Atlantic Physical Therapy Week 10 Shore Conference Football Previews and Picks

The road to a state championship continues this week as the 2026 NJSIAA public school football playoffs move into the sectional semifinals, with teams battling to keep their seasons alive and advance to the sectional championship games. Meanwhile, the non-public school playoffs kick off with first-round action as teams begin their postseason journeys in pursuit of a state title.

This year’s picks and previews are sponsored by Dave Manzo and Atlantic Physical Therapy.

With more than 30 convenient locations throughout New Jersey, Atlantic Physical Therapy Center provides personalized, patient-focused care to help people of all ages recover from injuries, manage pain, and get back to doing what they love. Their licensed physical therapists offer individualized treatment, along with services such as sports rehabilitation, dry needling, cupping, kinesiology taping, concussion management, and a variety of wellness and performance programs designed to help athletes recover, perform, and stay healthy.

Whether you’re working your way back from an injury or looking to perform at your best, Atlantic Physical Therapy Center is committed to helping you come back stronger and more confident than before.

We thank Atlantic Physical Therapy Center for its support of Shore Conference football and Shore Sports Insider.

Now, onto our Week 10 picks and previews.

	Stump	Smith	Crouthamel	Yeserski	Manzo
WEDNESDAY
Point Beach at KIPP Cooper	Point Beach	Point Beach	Point Beach	Point Beach	Point Beach
FRIDAY
Trenton at TR North	TR North	TR North	TR North	TR North	TR North
Midd South at Roxbury	Roxbury	Roxbury	Roxbury	Midd South	Roxbury
Teaneck at Midd North	Midd North	Midd North	Midd North	Midd North	Midd North
Millville at Brick Memorial	Brick Memorial	Brick Memorial	Brick Memorial	Brick Memorial	Brick Memorial
Marlboro at Shawnee	Shawnee	Shawnee	Shawnee	Shawnee	Shawnee
Manasquan at Glassboro	Glassboro	Glassboro	Glassboro	Glassboro	Glassboro
Point Boro at RFH	RFH	RFH	RFH	RFH	RFH
Wall at West Deptford	Wall	West Deptford	West Deptford	Wall	West Deptford
Shore at Schalick	Schalick	Schalick	Schalick	Shore	Schalick
SJV at Paul VI	Paul VI	Paul VI	Paul VI	Paul VI	SJV
SATURDAY
Pinelands at Oakcrest	Pinelands	Oakcrest	Pinelands	Pinelands	Pinelands
Last week	26-6	28-4	21-11	23-9	20-12
Season record	172-57	185-44	164-65	164-65	166-63

Previews

 

South Jersey Group 5 Semifinals

(7) Trenton at (3) Toms River North, Friday at 6 p.m.

Toms River North is one victory away from returning to the South Jersey Group 5 sectional championship game after a one-year hiatus, but the Mariners will have to get past a dangerous Trenton team that has already proven its ability to knock off a higher seed. The seventh-seeded Tornadoes pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the opening round, defeating second-seeded Southern, 34-29, on the road. That result should have Toms River North’s attention considering Southern handed the Mariners a 27-19 defeat during the regular season. Trenton has won five of its last six games after a 1-3 start and enters the semifinals with plenty of momentum.

Toms River North delivered one of the most dominant performances of the sectional quarterfinals, dismantling sixth-seeded Manalapan, 42-7, behind a sensational performance from senior running back Lucas Elias. Elias rushed for 167 yards and scored all six of the Mariners’ touchdowns on just 17 carries as Toms River North controlled the line of scrimmage and never attempted a pass. Elias has rushed for 1,056 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, while senior Wesley Tanner has added 859 yards and 11 touchdowns. Senior quarterback Cole Garrison, who missed several games with an injury, has contributed 531 rushing yards and five touchdowns, giving the Mariners multiple threats in an offense that has accumulated 2,485 yards and 30 touchdowns on the ground.

Trenton presents a different offensive challenge with senior quarterback Keith Williams directing a balanced attack. Williams has thrown for 1,652 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding 110 rushing yards and 12 scores. Senior wide receiver Brandon Howard is his primary target with 50 receptions for 739 yards and 10 touchdowns, while junior Zaimere Reeves has caught 30 passes for 367 yards and three scores. Senior Sam Anderson leads the Tornadoes’ rushing attack with 711 yards and six touchdowns on 118 carries. Trenton has scored at least 34 points in five of its six victories, including its quarterfinal upset of Southern, and has the offensive versatility to challenge the Mariners through the air and on the ground.

