By Tom Szieber
Posted: Tuesday, September 4, 2018 11:30 am
Our timing is a little off with the start of the season and the holiday weekend, but here's a look at some of the action from the start of the high school football season.
New Providence upsets Middlesex: The Pioneers endured a painful 1-9 campaign last season, but looked like a much-improved team in their season opener, downing defending Central, Group 1 champion Middlesex, 27-19. They were led by junior QB Owen Kovacs and senior WR Anthony Sidoli, who hooked up for two scores.
Ramapo takes down Sparta: In a regular season meeting between teams that often find themselves matching up in the playoffs, the Raiders held off the Spartans, much as they did last year in the North 1, Group 3 sectional semifinals.
Champ beats champ, South Brunswick downs Lenape: Senior RB Thomas Joe-Kamara took a toss 22 yards to pay dirt with :33 on the clock to lead the Vikings over the Indians.
West Orange surprises Montclair, 26-19: Cornerback Dorian Rawls' 45-yard pick-six (his third interception of the day) put away the Mountaineers' stunning victory over Montclair. The defending North 1, Group 5 champs were shocked after leading the game 16-0 at the half.
Bergen Catholic takes down Georgia power Grayson (GA): Widely considered the state's top team (possible foreshadowing of the Gridiron New Jersey Top 20?), Bergen Catholic beat the nation's 5th ranked team, according to USA Today, 34-22. Running back Ramir Johnson starred, rushing 28 times for 129 yards and two touchdowns
St. Peter's Prep beats Millville in battle North and South Jersey elites programs: The Marauders cruised to a 35-6 win over Millville, led by QB Maasai Maynor's three touchdown passes. The loss is a tough one for a Thunderbolts squad that has St. Joseph (Hamm.) and Williamstown in its next two games.
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.