Garden State Gamers: Week 2’s Top Offensive Performers
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With school back in session, most teams have already have three games under their belts. Here are the top standout prospects amongst those who played in week 2, during the first week school was back in session. Week 2’s Top…
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Continue ReadingWith school back in session, most teams have already have three games under their belts. Here are the top standout prospects amongst those who played in week 2, during the first week school was back in session.
Week 2’s Top Passing Performances
A quarterback that constantly pushes himself and competes all year round, Smith’s senior year is off to a strong start. Extending Cedar Creek’s win streak to an undefeated 3-0 on the season, Smith led the Pirates to a 1 score victory against Ocean City, 33-25. In this contest Smith was remarkably efficient, going 16 for 20 with 362 yards while tossing 2 TDs and 1 pick. Adding to his impressive stat line, Smith rushed 9 times for 40 yards and scored twice.
Highlights
Playing from behind allowed Parsippany Hills’ gunslinger Simoni the opportunity to drop back and a flash his arm talent and savviness. In a 41-28 defeat to Morris Knolls, the Viking threw for an impressive 354 yards on 35 for 46 attempts. He threw 4 touchdowns to go along with 4 interceptions.
The future is bright in Atco, NJ, as Winslow’s future is now. Parker, a freshman quarterback, has arrived on the scene and started his varsity career to the tune of a 2-1 record. In Winslow’s last contest against Delsea, the young freshman had an impressive game that proves he can compete immediately. He tossed 3 TDs on 16 of 22 passing for 301 yards – all the while not turning the ball over.
When you are on the winning end of a 33-6 victory, as a quarterback you are likely to exit the game early. That said, Dougherty, the junior signal caller for Manalapan, maximized his production when he was in the game. Dougherty finished the game 11 for 19 with 210 yards and 3 touchdown tosses. It would be interesting to see how his stat line would have prorated if he had finished the game.
Week 2’s Top Rushing Performances
Who said that quarterbacks are prohibited from leading their team in rushing? Dietz just shut them up. A dual-threat quarterback in every sense, the senior led Brick Memorial to their third straight victory over Barnegat 49-14. He rushed 10 times for 142 yards while scoring twice. Adding to his versatility, Dietz was 8 of 10 passing for 214 yards and threw 3 touchdowns. Yet again the Mustangs found another way to use Dietz, as he recorded 4 tackles with 1 tackle for loss in the contest as well.
Highlights
Perhaps one of the state’s most consistent runners through three games, White has been a steady – and key – cog in Boonton’s offensive attack. Through three games White has slashed 20/121/3, 16/111/3, and 18/144/3 on the ground. Unfortunately Boonton has only been on the winning end of one of these games, but it appears White is apart of, and also trusting of, the process. It will be interesting to see if he keeps this torrid pace in week 3 against perennial power Cedar Grove.
Week 2’s Top Receiving Performances
In perhaps one of the most prodigious performances of the weekend, Miller hooked up with teammate Jalen Parker Jalen Parker 5’9″ | 160 lbs | QB Winslow Township | 2027 State NJ time and time again. Primarily a receiver, Miller hauled in 8 balls for 173 yards and 1 score. To put this in perspective, the junior caught half of his quarterback’s completion, which was good for better than half of the total receiving yardage.
In perhaps last week’s most explosive performance of week 2, Cortes made his impact felt every time he touched the ball. Although he hauled in just 3 catches, all 3 of those catches went for touchdowns. Cortes accumulated 83 yards, with a long of 37 yards, through the air.
Highlights
If teammate Billy Smith Billy Smith 5’11” | 170 lbs | QB Cedar Creek | 2024 State NJ was a top performing quarterback last week, it is certain he had a receiver who broke out in a big way. Typically we know that receiver to be Alim Parks Alim Parks 6’0″ | 180 lbs | WR Cedar Creek | 2024 State NJ ; however, lining up opposite Parks is Benjamin, a junior, who made it known he is no slouch. He technically had his coming out party week 0 against Matawan (6/161/3), but he followed up that output during week 2 with a 4 catch, 147 yard performance. With this game breaking ability, his longest catch of the day went for 58 yards. He carried the rock once for 11 yards.
A multi-faceted playmaker on offense, Hoke came up big in a 14-13 victory against Deptford. The Green Wave acted more like a title wave as he touched the ball in a number of different ways. He was modest on the ground – 5 totes for 11 yards – but busted loose through the air, going for 102 yards and a score on 9 receptions. Additionally, Hoke converted a critical two point play, which proved to be the difference maker in the game.
Week 2’s Top Kicking Performances
No better way to start discussing this week’s kickers with one who had a perfect day. In what many outsiders to their program considered an upset victory – considered their second of the season – Pope John went on the road to defeat Paramus Catholic 47-40. In a game where every point proved crucial and could change a coach’s decision making, Morgese allowed coach to rest assuringly. Morgese was a perfect 5-for-5 with PAT attempts. Additionally, Morgese extended his team’s lead twice, going 2-for-2 in field goal attempts. All in all, 11 points on the day were credited to Morgese.
Three straight victories to open the season is sweet. When they all occur on the road? Even better. Notre Dame defeated Nottingham by a score of 35-28 and Scarborough did his part to ensure his team stayed ahead, not allowing Nottingham to chase points, maintaining a 7-point lead. In this contest Scarborough was a perfect 5-for-5 on PAT attempts.
In my time around the high school game, kickers are not often called upon to kick field goals. In Warren Hills’ most recent victory, 27-7 vs. Chatham, Mathew got his shot with one opportunity… and another one… and another one… and another one. Aside from being a perfect 9 for 9 on the year in PATs, Mathew kept pushing the lead for his team finishing the game 3 for 4 in field goal attempts.