Group I Title Game Preview: Glassboro vs. Cedar Grove

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are down to the season's final seven games. These seven games, however, have the most gravitas as they represent one game to win it all. Congratulations to each and every team throughout the state for their efforts and performance this season. Without further adieu, I present to you my preview for the upcoming NJSIAA State Championship games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to vote on who you think will win each playoff matchup by voting on our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/11/vote-who-will-win-the-state-championship-finals/">reader's poll</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Friday, November 29, 5:00pm - Glassboro vs. Cedar Grove at MetLife Stadium</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the second-of-two public school games on Friday at MetLife Stadium, we have our second #1 seed from the North taking on the South's #1 seed. Out of all the state championship games, this one might seem like a distinct home-field advantage despite being played at a neutral site. Cedar Grove is only traveling about 10 miles down Route 3 - a mere 15 minute drive, as compared to Glassboro's 103-mile, 1 hour 40 minute trek to claim what eluded them last year at Rutgers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cedar Grove wins if...</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>... they can force turnovers. Comparatively speaking, the Panthers have intercepted 11 passes on the season, forced 8 balls out, and recovered another 11. Putting that into perspective, 22 takeaways is a lot in 13 games. An opportunistic defense, of those takeaways 4 have gone for scores. [player_tooltip player_id='1561981' first='Pierce' last='Asfalg'] is a defensive prospect that manages to always be around the ball. Asfalg has recovered 4 fumbles (a team-high), while taking one of them in for a score, intercepting a pass, and forcing a fumble. All this is in addition to his 34 tackles (26 solo) from the secondary. [player_tooltip player_id='1568344' first='Xavier' last='Andujar'] (2), [player_tooltip player_id='1525016' first='Jackson' last='Morrice'] (2), and [player_tooltip player_id='1540895' first='Nick' last='Russo'] (3) are all defenders that have multiple interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively the Panthers have enjoyed three seasons with [player_tooltip player_id='933995' first='Stephen' last='Paradiso'] back in the gun. Aside from a legendary career, Paradiso has had an unbelievable season. Paradiso looks to further cement his legacy by extending his school records, padding the states to his 3501 yard, 40 touchdown, 7 interception season on 220-343 passing. As if that was not enough, Paradiso leads the team in carries with 64 for 262 yards (second on the team) and 8 rushing scores. Look for him to key in on fellow 2025 graduate [player_tooltip player_id='1525016' first='Jackson' last='Morrice']. Already mentioned in the defensive analysis of this matchup, Morrice has had a season matched by few. The wide out has caught 21 touchdown passes for 1748 yards on 89 receptions. Should he not be open, [player_tooltip player_id='1540895' first='Nick' last='Russo'], the team leader in interceptions, would be another team's primary receiving threat on just about every team. Russo has slashed 70/785/11 in this, his senior campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Glassboro wins if...</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>... they can make Paradiso run for his life. As they have done all season, the Bulldogs specialize in creating havoc when opponents drop back to pass. Eight different players have recorded a sack, with half of them getting home five times or more. As a team, Glassboro has registered 52 sacks on the season and 152 tackles for a loss. This dominance is headlined by [player_tooltip player_id='402196' first='Brandon' last='Simmons']. After being named to Prep Redzone New Jersey's First Team All-State defense as a sophomore, the junior has had a monster year. Simmons leads the team in tackles (119 total, 67 solo), tackles for loss (34), and sacks (17); of his two fumble recoveries, he picked one up for a score. Complementing his insane play is that of [player_tooltip player_id='1294254' first='Tyler' last='Bright']. Also a junior, Bright has 13 sacks and 18 tackles for loss of his own to go along with 59 tackles (33 solo) and a safety. Glassboro's class of 2026 is very special, as it adds [player_tooltip player_id='606208' first='Dorian' last='Kelsey'] and his 5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, fumble recovery, and 34 tackle (16 solo) production to the mix, as well as that of [player_tooltip player_id='1097173' first='Junior' last='Serrano']. Serrano has made 73 tackles (41 solo), 12 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries. With individuals that create pressure like this by winning their one-on-one matchup, the Bulldogs will be successful if they can maintain this level of success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two additional players that show up on both sides of the ledger are [player_tooltip player_id='212380' first='Amari' last='Sabb'] and [player_tooltip player_id='426571' first='Xavier' last='Sabb']. Both have big shoes to fill, as older brother Keon Sabb is now at the University of Alabama. Amari, who is also a part of that loaded 2026 class, is Glassboro's leading receiver with 56 grabs for 1049 yards and 12 touchdowns, while having pitched in with 112 yards and 4 scores on 17 carries. Not outdone, Amari has made 27 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, recovered a fumble, and intercepted 3 passes, as well as returning a punt to the house for a score. Xavier on the other hand, has matched his brother's punt return touchdown and is on his older brother's heels with 11 touchdown receptions on 43 catches for 774 yards. Xavier has also slashed 7/46/1 on the ground. His team-leading 5 interceptions with 1 pick-six paces an outstanding secondary that also features the disruptive, stat-sheet stuffer [player_tooltip player_id='1271465' first='DayShaun' last='Day']. Day has made 88 tackles (52 solo), 15 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 scoop &amp; score, 1 Interception, 1 pick-six, and has blocked 2 kicks in his final season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->