Defensively, Toms River North will look to a talented group of playmakers to contain Williams and the Tornadoes’ offense. Junior Judah Williams has recorded 16 tackles for loss, while sophomore linebacker Finn Boland has 25.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks. Junior linebacker Kam’ron Morse has added 22.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, giving the Mariners several disruptive defenders capable of changing a game. Trenton counters with junior defensive back Zaimere Reeves, who has three interceptions and 72 total tackles, while senior linebacker Gus Pope has recorded 62 tackles and junior defensive lineman Ben Kleppo has contributed 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

The matchup could ultimately come down to whether Trenton can slow Toms River North’s powerful rushing attack and force the Mariners into passing situations, something Manalapan was unable to accomplish in the quarterfinals. Conversely, the Mariners will need to contain Williams and prevent Howard and Reeves from producing explosive plays in the passing game. Toms River North has the advantage of playing at home and enters with considerable postseason experience, but Trenton has already demonstrated that its seeding means little. With a trip to the South Jersey Group 5 final on the line, the Mariners will need another complete performance to avoid becoming the Tornadoes’ second straight Shore Conference victim.

 

North Jersey 1 Group 4 Semifinals

(4) Middletown South at (1) Roxbury, Friday at 7 p.m.

Middletown South will venture into unfamiliar territory when the fourth-seeded Eagles travel to Morris County to face top-seeded Roxbury in the North Jersey Section 1 Group 4 semifinals. The matchup is believed to be the first meeting between Roxbury and a Shore Conference football program. Middletown South advanced with a hard-fought 21-14 victory over fifth-seeded Ridge, while Roxbury cruised past eighth-seeded Carteret, 42-7, in the sectional quarterfinals. The Gaels have won five of their last six games and enter the semifinals with one of the most productive rushing attacks in the section.

Middletown South overcame a 14-7 halftime deficit against Ridge to secure its first home playoff victory since 2022. Senior running back Justin Rosato scored on an 18-yard run after senior linebacker Anthony Bennett forced a fumble on the opening play of the second half, and senior quarterback Jack Schneider connected with senior wide receiver Owen Maguire for the winning touchdown late in the game. Schneider also found Maguire for a two-yard touchdown in the first half. Rosato has been the centerpiece of the Eagles’ offense throughout the season, rushing for 1,041 yards and 10 touchdowns on 176 carries. Schneider has completed 79 of 125 passes for 1,089 yards and nine touchdowns, with Maguire serving as his primary target with 31 receptions for 457 yards and three scores.

Roxbury presents a formidable challenge with an offense that has accumulated 2,445 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns. Junior quarterback Frankie Falco is a dangerous dual-threat playmaker who leads the Gaels with 1,178 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 118 carries while completing 42 of 63 passes for 760 yards and 11 touchdowns. Sophomore running back Roy Alvarado has added 752 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, while senior Jimmy Murphy has contributed 367 yards and seven scores. Roxbury has scored at least 26 points in each of its eight victories, including 56 against Mendham and 52 against Garfield. The Gaels have also been efficient through the air, with Falco throwing just one interception in 63 attempts.

The Eagles will need another strong defensive effort against a Roxbury offense capable of producing explosive plays from multiple positions. Rosato has been a force on both sides of the ball with 63 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, and an interception, while senior defensive back Ryan McCarthy has recorded four interceptions. Bennett and senior defensive lineman Beckett White provide additional playmaking ability near the line of scrimmage. Roxbury counters with a defense led by junior Hudson Nassif, who has recorded 80 total tackles, and senior Matthew Donnelly, who has 17 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Junior Ian McMahon has added 12 tackles for loss, while sophomore Maxwell Kelly has intercepted three passes.

The biggest challenge for Middletown South will be containing Falco and preventing Roxbury from controlling the game with its ground attack. The Eagles have demonstrated an ability to win close games, including victories over Manasquan, Marlboro, Matawan, and Ridge, and their experience in tight contests could be valuable if they can keep the score close into the fourth quarter. Roxbury will have home-field advantage and the more explosive rushing offense, but Middletown South has won five of its last six games and enters the semifinals with momentum of its own. A victory would send the Eagles to the sectional championship game and continue their pursuit of their first sectional title since 2015.

 

North Jersey 2 Group 4 Semifinals

(4) Teaneck at (1) Middletown North, Friday at 7 p.m.

Middletown North will look to continue one of its best seasons in recent memory when the top-seeded Lions host fourth-seeded Teaneck in the North Jersey Section 2 Group 4 semifinals. Much like crosstown rival Middletown South, which travels to Roxbury in North Jersey Section 1 Group 4, the Lions will face an unfamiliar opponent in what is believed to be the first meeting between Teaneck and a Shore Conference football program. With no common opponents to provide a measuring stick, the matchup presents an element of uncertainty for both teams. Middletown North enters after dismantling eighth-seeded Watchung Hills, 42-7, while Teaneck survived a 21-20 thriller against fifth-seeded Garfield to advance.

