Patriot Blue’s Returning Stars
In this article:
Leading the charge into 2024, Old Tappan is returning with their starting QB from last year and are looking to extend their success all the way to a state title next fall. Rising quickly behind Old Tappan are Pascack Valley…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingLeading the charge into 2024, Old Tappan is returning with their starting QB from last year and are looking to extend their success all the way to a state title next fall. Rising quickly behind Old Tappan are Pascack Valley and Paramus. Finishing the season 6-3 and a loss in the playoffs, Pascack Valley is another program within the division with a QB coming back with a ton of experience behind him. Lastly, keep an eye on Paramus. They will be looking to take the top dog Old Tappan down next year, who they fell to twice to last season.
Arguably the most talented returning player within the division, Alex Orecchio Alex Orecchio 5’8″ | 155 lbs | QB Old Tappan | 2025 State NJ is ready to elevate Old Tappan to the next level in 2024. A QB that can embarrass a defense in multiple ways, Alex is not only fast enough to outrun the entire defense but has the arm skills to pick defenses apart all game long. An extremely athletic quarterback that can maneuver around the backfield to keep the play alive, Alex gives his guys time to create separation and make it an easy throw. Throwing for 21 touchdowns and 1532 yards, defenses need to make sure to get pressure on him early and often because he has the arm strength to outthrow the coverage.
The trouble with going up against Alex is if you somehow find a way to slow down the aerial assault, he still has the ability to absolutely decimate a defense on the ground. Rushing for 876 yards and 11 touchdowns last fall, Alex is a QB that needs to be spied each and every snap. A bulldozer of a runner, Alex rarely goes down after first contact with his strong leg drive and body control when being hit.
Another power back at the QB position, Adam Shaw Adam Shaw 6’2″ | 185 lbs | QB Pascack Valley | 2026 NJ is currently a watchlist QB that should find his way in the rankings very soon. A leader for Pascack Valley, the 2026 QB has the dimensions and size to flourish over these next two seasons and take over the division. Tossing for 876 yards and 6 touchdowns, Adam displays crisp throwing mechanics from drop back to follow through. Patient in the pocket, Adam has the ability to decipher the defense and put perfect touch on the ball to put it right where it needs to be. A scary ball carrier as well, Adam has the potential to be an 1000 yard passer and rusher in the near future.
Highlights
RJ Weiss
RJ Weiss
A star on both sides of the ball, RJ Weiss has the ability to help propel River Dell towards a winning season in 2024. Lining up at the safety position, RJ flew all over the field has he racked up 90 tackles and forced two turnovers. Bringing a swift ending to any run, RJ gets upfield quickly and brings the runner down to the ground with his low approach in his tackle. As a receiver, RJ was able to haul in 10 touchdowns and 535 yards last fall. RJ has a pair of strong hands that can reel the ball in from far away, and is known for coming down with the contested catch. An agile runner once the ball is in his hands, RJ can slip away from tacklers and rack up YACs.
Shane Burke
Shane Burke
A very difficult defensive linemen to get by, Pascack Valley’s Shane Burke has the strength to rip a ball carrier to the ground even when he can only get one hand on them. Shane has strong hands and a powerful drive off of the ball, keeping blockers away from his body and driving them backwards. Racking up 40 tackles in 2023, Shane will become a dominant force in the middle of the field as he adds on more size this offseason.
Another big presence on both sides of the ball, Paramus’ Liam Jones Liam Jones 5’10” | 170 lbs | LB Paramus | 2025 State NJ is not only a threat to opponent’s offensive schemes, but also a versatile player on the offensive side of the ball. A relentless defender, Liam is always pursing the ball carrier with ruthless intent. A linebacker that fills the hole quickly, Liam will meet the runner and deliver a blow that drives the back behind the line of scrimmage.
A trustworthy lead blocker from the TE position as well, Liam’s highlights show many examples of him driving his man into the dirt and opening up massive lanes for his runner.