Defensive Playoff Performers: Regional Championship Round
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After this weekend, the state playoff field is now down to just 14 teams. With two teams remaining per section, plus two remaining in the Non-Public A and B groups each, here were the big-time ballers who showed out in…
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Continue ReadingAfter this weekend, the state playoff field is now down to just 14 teams. With two teams remaining per section, plus two remaining in the Non-Public A and B groups each, here were the big-time ballers who showed out in the biggest game of the season.
Top Pass Rushing Performances
After going on the road and upsetting Millville last week, Mainland turned around and did it again. This week their victim was Winslow, a 41-7 win. Watson, the Holy Cross commit tied a season high with 10 total tackles and 5 tackles for loss. However, Watson was able to set a new season high with 3 sacks in the victory.
A name that I have mentioned a few times in recent memory, Alex Grippo Alex Grippo 5’10” | 200 lbs | LB Delsea | 2025 NJ has been coming on strong recently and emerging as a key contributor to Delsea’s playoff run and entrenching himself as a necessary cog for next years team. In a 28-12 victory against Camden, Grippo was able to get home to the quarterback 3 times in the victory while also forcing a fumble.
Joining Mainland teammate Hunter Watson Hunter Watson 6’0″ | 165 lbs | ATH St. Peters | 2026 State NJ in the backfield early and often was fellow defender Rocco DeBiaso Rocco DeBiaso 175 lbs | LB Mainland | 2025 NJ . DeBiaso, just a junior, looks to ride his wave of season-waning success into the state championship game at Rutgers. In the victory against Winslow, DeBiaso made 11 tackles, 3 of which went for a loss – all sacks – constantly putting Winslow behind the chains.
Top Pass Defending Performances
Not to ride Mainland too hard this week, but these boys were absolutely ballin’ out. As Watson and DeBiaso brought the pressure from the front-seven, Jamie Tyson locked things up on the back-seven Tyson made 3 tackles in this game; however, he also managed to pick off 2 passes in this one – one of which went for a pick-six. Moreover, Tyson scored twice on offense, slashing 3/69/2 as a receiver in the 41-7 victory at Winslow.
Drago has been en fuego for about five weeks now. Perhaps one of the state’s hottest players right now, his tremendous play dates back to early October. Most recently in a Regional Final thriller, Drago led West Essex to a 21-20 victory over West Morris. Drago made 8 tackles in this one, but also picked off 2 passes. For the playoffs, Drago now has 5 interceptions in three games.
It would not seem right if we did not mention a Toms River North Mariner on our list of top defenders, especially given their convincing 33-6 victory at Cherokee. Pruitt made 8 tackles in this contest, including 2 tackles for loss. However, Pruitt was a terror in the secondary as he returned – not one – but two passes the other way for defensive scores. He also added 3 catches for 29 yards on offense.
Top Run Stuffing Performances
In a game I very much so wanted to go see in person but could not because I got sick this weekend, Trashon Dye Trashon Dye 6’0″ | 195 lbs | RB Passaic | 2024 State NJ churned-and-burned on both sides of the ball in a gritty 14-0 victory over Union City. Dye led the Bulldogs in tackles with 14 (10 solos) and 1 tackle for loss. On the ground, Dye maintained a steady pace and ripped off big gainers late in the game – including a 50-yard run – to finish with 24/148/1 on the ground. With the PCTI victory, we have a Group V final rematch from last year.
McClain, a senior who I have enjoyed following and watching, left it all out on the field in what is likely his final prep game of his career. In the defeat to Delbarton, 38-23, McClain made an impressive 16 tackles, getting much of that work done on his own, with 12 solo stops.
Although Ramapo often dominates on offense, giving few teams a change to stay in the game, they needed a hero on defense to edge out Mount Olive as they did this weekend, earning a 24-19 victory. The defensive hero who stepped up for them was Zak Darwish Zak Darwish 6’0″ | 200 lbs | LB Ramapo | 2025 NJ . A junior, Darwish led the state in tackles this week with 23 stops (5 solo).