Middletown North has put together an impressive season under head coach Steve Bush, winning its first six games before suffering a narrow 43-42 defeat to Freehold Township in its regular-season finale. The Lions bounced back emphatically in the quarterfinals, with senior running back Matthew Belenko rushing for 204 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries against Watchung Hills. Belenko has been the centerpiece of the offense with 1,093 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, while junior quarterback Derek Grasso has completed 79 of 125 passes for 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Anthony Christiani leads the receiving corps with 31 catches for 601 yards and five touchdowns, while senior Danny Sigler has added 25 receptions for 523 yards and six scores, giving the Lions a balanced attack capable of moving the ball through the air and on the ground.

Teaneck brings plenty of offensive firepower of its own, led by senior quarterback Jayden Castro, who has thrown for 1,196 yards and 13 touchdowns while rushing for 280 yards and six scores. The Highwaymen have several dangerous playmakers, including sophomore running back Shiloh Rivers, who leads the team with 506 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, and senior Jonah Flournoy, who has contributed 406 yards and five scores. Senior Darius Denmark has added 329 rushing yards, giving Teaneck multiple options in the backfield. Through the air, senior Deyton Walcott has caught 27 passes for 525 yards and four touchdowns, while senior Aidan Talley has 24 receptions for 507 yards and seven scores. Teaneck has won four straight games and has scored at least 27 points in seven of its nine contests.

Defensively, Middletown North will need to contain Castro while limiting the explosive plays that have fueled Teaneck’s offense. Senior linebacker Kade Little leads the Lions with 79 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and three sacks, while Christiani has recorded 51 tackles and three interceptions. Senior MJ Parulis has contributed five tackles for loss, three sacks, and an interception, giving Middletown North another versatile defender capable of making an impact. Teaneck counters with junior linebacker Mark Evans, who has recorded 67 total tackles, while Castro has added 52 tackles. Junior Jalen Johnson has been disruptive along the defensive front with eight tackles for loss and five sacks, and junior linebacker Christian Justiniano has contributed 48 tackles and five tackles for loss.

The matchup could hinge on Middletown North’s ability to establish Belenko and control possession against a Teaneck defense that has surrendered points to several of its stronger opponents. The Lions have demonstrated that they can win with both their running and passing games, and their offensive balance could prove valuable against an unfamiliar opponent. Teaneck, meanwhile, has enough speed and versatility to challenge Middletown North’s defense, particularly if Castro can extend plays and connect with Walcott and Talley downfield. With home-field advantage and a sectional championship berth at stake, the Lions have an opportunity to take another major step toward capturing their first sectional title since 1996.

 

Central Jersey Group 4 Semifinals

(4) Millville at (1) Brick Memorial, Friday at 6 p.m.

Brick Memorial’s seniors have waited two years for another opportunity to face Millville, and now they’ll get their chance with a trip to the Central Jersey Group 4 championship game on the line. The fourth-seeded Thunderbolts handed the Mustangs a crushing 48-7 defeat in the 2024 sectional final, a loss that has not been forgotten by the players who were sophomores at the time. This time, top-seeded Brick Memorial will have home-field advantage and enters the rematch riding an eight-game winning streak. The Mustangs advanced with a convincing 42-13 victory over eighth-seeded Absegami, while Millville rolled past fifth-seeded Pennsauken, 41-7, to set up a highly anticipated semifinal showdown.

Brick Memorial has established itself as one of the Shore Conference’s most complete teams under head coach James Mahoney, with its only defeat coming against Donovan Catholic, 14-7, in Week 2. Since then, the Mustangs have defeated Toms River North, Point Boro, Rumson-Fair Haven, and Southern, building an impressive résumé against quality competition. Senior quarterback Tyler Pierce has been outstanding, completing 101 of 133 passes for 1,486 yards and 16 touchdowns while rushing for 672 yards and seven scores. Senior running back Colin Schoellkopf leads the ground attack with 1,098 yards and nine touchdowns on 201 carries, while senior Shawn Fowler has contributed 328 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Pierce has several reliable receiving targets, including senior tight end Joe Livio (23 receptions, 384 yards, two touchdowns), Fowler (20 receptions, 374 yards, five touchdowns), and junior Jay’von Ellison (29 receptions, 355 yards, one touchdown).

