Garden State Gamers: Week 1’s Top Offensive Performers
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In the name of one true, undisputed state champion per group the majority of schools across the state of New Jersey now typically play, not one but two games before schools open after labor day. That said, here are my…
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Continue ReadingIn the name of one true, undisputed state champion per group the majority of schools across the state of New Jersey now typically play, not one but two games before schools open after labor day. That said, here are my picks for top performers from the slate of week 1’s games.
Week 1’s Top Passing Performances
Following up an offensive explosion against Wayne Hills during week 0, Williams proved his performance was no fluke in week 1. against Patterson Kennedy, the senior quarterback was 11 for 21 with 321 yards, averaging just under a whopping 30 yards per completion. Amazingly, 6 of his 11 completions went for touchdown passes. He threw 1 interception while also rushing for 63 yards and 1 score in a 50-0 victory.
Highlights
Wiedau is on a torrid path to surpass last year’s yardage marks by week 4. Allentown’s senior quarterback led a valiant effort in a 55-45 shootout loss against Notre Dame. Wiedau put up some gaudy numbers, completing 27 of his 44 pass attempts for 365 yards, while tossing 2 TDs and 1 Int. Wiedau was also a threat on the ground too, rushing 13 times for 92 yards and crossing the end zone twice.
New Jersey football, I want to introduce you to Willingboro’s quarterback of the present and future: Lamar Best Lamar Best 6’0″ | 175 lbs | QB Willingboro | 2026 State NJ . The sophomore had a marquee game against Mastery Charter (Camden). In a 55-0 win Best was 15-20 for 372 yards, while tossing 6 TD passes. Cheers to a career game and a strong career to this weeks most outstanding, youngest performer.
Highlights
Week 1’s Top Rushing Performances
Following up an explosive week 0 game where he slashed 9/200/3 on the ground, Griffin proved that his initial impression was for real. In a devastating 1-point loss against Barringer, Griffin carried 17 times for 173 yards and caught 2 balls for 26 yards. Although he failed to find the end zone in this contest, expect many scores in games to come.
In a thrilling 1-point win against the reborn Piscataway Chiefs team, the Red Devils were paced by Saus, their lead back and standout wrestler. In steadfast fashion, the Chiefs seemed to have no answer to slow him down, as Saus ran 19 times for 148 yards, scoring once. He also pitched in with 2 catches for 16 yards.
In yet another nail biter, Cedar Creek found themselves on top of Absegami with a final score of 50-48. The Pirates were paced by a standout sophomore tailback, Aamir Dunbar Aamir Dunbar 6’0″ | 190 lbs | RB Cedar Creek | 2026 NJ . The teenager in a grown-man’s body ran for 207 yards on 20 carries (20+ yards per carries), while scoring twice in the shootout victory.
Highlights
Week 1’s Top Receiving Performances
Described by his coach as one of the state’s best-kept secrets, McDaniels had the first breakout campaign of his senior season. Rumored to have jumped 39″ vertically at Monmouth and ran a 4.40 second forty at Penn State, McDaniels was a problem for Plainfield all afternoon long. The 6’3″ target hauled in 9 balls for 152 yards, rushed twice for six yards, competed his only pass attempt for 16 yards, and made two tackles while recovering 1 fumble on defense.
The first junior to make today’s post is Quincy Porter Quincy Porter 6’4″ | 195 lbs | WR Bergen Catholic | 2025 State NJ . The Bergen Catholic product showed up and showed out in a dominant 38-7 win over Iona Prep (NY) in an inter-state showdown. The college-size ready target hauled in 6 receptions for 183 yards; 4 of his receptions went for scores.
A prospect I have become quite familiar with. Bosch had his first breakout game of the season. In a tight game against Summit, Bosch got loose several times, slashing 13/240/2 through the air (nearly an 18.5 YPR average). Not to be outdone, he rushed twice for 38 yards and 1 score as well.
This Hillbilly is no slouch. Yet another week 1 thriller Garmont, who by all indications has moved from RB to WR this season, led Verona to a 3-point victory over Madison. Garmont finished the game with 8 catches for 208 yards – a 26 yards-per-catch average – while scoring 3 times.
Week 1’s Top Kicking Performances
In a commanding, 68-0 victory over Camden Catholic, placekicker Matt Kelly Matt Kelly 5’10” | 150 lbs | K Timber Creek | 2025 NJ did a great job of extending leads when given the opportunity. In a game where Timber Creek scored 7 touchdowns, Kelly was 8-for-10 in PAT attempts. My sources have told me that the 2 misses were operational shortcomings.
Akin to teammate Quincy Porter Quincy Porter 6’4″ | 195 lbs | WR Bergen Catholic | 2025 State NJ , Bartolomeo did his part as the Crusaders place kicker. Bartolomeo was a perfect 5-for-5 in PAT attempts but also booted a 33-yard field goal attempt true through the uprights as well.
Kickers are allowed to feel the emotion of big-time rivalry games too. That is exactly what Feinstein felt, as he was in his groove against Hudson Catholic, going 7-for-8 on PAT attempts – doing his part to add to a convincing 55-0 victory for the Paladins.