NJ football rankings: Final statewide Top 25 for the 2022 season

Darren Cooper, Greg Mattura, Robert Aitken Jr., Andy Mendlowitz, Steven Falk, Josh Friedman and Tom McGurk, NorthJersey.com
·11 min read

The 2022 New Jersey high school football season ended last weekend with true public state champions crowned for the first time ever.

Woodbury (Group 1), Caldwell (Group 2), Old Tappan (Group 3), Millville (Group 4) and Toms River North (Group 5) were the first group of public state champions, joining non-public champions Bergen Catholic (Non-Public A) and DePaul (Non-Public B).

Here are the final USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey Top 25 rankings of the 2022 season.

25. Newton (10-1)

The Braves boasted one of the most unstoppable small-school offenses in the state, averaging more then 37 points on the way to the North 2, Group 2 final, where they lost to eventual state champion Caldwell. Senior running backs Brayden Nolan and Thaylor Sibblies were the primary weapons for a rushing attack that amassed 3,801 yards and 52 touchdowns. Both also contributed to a stout secondary that hauled in 17 interceptions.

Phillipsburg and Sayreville high school football teams met Friday night on Sept. 2, at Sayreville high school football field.
Phillipsburg and Sayreville high school football teams met Friday night on Sept. 2, at Sayreville high school football field.

24. Phillipsburg (11-1)

The Stateliners fell to West Orange, 28-7, in the North 2, Group 5 final for their only loss of the season. Phillipsburg rebounded by beating rival Easton (Pa.), 35-14, on Thanksgiving in front of 13,000 fans. Phillipsburg had a dominant defense that allowed 20 points or more just twice this season and allowed a TD or fewer five times, with two shutouts.

23. Edison (9-4)

The Eagles won Central Group 5 as the No. 6 seed for the program’s first sectional title since 1991. They avenged a regular-season loss to second-seeded North Brunswick in the semifinals and beat top-seeded Lenape, 28-14, in the final. Edison fell to undefeated Toms River North, 42-14, in the Group 5 semifinals. Edison’s leaders include four-year starters in QB Matt Yascko Jr. (2,483 combined yards, 27 TDs) and linebacker/kicker Selbin Sabio (school record 149 tackles this year).

22. Holy Spirit (9-2)

The Spartans tested many of the area’s scoreboards with an offense that possessed the firepower to burn out plenty of bulbs. Holy Spirit’s 406 total points ranked fourth in the West Jersey Football League, with three teams ahead playing more games. The Spartans captured the WJFL Continental Division title and advanced to the Non-Public B semifinals before suffering a 50-21 loss to Red Bank Catholic. Holy Spirit closed out its season with a 63-34 victory over rival Atlantic City on Thanksgiving.

21. Camden (10-3)

The Panthers ended their season on a sour note with consecutive losses. After watching a 14-point, second-half lead disappear in a 20-14 loss to Delsea in the Group 3 semifinals, Camden suffered a 25-2 loss to crosstown rival Eastside on Thanksgiving five days later. Despite the disappointing finish, the Panthers were among South Jersey’s best teams this fall. Under first-year coach Rob Hinson, Camden won 10 games in a row, earning its first sectional championship since 1976

Woodbury head coach Anthony Reagan and assistant coach Jamal White at the end of the game as Woodbury defeated Mountain Lakes 31-7 to win the NJSIAA Group 1 Football Championship played in SHI Stadium at Rutgers in Piscataway, NJ in December 3, 2022.
Woodbury head coach Anthony Reagan and assistant coach Jamal White at the end of the game as Woodbury defeated Mountain Lakes 31-7 to win the NJSIAA Group 1 Football Championship played in SHI Stadium at Rutgers in Piscataway, NJ in December 3, 2022.

20. Woodbury (12-2)

The Thundering Herd etched their name into the record books by becoming the first team to win a public school state title in New Jersey history. Woodbury rattled off 31 unanswered points in the second half en route to a 31-7 rout of Mountain Lakes in the Group 1 title game. Anthony Reagan Jr. rushed for 211 yards and two touchdowns, and linebacker Derron Moore led a spirited defensive effort in the title game. Woodbury held opponents to one score or fewer in each of its final six games (all wins) and 10 of its 14 games.

19. North Hunterdon (11-2)

The top-seeded Lions captured the North 2, Group 4 title for their first sectional championship since 2017. North Hunterdon lost 21-20 in overtime to Northern Highlands in the Group 4 semifinals, which ended a stretch of eight-straight wins after a Week 3 loss to Phillipsburg, and beat six playoff teams during the regular season. Their top players included 1,000-yard rushers Kente Edward (Navy commit) and Alex Uryniak (180 tackles at LB) and QB Luke Martini (2,306 passing yards).