Millville enters with a deceptive 5-4 record after navigating a difficult schedule that included losses to Atlantic City and Winslow, along with a season-opening victory over Erasmus Hall of New York. The Thunderbolts have a balanced offense led by senior quarterback Robert O’Connor, who has thrown for 1,493 yards and 15 touchdowns. Senior Reginald Holley is a dangerous all-purpose threat with 545 rushing yards and eight touchdowns to go along with 23 receptions for 423 yards and five scores. Junior running back Lee German has added 420 rushing yards, while senior Jaden Days (16 receptions, 298 yards, four touchdowns) and junior Ronald Saunders (21 receptions, 310 yards, two touchdowns) provide additional weapons in the passing game. Millville’s ability to spread the ball around will test a Brick Memorial defense that has faced several explosive offenses throughout the season.

Defensively, Brick Memorial will rely on a physical and experienced group led by Schoellkopf, who has recorded 76 total tackles and 14 tackles for loss. Senior defensive back Casey Pierce has added 53 tackles and five tackles for loss, while freshman Zyion Weaver has intercepted four passes. Ellison has contributed two interceptions, giving the Mustangs several playmakers in the secondary. Millville counters with a defense featuring senior linebacker Darnell Williams, who has recorded 14 tackles for loss, and junior defensive lineman Andrew Pinnock, who has nine sacks and nine tackles for loss. Sophomore Andrew Rivera has added six sacks, giving the Thunderbolts a formidable pass rush that could challenge Brick Memorial’s offensive line.

The biggest question is whether Millville can disrupt Brick Memorial’s offensive rhythm and prevent the Mustangs from controlling the game with their balanced attack. Brick Memorial has demonstrated an ability to win in multiple ways, surviving close games against Point Boro and Southern while also winning a high-scoring contest against Rumson-Fair Haven. Millville, meanwhile, has the talent and postseason pedigree to be dangerous despite entering as the fourth seed. For Brick Memorial’s senior class, however, this game carries added significance beyond reaching another sectional final. The Mustangs have spent two years working toward another opportunity to face the team that ended their 2024 championship hopes, and now they have a chance to settle that score on their home field.

 

South Jersey Group 4 Semifinals

(4) Marlboro at (1) Shawnee, Friday at 5 p.m.

Marlboro will face its toughest postseason challenge yet when the fourth-seeded Mustangs travel to Burlington County to take on top-seeded Shawnee in the South Jersey Group 4 semifinals. The Mustangs advanced with a 21-8 victory over fifth-seeded Steinert, while the Renegades dominated eighth-seeded Howell, 34-0, in the sectional quarterfinals. Shawnee has won three straight games and seven of its last eight, with its only loss during that stretch coming against South Jersey power St. Augustine.

Marlboro has relied on a balanced rushing attack led by senior running back Shaqur Richardson, who has carried 188 times for 773 yards and eight touchdowns. Senior quarterback Nick Dimino has provided another dimension with 457 rushing yards and six touchdowns while completing 57 of 105 passes for 823 yards and 10 scores. Senior running back Hudson Muhlbach has contributed 385 rushing yards and four touchdowns, giving the Mustangs multiple options in the backfield. Senior wide receiver James Torres has emerged as Dimino’s top target with 16 receptions for 260 yards and five touchdowns, while freshman Miles Block has added 13 catches for 186 yards. Richardson rushed for 63 yards and two touchdowns in the quarterfinal victory over Steinert, continuing to serve as the focal point of Marlboro’s offense.

Shawnee presents a formidable challenge with a powerful rushing attack centered around junior running back Cole Anderson, who has amassed 1,482 yards and 18 touchdowns on 215 carries. Anderson has been the driving force behind an offense that has totaled 2,017 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, making his ability to run the football the biggest concern for Marlboro’s defense. Senior quarterback Niko Fifis has handled most of the passing duties, completing 68 of 108 attempts for 763 yards and eight touchdowns with just two interceptions. Senior wide receiver Jack Davis leads the receiving corps with 23 catches for 398 yards and six touchdowns, while senior Jake Hoerst has added 18 receptions for 182 yards. Shawnee has also demonstrated an ability to win close games, edging Lenape, 24-23, and Burlington Township, 27-26, during the regular season.

Defensively, Marlboro will need a disciplined effort to contain Anderson and prevent Shawnee from controlling the game on the ground. Junior linebacker Dean Diadema leads the Mustangs with 60 total tackles and eight tackles for loss, while senior Chris Scaff has contributed 56 tackles and three tackles for loss. Dimino has been a standout in the secondary with six interceptions, giving Marlboro a dangerous playmaker capable of creating turnovers. Shawnee counters with a defense led by senior linebacker Parker Peluse, who has recorded 77 total tackles, and junior Johnny Sears, who has added 73 tackles and an interception. The Renegades have intercepted 13 passes this season, including three by junior Ryan Bock.

