Games of the Week: Week 5 Part I

Jonathan Davalos September 25, 2023 @ 12:45 PM

Hunterdon Central (4-1) vs. Phillipsburg (3-1)   9/29 7pm at Phillipsburg   Hunterdon Central is coming into this weekend suffering their first loss of the season to Ridge this last week. They will be looking to bounce back this week against a tough opponent in Phillipsburg. Hunterdon Central can enter this weekend with some confidence; they have one of the best backs in the division in their backfield. Jake Saus has been a workhorse through 5 games. A true bruiser of a back, Jake has rushed for 598 yards and 8 touchdowns already. He is a reliable ball carrier, especially when nearing the end zone. Hunterdon Central also has a reliable player on the defensive side of the ball as well in Jackson Call. Jackson has been chasing down QBs all season and has been able to bring them down in the backfield 3 times and has also forced a fumble.   Phillipsburg is also entering this game with their first loss of the season a week prior. A close contest between Hillsborough at the Rumble on the Raritan, Phillipsburg will look to redeem themselves this Friday night at home. Phillipsburg has an impressive pass attack led by [player_tooltip player_id='855768' first='Jett' last='Genovese']. One of my favorite QBs in his class, Jett has tossed for 583 yards and 7 touchdowns through 4 games so far this season. His favorite target, Matt Scerbo Jr., has been on the receiving end of nearly half of Jett's passes as he has racked up 273 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, [player_tooltip player_id='1005829' first='Marvelous' last='Shabi'] has been flying all over the field as he has stacked up 25.5 total tackles, 5 of those for a loss, and has also forced an interception and fumble. There is a lot on the line in this game, as two losses this early in the season can be tough to bounce back from.    Weehawken (3-0) vs. Bogota (4-0)   9/29 7pm at Bogota   Weehawken is one of the more dominating teams in the state. Averaging 40.6 points a game and only letting up 10.3, teams have had a tough time competing. This is due in large part to a well balanced offensive attack and a shutdown defense. The offense has studs at every position. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1021046' first='Christian' last='Ramirez'] has been spreading defenses out as he has passed for 8 touchdowns and 441 yards so far. By far his favorite target, and one of the most talented players in the state, is Eneaz Wells. Eneaz has been absolutely dominant, bringing in 338 yards and 6 touchdowns through 3 games. Another weapon to keep your eye on in this offense is [player_tooltip player_id='1021055' first='Emmanuel' last='De La Hoz']. Only a sophomore, Emmanuel has rushed for 310 yards and 2 touchdowns already.   Bogota will be defending their undefeated record at home this weekend. They won a close one against Elmwood Park last weekend, so are prepared for another tight score if the game goes that direction. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1021049' first='Joseph' last='Perpepaj'] has been doing it all for his offense through 4 games, passing and running the ball successfully. Combined, Joseph has 8 total touchdowns and 908 offensive yards, most of those on the ground. On the defensive side of the ball, look for sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1891835' first='Jayden' last='Gonzalez'] to make some pivotal plays. He has totaled 19 tackles, returned an interception for a touchdown, and has forced a fumble and recovered another two. He is a true playmaker on this defense and has the ability to swing the momentum when his team needs it most.

Hunterdon Central (4-1) vs. Phillipsburg (3-1)