Group V Title Game Preview: Toms River North v. Union City

<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>   <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>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Friday, November 29, 2:00pm - Toms River North vs. Union City at MetLife Stadium</h2>   <p>In a battle of #1 overall seeds in their respective regions, the Union City Soaring Eagles have finally reached the summit, hoping to win the the big one for the first time. Awaiting them is a team that has been there and done that - the two-time Group V State Champion Mariners. In a game that I expect to be a good ole JR Slobberknocker, the two best - and most physical - teams in Group V link up in this one.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Union City wins the game if...</h2>   <p>... their defensive line dominates. Despite graduating several key pieces from last year's squad, the Soaring Eagles truly have been true to their 2024 mantra: Standard Raised. Within the trenches they have four absolute studs on defense that have controlled the line of scrimmage and lived in the back year all season long. A prospect that I am personally a big fan of, [player_tooltip player_id='829410' first='Omar' last='Tillman'] has led the way off the edge. Tillman has a team-high 11 sacks with a whopping 27 tackles for loss, which also sets the team's pace. Amongst his 79 tackles, 45 have been solo stops. Tillman has also managed to punch one ball loose. Supporting him in the middle is a good candidate for comeback player of the year [player_tooltip player_id='1216611' first='Reynaldo' last='Mercedes']. When we were doing our rankings I was able to find film from Mercedes' sophomore season, however, there was not much of anything from his junior season. Fast forward one year later, Mercedes is putting together a dominate season from an interior lineman. Biting on Tillman's heels, Mercedes has made 25 tackles for loss and 9 sacks on the season. He has forced a fumble, but also made 72 tackles - 39 of which have been solo stops. Dominating helps when you get incoming support, especially if that help is named [player_tooltip player_id='1475739' first='Khalil' last='Sutton']. Sutton, an import from Dickinson, has exploded in his first season on the roof. Sutton has made 63 tackles of his own (38 solo) with 9 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. Additionally, Sutton leads the Soaring Eagles with 3 forced fumbles, while recovering 1 of his own. [player_tooltip player_id='1085702' first='Adrian' last='Villalta'] (10 tackles) and [player_tooltip player_id='1568083' first='Adrian' last='Woodall'] (13 tackles, 1 sack) complete the interior line rotation for the Soaring Eagles. If not to add to the embarrassment of riches Union City possesses at that position group, the status of senior [player_tooltip player_id='1216610' first='Kevin' last='Rosario'] remains in question. Having not appeared in a game since October 25 against Columbia, Rosario is another physical, imposing, and tenured senior player to add to an already strong rotation and make sure everyone has their wind - should he be available.</p>   <p>In all, their Union City's defensive line has produced 30 sacks, 70 tackles for a loss, and 237 tackles. This fathomably paralleled production, if continued, will put the Mariners behind the sticks and an afford an uphill battle for them. </p>   <p>This gaudily obnoxious-in-a-good-way production, coupled with the nature of their Wing-T offense, could create for a very limited time of possession total for Toms River North. Both Union City's wingback, [player_tooltip player_id='341839' first='Mark' last='Boyd'], and fullback, [player_tooltip player_id='1198088' first='Jazaire' last='Aurelus'], have cracked 1000 yards on the season (Boyd: 140/1455/24, Aurelus: 104/1049/18), with Boyd recently becoming Union City's career rushing leader. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Toms River North wins the game if...</h2>   <p>... they get up to a big-lead, early, and do not stop. The Mariners' have evolved from the team they were the last two seasons - where they finished Group V State Champions - from a heavily oriented run-first, to a more open attack that spread the ball around. In order for them to get up big early in the game, expect quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1054133' first='TJ' last='Valerio'] to work the ball to [player_tooltip player_id='674968' first='Camryn' last='Thomas'] and [player_tooltip player_id='675012' first='Nasir' last='Jackson']. The duo of senior wideouts have accounted for 68 of Toms River North's 129 receptions, 1484 of Valerio's 2253 passing yardage, and 15 of the team's 26 receiving touchdowns. These two gifted athletes have the ability to go over the top on anyone, as well as the athleticism to make people miss in space and turn a short gainer to a big one. Addressing Valerio's performance this year, it is hard to imagine someone could fill as big of shoes as Micah Ford's, but Valerio seems to have done so and - like Frank Sinatra - has done it his way. Valerio gone 126-173 for 2253 yards with 26 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Not outdone, he has also managed to lead the Mariners in rushing with 781 yards on 148 carries with 8 scores. </p>   <p>Union City's strength on defense might be their defensive line; however, Toms River North rosters two offensive line prospects that are nothing to scoff at and legitimate threats themselves. [player_tooltip player_id='1209747' first='Hathem' last='Hooranyi'] is a very solid 6'4" 285lbs and can move people; yet there even with the Bryant offeree on the roster, Hooranyi has a teammate who is even bigger than him also lining up with his hand in the dirt: [player_tooltip player_id='363403' first='Ja'elyne' last='Matthews']. The Rutgers commit stands at 6'7" 300lbs and has been a 4-year starter. Well seasoned, these two offensive linemen ought to make it a contest with the Union City front.</p>   <p>I mentioned previously Union City's Wing-T attack. The best way to counteract this is by having linebackers who are disciplined and have laser-focused vision on their keys. Headlining the group is a good one in [player_tooltip player_id='1040416' first='Blaise' last='Boland']. Boland has made 105 tackles (26 solo) on the season. In addition to leading the team in that statistical category, Boland also leads the Mariners in sacks (8.5), tackles for loss (25.5), and forced fumbles (4), while recovering one himself. Taking this last ride with him is fellow linebacker and 2025 graduate [player_tooltip player_id='1054132' first='Eddie' last='Slosky']. Slosky, too, has had a strong season to the tune of 76 tackles (22 solo) 17.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. Lastly, once Slosky and Boland take their Mariners jerseys off for the final time, it will be on sophomore linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1530243' first='Jack' last='Baker'] to follow and uphold their legacies. Baker has had a great year for such a young player, producing 92 tackles (25 solo), 20 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 forced rumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. If these three stay as active as they have been, it could thwart the Soaring Eagles' prolific Wing-T attack and force them to do things they typically do not do.</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.