For Marlboro, the key will be establishing Richardson and keeping Shawnee’s offense off the field while finding opportunities to make plays through the passing game. The Mustangs have shown resilience in close victories over Ocean, Raritan, and Howell, but they will need one of their most complete performances of the season against a Shawnee team that has been particularly difficult to slow down on the ground. The Renegades have the advantage of playing at home and possess a dynamic rushing threat in Anderson, but Marlboro has enough offensive balance and defensive playmakers to make the matchup competitive. A victory would send the Mustangs to the sectional championship for the first time since 2023, as they seek to win their first sectional title since 1994.

 

Central Jersey Group 2 Semifinals

(5) Manasquan at (1) Glassboro, Friday at 6 p.m.

Manasquan faces arguably the steepest challenge of any Shore Conference team remaining in the state playoffs when the fifth-seeded Warriors travel to Gloucester County to face top-seeded Glassboro in the Central Jersey Group 2 semifinals. The Bulldogs are the defending Group 1 state champions and have been dominant since moving up to Group 2, winning nine of their 10 games against a challenging schedule that includes victories over Camden and Immaculata. Their only defeat was a 21-7 loss to Winslow, the defending Group 4 state champion, in a game they played without their starting quarterback. Glassboro advanced with a convincing 41-12 victory over eighth-seeded Overbrook, while Manasquan survived a 26-14 battle against fourth-seeded Gloucester City to extend its winning streak to four games.

Manasquan has found its offensive identity behind senior running back Dax Klein, who has rushed for 1,161 yards and 15 touchdowns on 210 carries. Klein has been the centerpiece of an offense that has accumulated 1,483 rushing yards, and his ability to move the chains will be critical against Glassboro’s aggressive defense. Senior quarterback Kyle Dow has completed 46 of 71 passes for 632 yards and nine touchdowns while adding two rushing scores. Junior wide receiver Connor Lalli has emerged as the Warriors’ primary receiving threat with 27 catches for 440 yards and seven touchdowns. Manasquan has outscored its last four opponents 135-14, including three consecutive shutouts before defeating Gloucester City in the sectional quarterfinals. The victory also marked the 100th career win for head coach Jay Price, who joined legendary coach Vic Kubu as the only coaches in program history to reach that milestone.

Glassboro features an explosive offense loaded with Division I talent, led by senior quarterback and Syracuse commit Charlie Foulke, who has completed 91 of 147 passes for 1,566 yards and 16 touchdowns. His primary target is senior wide receiver and Oregon commit Xavier Sabb, who has caught 60 passes for 923 yards and nine touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Mekhi Parker, who holds numerous FBS offers, provides another dangerous weapon with 28 receptions for 628 yards and 10 touchdowns. Senior running back and Columbia commit JoJo DeLecce leads the ground attack with 634 yards and seven touchdowns on 87 carries. With multiple high-level college prospects at the skill positions, Glassboro possesses one of the most talented offenses in the state and has scored at least 33 points in eight of its nine victories.

The biggest obstacle for the Warriors may be Glassboro’s imposing defensive front, which features several talented players capable of disrupting the running game. Junior defensive lineman Aiden Ezeiruaku, the younger brother of Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku, leads the Bulldogs with 31 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. Senior defensive lineman Maurice Davis Jr. has contributed 24 tackles for loss and six sacks, while junior Riley Brown-Dispensa has added 20 tackles for loss and five sacks. Senior linebacker and North Carolina commit Ta’sheem Butler has recorded 20 tackles for loss, giving Glassboro another disruptive presence near the line of scrimmage. Manasquan will counter with a defense led by senior lineman Nick Loughrey, who has 19 tackles for loss and four sacks, and senior lineman Lucas Kubu, who has contributed 10.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. Senior defensive lineman Jon Jones has added seven tackles for loss, while Lalli and junior Casey Mahoney have each intercepted two passes.

For Manasquan to pull off the upset, the Warriors will likely need to control the clock with Klein, avoid turnovers, and prevent Glassboro’s explosive offense from creating quick scoring opportunities. That will be a difficult assignment against a Bulldogs defense that has allowed just 19 points over its last four games and possesses a significant advantage in size and athleticism along the line of scrimmage. Manasquan has built momentum with four consecutive victories and has a proud postseason tradition, but Glassboro has established itself as one of the state’s strongest public school programs. The Warriors will need their best performance of the season to knock off the defending state champions and advance to the Central Jersey Group 2 final.

 

Central Jersey Group 2 Semifinals

(3) Point Boro at (2) Rumson-Fair Haven, Friday at 6 p.m.

