NJSIAA First- Round : Games to Watch

These are going to be the most exciting weeks of the season. The first- round is set to kick off Friday night and Saturday afternoon in the Garden State. Take a look below at the most anticipated matchups you should keep an eye on. <span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Central, Group 5</strong></span> <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Williamstown (4-5) at Southern (4-4) </strong></span> <em>When: Friday at 7</em> Southern will look to pound the rock against Williamstown with Senior RB [player_tooltip player_id="28012" first="Jaiden" last="Brown"] (Southern). Brown is a physical and down hill runner piling up 668 yards and 6 TDS this year.  Southern is a team that loves to run the ball. They will not shy away from it because it has been working all season. On the other hand, Williamstown is no slouch and will enter this game motivated than ever. They are no stranger to the post season. In fact, Williamstown has made it to the postseason for ten consecutive years. Senior RB [player_tooltip player_id="27990" first="Turner" last="Inge"] (Williamstown) is one of the top backs in the state. He enters this game with 1,218 and 11 TDs. Inge is also their leading receiver with 16 catches for 138 yards.  Both teams love to the run the ball and will be interesting to see who comes out victorious. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>South, Group 2</strong></span> <strong><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Haddon Heights (5-3) at Nottingham (8-0)</span></strong> <em>When: Saturday at 12</em> This is Nottingham’s first ever undefeated season and the first time back in the playoffs since 2018. They are coming off an impressive victory over Notre Dame after trailing by 13 points at halftime. Nottingham have been playing well on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they are led by<em> Senior RB Isaiah Barnes (Nottingham)</em> who is quick to rip off a chunk run at any time. He is also a playmaker as a return specialist. Barnes has the ability to stretch the field and make defenders miss. Defensively, <em>Senior DT Ameer Muse (Nottingham</em>) is wreaking havoc in the interior. He is the states leader in sacks with (11). In regards to Haddon Heights, they are a well balanced team that can pound the rock or go up top. It depends on what is working at the time. Nonetheless, this matchup go either way. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>South, Group 4</strong></span> <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Toms River South (3-5) at Millville (7-1)</strong></span> <em>When: Friday at 6pm</em> Millville enters this game will a lot of confidence and momentum. They have a lot of speed and playmakers that can take over the game in all aspects. <em>Freshman WR [player_tooltip player_id="218554" first="Lotzier" last="Brooks"] (Millville)</em> is making his postseason debut. He currently has multiple offers from SEC schools and he looking to shine under the bright lights. He is a speedy deep threat with 20 receptions for 633 yards and 7 TDS. Also, Syracuse commit<i> Senior RB [player_tooltip player_id="27978" first="LeQuint" last="Allen"] (Millville) </i>will continue to perform at a high level. Millville are the favorites to win this matchup. <span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>South, Group 4</strong></span> <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Mainland (4-5) at Ocean City (9-0)</strong></span> <em>When: Friday at 7</em> Ocean City will look to keep their undefeated streak alive in the post season. The Red Raiders have a strong defense that has only allowed 14 points all year. Offensively, they are not a flashy team but they are very physical in the run game. <i>Senior RB Sean Mazzitelli (Ocean City) </i>is their leading producer. He has 749 yards and 8 TDS. Another featured back for OC is Senior RB Jacob Wilson (Ocean City) who is in charge of getting tough short yardage. Wilson has 65 carries with 383 yards and 4 TDS. On the other hand, Mainland has snuck into the playoffs. They are led by <i>Junior QB Marlon Leslie (Mainland) </i>who is their top performer on the ground and through the air. Leslie has 80 carries with 562 yards and 7 TDS. Through the air, Leslie is 23 for 37, 110 yards and 1 TD. Mainland will need to open up their playbook to keep Ocean City on their guessing. Ocean a City should win this game comfortably. &nbsp; &nbsp;