State championship weekend at Rutgers University got started with a triple-header on Saturday and JSZ has wall-t0-wall coverage from all three state finals. Check back throughout the night as the highlights come in!
Woodbury 31 Mountain Lakes 7 | Group 1 State Final
The Thundering Herd trailed 7-0 at halftime, but turned the tide in the second half with a dominant performance down the stretch to bring home the inaugural Group 1 state title. Anthony Reagan Jr. rushed for 211 yards and a pair of touchdowns to pace the Woodbury offense. Derron Moore racked up eleven tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a rushing touchdown in the win for Woodbury (12-2). Nico Dunn scored the lone touchdown in the loss for Mountain Lakes (11-2).
JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and post-game reaction from SHI Stadium:
Old Tappan 24 Delsea 14 | Group 3 State Final
The Golden Knights scored ten points in the fourth quarter to defeat Delsea in the inaugural Group 3 state final. Starting QB Tommy Carraciolo rushed for a touchdown and threw for a score in the first half, but couldn’t play in the second half due to an injury. Sophomore QB Alex Orecchio stepped in and connected on a 30-yard touchdown pass to Evan Brooks on fourth down late to seal the win. Nico Ottomanelli kicked a go-ahead 46-yard field goal for Old Tappan (12-1). Wayne Adair and Jared Schoppe both rushed for TDs for the Crusaders (12-1) in the loss.
JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction from Rutgers:
Millville 18 Northern Highlands 14 | Group 4 State Final
The phrase “defense wins championships” should go right next to the Thunderbolts’ 2022 Group 4 state championship trophy when they put it into the case. Despite committing four second-half turnovers, Millville’s stellar defense held Northern Highlands scoreless in the second half and paved the way to them capturing the first-ever Group 4 state championship in state history. Jacob Zamot (24-34, 264 yards, 2 TD passes) and Lotzeir Brooks (11 receptions, 113 yards, 1 TD catch) did most of the damage on offense. Kyon Conyers and Jayden Jones each game up with massive defensive plays inside the final two minutes of regulation to help seal the win.
JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and reaction:
