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NJ football rankings: Statewide Public Top 20, Non-Public Top 10 entering championship week

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

After a thrilling weekend of state semifinal games, the state championship schedule is set in New Jersey.

Twelve of the 14 teams playing in state championship games are ranked in the latest Statewide Public Top 20 and Non-Public Top 10 rankings.

The final rankings will be released next week after all games have been completed.

PUBLIC TOP 20 RANKINGS

20. Bernards (12-1)

Fresh off a North 2 Group 2 title, Bernards fell to Westwood, 17-0, in the Group 2 state semifinals. Bernards’ historic season included its first sectional title in the NJSIAA playoff era, and the most wins and points scored in a single season in program history.

Next game: Season complete

19. Ridge (8-2)

The Red Devils’ season ended with a 31-26 loss to Northern Highlands in the North 1, Group 4 semifinals. Ridge entered that game riding a seven-game win streak after a 21-14 loss to Phillipsburg on Sept. 8.

Next game: Season complete

18. Northern Highlands (9-3)

The Highlanders’ quest to return to the Group 4 state final ended in the North 1, Group 4 sectoinal final with a 14-10 loss to still-unbeaten Ramapo. Junior Nate Johnson threw for 2,054 yards and 25 TDs this season. The Highlanders' only losses came to two other Bergen County powers: two setbacks to Ramapo and one to Old Tappan.

Next game: Season complete

17. Old Tappan (9-2)

The Golden Knights’ bid to repeat as Group 3 state champion ended with a 21-17 loss to West Morris in the North 1, Group 3 sectional final. Junior Alex Orecchio threw for 1,532 yards and 21 TDs this season, and senior Evan Brooks caught 45 passes for 667 yards and 10 TDs. Senior Nico Ottomanelli kicked six field goals and scored 66 points.

Next game: Season complete

16. Rumson-Fair Haven (8-4)

A diving interception in the end zone by senior cornerback Danny Cook preserved the Bulldogs’ 35-28 win over Willingboro in the Group 2 semifinals. Fourth-quarter touchdown runs by senior Alastair Orr and junior Kellen Murray wiped out a 28-22 deficit. This is the second straight season Rumson-Fair Haven has advanced to the Group 2 championship game.

Next game: Monday, Nov. 27 vs. Westwood (12-0), at Rutgers

Nov 17, 2023; North Caldwell, NJ, USA; West Morris at West Essex in the North 1, Group 3, regional football final. WE #28 Max Garcia makes an interception in the end zone in the fourth quarter.
Nov 17, 2023; North Caldwell, NJ, USA; West Morris at West Essex in the North 1, Group 3, regional football final. WE #28 Max Garcia makes an interception in the end zone in the fourth quarter.

15. West Essex (10-3)

Ryan Lasher's 46-yard touchdown run with 2:01 put the Knights ahead of West Morris for good in Friday's Group 3 semifinal. West Essex trailed 14-0 before Jorden Simeone's touchdown run in the second quarter. Simeone then knocked away a throw in the end zone as time expired in the Knights' 21-20 win. West Essex began the season 0-2, but has won 10 of its last 11 games.

Next game: Sunday, Nov. 26 vs. Delsea (11-1), at Rutgers

14. Winslow (10-3)

The Eagles were held to a season-low seven points during a 41-7 loss to Mainland in the Group 4 state semifinals. Deante Ruffin rushed for a team-high 88 yards and threw for 156 yards, including 76 on a touchdown pass to Jaylen Hornsby.

Next game: Season complete

13. Roxbury (11-1)

The Gaels won their first 11 games of the season, setting a school record and marking their first undefeated regular season since 1934. The season ended with a last-minute loss to Mount Olive in the North 2, Group 4 sectional final. Roxbury held opponents to just over 11 points per game and earned 28 turnovers on defense.

Next game: Season complete

12. Phillipsburg (9-2)

While Phillipsburg’s New Jersey season ended with a loss to Union City in the North 2, Group 5 final, the Stateliners sill have a huge game this week. Phillipsburg meets rival Easton (Pa.) on Thanksgiving in the 116th meeting of the country’s longest interstate rivalry. Easton leads the all-time series 67-43-5.

Next game: Thanksgiving vs. Easton (Pa.) (3-7), at Lafayette College

Mount Olive RB Adam DeCristofaro finds daylight on his way to a long TD run.
Mount Olive RB Adam DeCristofaro finds daylight on his way to a long TD run.

11. Mount Olive (11-2)

The Marauders improved from one win in 2022 to falling one game short of the Group 4 state final. The turnaround season ended with a 24-19 loss to Ramapo in Friday's Group 4 semifinals. Tyler Cumming rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns, including a fourth-quarter touchdown that cut the deficit to five. Adam Decristofaro also scored a touchdown run for the North 2, Group 4 sectional champions.

