Sectional championship weekend continues, as JSZ brings you highlights from six finals around the state!
Rumson-Fair Haven 34 Raritan 27 (2OT) | South Group 2 Final
Scott Venancio’s 19-yard TD catch from Owen O’Toole in the second overtime was the game-winner as Rumson-Fair Haven made a remarkable comeback from 17 points down in the fourth quarter to secure the school’s seventh sectional title since 2010. Raritan got a sensational performance from running back Kieran Falzon who carried the ball 42 times for 302 yards and three touchdowns. Falzon’s 70-yard TD run in the third quarter gave the Rockets a commanding 27-10 lead. But O’Toole rallied with TD passes to Venancio and Cole Cashion to get RFH within 27-24 and Oliver Lorraine’s 26-yard field goal with 1:32 left tied the game and forced overtime. Raritan was stuffed on 4th and 1 and Lorraine missed a 36-yard field goal into the wind in the first OT. Venancio’s 2nd TD catch started off the second OT and Beau Kemler’s interception sealed the victory. RFH will face Willingboro in the Group 2 state semifinals.
JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-game reaction from one of the best games of the year:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Rumson-Fair Haven is brought to you by Mario Venancio of Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach Realtors.
Mainland 34 Middletown South 24 | Central Group 4 Final
The Mustangs produced four turnovers and scored 20 unanswered points in the second half to pull away from the Eagles to win their first sectional title in 14 years. Mainland (10-1) was led by do-it-all junior Cohen Cook, who had a rushing touchdown, receiving touchdown, a fumble recovery and an interception in the win. Freshman QB Johnny Franchini completed 50 percent of his passes for 149 yards and two scores. Jake Czwakiel had over 200 yards of offense and a touchdown for Middletown South (8-2) in their season finale.
JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and reaction from Middletown:
Millville 18 Hammonton 16 | South Group 4 Final
Trailing 16-12 with three minutes remaining and no timeouts left, the Thunderbolts put a clutch drive together to capture their second straight sectional title. Na’eem Sharp scored two touchdowns in the win for Millville (9-2), while Jacob Zamot threw a TD pass to Lotzeir Brooks in the victory as well. Kenny Smith broke off two long touchdown runs for the Blue Devils (9-3) in the loss.
JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction from a thriller in Hammonton:
West Morris 21 West Essex 7 | North 2 Group 3 Final
West Morris defeated West Essex 21-7 to remain unbeaten at 12-0 and captured the North 2, Group 3 Championship for back to back Sectional Titles. Following touchdowns from Stefano Montella and Mike Maglione in the first half, we would remained tied at 7-7 until the fourth quarter when Montella found the end zone for his second score less than a minute in. The Wolfpack would add a late score from Vinny Desiderio to seal the victory. It is the first time in school history the program has repeated as Sectional Champions.
JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights and postgame reaction from Chester:
Thank you to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (Livingston) for sponsoring our West Essex coverage.
Toms River North 48 Kingsway 14 | South Group 5 Final
The top-seeded Mariners spent a year hoping to get another shot at Kingsway after a heartbreaking loss last season, and seized that opportunity by winning their seventh sectional title. Micah Ford rushed for 255 yards and three touchdowns, and added a pick-six on defense in the win. Josh Moore rushed for 219 yards and a pair of touchdowns for Toms River North (12-0). Nate Maiers and Darrell Brown Jr. each scored a touchdown in the loss for second-seeded Kingsway (7-4).
JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from this South Group 5 championship rematch:
JSZ’s coverage of Toms River North is brought to you by Community Medical Center in Toms River.
Edison 28 Lenape 14 | Central Group 5 Final
Continuing to fight through turbulence, the Edison Eagles took down top-seeded Lenape. Despite entering the playoffs as the sixth seed, Edison showed they were out to prove a point as they doubled up the Indians. Matt Yascko lead the way for the Eagles with two rushing touchdowns and one passing TD, while Zyaire Fleming had a pair of rushing touchdowns for Lenape in the loss.
JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Edison is brought to you by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
