One Player to Watch for in Each Semifinal Game: Part II

Friday   Shabazz (9-2) @ Hanover Park (10-1)   [player_tooltip player_id='1557285' first='Zykir' last='Best']: Shabazz LB '27   Leading Shabazz in tackles as a sophomore, [player_tooltip player_id='1557285' first='Zykir' last='Best'] catapulted himelf onto the scene and is now one of the biggest pieces to this dominant defense. Shabazz's defense has stepped it up all season long, as they've shut out three opponents this season and have made it very difficult for any offense to move the ball down the field on them. Zykir has been able to fly all across the field in pursuit of the ball carrier, and has been able to rack up 75 tackles and a sack in 2024. Look for a battle between two great defenses tonight.   Point Pleasant Boro (10-2) @ Rumson Fair Haven (11-0)   [player_tooltip player_id='1539987' first='Nick' last='Spanola']: Point Pleasant Boro RB/DB '27   Point Pleasant Boro is one of the few run heavy offenses remaining in the state tournament. As we talked about their main weapon, [player_tooltip player_id='910828' first='Jake' last='Clayton'], last week, it is time to shine the light on others contributing on the ground. One of the other weapons on offense and defense is [player_tooltip player_id='1539987' first='Nick' last='Spanola']. Nick is third in rushing on the team with 674 yards and 6 trips to the end zone. I think there's a big chance Nick could pop off a huge run in the semis, especially if Jake draws more attention and Rumson-Fair Haven aims to slow him down. That should open up the door for Nick to take a misdirection run and break into the open field. Nick's impact on the game doesn't stop there, however. He's racked up 37 tackles, a sack, 2 interceptions, and forced a fumble in 2024. To go with all of that, he's also returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. This is a name we will hear about for years to come.   St. Augustine (7-3) @ Don Bosco Prep (7-3)   Akeem Jones: St. Augustine LB '28   While not getting a ton of reps this season, Akeem Jones is starting to build momentum into the rest of his young career. The 6'2" outside linebacker already has upperclassman size, and he started to get a sense of how to use that size against opponents. While he only has 17 tackles and 2.5 sacks on the season, what's most impressive is that two of those sacks were recorded just last week against Delbarton in their playoff win. Akeem has a ton of range and can be used in coverage and in rushing the passer. His quickness allows him to stay with tight ends in coverage and also beat the tackle off of the line in pursuit of the QB. Akeem Jones will be a household name in no time.    Butler (11-0) @ Cedar Grove (12-0)   [player_tooltip player_id='1530298' first='Nick' last='Parkinson']: Butler DB'26   In a battle of undefeated teams, there is no underdog in this contest. Both teams will have their hands full and will require a playmaker or two to make game changing plays. For Butler, that player is [player_tooltip player_id='1530298' first='Nick' last='Parkinson']. the junior DB has played exceptionally well all season long, locking down the secondary by picking off the pass 6 times and providing solid run support with 23 tackles. Butler has shut out two opponents this season and held another 5 to under 10 points, but they have not faced an offense like Cedar Grove's yet. No defense has been able to slow [player_tooltip player_id='933995' first='Stephen' last='Paradiso'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1525016' first='Jackson' last='Morrice'] down, as they've scored over 27 points in every game this season. Cedar Grove's passing attack versus Butler's secondary; this may be the best matchup of the entire weekend.   Saturday   St. John Vianney (9-3) @ Pope John (4-7)   [player_tooltip player_id='691039' first='Abdul' last='Turay']: St. John Vianney ATH '27   [player_tooltip player_id='691039' first='Abdul' last='Turay'] is the most impressive sophomore running back in the entire state. A player we hyped up in the offseason, Abdul has exceeded expectations and is now considered one of NJ's finest backs. St. John Vianney's offensive success runs through Abdul. Taking the handoff a whopping 262 times so far this season, Abdul has torn up defensives with 2292 yards on the ground and 36 rushing touchdowns. Abdul just has a knack for shaking off tacklers. He runs through arm tackles uninterrupted and has the vision necessary to bounce the run away from danger. Often times I think defender's misjudge how quickly Abdul can accelerate with the ball in his hands. There are countless examples of defenders taking pour angles and Abdul running right by them. Not only is Abdul a legitimate D1 running back prospect, but he deserves recognition for what he's accomplished on defense as well. With 79 tackles, 4 sacks and a forced fumble, Abdul's name will be called quite often against Pope John this weekend.    Millville (9-2) @ Winslow (12-0)   [player_tooltip player_id='1552350' first='Octavion' last='Spence']: Milville DL '26   Milllville has a very special junior class, especially on the defensive side of the ball. One of those standout players is [player_tooltip player_id='1552350' first='Octavion' last='Spence']. A strong and stout defensive lineman, Octavion has been a dominant presence upfront for the Bolts, as he's compiled 50 total tackles and has found his way to the quarterback 8.5 times this season. Octavion specializes in bull rushing the O-line, strong enough to fight off blockers with a powerful arm drive and maintain a low pad level to keep the leverage against the blocker. He isn't the biggest defensive lineman you'll come across, but he's impactful with how he pressures the quarterback. Forcing two fumbles so far this season, look for Octavion to make another big play this Saturday.    St. Joseph (6-4) @ Bergen Catholic (9-1)   [player_tooltip player_id='212398' first='Nate' last='Bailey']: St. Joseph ATH '26   One of the best all around athletes in the entire state, St. Joseph's [player_tooltip player_id='212398' first='Nate' last='Bailey'] is a player to watch out for regardless of the opponent. The star athlete has performed at a very high level for his offense, as he's been the biggest playmaker they could rely on in the run and receiving game. Nate is extremely fast twitch. It only take a few seconds of his highlights to know you're looking at a future D1 athlete. Nate has that spark of energy that makes it very unpredictable to know which direction he's heading. His acceleration catches defenders off guard, and his shiftiness carves up defenses and forces missed tackles. Nate is truly the full package, as he's rushed for 577 yards and caught another 578. Combined, Nate also has 15 offensive touchdowns on the season. St. Joseph is looking strong at the moment, but they will need a big performance out of [player_tooltip player_id='212398' first='Nate' last='Bailey'] to take down the multi-year defending champ in Bergen Catholic.

Friday