Rumson-Fair Haven has been a persistent obstacle in Point Boro’s pursuit of a sectional championship, and the third-seeded Panthers will get another opportunity to reverse that trend when they travel to face the second-seeded Bulldogs in the Central Jersey Group 2 semifinals. Rumson-Fair Haven has won four consecutive meetings between the programs, including playoff victories that ended Point Boro’s season in each of the past two years. The Bulldogs enter the latest showdown after dismantling seventh-seeded Sterling, 56-6, in the quarterfinals, while Point Boro advanced with a convincing 48-14 victory over sixth-seeded Lower Cape May. With another trip to the sectional championship game on the line, the Panthers will look to finally get past a familiar postseason nemesis.

Rumson-Fair Haven features one of the Shore Conference’s most explosive offenses, led by junior quarterback Brady Williams, who has completed 172 of 274 passes for 2,340 yards and 19 touchdowns while adding 475 rushing yards and 12 scores. Senior running back Ryder Izzo has been equally productive, rushing for 981 yards and 15 touchdowns on 133 carries. The Bulldogs have several dangerous receiving threats, including senior Cole Spoonire, who has caught 48 passes for 753 yards and five touchdowns, and junior Michael Capra, who leads the team with 57 receptions for 706 yards and eight scores. Rumson-Fair Haven has scored at least 28 points in nine of its 10 games, including 56 against Sterling in a quarterfinal victory highlighted by four rushing touchdowns from Izzo.

Point Boro counters with its trademark ground-oriented offense, led by senior quarterback Jake Clayton, who has rushed for 1,055 yards and 16 touchdowns on 167 carries while throwing for 359 yards and six scores. Clayton was outstanding in the quarterfinal victory over Lower Cape May, rushing for 163 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries while adding two two-point conversions, seven tackles, and an interception on defense. Senior running back DJ Albanese has contributed 424 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, while sophomore Owen Hart has added 262 yards and two scores. The Panthers have accumulated 2,305 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, relying on their ability to control possession and wear down opposing defenses. Senior wide receiver Dylan Comstock provides a big-play threat in the passing game with nine receptions for 310 yards and five touchdowns.

Defensively, Rumson-Fair Haven will need to contain Clayton and prevent Point Boro from establishing its rushing attack. Junior linebacker Jaden Cavise leads the Bulldogs with 84 total tackles, while senior defensive back Hunter Beattie has recorded 71 tackles and seven interceptions. Senior Lloyd Bush has added 51 tackles and two interceptions, giving Rumson-Fair Haven a secondary capable of capitalizing on passing mistakes. Point Boro counters with a physical defense led by senior linebacker DJ Albanese, who has recorded 83 total tackles, and senior linebacker Mason Morris, who has contributed 81 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Senior linebacker Luca Cangiano and junior defensive back Jaxin Corino have each recorded 75 tackles, while junior defensive lineman Ford Kelly has added 10 tackles for loss.

The matchup presents a contrast in offensive styles, with Rumson-Fair Haven’s balanced attack capable of producing points quickly and Point Boro looking to dictate the tempo with its powerful running game. The Panthers will need to sustain drives, avoid turnovers, and keep Williams and the Bulldogs’ dangerous receivers off the field. Rumson-Fair Haven, meanwhile, will look to force Point Boro into passing situations while using its offensive versatility to stretch the Panthers’ defense.

 

South Jersey Group 2 Semifinals

(5) Wall at (1) West Deptford, Friday at 7 p.m.

Wall enters the South Jersey Group 2 semifinals riding the momentum of a dominant 35-0 victory over fourth-seeded Monmouth, a performance that showcased the Crimson Knights’ potential on both sides of the ball. Senior quarterback Franny Scaramellino accounted for all five touchdowns, rushing for 106 yards and five scores while completing 7 of 9 passes for 101 yards. He also intercepted two passes on defense as Wall held the previously unbeaten Falcons to just 49 yards of total offense, including minus-14 rushing yards. The Crimson Knights will need another exceptional performance against undefeated, top-seeded West Deptford, which advanced with a 54-0 rout of Haddon Heights.

One of the biggest storylines entering the matchup is the availability of Wall junior running back Mike Boulard, who missed the quarterfinal victory over Monmouth with an injury. Boulard leads the Crimson Knights with 844 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 171 carries, providing a physical presence in the backfield alongside Scaramellino, who has rushed for 455 yards and seven touchdowns while throwing for 714 yards and four scores. Having Boulard available would give Wall another reliable option to sustain drives and help keep West Deptford’s explosive offense off the field.