18. West Orange (8-4)

The Mountaineers won the program's first sectional title, coming from the No. 6 seed and upsetting top-seeded Phillipsburg in the North 2, Group 5 sectional final. They fell one win shy of the state finals, falling to Passaic Tech in the Group 5 semifinals. Senior quarterback Amir Stewart threw for 1,212 yards and 13 TDs in eight games, while senior and Illinois commit Saboor Karriem hauled in 63 catches for 1,001 yards and 15 TDs.

Red Bank Najih Rahman catches a short pass and runs long for a touchdown. DePaul High School vs Red Bank Catholic in NJSIAA Non-Public B Championship Game in East Rutherford on November 26, 2021.
Red Bank Najih Rahman catches a short pass and runs long for a touchdown. DePaul High School vs Red Bank Catholic in NJSIAA Non-Public B Championship Game in East Rutherford on November 26, 2021.

17. Red Bank Catholic (10-2)

The Caseys were defeated, 19-17, by DePaul in the Non-Public B championship game at MetLife Stadium. Senior running back Sabino Portella scored on a 4-yard TD run in that game, and sophomore quarterback Frankie Williams threw a 10-yard TD pass to senior receiver Robert Stolfa. Justin Lamore kicked a 21-yard field goal.

16. St. Joseph (Montvale) (6-5)

The Green Knights’ season ended with a 34-30 loss to Seton Hall Prep in a Non-Public A quarterfinals on Nov. 12. Season highlights included regular-season victories over DePaul, Donovan Catholic, Seton Hall Prep and Delbarton. Senior Jimmy Mullen, who is also a two-time wrestling state champion, paced the defense with 28 tackles for loss and 12 pass breakups.

15. St. Peter's Prep (7-4)

The Marauders’ season ended with a 35-12 loss to Delbarton in the Non-Public A quarterfinals on Nov. 12. Season highlights included regular-season wins over St. Augustine, DePaul, Delbarton, St. Joseph (Montvale) and Seton Hall Prep. Senior Robert “Champ” Long threw for 2,638 yards and 31 TDs, while junior Kenyon Massey had 64 catches for 933 yards and 13 scores.

Austin Kivler of Delbarton makes this catch for a second half TD. Delbarton defeated Pope John 37-19 in a game played at Delbarton on October 8, 2022.
Austin Kivler of Delbarton makes this catch for a second half TD. Delbarton defeated Pope John 37-19 in a game played at Delbarton on October 8, 2022.

14. Delbarton (6-6)

Following an 0-3 start against some of New Jersey's top teams, the Green Wave responded with four straight wins to get back into playoff contention. Delbarton reached the Non-Public A semifinals on the strength of senior quarterback Robert Russo (1,413 pass yards) and junior running back Ryan Trafford (1,631 yards, 18 touchdowns). The Green Wave defense forced 15 turnovers and blocked four kicks.

13. Seton Hall Prep (6-6)

A 4-1 start put the Pirates in contention for a non-public championship, but they hit an October slide with four straight losses before the playoffs. The Pirates still reached the Non-Public A semifinals with a last-minute win at St. Joseph (Montvale) before falling to Don Bosco in snowy conditions. Senior defensive back Elijah Rippey led the Pirates with 133 total tackles and four interceptions.

12. Westwood (11-1)

The Cardinals captured the North 1, Group 2 title before losing in the state semifinals to unbeaten Caldwell, 13-7, on Nov. 19. The Cardinals registered six shutouts this season and only allowed 57 points. Senior three-way standout Jack Dugan, who led North Jersey in scoring with 207 points, scored the lone TD against Caldwell on a 17-yard run in the first quarter for a 7-0 lead.

11. West Morris (12-1)

The Wolfpack ran the table in the regular season and were riding a 17-game winning streak after beating West Essex in the North 2, Group 3 sectional final. Their season ended with a loss to eventual-champion Old Tappan in the state semifinals on Nov. 20. Senior Stefano Montella rushed for 2,503 yards and 31 touchdowns while also leading a West Morris defense that allowed fewer than 10 points per game.

10. Northern Highlands (9-4)

The Highlanders’ bid for the Group 4 title ended with Saturday’s 18-14 loss to Millville in the final at Rutgers. They totaled 251 yards but allowed 411. JR Walley threw for 158 yards, including second-quarter TD passes of 10 yards to junior Dan Smiechowski and 7 yards to senior Luke Saturn to provide a 14-6 lead. Walley, a junior, also carried 14 times for 72 yards.

TRN Jeremiah Pruitt dives for the end zone in first half action. Toms River North Football vs Passaic Tech in NJSIAA Group 5 Final in Piscataway, NJ on December 4, 2022.
TRN Jeremiah Pruitt dives for the end zone in first half action. Toms River North Football vs Passaic Tech in NJSIAA Group 5 Final in Piscataway, NJ on December 4, 2022.

