball – WJFL Take Our Poll Jersey Sports Zone’s South Jersey Game Balls are made possible by NJM Insurance Group North Jersey Take Our Poll Courtney’s Game Ball – Mid-State 38 Take Our Poll Shore Conference Take Our Poll Missed our Weekend Highlights? Click HERE to watch JSZ’s Friday Week 7 Highlights Click HERE to watch JSZ’s Saturday Week 7 Highlights
Watch JSZ Football Highlights from 10.20
Can you believe it? There’s only one more week left of regular season football in New Jersey. But before that arrives next week, Jersey Sports Zone has another full plate of football games from around the state this Saturday. Watch our teaser below then scroll down to watch all 8 games of action. Remember to visit Jersey Sports Zone tomorrow to vote for top plays and game balls. Rancocas Valley 19 Lenape 16 Bryce Mangene threw three touchdown passes including a pair of second-half scores to Cerrome Hill and a Hail Mary to Jahmier Washington to end the first half as RV avenged a loss to their rival in the South Jersey Group 5 finals. JSZ has the highlights from a Saturday thriller with post-game reaction from Madison Bess: Bergen Catholic 42 Paramus Catholic 0 Junior signal-caller Andrew Boel was automatic Saturday, completing 13 of 17 passes for 250 yards and four touchdowns to lead Bergen Catholic to a blowout win in Oradell. Tyler Devera, Garrett Cody and Pierson Tobia all caught touchdowns while Anthony Corbin and Rahmir Johnson scored on the ground. JSZ’s Jay Cook has highlights from the win: Sponsor Shoutout! Thanks to Equinox Fitness, Jersey Sports Zone is able to capture highlights like these against a North Jersey rival. Notre Dame 35 Nottingham 14 A hyped Mercer County meeting between two 5-1 teams was the headline in Hamilton Saturday afternoon. The first half of Notre Dame and Nottingham was a close, hard-hitting matchup that saw the Irish go ahead 14-7 at halftime. In the third quarter running back brothers Cortaz and Coleon Williams were able to move the chains with a physical run approach. Rickey “Pop” Spruill was the stand out performance with 5 catches, 85 receiving yards, 2 rushing touchdowns and an interception on defense. Junior Cortaz Williams also records his 3,000 career rushing yard. Notre Dame will close out the season against Trenton next week for the top spot in the WJFL Capitol division. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring both our Nottingham and Notre Dame coverage! Trenton 7 Steinert 0 James Hubbard’s 39 yard punt return late in the second quarter was the only score of the game as Trenton leaned on its defense to get to 4-3 on the season. Watch JSZ’s highlights from the state capital: Thanks to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage of both Trenton and Steinert Elizabeth 12 Westfield 0 The Minutemen shutout the Blue Devils 12-0. Javon Wactor had 30 carries for 13 yards and 2 touchdowns, while the Minutemen defense recorded 5 sacks. Check out full highlights now: Sponsor Alert!! Coverage of Westfield is brought to you by Assemblyman Jon Bramnick. Thank you Jon for your continued support of Westfield athletics! Irvington 24 Barringer 6 The Blue Knights racked up 246 yards on the ground with Zakee Swann leading the way with 132 yards on just 12 carries. Irvington secures the Freedom White Division crown for a second straight year. JSZ has highlights from Irvington’s Homecoming: Vineland 31 Washington Township 7 Junior quarterback Ryan Shelton was a dual-threat menace for the Minutemen defense as he accounted for 260 total yards and three touchdowns in a big win for the Fighting Clan. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: Penns Grove 42 Glassboro 6 The Red Devils continued their infectious winning ways as they won their eighth game of the season, making the argument as one of the top teams in South Jersey. Nasir Robinson ran for three touchdowns and 184 yards while Tyreke Brown completed a trick play TD pass to Torvon Ransome in the win. Here are the highlights from JSZ’s Mike Frankel:
Watch JSZ Football Highlights from 10.19
Week Seven of NJ high school football brings us an instant classic between Red Bank Catholic and Rumson-Fair Haven, Don Bosco Prep breaking through with a win at DePaul, plus the Piscataway/Sayreville showdown. We bring you 10 games of action from all over the state under the Friday Night LIghts! Watch our teaser video that recaps our coverage and scroll below to watch our highlights and post-game reaction: Red Bank Catholic 14 Rumson-Fair Haven 13 Jaden Key blocked an extra point with 2:50 to go in the 4th quarter that proved to be the deciding factor in an epic matchup between two of the best in the Shore Conference. RBC had a 14-0 lead in the first half on two Steve Lubischer TD passes, but RFH rallied with two Alex Maldjian TD runs late in the fourth. The final three minutes featured so many twists and turns that ultimately led to Collin Coles missing a 42-yard field goal for the win as time expired. This is a must-see game and JSZ has all the big moments from Rumson: Thanks to Gold Coast Cadillac for sponsoring JSZ”s coverage of Rumson-Fair Haven and Playa Bowls in Red Bank is the reason we can bring you great RBC coverage all season long! Don Bosco Prep 59 DePaul Catholic 28 Junior running backs Kyle Monangai and Jalen Berger combined for 483 rushing yards and eight touchdowns en route to a dominant win against North Jersey foe DePaul Catholic. Monangai carried for 287 and five scores while Berger finished with 196 yards and three trips to the endzone. It’s the first win for second-year head coach Mike Teel against a “Big 6” North Jersey football program. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights form Don Bosco Prep’s statement victory in Wayne: Piscataway 27 Sayreville 6 The battle of two undefeated Greater Middlesex Conference teams did not disappoint. Piscataway was yet again paced by star tailback Juwon Jackson, who ran for 188 yards and two touchdowns. The Chiefs also had a pair of pick-six’s in this game to help secure the win. JSZ’s Bryan DeNovellis has the highlights from this GMC clash: Phillipsburg 21 Ridge 7 | 2x Mid-State-Delaware Division Champs In Phillipsburg’s final regular season game, the Stateliners handed the Ridge Red Devils their first loss of the season. Junior running back, Bobby Coury, made his big debut in the first half scoring twice for the Liners and leading his team to a 21-7 victory. Our MMJ Courtney DuPont has the full highlights for you! Check them out now: Sponsor Alert!! Coverage of Phillipsburg is brought to you by the Garnet Booster Club. Thank you Garnet Booster Club for your continued support! Cinnaminson 28 Ewing 13 In this WJFL Patriot Division matchup Cinnaminson closed out their regular season schedule with a dominating defensive performance against Ewing. The Pirates forced 10 turnovers and allowed just 29 rushing yards. On offense they were led by star running back Rashad Raymond who rushed for 120 yards and had three touchdowns in the first half. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the call: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our Ewing coverage! Coverage of Cinnaminson brought to you by NJM Insurance Group! Red Bank Regional 19 Monmouth Regional 0 Makai Mickens ran for 184 yards and a TD to reach the 1,000 yard plateau as the Bucs improve to 6-1 with a shutout win against the Falcons. JSZ has the highlights from one of the most improved football team’s in New Jersey: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Monmouth Regional is made possible by Monmouth Building Center and Ryser’s Landscape Supply is the reason we have brought you so many great moments from Red Bank Regional’s breakthrough 2018 season! Saint John Vianney 9 Middletown South 0 Kavon Chambers broke a scoreless tie in the 4th quarter with a 75-yard TD run and Paul Liseno added a safety to give the Lancers a big road win at Middletown South snapping the Eagles five game win streak. JSZ has the highlights from the Swamp and post-game reaction from Madison Bess: Jersey Sports Zone can bring you the Middletown South/SJV battle thanks to great sponsors. Thanks to BCB-Bayshore (SJV) and Monmouth Building Center (Middletown South) for supporting your hometown teams! Toms River North 48 Toms River East 7 Jake Kazanowsky threw five touchdowns to top 1000 yards passing in 2018 as the Mariners rolled to a crosstown win to improve to 5-2 on the season. JSZ has the highlights from Ocean County: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Toms River North is made possible by CJA Construction Delsea 38 Cedar Creek 16 Delsea senior running back and Harvard commit Aidan Borguet again played out of his mind, rushing for 226 yards and four touchdowns in a controlling victory over Cedar Creek in the WJFL. Delsea has now strung together three straight wins and is undefeated so far through October. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has everything you need: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone wants to thank NJM Insurance for being a loyal sponsor and supporting our coverage of so many South Jersey schools. West Deptford 28 Deptford 21 West Deptford continued on their path of solid play in the WJFL with a crosstown win over Deptford. Senior tailback Ken Lim had the highlight of the evening with a wild leap into the endzone that put West Deptford up big at halftime. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights:
Ohio State Commit Ronnie Hickman’s All-American Bowl Jersey Presentation
Ronnie Hickman is one of the most explosive players in New Jersey and talent evaluators around the country have taken notice. Hickman, a two-way star for DePaul Catholic and an Ohio State commit, was presented his 2019 All-American Bowl jersey during a pep rally Friday afternoon. DePaul Catholic football head coach John McKenna was also announced as an assistant coach for the East squad. Watch the presentation here: Hickman, a four-star recruit, projects to play safety for head coach Urban Meyer and defensive coordinator Greg Schiano when heads to Ohio State next year. Hickman rounds out the four New Jersey players selected to play in the 2019 All-American Bowl, scheduled for Jan. 5, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas. The others are Caedan Wallace, a Penn State offensive line commit from Hun School; Antonio Alfano, an Alabama commit and Colonia defensive lineman; and Joe Shimko, a long snapper from Wall High School committed to play at N.C. State.
