Defensive Playoff Performers: Round 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the playoffs and consolation games are officially underway, here are some of the state's top performers from this week of action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Pass Rushing Performances</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1068951"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A 35-0 victory is a solid performance. Behind dominant defensive line play the performance can be categorized as commanding. Russo, a two-way lineman for Hasbrouck Heights, led the way in the trenches - specifically on defense. Russo had 8 tackles - including 6 solos and 1 tackle for loss. Beyond stuffing the run, Russo registered 4 sacks constantly putting Wallkill Valley behind the chains.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6540f562af904"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1068947"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Hillsborough has not really blown anyone out, but they are amongst the most consistent, solid teams in the state. In their first round playoff game against Howell, a 14-0 victory, they were led by Meyer's stellar play. A two-way lineman, Meyer controlled the trenches on both sides of the ball. Meyer made 5 tackles - including 3 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6541254bbfae2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["910849"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Torres seemingly has come out of nowhere and had an incredible game in South I's number two overall seed Schalick. Having only registered any other defensive stats in one game at Cumberland on October 13, Torres was on a torrid pace last week in the Cougars' playoff home opener - a 35-0 win over Audubon. Torres made 10 tackles from his spot on defensive line. Moreover, he made 3 tackles for loss and also sacked the quarterback 3 times as well.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6541254bbfb48"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["712983"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Despite a wonderful season from the Ramblers, it has come to an end at the hands on Camden in a 27-7 road loss. Jackson, one of Carteret's key defensive pieces, shined in this game yet again. He matched a season high with 12 tackles and 7 tackles for loss - while setting a season high with 11 solo stops. Most importantly, Jackson registered 4 sacks to his stat line in this game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6541254bbfbc2"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Pass Defending Performances</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1069063"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"For the second week in a row young talent has risen to the top for Notre Dame. This week Woods, a freshman from their secondary, shined in a 28-21 victory at St. Frances (MD). In the contest Woods made 1 solo tackle; however, St. Frances quickly learned to throw away from him as Woods intercepted 2 passes in this game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6541254bbfc33"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1069061"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Although Cavanaugh has gotten varsity burn this season, he has been in-and-out of the lineup at times. Understandably so, the freshman is getting his feet wet to the speed of varsity football. However, home against South River - a 41-8 victory for the Gulls - Cavanaugh had a tremendous game. Yes he only made 1 solo tackle; but when he was tried and tested in pass coverage he came up big. Cavanaugh intercepted 2 passes in this game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6541254bbfca3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["311366"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Entering the season Westwood was one of the top teams with the most returning talent in the state. This week, a 41-12 win against Dumont, Klein rose above all the rest. Despite making just 1 solo tackle in the game, Klein was a drive-killer, intercepting 2 passes in the game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6541254bbfd36"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["579746"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"In the 28-24 victory over Orange and their prolific offense, Bergenfield took points off the board and stole possessions from them. No defensive back was more apt at this than Martinez. Make no mistake: this is not the first time we are mentioning Martinez's name as a standout player of the week. In the contest he made 5 tackles (4 solos). He added to this active-for-a-corner total with 1 tackle for loss, 1 blocked kick, and 2 interceptions - one of which he returned for a house call.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6541254bbfdb9"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Run Stuffing Performances</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1068949"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"In a tight, 29-26 victory over Boonton, Newark Collegiate Academy was led on defense by the clutch play of Muhammad. In this one Muhammad made a total of 16 tackles that were comprised of 10 solos and 2 tackles for loss.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6540f562af969"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1069062"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"In a thrilling 4-point victory, Overbrook defeated Triton 38-34. Mitchell, a freshman linebacker, saved his best game for his most recent one. In the contest Mitchell made 17 tackles (15 solos) and 2 tackles for loss. Overbrook looks to continue the momentum set forth by Mitchell as he enters his sophomore season next fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6541254bbfe6f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1068903"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"In what was likely his final high school game, Young lost a heartbreaker on the road to Roselle Park, 28-27. Young, however, did his damndest to directly impact the game and make key plays when it mattered most. Young was an absolute vacuum, making 20 tackles (12 solos) and 4 tackles for loss. Additionally, Young forced a fumble and recovered one as well.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6541254bbfef2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1068899"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"As South Hunterdon won a nail-biter, 16-6, against annual South Jersey contender Salem, it was the defensive play of Swayhoover who stood out. Swayhoover registered a whopping 19 tackles in this contest - raising his season total to 121. South Hunterdon hosts Glassboro this week in round 2.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6541254bbff74"} /-->