By Tom Szieber
Posted: Sunday, September 28, 2014 11:30 pm
Haddon Heights and Haddon Township may have engaged in the most exciting contest of the young season this past weekend, as the Garnets won a double overtime shootout, 57-56. Running back Roman Massi scored the game-winning two-point conversion following Connor Beckas’ 24-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jay Smith. The victory was a critical one for Heights, as a loss would have dropped them to 0-3. With the win, the Garnets remain in a very tight South, Group 1, which has five teams within four power points of each other for the seventh and eighth playoff slots.
Perhaps one of the biggest surprises in North Jersey is Nutley. The Raiders are now 3-0 and finally got a signature win—over traditionally competitive West Orange, 49-27. Running back Craig Merkle was the epitome of a workhorse, carrying the ball 29 times for 192 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, he returned an interception 77 yards to the house. The victory gives the Raiders their first three-game streak to start a season since 2011, and is in great position in a somewhat top-heavy North 1, Group 4.
We knew Linden had talent, but not many expected them to be sitting atop the North 2, Group 5 power point standings after three games. The Tigers got a big win this week against a solid Montgomery squad, 34-20, thanks to a big day from running back Kyle Phipps. The senior scored five touchdowns in the big divisional matchup, and put the Tigers on the fast track for a home game in North 2, Group 5.
After week four’s action, the Cranford-Summit meeting has taken on a whole meaning. The North 2, Group 3 and Mid-State 38 Raritan Division rivals (and particularly the Hilltoppers) have both their share of success in recent years, and both look destined for extended playoff runs this year. They also both got big wins in their respective third games. The Cougars downed Roselle, 35-27, thanks to 182 rushing yards and four scores from running back Jack Schetelich, while Chris Zanelli’s 143 yards and two touchdowns pushed Summit to a 22-3 win over Warren Hills.
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.