Rumble on the Raritan: NH vs. Somerville

One of the best matchups at Rumble on the Raritan on Sunday, NH vs. Somerville featured a game that had 5 lead changes and ended in a 32-20 victory for the Highlanders. Let’s take a look at the top performers from this game and who to watch closely in the future. &nbsp; <h3><strong>Northern Highlands</strong></h3> &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="28051" first="Enzo" last="Arjona"], QB, 6’0 180 lbs (Class ’22)</strong> Arjona definitely did not disappoint in his senior season debut in front of a large crowd down in New Brunswick. Completing 60% of his passes for 219 yards and 2 TD’s, Arjona always kept his team in the game. His ability to move outside the pocket and make throws from both the left and right sides helped manipulate the defense and put his WR’s in great positions to make catches off throws across his body. Arjona also toted the rock 17 times for 104 yards and 2 rushing TD’s, showing his versatility as a runner too. He was not afraid to put his shoulders into first-level defenders and punish them for getting in his running path. Arjona is a special talent, especially for a public school athlete. It will be exciting to see how far his arm talent will take NH leading into the playoffs. &nbsp; <strong>Nick Branca, RB, 5’10 190 lbs (Class ’22)</strong> Picking up where he left off last year, Branca had an astounding 28 carries for 124 yards and 1 TD. His vision and ability to find the open zones created more space for extra yards. Although in some ways this did aid Branca, in other instances it bit him in the foot as he slowed down to make these reads and never picked up acceleration afterwards. As a bigger RB, speed isn’t the most important thing as his YPC amounted to 4.4 (a good number at any level of football). Considering Branca is Highlands biggest skill position contributor on offense, he should develop his running style to think less and react more (resulting in more yards) once he gets into the swing of things. Great performance on Branca’s end to lead Highlands to a victory. &nbsp; <strong>Zach Madison, WR, 6’3 180 lbs (Class ’23)</strong> Popping on the scene out of nowhere, Madison tallied up 3 receptions for 85 yards and one tough TD across the middle of multiple defenders in the endzone. Although there weren’t too many plays to base this scouting report for him, the few plays Madison did make counted a lot for the Highlanders. His 16 yard TD catch to seal a victory for NH was contested by tight coverage, as well as another reception he ran on a fade route at the beginning of the game. Great hands for a junior. Route running is TBD as the season continues. If this performance foreshadows the rest of his playing career, Madison has the potential to develop into something great. &nbsp; <strong>Zach Chostaka, LB/FB, 6’0 200 lbs (Class ’22)</strong> One of the lone defensive stars on either team from the game, Chostaka collected 12 total tackles, 3 TFL and 1 sack in a dominant performance. When he see’s ball, he gets ball once he finds the ball carrier / hole in the offense. Great downhill defender. In the second half, he helped his team seal a victory with not one, not two, but three total sacks (one by Chostaka himself) on the last drive that Somerville had a chance to still keep it a close game. Unrelenting and punishing with his play, Chostaka is the heart and soul of that defense. &nbsp; <h3><strong>SOMERVILLE</strong></h3> &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="146658" first="Michael" last="Miller"], QB, 6’3 190 lbs (Class ’23)</strong> Not a bad start to the season for Miller, who threw 53% completion on 39 passes, 238 yards, and 2 TD’s (accompanied by 1 INT). Like Arjona, Miller has the awareness to move outside the pocket and keep his eyes downfield and go through his second &amp; third reads. A couple nice throws were completed off balance and off his feet. Although in the first half that benefited Miller to some early success, the second half was a different story. Not staying grounded hurt Somerville by making throws that were many yards short, despite making the correct reads. If Miller can brush up on his footwork, he could join the likes of Arjona as a top QB in the state of NJ. Since he’s only a junior, I expect him to progress rapidly as the season continues. <strong>Jamien Bryant, WR/DB, 5’9 160 lbs (Class ’22)</strong> Despite almost 40 passes thrown throughout the game, Bryant was the only stand out on offense for Somerville. Racking up 8 receptions for 97 yards and 1 TD (as well as 10 total tackles on defense), Bryant’s speed and agility was noticeable from the get-go. Running crisp routes and displaying his ability to catch in traffic, his play is reminiscent of someone like Alvin Kamara. Knows how to be a receiver but has overall great ball carrier skills. On defense his coverage skills weren’t too bad, but still a little work to be done. For a smaller back, Bryant sure knows how to take and give a lick.