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NJ football rankings: South Jersey powers climb in latest statewide Top 25

darren cooper, greg mattura, robert aitken jr., andy mendlowitz, steven falk, josh friedman and tom mcgurk, northjersey.com
·10 min read

Two South Jersey public schools now round out the top 5 in the latest USA TODAY NETWORK statewide Top 25 rankings.

Camden and Delsea each moved up a spot after then-No. 4 Seton Hall Prep was upset by Paramus Catholic, and now sit behind three North Jersey non-public powers.

Every week, voters from across the Network will rank the Top 25 teams in the state. The rankings will be posted every Tuesday morning.

Here are the latest Top 25 rankings, where two new teams make their season debut:

25. Point Pleasant Boro (6-0)

Senior running back Tyler Gordon scored three TDs as the Panthers defeated Monmouth 58-6 and clinched at least a tie for the Shore Conference Independence Division championship. Point Boro can clinch the outright Independence Division championship with a win over St. John Vianney on Oct. 21. The Panthers have outscored their opposition 275-29 this season.

Next game: Friday at Barnegat (3-3).

24. North Brunswick (6-0)

The Raiders scored their most points this season in a 41-10 win over New Brunswick (1-6). The win included a 75-yard interception return and a 44-yard punt return for touchdowns. The defense has not allowed more than 14 points in any game this year, and that includes a 13-10 win over Edison (5-2) and a 22-0 win over Sayreville (4-2), two of the better teams in the BCC.

Next game: Friday vs. East Brunswick (0-6)

23. Pennsauken (6-0)

Premier Wynn pounced on a fumble in the end zone to give Pennsauken the decisive score in the fourth quarter of a wild 31-28 victory over Willingboro and extend the team’s unbeaten streak to six. The victory also clinched an outright West Jersey Football League Liberty Division title. Wynn opened the scoring with a first-quarter touchdown run while brothers Ka’Ron and Kahlil Ali had second-quarter touchdowns to give Pennsauken a 19-0 lead at the intermission.

Next game: Friday at Camden Catholic (1-4)

22. Millville (4-2)

One week after a rough trip to Medford in a loss against Lenape, the Thunderbolts returned to town and got a much-needed victory with a 21-10 road triumph over Shawnee. Na’Heem Sharp rushed for a team-high 125 yards, Thomas Smith III ran for two scores and Lotzeir Brooks found the end zone for a 24-yard touchdown pass from Jacob Zamot. Millville’s defense didn’t allow a point over the final 24 minutes.

Next game: Friday vs. Ocean City (2-4)

21. Lenape (4-2)

Make it four straight for the Tribe. Zyaire Goffney-Fleming continued to punish opposing defenses as he rushed for 197 yards, including a go-ahead 53-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, during a 12-7 triumph over Cherokee. Since becoming eligible, the senior has rushed for 641 yards and eight touchdowns in four games – all wins. Lenape’s defense is getting stronger too; the unit has yielded fewer than 20 points in five straight contests.

Next game: Friday vs. St. Joseph (4-1)

20. Wayne Valley (7-0)

The Indians maintained North Jersey’s best record with Friday’s 34-7 victory over Passaic Valley. Senior Alex Scheuplein threw for 184 yards and two TDs and ran for 80 yards and a score. He threw an 88-yard TD pass to senior Danny Smith and a 30-yard score to junior Justin Mondestin. Scheuplein also returned an interception for a score.

Next game: Saturday at Nutley (3-3)

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19. Westwood (6-0)

The Cardinals shut down high-scoring Demarest, 41-6, and have outscored opponents, 244-27. They controlled the clock by running for 372 yards. Senior Jack Dugan rushed for 151 yards and two TDs, and junior Robbie Carcich ran for 126 yards and a score. Carcich threw a TD pass to Dugan, and sophomore Dario Mathurin made eight tackles.