Vandever Brothers Bring Week Six Top Play Belt to Hammonton!
Late in the game when Hammonton trailed on fourth down Kyle Vandever linked up with brother Kevin for a 69 yard touchdown score to complete a comeback win against Winslow. Now this duo is giving “The Blueberry Capital of the World” something to celebrate as they are the Week Six Top Play Champs. Watch their promo and ceremony with JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez: Take Our Poll
Piscataway’s Juwon Jackson is Courtney’s Week 6 Game Ball Winner
Juwon Jackson had nine carries, rushed for 235 yards, and two touchdowns in Piscataway’s win during Week 6. His outstanding performance has earned him a JSZ Game Ball! Check out Juwon’s Game Ball Ceremony now: Total # of Votes: 24,156 Take Our Poll Courtney’s Week 5 Game Ball Winner: Jacque’e Cook
Long Snapper and NC State Commit Joe Shimko All-American Jersey Presentation
Wall High School Long Snapper and North Carolina State commit Joe Shimko is ranked 4th in the Rubio Long Snapper Rankings for the Class of 2019, and on Thursday, he was presented with his All-American Bowl jersey. The Top 100 High School Football players are chosen to play in the Bowl, and Shimko is the first Wall football player to receive this honor. A long snapper is a niche player, and Joe has been working on perfecting his craft for two years. Shimko says he wanted to get playing time his sophomore year, and he thought the position as a long snapper would give him that opportunity. Joe’s friends, family and teammates gathered on Thursday morning for his ceremony at Wall High School to share this special moment. JSZ’s Madison Bess has the story: JSZ has been there for each of the New Jersey All-American Bowl jersey presentations so far this week: Penn State commit and Hun School offensive lineman Caedan Wallace, Alabama commit and Colonia defensive end Antonio Alfano and Shimko. Tomorrow JSZ will be at DePaul Catholic for WR/DB Ronnie Hickman’s ceremony. Stay tuned for more great football coverage from Jersey Sports Zone the rest of this season!
Alabama Commit Antonio Alfano’s 2019 All-American Jersey Presentation
Colonia defensive end and University of Alabama commit Antonio Alfano has a long list of achievements and accomplishments throughout his football career and added another to his resume Wednesday afternoon. Alfano was bestowed his 2019 All-American Bowl jersey, marking him as one of the top 100 football players across the country this year. Friends, loved ones and teammates were on hand at Colonia High School to help him celebrate and commemorate this special evening. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story: The 2019 All-American Bowl will be played on Jan. 5, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas and will be broadcast live on NBC. Alfano is one of four New Jersey football players suiting up for the game. Hun School offensive lineman Caedan Wallace (Penn State), DePaul Catholic wide receiver/defensive back Ronnie Hickman (Ohio State) and Wall High School long snapped Joe Shimko (N.C. State) round out the list. Check back in later this week for more jersey presentation ceremonies from these athletes. Want to know more about Antonio Alfano? Watch JSZ’s exclusive inside look at the weeks leading up to his college decision this past summer.
Clearview’s Dean Dvorak wins NJM Insurance South Jersey Week Six Game Ball!
Dean Dvorak was driving force in Clearview’s 41-0 win over Cherry Hill West. Dvorak rushed for 141 yards and three touchdowns on just seven carries. The fans have voted and for this performance he is the NJM Insurance Game Ball winner for Week 6 in the WJFL. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez stopped by practice to present him with his award: Take Our Poll Jersey Sports Zone’s South Jersey Game Balls are made possible by NJM Insurance Group Have a question? Ask Nery: nery@jerseysportszone.com Each week we will have ten nominees in four sections of the state. The polls will be open Sunday through Tuesday at 3:00 pm. We will stop by a midweek practice to present the winners with a JSZ Game Ball. You can always nominate a player by emailing our team. madison@jerseysportszone.com (North Jersey), courtney@jerseysportszone.com (Mid-State 38), nery@jerseysportszone.com (WJFL), rich@jerseysportszone.com (Shore Conference)
Woodbridge’s Jose Leon Wins JSZ Week 6 North Jersey Game Ball
Woodbridge High School senior Jose Leon came to play Friday night and was a key factor to the Barrons’ crosstown win against JFK Iselin. With only nine seconds left on the clock, Leon caught a 16-yard pass and bullied his way into the endzone to give Woodbridge a last-second, 26-21 win. Leon also tallied 89 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown earlier in the game. Thanks to voters from around the state, Leon was awarded JSZ’s Week 6 North Jersey game ball! Watch the presentation here: Take Our Poll