Next game: Season complete

10. Union City (10-2)

The Soaring Eagles’ quest for a first a state final appearance was stopped by a 14-0 loss at unbeaten Passaic Tech in Friday’s Group 5 semifinals. Senior Elijah Rose amassed 45 of the 114 rushing yards for the Hudson County school. Their only two losses this season came to Passaic Tech, as they opened the year with a 13-6 setback.

Next game: Season complete

9. Camden (10-2)

The Panthers suffered their first in-state loss with a 28-12 setback against Delsea in the Group 3 state semifinals. It’s the second straight season Camden fell to Delsea in the state semifinal round.

Next game: Thanksgiving vs. Eastside (7-3)

8. Cherokee (9-3)

The Chiefs couldn’t keep pace with Toms River North during a 33-6 home loss in the Group 5 state semifinals. Cherokee surrendered a pair of pick-sixes to North’s Jeremiah Pruitt, including one in the first quarter when the Mariners took a 14-0 lead. Cherokee mustered just 127 yards of total offense, including just 34 on the ground.

Next game: Thanksgiving at Seneca (9-2)

Ramapo QB James Magerko carries the ball for a long gain. He would later score to put Ramapo up 7- 0 in the 1st quarter.
Ramapo QB James Magerko carries the ball for a long gain. He would later score to put Ramapo up 7- 0 in the 1st quarter.

7. Ramapo (12-0)

The Green Raiders booked their first trip to a state final with a 24-19 win over Mount Olive in Friday’s Group 4 semifinals. Senior Landon De Prima threw for 263 yards and three TD passes to raise his total to 42 for the season. Junior Zak Darwish’s 14th tackle sealed the win.

Next game: Sunday, Nov. 26 vs. Mainland (13-0), at Rutgers

6. Delsea (11-1)

The Crusaders earned a return trip to the Group 3 state championship game with a 28-12 victory over Camden on Saturday. Delsea pounded out more than 250 yards rushing, raising its season total to 3,783. Daniel Russo rushed for a pair of touchdowns (24 for the season) while Wayne Adair ran for a score and caught a pass for another TD. Delsea’s defense produced seven sacks and held Camden to fewer than 55 yards rushing.

Next game: Sunday, Nov. 26 vs. West Essex (10-3), at Rutgers

5. Westwood (12-0)

The Cardinals secured their first bid to a state final thanks to a 17-0 win over previously-unbeaten and then-No. 17 Bernards in Friday’s Group 2 semifinals. Senior Michael Carcich made nine tackles to help register their fifth shutout of the season. His twin brother, Robbie, threw for 65 yards, including a 3-yard TD to senior Joe Klein for a 10-0 lead.

Next game: Monday, Nov. 27 vs. Rumson-Fair Haven (8-4), at Rutgers

4. Millville (9-2)

The Thunderbolts’ electric offense produced more than 3,600 yards and 40 touchdowns this season. Quarterback Jacob Zamot threw for more than 2,000 yards with 21 touchdowns, while his go-to guy Lotzeir Brooks continued his assault on the South Jersey record book. His career mark of 160 catches ranks fourth on the all-time South Jersey list, while his 3,200 receiving yards and 47 touchdowns both rank second.

Next game: Thanksgiving vs. Vineland (5-6)

3. Mainland (13-0)

Jamie Tyson was a one-man wrecking crew as he caught two TD passes and picked off two passes to highlight the Mustangs’ 41-7 win at Winslow in the Group 4 state semifinals. Tyson, a Villanova recruit, scored on a pick-six that gave Mainland a 21-0 lead in the second quarter. It was Tyson’s 11th interception of the season – tops in the Garden State.

Next game: Sunday, Nov. 26 vs. Ramapo (12-0), at Rutgers

2. Toms River North (11-2)

Senior defensive back Jeremiah Pruitt scored on interception returns of 20 and 40 yards as the Mariners beat Cherokee, 33-6, in a Group 5 state semifinal. Senior quarterback Micah Ford had a 48-yard TD run and threw a 25-yard TD pass to senior running back Josh Moore. The defense also came up with a safety in the win.

Next game: Monday, Nov. 27 vs. Passaic Tech (13-0), at Rutgers

PT #9 Ma'Kao Taylor with the ball. Passaic Tech hosts Union City in Group 5 football semifinal in Wayne, NJ on Friday, November 17, 2023.
PT #9 Ma'Kao Taylor with the ball. Passaic Tech hosts Union City in Group 5 football semifinal in Wayne, NJ on Friday, November 17, 2023.

1. Passaic Tech (13-0)

The Bulldogs earned a return trip to the Group 5 state championship game thanks to Friday’s 14-0 semifinal victory over Union City. Senior Trashon Dye rushed for 155 yards, including a 17-yard TD in the fourth quarter. Senior Ma’Kao Taylor’s 10-yard TD run in the third provided a 7-0 lead. The win marked the team’s fifth shutout of the season.