Next game: Friday vs. Lakeland (1-5)

18. Haddonfield (4-1)

The Haddons had their four-game unbeaten streak come to a halt with a 7-3 loss to Camden. The three points were the lowest production for Haddonfield since a 35-0 loss to Hillside in 2019 – a span of 23 games. The offense was held to fewer than 200 yards and committed two turnovers.

Next game: Friday at Woodstown (5-1)

17. Delbarton (3-3)

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.

Ryan Trafford rushed 23 times for 118 yards and two touchdowns as the Green Wave took down Pope John, 37-19, on Saturday. It's the third straight win for Delbarton following an 0-3 start that included close losses to Seton Hall Prep, Bergen Catholic and St. Peter's Prep to begin the year.

Next game: Saturday vs Hudson Catholic (5-1)

16. Old Tappan (6-0)

The Golden Knights remain North Jersey’s top-ranked public school after Friday’s 35-13 victory over Paterson Eastside. Senior Tommy Caracciolo threw for 125 yards, including TD passes of 12 yards to junior Evan Brooks and 37 yards to junior Christian Greaney. Senior Jack Diggins rushed for two TDs. Old Tappan outscored opponents, 221-25, this season.

Next game: Friday vs. Ramapo (4-2)

15. Irvington (5-2)

Famah Toure's rushing touchdown with 24 seconds left and the ensuing two-point conversion lifted the Blue Knights to a 22-21 win over Montclair on Saturday. Irvington trailed 21-7 entering the final quarter, but scored the final 15 points to avoid a third consecutive loss.

Next game: Thursday vs Livingston (1-6)

14. Randolph (6-0)

Sean Clark threw for 236 yards and three first-half touchdowns as the Rams rolled past Livingston, 47-8, on Friday night. Stephen Petruziello added 95 rushing yards, including a 50-yard touchdown run, to take a 27-0 lead after the first quarter.

Next game: Friday vs West Morris (7-0)

13. Newton (6-0)

Brayden Nolan and Thaylor Sibblies combined for 186 yards and three rushing touchdowns as the Braves claimed the SFC American Blue title with a 21-12 win over previously-unbeaten Hackettstown. The Braves forced three interceptions on defense to hold off a late surge by the Tigers.

Next game: Friday vs Ramsey (5-1)

12. Caldwell (6-0)

Joey Marinello rushed for 156 yards and a touchdown as the Chiefs shut out Madison, 36-0, on Friday. Harry Boland rushed for a touchdown in each of the first three quarters as Caldwell set a new school record with its 21st straight victory.

Next game: Friday vs Cedar Grove (6-1)

11. West Morris (7-0)

West Morris' John Rolli throws a pass during the first half of a football game at Sparta High School on September 23, 2022.
West Morris' John Rolli throws a pass during the first half of a football game at Sparta High School on September 23, 2022.

Johnny Viera's 23-yard field goal with 3:11 left lifted West Morris to a 9-7 win over West Essex on Friday night. The Wolfpack put their 12-game win streak on the line in the de facto SFC Liberty White championship game against undefeated Randolph on Friday night.

Next game: Friday at Randolph (6-0)

10. Phillipsburg (6-0)

The Stateliners trailed early, but scored three straight touchdowns en route to a 28-13 win over Bridgewater-Raritan (2-5). Four different players scored, including one on an 18-yard fumble recovery. The Stateliners have wins over some of the best teams in the BCC: North Hunterdon (6-1), Hillsborough (5-1), Ridge (4-2) and Sayreville (4-2).

Next game: Friday vs. Union (2-4)

9. St. Joseph (Montvale) (3-3)

The Green Knights did not play last week. The offense has been exceptional, averaging 39.0 points per game. Junior Yasin Willis has rushed for 663 yards and 11 TDs. Sophomore John Forster has 327 yards receiving and three TDs and has scored seven times. Junior Ricky Anastasi is among North Jersey’s leaders in tackles with 74.

