State Sectionals: North 1 Defensive Game Changers
Connor Higgins POS DB CLASS 2025 Connor Higgins School: Mountain Lakes Connor Higgins is a low key special talent at Mountain Lakes. Lining up as a cornerback in a star studded defense, Connor has made a big impact so far…
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Connor Higgins
Connor Higgins is a low key special talent at Mountain Lakes. Lining up as a cornerback in a star studded defense, Connor has made a big impact so far this season, especially in his turnover making capabilities. Connor seems to always be in the right place at the right time, which explains how he has picked the ball off 4 times through 10 games. The junior cornerback is equipped with quick reflexes, and is a player entering the weekend that has the ability to completely change the momentum of the game.
Hawthorne’s Rocco Monica has racked up 85 tackles as a dominant presence in the middle of the field. The sophomore middle linebacker may be smaller than your average linebacker, but has adapted well and uses his size to his advantage. Rocco can fly all over the field and is able to slip through tacklers and get low to rap up the runner. He is not a player to shy away from a collision; Rocco is ready to meet the running back in the hole and drive them backwards. With 2.5 sacks and 2 interceptions this season, Rocco is ready to make a big impact in the finals.
Coming into the weekend with the best matchup in the north, Westwood and Rutherford will meet for a battle of undefeated teams. Both teams are absolutely stacked, and have multiple players that can be highlighted. However, Steve Klein of Westwood is one I think will make a game changing play in the finals. Steve is utilized on both sides of the ball, but his playmaking ability really stands out on defense as he plays a somewhat rover position on his defense.
As a sophomore, Steve has been extremely versatile, reeling in 5 interceptions and compiling 40 tackles. Steve is very athletic, changing direction quickly to light up a would-be pass catcher. Steve is set for a big game, and is player to keep an eye on these next two years.
Highlights
Rutherford’s defense has been playing lights out all season long. Spearheaded by Chris Lora, the Bulldogs will look to continue their dominance against a talented Westwood. Accumulating an unreal 121 tackles this season, Chris is one of the hardest tacklers to get away from in the north. Chris is consistently found in the backfield, darting through gaps and blowing up runs between the tackles. He can deliver a hit to the runner as soon as it arrives in his hands. With 3.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles this year, don’t be surprised if Chris makes the play of the game in the finals.
West Morris has found its way again to the sectional finals. They will be going up against a familiar foe in Old Tappan, who they lost to last season in the Group 3 semifinals. West Morris once again has a strong defense, and one of the players in the spotlight is Tommy Borgia. Tommy has been an elite pass rusher off of the edge, bringing the QB to the ground 3 times and forcing a fumble this season as well. He is a big sized defender, and can use his body to overpower blockers and fight to get to the QB. Tommy is primed to have himself a performance in the finals.