9. Passaic Tech (11-3)

The Bulldogs’ drive for the Group 5 title ended with Sunday’s 28-7 loss to unbeaten Toms River North at Rutgers. They totaled 220 yards but allowed 389 and it was the first time all season they allowed more than 14 points. Junior Trashon Dye carried 17 times for 117 yards, and his 47-yard TD run in the fourth quarter cut the deficit to 21-7. Junior Ma’Kao Taylor threw for 98 yards.

8. Delsea (12-1)

The Crusaders had their dreams of an undefeated state title season dashed with a 24-14 loss to Old Tappan in the Group 3 championship game. After rallying from a 14-point deficit to beat Camden 20-14 in the state semifinals, Delsea couldn’t duplicate the feat in the title game. The team won its first 12 games en route to the WJFL Independence Division title and its 15th sectional championship. Coach Sal Marchese surpassed his mentor John Oberg on the program’s all-time win list, finishing his 30th season with 237 wins.

7. DePaul (7-5)

The Spartans won the Non-Public B title, 19-17, over Red Bank Catholic on Nov. 25 at MetLife Stadium. The win avenged last year’s 13-8 title-game loss. Freshman Derek Zammit threw a 60-yard TD pass to sophomore Dez Jones, and senior Luke Monteyne kicked a 29-yard field goal. Senior Anthony Almeida scored on a 7-yard run, and sophomore Steven Fiorendino blocked a punt out of the end zone for a safety.

6. Caldwell (13-0)

The Chiefs withstood a great effort by Rumson-Fair Haven and pulled out an 18-14 win in Sunday's Group 2 state final. Joey Marinello rushed 21 times for 97 yards, while senior Harry Boland racked up 87 yards and two touchdowns in his final game for Caldwell. Louis Anemone threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Mike Mignone on a fake field goal try to take the lead for good.

Millville celebrate their championship. Millville Football defeats Northern Highlands 18-14 in NJSIAA Group 4 Final on December 3, 2022 in Piscataway, NJ.
Millville celebrate their championship. Millville Football defeats Northern Highlands 18-14 in NJSIAA Group 4 Final on December 3, 2022 in Piscataway, NJ.

5. Millville (12-2)

The Thunderbolts captured the first-ever state Group 4 championship with an 18-14 victory over Northern Highlands. The squad won its final nine games, including the last six by overcoming halftime deficits. Along the way, Millville earned the WJFL American Division crown, as well as the program’s fourth sectional title. The Thunderbolts’ defense held opponents to 16 points or fewer in eight of their last nine games. Under first-year coach Humberto Ayala, Millville recorded its second straight 12-win season.

4. Old Tappan (12-1)

The Golden Knights captured the Group 3 title with Saturday’s 24-14 win over previously-unbeaten and then-No. 3 Delsea. Senior Tommy Caracciolo ran for a 1-yard score and threw a 7-yard TD to senior Aidan Heaney before suffering an ankle injury. Junior Nico Ottomanelli kicked a 46-yard field goal, and sophomore quarterback Alex Orecchio stepped in and threw a 30-yard score to junior Evan Brooks. Old Tappan ended the season on a six-game win streak.

3. Don Bosco (9-3)

The Ironmen fell from No. 1 after a 45-0 loss to Bergen Catholic in the Non-Public A final on Nov. 25 at MetLife Stadium. It was the Ramsey squad's lone loss to an in-state opponent and snapped a seven-game winning streak, during which the offense averaged 39 points per game. Junior Logan Bush rushed for 62 of the team’s 130 total yards against the Crusaders.

2. Toms River North (14-0)

Junior quarterback Micah Ford threw three touchdown passes as the Mariners won the Group 5 championship with a 28-7 win over Passaic Tech and became the first team in state history to go 14-0 in a season. Ford threw first-half touchdown passes of 24 yards to sophomore receiver Camyrn Thomas, 10 yards to senior tight end Ty Kazanowsky and 48 yards to sophomore receiver Nasir Jackson. Junior running back Josh Moore added the game-clinching 80-yard TD run with 2:27 left.

Don Bosco vs. Bergen Catholic in the Non-Public A football championship at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Friday, November 25, 2022. BC #81 John Morris celebrates after defeating Don Bosco.
Don Bosco vs. Bergen Catholic in the Non-Public A football championship at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Friday, November 25, 2022. BC #81 John Morris celebrates after defeating Don Bosco.

1. Bergen Catholic (11-1)

The Crusaders repeated as Non-Public A champions with a 45-0 win over Don Bosco on Nov. 25 at MetLife Stadium. The defense held all three playoff opponents to seven points or fewer, and the win against the Ironmen avenged a 31-7 loss back in September. Senior Saeed St. Fleur had 185 total yards and scored three TDs against Don Bosco, while sophomore Dominic Campanile threw for 177 yards and a score.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ football rankings: Final statewide Top 25 for 2022 season