By Tom Szieber
Posted: Monday, October 2, 2017 9:25 am
New Milford jumped ahead in the race for the NJIC Liberty Division title, taking down a good Pompton Lakes squad, 27-20. The Knights won the game by polishing off a late 15-play, 67-yard drive by with a three-yard scoring plunge by running back Bart Nativo. Cornerback Nick Klein’s pick with just over a minute to play stymied a Cardinals comeback attempt. The victory magnifies New Milford’s Oct. 14 matchup with Lyndhurst, who is also trying to keep pace in the divisional race.
With Paramus Catholic, St. Joseph (Mont.) and Bergen Catholic coming up, Pope John knew it was important to perform well over its first four games. The Lions did just that, starting 4-0 (albeit against opponents with a combined 1-17 record) and beating Seton Hall Prep this past week, 49-28. Lions running backs Berrell Neal and Terrance Jones led the way, the former rushing for 186 yards and four touchdowns and the latter adding 161 yards and a score.
Behind running backs Tyler Gilmartin, Matt Frauen and a balanced offensive attack, Belvidere established itself as a very real contender in North 2, Group 1 with a victory over previously undefeated Bound Brook. Gilmartin and Frauen combined for 109 yards on the ground, each scoring once, and it was the pair’s big defensive play that sealed the 14-12 victory. With Frauen on contain, Gilmartin made the tackle that prevented the tying conversion, giving the County Seaters a victory.
The Camden defense was on point this weekend, keeping Cedar Creek off the board and pushing the Panthers to the top spot in South, Group 2 in a 14-0 win. The Panther D forced four turnovers, and left the scoring to Najyere Edwards, who tossed an 18-yard score to wide out JaJuan Hudson and running back Ramer Nock who reached pay dirt in the fourth.
Take a peak at South, Group 5 if you want to see the most loaded public school section in New Jersey. As of this week, the top six teams in the section -- Millville, Rancocas Valley, Eastern, Howell, Vineland and Lenape -- are all undefeated. Teams six through nine in the standings -- Williamstown, Cherokee and Atlantic City -- are all formidable, as well. To be fair, the section is a bit top heavy, as five teams are winless. But there is no denying that the South, Group 5 playoffs will be fierce.
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.