Public Group IV Championship: Millville vs Northern Highlands
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Lotzeir Brooks NJ #11 WR #6 HEIGHT 5'11" WEIGHT 170 POS WR CLASS 2025 View Profile Lotzeir Brooks State: New Jersey School: Millville Arguably the best wide receiver in the state Brooks showed uncanny skills in this game as Coach…
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Continue ReadingArguably the best wide receiver in the state Brooks showed uncanny skills in this game as Coach Ayala was out to exploit Northern Highlands’ lack of team speed. Brooks touched the ball early and often receiving the ball 3 out of their 4 first plays capping off the drive with a touchdown catch. He ended the game with 11 catches for 111 yards and a touchdown showing off his blazing speed all through this game. Brooks also made an impact on special teams, blocking a field goal.
J.R. Walley
J.R. Walley
Not easy to come into a state championship game, as backup quarterback and play your best football, but Walley did his best as Northern Highlands stayed in the game all the way to the end. Walley tossed two touchdown passes one on a exquisite back shoulder throw to junior-tightened Danny Smiechowski and a check down to Luke Saturn. He did most of his damage in the first half and as Millville’s mental errors kept Northern Highlands in the game, Walley couldn’t put together that one key drive to put them over the top.
Walley will be a senior quarterback going into next year to keep my eyes on, as he gets more comfortable with the offense and making plays out of structure passing the football.
Chostaka had an impressive showing on the defensive side for Northern Highlands. He had 11 tackles with one tackle for loss and had some impressive plays in coverage. Chostaka is a linebacker who has an all-around skillset and excels at tackling. Chostaka is the Northern Highland’s all-time leader in tackles.
Lavan showed just how deep the Millville WR corps is. In the absence of Thomas Smith III, Lavan shined bright and showed up as another Millville receiver who can contribute in key situations. Lavan displayed his size, speed, and run-after-catch ability as he took a slant 69 yards down to the goal line where he eventually scored a play later.
Lavan has immense potential and put people on notice in this game. He will be a strong breakout candidate for next season that I believe will be on the radar of many Division 1 coaches.
Na’eem Sharp
Na’eem Sharp
Sharp’s performance on Saturday was a little up and down, but he did end, with a solid stat line. Sharp finished the day with 18 carries 92 yards and a touchdown. This stat line is misleading seeing as he had many mental errors down the stretch trying to ice the game. Repeatedly going out of bounds instead of keeping the clock rolling. In addition, had a costly fumble in Millville terriortory in the crucial point the game that gave Northern Highlands an opportunity to score that they didn’t capitalize on.
He did, however gain, many first downs and pick up crucial yards. He flashed speed, and contact balance as he wore down the Northern Highlands defense as the game progressed. Once again Sharp’s stat line was solid, but in that game, in those moments he has to better with late game execution.