Next game: Saturday vs. Bergen Catholic (5-1)

8. Toms River North (7-0)

Junior quarterback Micah Ford ran for two touchdowns and threw for two more as the Mariners defeated Lacey 55-0 to clinch at least a tie for the Shore Conference Colonial Division championship. It was the fourth shutout in the last five games. for Toms River North, which has outscored its last five opponents 263-7. The Mariners can clinch the Colonial Division championship outright with a win over Middletown North on Oct. 21.

Next game: Friday vs. Toms River East (2-4)

7. Red Bank Catholic (6-1)

Senior running back Sabino Portella ran for two TDs as the Caseys bounced back from a loss to Seton Hall Prep and beat Manalapan, 23-0, to clinch at least a tie for the Shore Conference American Division championship. Red Bank Catholic has posted three shutouts and its first string defense has allowed just two TDs all season.The Caseys can clinch the outright American Division title with a win over Rumson-Fair Haven on Oct. 21.

Next game: Oct. 21. vs. Rumson-Fair Haven (3-3)

6. Seton Hall Prep (4-2)

Michael Dunmore and Jaylen McClain each rushed for touchdowns, but it wasn't enough for the Pirates to avoid a 20-17 upset at the hands of Paramus Catholic. Seton Hall Prep will need to refocus with top-ranked Don Bosco looming this week.

Next game: Friday at Don Bosco (4-2)

5. Delsea (6-0)

The Crusaders rolled to a 35-6 victory over Cedar Creek to give coach Sal Marchese his 231st win, one more than his late mentor John Oberg for most in program history. Senior Jared Schoppe rushed for 175 yards and three touchdowns on offense while contributing a sack and interception on defense. Delsea has scored five-or-more touchdowns in five games and held opponents to one score in four of those games.

Next game: Friday at Hammonton (6-1)

4. Camden (5-1)

Camden's Deante Ruffin runs the ball during the football game between Camden and Haddonfield played at Haddonfield Memorial High School on Friday, October 7, 2022.
Camden's Deante Ruffin runs the ball during the football game between Camden and Haddonfield played at Haddonfield Memorial High School on Friday, October 7, 2022.

The Panthers made it five straight wins with a 7-3 decision at Haddonfield. Camden’s defense produced interceptions by D’Hani Cobbs and Isreal Clark-White and a big sack by Caleb Bryant during the win. The Panthers have held opponents to 10 or fewer points in five games, including each of the last four. Taquan Brittingham rushed for a team-high 70 yards, but the fake punt he converted on a 4th-and-2 play with under three minutes to go proved to be the game’s key play.

Next game: Friday vs. Paulsboro (3-3)

3. Bergen Catholic (5-1)

The Crusaders did not play last week. They have outscored opponents, 175-79, and their lone loss came to Don Bosco, 31-7. Senior Saeed St. Fleur has rushed for 545 yards and eight TDs. Senior Malachi Mercer leads the team in tackles with 48. Junior Elijah Kinsler leads in sacks with 4.5 and senior Sydir Mitchell has four.

Next game: Saturday at St. Joseph (Mont.) (3-3)

2. St. Peter's Prep (4-2)

The Marauders did not play last week. Offense is their strength and they average 30.5 point per game. Senior Champ Long has thrown for 1,474 yards and 15 TDs. Junior Kenyon Massey has caught 46 passes for 586 yards and six TDs. Sophomore Jalen Cline has rushed for 584 yards and three scores. Senior London Robinson leads the team in tackles with 60.

Next game: Friday vs. Paramus Catholic (2-4)

1. Don Bosco (4-2)

The Ironmen did not play last week. They are 4-0 versus state foes, including a 31-7 win over Bergen Catholic and 35-26 win over St. Peter’s Prep. Senior Nick Minicucci has thrown for 1,297 yards and 12 TDs. Sophomore Nolan James has 28 catches for 363 yards and is among four Ironmen to catch three TDs. Junior Logan Bush has rushed for 562 yards.

Next game: Friday vs. Seton Hall Prep (4-2)

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ football rankings: Statewide Top 25 after Week 6