In a season unlike any other, we finally begin the football season in the first weekend of October. JSZ was masked up and on the move all around the state to capture plenty of opening night action. Check back throughout the night to watch all of the highlights!
Notre Dame 23 Hamilton West 20 | OT
When the two best teams in Mercer County last season met in Week One, the environment felt more like a playoff game than an opener. Hamilton West scored first before Notre Dame countered with 20 unanswered points. However, the Hornets were not ready to give up in their most anticipated game of the year. West would tie the game and eventually send it to overtime where George Chrissafis kicked a 36-yard field goal to help Notre Dame start the year 1-0. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights:
Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring both our Notre Dame and Hamilton West coverage.
Haddonfield 17 West Deptford 16
Carson Wolff stepped in at QB and led the Bulldawgs to a thrilling comeback victory over the rival Eagles. Wolff ran for a touchdown and connected with Tommy Batson for the game-tying touchdown on fourth down in the fourth quarter. Jack Cutter added a field goal and a pair of crucial extra points in the victory. Aaron Graeber and J’Covi Williams both rushed for touchdowns for West Deptford in the loss.
JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the thrilling highlights and reaction from Haddonfield:
Coverage of Haddonfield is made possible by NJM Insurance.
Red Bank Catholic 10 Mater Dei Prep 3
In a rematch of last year’s Non-Public Group 3 semifinals won by Mater Dei 10-3, the Caseys turn the tables. Anthony Borriello’s 20-yard TD pass to Najih Rahman was the only touchdown of the game as the Caseys get revenge on the Seraphs in an exciting season opener. RBC’s defense had a magnificent fourth quarter goal line stand with two straight stops and sophomore linebacker Sabino Portella recovered a fumble in the final two minutes at the five yard line to seal the win. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-game reaction from Count Basie Park:
DePaul Catholic 31 Pope John 0
DePaul Catholic, the reigning Non-Public 3 champions, picked up right where they left off last December after a 31-0 rout over Pope John. The Spartans were led offensively by a three-touchdown performance from Andrew Butler. The defense also shined by only allowing 42 total yards and no points. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Wayne:
St. Peter’s Prep 62 West Orange 21
Virginia Tech commit Tahj Bullock threw five TD passes and ran for another as the final season of Marauders head coach Rich Hansen starts with an offensive outburst. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from West Orange:
Holy Spirit 18 St. Joseph Academy (Hamm.) 6
In a rematch of last season’s Non-Public Group 2 title game, the Spartans denied the Wildcats its chance at revenge. Junior quarterback Trevor Cohen threw for three touchdowns on the night, including a 65-yard touchdown to JaShon Teller to seal the win for the Spartans. Colorado State-commit Patrick “Cheeks” Smith rushed for 96 yards in the win.
JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from Buena:
Somerville 50 South Plainfield 12
The 2019 SJG3 runner-up Somerville starts off hot with a 50-12 thrashing of the South Plainfield Tigers. Senior RB Cookie Desiderio led the way for the Pioneers as he scored four touchdowns, including a 90-yard TD run. Junior WR/LB Ethan MacNair had a pair of receiving touchdowns in the win.
JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights from Somerville:
St. John Vianney 30 Red Bank Regional 8
Sophomore quarterback Antonio Rosato threw three TD passes including two to fellow sophomore Kyle Verriest as head coach Mike Alberque’s Lancers debut was a successful road win. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis brings you the action from Little Silver:
