Week 1 begins with plenty of Thursday night action around the state. Enjoy the highlights!
Jackson Memorial 20 Manalapan 13 (OT) | Shore Conference
Dennis Caswell threw a 30-yard TD pass to Frank Castellano in overtime and Ryan Jagodzinski forced a fumble on a controversial play at the goal line to give the Jaguars a thrilling season opening win. Jason Rodriguez leaped at the one yard line and extended the ball in mid-air. The JSZ angle from the back of the end zone is inconclusive but other angles posted on social media showed Rodriguez breaking the plane. Referees ruled a fumble and the game ended with a Jaguars defensive turnover. The game featured twists and turns in fourth quarter setting up the overtime drama.
JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Jackson:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Jackson Memorial is brought to you by Community Medical Center
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Manalapan is made possible by Ramapo College.
Ocean Township 28 Lacey 14 | Shore Conference
James Sobieski exploded for 171 total yards and two touchdowns (one rushing, one passing) as the Spartans rallied to capture a win in their season-opener. Sobieski did damage at wide receiver, halfback and at wildcat quarterback all game long for Ocean (1-0). Nick Maertens and Trevor Santucci connected for a highlight-reel touchdown in the first half for Lacey (0-2), but couldn’t stave off Ocean as they rallied back in.
JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Ocean Township:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Lacey is made possible by Ramapo College.
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Ocean Township is made possible by Monmouth Medical Center.
Rutherford 37 Lodi 6 | North Jersey Interscholastic Conference
A pair of Cole Goumas touchdown runs in the first half sparked the Bulldogs to a rousing win in their 2023 season opener. Rutherford (1-0) rushed for four total scores on the night as Ryan Ward and Chris Gioia also added in trips to the end zone. Lodi (0-2) was limited to just 97 yards in the loss.
JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Bergen County:
Ridge 41 Monroe 7 | Big Central Conference
Ridge (1-0) kicked off their season in the win column with a dominant 41-7 win against Monroe. The Red Devils were able to take a 34-7 lead at halftime as quarterback Ryan Olivo and running back Aiden Stieglitz combined for four first half scores. Olivo, a running back last year made the switch to under center for his senior campaign.
JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights from Monroe:
Thank you to Princeton Orthopedic Associates for sponsoring our Monroe coverage.
Thank you to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (Somerset) for sponsoring our Ridge coverage.
Winslow Twp. 34 Lenape 0 | West Jersey Football League
Freshman quarterback Jalen Parker rushed for two touchdowns and threw a TD pass to Deuce Everett as the Eagles (1-1) soared in their home opener. Cam Miller finished with well over 100 yards receiving on the night, while Jevon Johnson and Kameron Brown rushed for scores in the victory. Michael Lemay led the way for the Indians (0-2) in the loss.
JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights:
Cherokee 47 Hammonton 7 | West Jersey Football League
The Chiefs trailed by a point at halftime, then exploded for 34 points in the third quarter as they rolled to their second-straight win. Ryan Bender opened the half with a 74-yard rushing touchdown and added a passing touchdown in the win. Murad Campfield rushed for 132 yards and a pair of touchdowns for Cherokee (2-0). Kenny Smith scored a touchdown in the loss for Hammonton (1-1).
JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Marlton:
