NJSIAA Football Group 4 Playoff Preview: Brick Memorial, Middletown North Chase Sectional Titles

Shore Sports Insider is breaking down the NJSIAA public school playoffs with previews on each bracket involving Shore Conference teams.

A total of 25 Shore teams have qualified for the public playoffs across all five groups and 14 different sections. Here is what to watch for beginning this Friday night when the battle for a state championship begins across New Jersey.

 

GROUP 4

Defending Champion: Winslow

 

Central Jersey Group 4

(8) Absegami at (1) Brick Memorial

(5) Pennsauken at (4) Millville

(6) Hammonton at (3) Atlantic City

(7) Moorestown at (2) Northern Burlington

 

The Favorite: Brick Memorial

Brick Memorial (8-1) has much bigger ambitions than simply winning a sectional championship. After falling to Winslow in last year’s Group 4 state semifinals, the Mustangs are determined to return to that stage, avenge the loss, and compete for the state championship. Head coach James Mahoney’s squad enters the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in Central Jersey Group 4 and the highest-ranked public school team in the Shore Conference. The Mustangs have won seven consecutive games since a 14-7 loss to Donovan Catholic, including victories over Toms River North (24-14), Point Boro (27-20), Jackson (28-7), Rumson-Fair Haven (48-41), and Southern (14-13). Their ability to win both high-scoring shootouts and defensive battles has prepared them for the challenges ahead, while their experience from last year’s postseason run provides motivation.

Senior quarterback Tyler Pierce directs a balanced offense, completing 78 of 107 passes for 1,162 yards and 14 touchdowns while rushing for 566 yards and five scores. Senior running back Colin Schoellkopf has powered the ground game with 920 yards and eight touchdowns, while senior Shawn Fowler has contributed 245 rushing yards, 271 receiving yards, and 11 offensive touchdowns. Senior tight end Joe Livio has added 316 receiving yards and two scores, giving Pierce another reliable option. Defensively, Schoellkopf leads the Mustangs with 64 tackles and 11 tackles for loss, while Livio has recorded four sacks, eight tackles for loss, and an interception. The Mustangs have the offensive balance, defensive toughness, and postseason experience to make another deep run, but they will have to combat a very difficult section.

 

Contender: Atlantic City

Atlantic City (5-3) is a dangerous No. 3 seed. After opening the season with three losses in four games against a demanding schedule, the Vikings have won four straight, including a 36-30 upset of defending Group 4 state champion Winslow. Head coach Keenan Wright’s team has also defeated Mainland (49-13), Millville (35-14), and Kingsway (35-7) during that stretch, establishing itself as a legitimate threat to top-seeded Brick Memorial. Atlantic City’s three losses came against Shabazz, St. Augustine, and Washington Township by a combined 25 points, and its late-season surge suggests the Vikings are playing their best football at the right time.

Junior quarterback Marvin Burroughs has completed 101 of 165 passes for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns against four interceptions. Senior wide receiver Kenai Austin has been his top target with 30 receptions for 644 yards and nine touchdowns, while junior Don’Taye Thompson has added 27 catches for 449 yards and six scores. Junior running back Ahmad Chambers provides balance with 568 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. If the Vikings maintain the offensive production that fueled their four-game winning streak, they have the firepower to challenge anyone in the section.

 

Dark Horse: Millville

Millville’s 4-4 record is deceptive considering the caliber of competition the Thunderbolts have faced this season. Head coach Humberto Ayala’s squad owns victories over Erasmus Hall (N.Y.), Kingsway, and St. Augustine, while three of its four losses have come by a combined 14 points. A 35-14 defeat against Atlantic City hurt Millville’s standing among the Central Jersey Group 4 contenders, but the Thunderbolts remain a dangerous opponent with the experience and talent to make a postseason run.

Senior quarterback Robert O’Connor has thrown for 1,237 yards and 14 touchdowns, with senior wide receivers Jaden Days, Reginald Holley, and junior Amir Roberts each catching four touchdown passes. Holley also leads the rushing attack with 424 yards and seven touchdowns, while junior Lee German has added 385 yards. Millville’s ability to compete with quality opponents was evident in its 14-13 loss to defending Group 4 state champion Winslow in the regular-season finale. If the Thunderbolts can turn those narrow defeats into victories, they have the potential to shake up the bracket.

 

Non-Shore Player to Watch: Don’Taye Thompson, Jr., WR/DB, Atlantic City

Junior wide receiver and defensive back Don’Taye Thompson is one of Atlantic City’s most explosive playmakers and a highly recruited prospect with numerous Division I offers, including Alabama. Thompson has caught 27 passes for 449 yards and six touchdowns, while also contributing on defense and special teams. His big-play ability makes him a dangerous weapon for the Vikings.

 

South Jersey Group 4

(8) Howell at (1) Shawnee

(5) Steinert at (4) Marlboro

(6) Clearview at (3) Bridgeton

(7) Toms River South at (2) Winslow

 

 

The Favorite: Winslow

The defending Group 4 state champions have endured an uneven regular season, but Winslow (5-3) has already demonstrated its ability to beat some of New Jersey’s best teams. Head coach Jamal White’s Eagles own a 31-24 victory over Shore Conference No. 1 Red Bank Catholic, a 21-7 win over Glassboro, and a 14-13 triumph against Millville. All three losses came against formidable opponents in St. Augustine, Atlantic City, and Washington Township. Despite entering the playoffs with three defeats, Winslow remains a serious threat to repeat as state champion.

Sophomore quarterback Javon Thompson has thrown for 1,289 yards and 14 touchdowns, with senior wide receiver Jayion Moss emerging as his top target with 28 receptions for 504 yards and eight touchdowns. Senior Andrew Kratee has contributed 370 receiving yards, while senior Ka’ron Ceaser provides versatility with 243 rushing yards, 262 receiving yards, and three rushing touchdowns. Ceaser is also dangerous on special teams, having returned both a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns. Junior Trey Alexander leads the ground attack with 474 yards and six touchdowns. Winslow’s difficult schedule, championship experience, and proven success against elite competition make the Eagles an obvious favorite.

 

Contender: Shawnee

Shawnee (7-2) has built its success around a punishing ground game led by one of South Jersey’s most productive rushing threats. Their only losses came against Rancocas Valley and St. Augustine, two formidable opponents. Shawnee has also demonstrated its ability to win close games, edging Lenape, 24-23, and Burlington Township, 27-26.

Junior Cole Anderson is the engine of Shawnee’s offense, rushing for 1,466 yards and 17 touchdowns on 211 carries. Senior quarterback Niko Fifis has completed 60 of 97 passes for 661 yards and six touchdowns, with senior Jack Davis leading the receiving corps with 19 catches for 326 yards and four scores. Defensively, senior Parker Peluse has recorded 68 tackles, while junior Johnny Sears leads the team with 73 tackles. If the Renegades can establish Anderson and control possession, they have the formula to make a deep sectional playoff run.

 

Dark Horse: Bridgeton

Bridgeton (7-2) has emerged as a dangerous team under head coach Dominique Williams, a Bridgeton alumnus who went on to play in the NFL. The Bulldogs have won seven of their last eight games, with their only defeat during that stretch coming in a 34-29 battle against Timber Creek. Their other loss was a 34-14 setback against Southern in the season opener. Bridgeton has shown considerable improvement throughout the fall and enters the playoffs with momentum.

Junior running back Vascell McKoy powers the offense with 1,006 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 151 carries. Sophomore quarterback Kyheem Simpson has thrown for 767 yards and 12 touchdowns, with senior Jah’Zeer Thompson emerging as his primary receiving threat with 14 catches for 464 yards and eight scores. Senior Omar Bunton adds another weapon with 241 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, senior linebacker Jayden Barnett leads the Bulldogs with 98 tackles, including 14 for loss. Bridgeton’s combination of a productive running game, explosive receivers, and an experienced defensive core makes it a team capable of challenging higher seeds.

 

Shore Shots: Marlboro, Toms River South, and Howell

Marlboro (6-3) enters the South Jersey Group 4 playoffs with a Class C North championship and an offense capable of creating problems for opposing defenses. Head coach Jason Dagato’s Mustangs have won six games including a 37-30 victory over Raritan, a 34-24 win over Ocean, and a 35-7 triumph over Red Bank to close the regular season. All three losses came against Shore Conference opponents, including a 13-7 setback against Middletown South that was lost on a blocked field goal return on the final play of the game.

Senior quarterback Nick Dimino gives Marlboro a dual-threat option, throwing for 786 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for 417 yards and six scores. Senior running back Shaqur Richardson leads the ground attack with 748 yards and six touchdowns on 171 carries, while senior receiver James Torres has caught 15 passes for 252 yards and five touchdowns. Defensively, junior Dean Diadema has recorded 60 tackles, and Dimino has intercepted four passes. The Mustangs also have a reliable kicking weapon in senior Zach Mojares, who has converted three field goals, including a 45-yarder.

Toms River South (5-4) has made significant strides under head coach Matt Martin, but the Indians face a daunting opening-round assignment against defending Group 4 state champion Winslow. After struggling last year, Toms River South put together a strong regular season, highlighted by victories over Central, Toms River East, Colts Neck, and Lacey. The Indians have dropped their last two games against Toms River North and Pinelands, however.

Senior running back Kavon Metellus has powered the offense with 710 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 158 carries, while junior quarterback Xavier Santago has thrown for 1,001 yards and nine touchdowns. Junior receiver Darrian Giordano leads the passing attack with 15 receptions for 373 yards and two scores. Defensively, Hamza Hollingshead has recorded 67 tackles and five interceptions, while senior Jeffrey Hare has contributed 60 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and three sacks. Regardless of the difficult draw, reaching the postseason represents another step forward for the Indians’ program.

Howell (3-5) faces an uphill battle in the South Jersey Group 4 playoffs after dropping its final three regular-season games. Head coach Bill Hill Sr.’s Rebels have shown flashes of their potential, including a 38-7 victory over Jackson, but consistency has been an issue throughout the season. Howell’s defense will need to improve after allowing 96 points over its final three games, while the offense must find a way to sustain drives against stronger postseason competition.

Senior quarterback Connor Acker has thrown for 975 yards and 14 touchdowns with just four interceptions, while junior running back Tim O’Rourke leads the ground game with 496 yards and five touchdowns. Senior receiver Jackson Behn has caught 27 passes for 232 yards and nine touchdowns, and fellow senior John Bertan has added 20 receptions for 394 yards and three scores. Defensively, junior Lucas Grandinetti has recorded 67.5 tackles, while junior Aiden Mendes has contributed eight tackles for loss.

 

Non-Shore Player to Watch: KaRon Ceaser, Sr., WR/DB, Winslow

Penn State commit KaRon Ceaser gives defending Group 4 state champion Winslow an explosive weapon on both sides of the ball. Ceaser has rushed for 243 yards and three touchdowns on 34 carries, caught 16 passes for 262 yards and a touchdown, and returned a kickoff 85 yards for a score. Defensively, he has recorded an interception returned for a touchdown and two fumble recoveries, making him a threat to change a game in all three phases.

 

North Jersey 1 Group 4

(8) Carteret at (1) Roxbury

(5) Ridge at (4) Middletown South

(6) Summit at (3) Morris Knolls

(7) Woodbridge at (2) Northern Highlands

 

The Favorite: Northern Highlands

Northern Highlands (5-3) has proven it can compete with some of North Jersey’s strongest programs, making the Highlanders a dangerous opponent despite their three losses. Head coach Dave Cord’s team opened the season with narrow defeats against Toms River North, 17-14, and Wayne Hills, 21-15, before responding with four consecutive victories, including a 27-17 win over Ramapo. Northern Highlands also pushed undefeated Old Tappan in a 30-24 loss before closing the regular season with a 41-28 victory over Pascack Valley. With all three defeats coming by six points or fewer, the Highlanders have consistently demonstrated their ability to stay competitive against quality opposition.

Senior running back Tucker Kanning leads a productive rushing attack with 895 yards and 10 touchdowns on 121 carries, while quarterback Jack Branagh has added 428 rushing yards and seven touchdowns to go along with 779 passing yards and six scores. Senior receiver Doyle Flatt has caught 24 passes for 390 yards and four touchdowns, providing the Highlanders with a dependable option through the air. Defensively, junior Jimmy Tarleton leads the team with 56 tackles and five tackles for loss, while senior Carter Blattner has contributed 48 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and five sacks. Northern Highlands’ balanced offense and experience in close games could make the Highlanders a difficult team to eliminate.

 

Contender: Roxbury

Roxbury (7-2) has established itself as a dangerous postseason opponent behind a powerful rushing attack that has produced 2,267 yards and 29 touchdowns. Head coach Ryan Roumes’ Gaels have won three straight games entering the playoffs, defeating Warren Hills, Mount Olive, and Mendham while scoring a combined 120 points. Their only losses came against West Morris, 22-14, and Chatham, 7-3, with both games decided by eight points or fewer. Roxbury also owns a convincing 45-13 victory over Randolph and has scored at least 26 points in each of its seven wins.

Junior quarterback Frankie Falco is the centerpiece of the offense, rushing for 1,096 yards and 14 touchdowns on 113 carries while completing 39 of 58 passes for 664 yards and nine touchdowns with just one interception. Sophomore running back Roy Alvarado has added 687 rushing yards and six touchdowns, while senior Jimmy Murphy has contributed 368 yards and seven scores. Junior receiver Ryan Valentine leads the passing attack with 12 catches for 271 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, junior Hudson Nassif has recorded 60 tackles, while senior Matthew Donnelly has registered 15 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Roxbury’s ability to control games on the ground, combined with Falco’s explosiveness, makes the Gaels a formidable playoff opponent.

 

Dark Horse: Ridge

Ridge (5-3) has relied on a physical rushing attack and a stingy defense to remain competitive against a challenging schedule. Head coach Jeff Sutherland’s Red Devils opened the season with victories over Sayreville and Hunterdon Central before dropping consecutive games to Bridgewater-Raritan and Elizabeth by a combined nine points. They responded with three straight wins, including a 14-13 victory over Phillipsburg and a 34-0 shutout of Westfield, before falling to Old Bridge, 28-6, in their regular-season finale. Ridge has held six of its eight opponents to 19 points or fewer, giving the Red Devils a foundation to build on in the postseason.

Senior running back C.J. Griffith is the centerpiece of the offense, rushing for 1,202 yards and nine touchdowns on 183 carries. Senior quarterback Tristan Frank has added 354 rushing yards and five touchdowns while throwing for 475 yards and three scores. Ridge has attempted just 104 passes all season, preferring to control possession with its ground game. Defensively, senior Greg Brown leads the team with 63 tackles and five tackles for loss, while junior Andrew Kovalcik has contributed 62 tackles and four tackles for loss. Frank has also intercepted four passes from his defensive back position.

 

Shore Shots: Middletown South

Middletown South (5-3) has found ways to win games that extend well beyond its offense and defense, with special teams playing a decisive role in two of the Eagles’ biggest victories. A kickoff return for a touchdown helped Middletown South defeat Manasquan, 21-17, while a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown proved vital in a 13-7 victory over Marlboro. After opening the season with losses to Cherokee and Rumson-Fair Haven, the Eagles have won five of their last six games under head coach Marc Tomo, including a 28-21 victory over Matawan to close the regular season. Their only defeat during that stretch was a 12-0 loss to Holmdel.

Senior running back Justin Rosato has carried the offense with 930 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 151 attempts, while also catching five passes for 131 yards and three scores. Senior quarterback Jack Schneider has thrown for 991 yards and seven touchdowns, with senior Owen Maguire leading the receiving corps with 25 catches for 349 yards. Maguire has been particularly dangerous on special teams, returning three kickoffs for touchdowns while averaging more than 31 yards per return. Defensively, junior Connor Leon has recorded 42 tackles, while senior Ryan McCarthy has contributed three interceptions. With a productive running game and the ability to generate game-changing plays on special teams, Middletown South has multiple ways to keep itself in contention against difficult postseason opponents.

 

Non-Shore Player to Watch: Carter Blattner, Sr., OL/DL, Northern Highlands

Penn State commit Carter Blattner, who stands at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, has been a force on the Northern Highlands defensive front, recording 48 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five sacks, and a forced fumble.

 

North Jersey 2 Group 4

(8) Watchung Hills at (1) Middletown North

(5) Garfield at (4) Teaneck

(6) Montgomery at (3) Chatham

(7) Mount Olive at (2) Rahway

 

 

The Favorite: Middletown North

Middletown North (6-1) appeared to be cruising toward an undefeated regular season before a stunning 43-42 loss to Freehold Township in its finale raised some questions heading into the playoffs. Head coach Steve Bush’s Lions had won their first six games, including impressive victories over Manasquan, St. John Vianney, and Southern. Their 21-20 triumph over Southern was particularly significant, demonstrating their ability to defeat one of the Shore Conference’s top public school programs. Now, the Lions must quickly regroup as they pursue their first sectional championship since 1996, with the pressure of being a No. 1 seed, and the disappointment of their first loss providing plenty of motivation.

Senior running back Matthew Belenko has been the driving force behind Middletown North’s offense, rushing for 889 yards and 13 touchdowns on 128 carries. Junior quarterback Derek Grasso has thrown for 1,272 yards and 10 touchdowns, with junior Anthony Christiani catching 29 passes for 514 yards and four scores and senior Danny Sigler adding 23 receptions for 507 yards and six touchdowns. Defensively, senior Kade Little leads the Lions with 65 tackles and four tackles for loss, while Christiani has recorded 45 tackles and two interceptions. Middletown North has the offensive balance and playmakers to make a championship run, but its response to the unexpected regular-season finale will go a long way toward determining whether the Lions can end their 30-year sectional title drought.

 

Contender: Rahway

Rahway (8-1) has quietly put together one of the strongest regular seasons in North Jersey, winning its final four games and eight of nine overall under a balanced offensive attack and a physical defense. The Indians opened with four consecutive victories before suffering their only loss to Cranford, 14-7. They responded by defeating South Brunswick, Plainfield, Colonia, and Edison by a combined 136-47 margin. Rahway has scored at least 30 points in six games, while holding six opponents to 14 points or fewer. With its only defeat coming by seven points, Rahway enters the playoffs with the credentials of a legitimate sectional championship contender.

Junior running back C’imair Tate has added 583 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while senior Jyvon Cooper has contributed 485 yards and six scores. Defensively, senior Nasir Powell has recorded 94 tackles, while senior Jyvon Cooper has contributed 64 tackles and eight tackles for loss. Senior Jaylen Eastman has been disruptive along the defensive line with 18 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Rahway’s ability to run the football with multiple weapons and limit opposing offenses makes the Indians a difficult matchup for any postseason opponent.

 

Dark Horse: Chatham

Chatham (6-3) has recovered from a difficult stretch in September to enter the playoffs riding a four-game winning streak. After opening with a 42-12 victory over Randolph, the Cougars dropped three of their next four games, including losses to West Essex, Mount Olive, and West Morris. Their turnaround began with a hard-fought 7-3 victory over Roxbury, followed by wins over Mendham, Weequahic, and Morris Knolls. Chatham has averaged more than 31 points during its winning streak, giving the Cougars momentum heading into the postseason.

Senior quarterback Ryan Hogan has been the driving force behind Chatham’s offense, completing 143 of 225 passes for 1,900 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 524 rushing yards and 10 scores. Senior receiver Nick Lagunowich has emerged as his favorite target with 46 receptions for 682 yards and five touchdowns, while junior tight end Milo Semioli has contributed 25 catches for 410 yards and six scores. Senior Owen Coletta has added 328 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, sophomore George Pijut has recorded 61 tackles, including 16.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, while senior Gavin Pruss has contributed 53 tackles and eight tackles for loss. With Hogan’s dual-threat ability and an increasingly productive offense, Chatham has the weapons to make some noise in the playoffs.

 

Non-Shore Player to Watch: Ryan Hogan, Sr., QB, Chatham

The 6-foot, 190-pound senior quarterback has completed 143 of 225 passes for 1,900 yards and 15 touchdowns with just three interceptions. Hogan is also a dangerous runner, rushing for 524 yards and 10 touchdowns on 121 carries. He has received several college offers, including one from Murray State, and his dual-threat ability has helped Chatham enter the playoffs on a four-game winning streak.

 

Overall Group 4 State Championship Favorite

Winslow

Winslow captured the 2024 and 2025 Group 4 state championships and returns with hopes of repeating under first-year head coach Jamal White. Despite a 5-3 record against a demanding schedule, the Eagles have proven their championship potential with victories over Red Bank Catholic, Glassboro, and Millville.