There were some strong defensive team performances in Week 5. As the temperatures dropped, some units performed at an exceptional level, and they were able to grind out or cruise to victories. Let’s a look at what teams shined defensively.
<strong>Irvington: </strong>Irvington improved to 4-1 behind a 12-7 victory over Union City. Irvington has held every opponent to under 10 points in its wins. The Blue Knights bounced back in a massive way after allowing a first-quarter touchdown. Senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id="27867" first="Mikai" last="Gbayor"] was efficient all night for Irvington, and [player_tooltip player_id="27886" first="Zaire" last="Angoy"], Calvin Gordon and [player_tooltip player_id="27974" first="Justin" last="Evans-Jenkins"] all made an impact to keep Union City’s [player_tooltip player_id="27915" first="Zahir" last="Abdus-Salaam"] contained in the backfield.
<strong>Middletown South: </strong>Middletown South snapped a two-game skid and buckled down in the second half to defeat rival Middletown North, 28-9, to improve to 2-3. Middletown South trailed 9-7 at halftime before rallying 21 unanswered points in the second half. Middletown South used a fumble recovery to pave the way for the go-ahead score in the third quarter.
<strong>Hillside: </strong>Hillside had its second straight convincing victory, and it defeated Johnson by a 39-7 score in Week 5. Johnson struck for the first score, but it was then Hillside that kicked it up both offensively and defensively. On defense, Jason Hunter Jr. had 15 tackles and Fatir Bell made an interception.
<strong>Phillipsburg: </strong>After a heartbreaking loss to Watchung Hills, Phillipsburg bounced back in a big way, defeating North Hunterdon 48-7. The Stateliners forced three turnovers in the first half, and they ran away with the game early.
<strong>Wall: </strong>Wall recorded its third straight shutout in a 21-0 victory over Manasquan. [player_tooltip player_id="28006" first="Charlie" last="Sasso"] and Keisun Sanders had sacks on defense. Manasquan had trouble generating any type of offense, and Wall won its third in a row by way of shutout.