West Deptford’s signature Wing-T offense presents a significant challenge for Wall’s defensive front seven. The Eagles have amassed 3,114 rushing yards and 42 touchdowns, averaging 311.4 yards per game on the ground. Senior Cole Paskiewicz leads the attack with 1,313 yards and 20 touchdowns, while senior Zamir Davis has rushed for 836 yards and 13 scores. Freshman Jeyden Thomas adds another dimension with 636 yards and six touchdowns. The Eagles have also demonstrated an ability to punish defenses through the air when necessary, with senior quarterback Tim Holmes Jr. completing 36 of 53 passes for 654 yards and nine touchdowns.

Wall’s ability to maintain gap discipline, recognize misdirection, and win battles at the line of scrimmage will be critical against West Deptford’s explosive rushing attack. Senior linebacker Christos Tsandiotis leads the Crimson Knights with 87 tackles and eight tackles for loss, while senior Travis Bockoven has registered 53 tackles and eight tackles for loss. Senior Shea Fagan has added 11 tackles for loss. The Crimson Knights will need those defenders to disrupt plays before they develop and prevent West Deptford from dominating possession.

West Deptford has been equally impressive defensively, allowing just 85 points through 10 games, and its ability to build early leads has forced opponents away from their preferred offensive approach. Wall must avoid falling behind early, establish its own running game, and capitalize on scoring opportunities to keep the pressure on the Eagles. With Boulard’s status uncertain and West Deptford boasting one of South Jersey’s most productive rushing attacks, the battle at the line of scrimmage could ultimately determine whether the Crimson Knights can pull off a postseason upset and advance to the sectional championship game for the third year in a row.

 

South Jersey Group 1 Semifinals

(5) Shore at (1) Schalick, Friday at 6 p.m.

Shore enters the South Jersey Group 1 semifinals with a losing record, but the Blue Devils’ challenging regular-season schedule could prove valuable as they prepare to face undefeated, top-seeded Schalick. Shore has spent much of the season competing against larger schools, including Middletown North, Middletown South, Freehold Township, Manasquan, and Matawan, giving the Blue Devils experience against physically imposing opponents. While Schalick has dominated its competition on the way to a perfect 10-0 record, Shore hopes its battle-tested roster can translate that experience into a postseason upset. The Blue Devils advanced with a convincing 34-7 victory over Manville, while the Cougars rolled past Maple Shade, 44-6, in the sectional quarterfinals.

Senior running back Cole Torres has been the centerpiece of Shore’s offense, rushing for 1,357 yards and 14 touchdowns on 193 carries. The program’s all-time leading rusher delivered one of his finest performances in the quarterfinals, piling up 314 yards and five touchdowns on 23 carries against Manville. Senior quarterback Logan Clark has complemented the running game by throwing for 606 yards and six touchdowns while adding 154 yards and two scores on the ground. Shore will need another productive performance from Torres to establish offensive consistency, control possession, and prevent Schalick from dictating the tempo.

Schalick counters with a potent rushing attack led by junior quarterback Kenneth Bartee, who has accumulated 1,316 yards and 18 touchdowns on 133 carries while throwing for 578 yards and three scores. Senior running back David Stewart has added 485 yards and five touchdowns, while senior Ayden Jenkins has contributed 407 yards and three scores. The Cougars have rushed for 2,688 yards and 33 touchdowns, averaging nearly 269 yards per game. Their ability to generate explosive plays from multiple positions will test a Shore defense that must remain disciplined against both designed quarterback runs and the traditional rushing attack.

Defensively, Shore will rely heavily on junior linebacker Anthony Pernice, who leads the Blue Devils with 80 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and two fumble recoveries. Senior defensive back Mikael Flemming has added 41 tackles and an interception, while junior Carlo Sasso has registered 34 tackles. Schalick has been particularly stingy defensively, allowing just 91 points in 10 games, with senior Evan Elliott recording 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks. The Cougars have also intercepted 14 passes, making ball security and avoiding obvious passing situations especially important for Shore.

Schalick remains the favorite, but Shore’s difficult schedule gives the Blue Devils a legitimate reason to believe they can compete. Having reached the sectional finals in each of the past two seasons, Shore is seeking its first sectional championship since 2015.

 

Non-Public B First Round

(9) St. John Vianney at (8) Paul VI, Friday at 7 p.m.

St. John Vianney enters the Non-Public B playoffs looking to put a difficult regular season behind it when the ninth-seeded Lancers travel to face eighth-seeded Paul VI. Despite finishing 3-7, St. John Vianney has endured a demanding schedule that included matchups against Donovan Catholic, Red Bank Catholic, Rumson-Fair Haven, Manalapan, and Pope John. The Lancers have shown they can compete against quality opposition, defeating Wall, 12-7, and narrowly falling to Manalapan, 32-29. However, they enter the postseason on a three-game losing streak, including a 23-6 defeat against Pope John in their regular-season finale.