Next game: Monday, Nov. 27 vs. Toms River North (11-2), at Rutgers

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES (listed alphabetically): Caldwell (9-1), Mountain Lakes (10-2)

NON-PUBLIC TOP 10 RANKINGS

10. Seton Hall Prep (5-7)

The Pirates' unlikely run in the Non-Public A playoffs ended with a 38-23 loss to Delbarton in the semifinals. Julius Vicari caught 11 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown for Seton Hall Prep, which could not overcome an early 21-0 deficit. Quarterback Liam Londergan threw for 310 yards and a touchdown, and also ran for a touchdown.

Next game: Season complete

9. Don Bosco (5-6)

One year after reaching the Non-Public A final, the Ironmen’s season ended with a 14-9 quarterfinal loss at Delbarton. Junior Deven Sisler threw for 1,378 yards and eight TDs this season, and senior Bobby Mays caught 46 passes for 637 yards and three scores. Senior Logan Bush rushed for 664 yards and five scores.

Next game: Season complete

8. St. Augustine (8-3)

The Hermits put together their sixth consecutive winning season that included a Non-Public A first-round playoff win over St. Peter' Prep.

Next game: Season is complete

7. St. Thomas Aquinas (9-1)

The Trojans lost to DePaul, 13-10, in the Non-Public B semifinals two weeks ago. St. Thomas Aquinas led 10-7 midway through the fourth quarter before the Spartans’ rallied for the winning score. Next up is a final game on Thanksgiving eve against Immaculata.

Next game: Wednesday at Immaculata (7-3)

6. DePaul (6-5)

The Spartans are one victory from repeating as Non-Public B champions thanks to their 13-10 semifinal win two weeks ago at previously-unbeaten St. Thomas Aquinas. Sophomore Derek Zammit has thrown for 1,665 yards and 15 TDs, one year after leading the Passaic County school to a 19-17 victory over Red Bank Catholic for the state championship.

Next game: Tuesday, Nov. 28 vs. Red Bank Catholic (9-1), at MetLife Stadium

5. Donovan Catholic (9-3)

Senior defensive back Najee Morgan returned a fumble 12 yards for a TD to give the Griffins an early lead, but they fell to top-seeded Bergen Catholic, 42-13, in the Non-Public A semifinals. The Griffins played without star junior wide receiver/defensive back Michael Thomas III, standout senior defensive lineman Zaeir Day and 1,100-yard-plus sophomore running back Najee Calhoun due to injuries.

Next game: Season complete

4. St. Joseph (Montvale) (6-4)

Coach Dan Marangi stepped down last week after four consecutive six-win seasons and a 24-15 career record that ended with a Non-Public A quarterfinal loss to Seton Hall Prep. Senior Patrick Grusser threw for 2,085 yards and 11 TDs this season, and senior Yasin Willis, despite missing multiple games due to injury, rushed for 683 yards and 12 TDs.

Next game: Season complete

3. Red Bank Catholic (9-1)

The Caseys had the week off after a 35-21 win over Holy Spirit in the Non Public B semifinals two weeks ago.

Next game: Tuesday, Nov. 28 vs. DePaul (6-5), at MetLife Stadium

Morristown, NJ — November 18, 2023 -- Ryan Trafford of Delbarton and Phillip Folmar after Trafford scored one his four TD’s. Delbarton takes the field at them start of the game. Seton Hall Prep is hosted by Delbarton in the Non-Public A football semi finals in Morristown, NJ on November 18, 2023.
Morristown, NJ — November 18, 2023 -- Ryan Trafford of Delbarton and Phillip Folmar after Trafford scored one his four TD’s. Delbarton takes the field at them start of the game. Seton Hall Prep is hosted by Delbarton in the Non-Public A football semi finals in Morristown, NJ on November 18, 2023.

2. Delbarton (10-1)

Delbarton heads to a state final for the first time since 2014 after defeating Seton Hall Prep, 38-23, in Saturday's Non-Public A semifinals. Ryan Trafford rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns as the Green Wave built a 21-0 lead and never trailed. Delbarton is seeking its first state title in 25 years, last winning the Non-Public Group 3 title in 1998.

Next game: Tuesday, Nov. 28 vs. Bergen Catholic (10-1), at MetLife Stadium

1. Bergen Catholic (10-1)

The Crusaders are one win from a Non-Public A three-peat after scoring six consecutive TDs in Saturday’s 42-13 semifinal victory over Donovan Catholic. Senior Kaj Sanders ran for 188 yards and three TDs, and junior Dominic Campanile threw for 126 yards and two scores. The first-string defense did allow the Griffins inside the 45-yard line.

Next game: Tuesday, Nov. 28 vs. Delbarton (10-1), at MetLife Stadium

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Pope John (7-4)

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ football rankings, statewide, entering championship week