North Jersey Interscholastic Conference: Championship Semifinals
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On Friday, October 13 a quartet of NJIC teams will be competing in the conference’s semi final round for the conference championship. Below is a quick preview of each matchup and the key players in each matchup. North Jersey Interscholastic…
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Continue ReadingOn Friday, October 13 a quartet of NJIC teams will be competing in the conference’s semi final round for the conference championship. Below is a quick preview of each matchup and the key players in each matchup.
North Jersey Interscholastic Conference Championship Semifinal Round
- #3 seed Rutherford (6-0) at #2 seed Hawthorne (5-1)
In a very tight matchup the Bulldogs will travel to take on the Bears in this semifinal matchup. Chris Gioia Chris Gioia 6'1" | 180 lbs | WR Rutherford | 2025 NJ has been Mr. Butler Bulldog this year as he has been heavily involved and critical to his team’s success. As a quarterback, he is now 41 of 65 on the year for 661 yards while throwing 9 touchdowns to 0 interceptions. He has also thrown a touchdown in every game this season. On the ground Gioia has slashed 40/521/6. Whereas most quarterbacks only play offense, Gioia plays defense too, and is quite effective. Gioia has made 31 stops to go along with 3 tackles for loss and 1 forced fumble on the season.
Although Hawthorne is a more senior-heavy team, There are two sophomore standouts playing key roles for Hawthorne that are looking to slow Gioia down. Rocco Monica Rocco Monica 5'9" | 190 lbs | LB Hawthorne | 2026 NJ has had a tremendous sophomore season. He has already matched his season total in tackles from last year (47), along with 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 2 interceptions. His fellow 2026 graduate Ali Visaev Ali Visaev 5'10" | 155 lbs | DB Hawthorne | 2026 NJ has etched out a role on defense as well, as Visaev has made 17 tackles (13 solos) and 1 interception on the year. Together, they look to corral and contain Gioia.
- #4 seed Lyndhurst (4-2) at #1 Park Ridge (5-1)
Lyndhurst and the Golden Bears will travel to take on the Owls. In this game, Lyndhurst finds their attack focused on the play of Shawn Bellenger Shawn Bellenger 6'1" | 195 lbs | QB Lyndhurst | 2025 NJ . The quarterback, Bellenger has gone 49 of 107 for 904 yards this year. He has thrown 11 touchdowns to just 4 interceptions during his junior season. Bellenger has also slashed 35/285/1 on the ground while also having thrown a for a score in every game this year. When it comes to rushing the ball, that is where Roddy Morinho Roddy Morinho 6'0" | 185 lbs | LB Lyndhurst | 2025 NJ shines. Also a junior, Morinho has slashed 91/493/7 on the season on the ground and 8/165/2 through the air. Morinho is also a standout on defense as he has made 64 tackles on the season (53 solo), 10 tackles for loss 1 sack, and 1 interception.
For the Owls their defensive game is controlled in the trenches by two-way lineman Deron McLaughlin Deron McLaughlin 6'5" | 260 lbs | OL Park Ridge | 2024 State NJ . An absolute load to handle up front, McLaughlin has made 28 stops on the season, including 2 tackles for loss and 7 sacks. He will look to afford his offense consistent opportunities too with his blocking on offense.