St. John Vianney’s offense is led by quarterback Anthony Petracca, who has completed 83 of 152 passes for 940 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 370 rushing yards and five scores. Senior running back Lucas Farah leads the ground attack with 508 yards and three touchdowns on 97 carries, while junior Connor Ortiz has contributed 224 rushing yards.

Defensively, junior Zach Silverman has been St. John Vianney’s leading tackler with 85 stops, including five tackles for loss. Junior Jacob Glennon has recorded eight tackles for loss. The Lancers have struggled to contain opposing offenses, surrendering 308 points in 10 games, including at least 27 points in seven contests. Improving their defensive consistency will be essential if they hope to extend their season.

St. John Vianney’s ability to establish offensive balance will be a major factor in determining whether the Lancers can pull off the road victory. Petracca provides a dual-threat presence, but the Lancers will need productive contributions from Farah and their other offensive weapons to sustain drives and avoid placing additional pressure on a defense that has struggled throughout the season. Limiting turnovers and finishing scoring opportunities will also be critical.

Although St. John Vianney’s record is unimpressive, the Lancers’ experience against a difficult schedule could make them a dangerous lower seed. If St. John Vianney can carry those lessons into the postseason and deliver a more complete performance on both sides of the ball, the Lancers have an opportunity to advance to the Non-Public B quarterfinals, where top-seeded Paramus Catholic awaits the winner.

 

South Jersey Group 3 Semifinals

(3) Pinelands at (2) Oakcrest, Saturday at 11 a.m.

The greatest season in Pinelands football history continues as the undefeated Wildcats travel to face second-seeded Oakcrest in the South Jersey Group 3 semifinals. Pinelands improved to 10-0 with a 21-0 shutout of Triton in the sectional quarterfinals, securing the program’s first state playoff victory since 2004 and just its second postseason win in school history. Under head coach John Tierney, the Wildcats have built their success around a physical defense that has recorded six shutouts and allowed just 31 points all season. Oakcrest presents a significant challenge after advancing with a dominant 40-0 victory over Red Bank, setting up a matchup between two teams coming off impressive defensive performances.

Pinelands has relied on a balanced offensive attack led by senior quarterback Jamie Jenkins and junior running back RJ Clark. Jenkins has completed 84 of 124 passes for 1,074 yards and 11 touchdowns with just one interception, while adding 453 rushing yards and four scores. Clark has been the Wildcats’ primary rushing threat, accumulating 1,060 yards and 16 touchdowns on 122 carries, including 162 yards and two touchdowns against Triton. Senior wide receiver Anthony Bonds has emerged as Jenkins’ favorite target with 38 receptions for 611 yards and six touchdowns, while senior Dom Colosi has added 36 catches for 353 yards and three scores. The Wildcats will need that offensive balance against an Oakcrest defense that has allowed 161 points in 10 games.

Oakcrest counters with a productive passing attack directed by sophomore quarterback Zane Forest, who has completed 123 of 204 passes for 1,677 yards and 18 touchdowns. Sophomore wide receiver Uthman Mitchell has been his most dangerous target, hauling in 24 passes for 505 yards and seven touchdowns, while senior Maison Webster has contributed 26 receptions for 347 yards and five scores. Junior Dashawn Drinkard leads the Falcons’ rushing attack with 544 yards and four touchdowns, giving Oakcrest another weapon to complement its passing game. The Falcons have scored at least 27 points in seven of their 10 games, and their ability to stretch the field will test a Pinelands secondary that has rarely been challenged for an entire game this season.

Pinelands’ defense has been the foundation of its undefeated season, led by junior linebacker Montrell Carter, who has registered 106 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. Senior linebacker Owen Taylor has added 57.5 tackles and six tackles for loss, while senior Greg Borden has contributed 53 tackles and an interception. The Wildcats will need to generate consistent pressure on Forest without allowing Oakcrest’s receivers to create explosive plays downfield. Oakcrest has its own defensive standout in junior Julian Davis, who has recorded 112 tackles and 16 tackles for loss, while junior Jayden Graves has added 78 tackles and nine tackles for loss.

The matchup presents an intriguing contrast between Pinelands’ suffocating defense and Oakcrest’s more pass-oriented offensive approach. The Wildcats have allowed an average of just 3.1 points per game, but Oakcrest’s ability to move the ball through the air could provide one of their toughest tests of the season. Pinelands must establish Clark on the ground, avoid turnovers, and force Forest into uncomfortable passing situations. Oakcrest, meanwhile, will look to challenge the Wildcats’ secondary and prevent their defense from controlling the game. With Pinelands seeking its first sectional championship appearance in program history, the Wildcats will need another complete performance to keep their historic undefeated season alive.