State Title Recap: Toms River North 41 - Union City 14

In a game that got closer than the score indicated for periods of time, the Toms River North Mariners defeated the Union City Soaring Eagles. In the process, Toms River north has been crowed the 2025 NJSIAA Champions of Group V.   There are a few difference makers that took over the game at various points. Their impact on either side of the ball, for either team, was felt and is everlasting in this memorable game.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Toms River North Top Performances</h2>    In his last high school game, [player_tooltip player_id='1054128' first='Mordecai' last='Ford'] carried his family's legacy proudly. Younger brother of two-time state player of the year Micah Ford, the younger Ford ensured that he has the one-up on older brother: his three state championship rings to Micah's two.   Although he was contained on the ground as a rusher (6 carries, 11 yards), Ford's impact was felt as a target. The game's leading receiver, Ford hauled in 7 grabs for 79 yards with 3 scores. Several times seemed as though Union City's back-seven did not account for #3 out of the backfield to their side as many times Ford had nobody within 8 yards of him.   In his one season as a starter, Ford carried the ball 92 times for 694 yards and 12 scores, while making 32 grabs for 404 yards and 7 scores. In all, Ford has scored 32 touchdowns across all three phases of the game.     When the Mariners needed a change of pace or their offense felt stagnant, [player_tooltip player_id='910824' first='Cole' last='Garrison'] was the spark they needed. Used as the wildcat, Garrison carried the ball 5 times for 26 yards; however, it was is last carry that put the game out of reach. Garrison's last carry was for 57 yards and a score, putting him at 6 carries for 83 yards and 1 score for the game.   Expect the sophomore's role to expand next year. In his varsity debut season, Garrison slashed 49/406/7 on the ground, 19/231/2 as a target, returned a put for a score, and made 69 tackles. He might just be the torch carrier for the Mariners as they try for the four-peat next year.     For as high-powered and potent their offense is, [player_tooltip player_id='1040416' first='Blaise' last='Boland']'s career as a 3-time champion and defensive leader of this Mariners team what legacies are build upon. In his final game Boland was might not have led the team in tackles (the young buck and heir-apparent [player_tooltip player_id='1530243' first='Jack' last='Baker'] did), but Boland had a big impact. Of his 3 tackles, he recorded a sack and a tackle for loss. In that sack, he forced a fumble that was recovered by Jaelyne Matthews (one of his two fumble recoveries). Yes, this may seem like a pedestrian play, but this game in the second half as Union City was gaining momentum after a score.   The local legend of Boland ends with career numbers of 225 tackles (60 solo), 58.5 tackles for loss, 20 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. In his final season he produced 108 tackles (28 solo), 26.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.   The uber-productive linebacker is still looking for a collegiate home next fall.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Union City Standout Performances</h2>    Each and every year the Soaring Eagles' wingback [player_tooltip player_id='341839' first='Mark' last='Boyd'] got better and better. Coincidingly, Union City attained more success each and every year. Boyd finishes his high school career as the school's career leading rusher, the North V champion, and having finally beaten Union City's boogey man, PCTI.   Boyd ran extraordinarily hard against a disciplined and physical Mariners defense. Boyd finished the game with 16 carries for 60 yards and 1 score, while also catching his only target for 6 yards and making 7 tackles.   Not lost in the game was his effort, grit, leadership and determination - all factors in which college coaches desire to see in a running back. For now, his 156 carries, 1515 yards, and 25 touchdowns set the Union City watermark for rushing yards with 3586 for his career on 408 carries with 53 scores.     There are likely few comeback stories this year better than that of [player_tooltip player_id='1216611' first='Reynaldo' last='Mercedes']. After missing nearly his entire junior campaign, Mercedes rolled up like he was flossing 26s to a 75 tackle (41 solo), 25 tackle for loss, 10 sack, and 1 forced fumble senior season. Even with a year lost and not playing varsity as a freshman, Mercedes calls it a career 124 tackles (72 solo), 41 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries in just two seasons played.   In the state final, Mercedes recorded 3 tackles (2 solo) and 1 sack. That sack, however, came on Toms River North's first possession, forcing them to put after a 3-and-out. For the moment, it seized momentum for Mercedes' Soaring Eagles.

In a game that got closer than the score indicated for periods of time, the Toms River North Mariners defeated the Union City Soaring Eagles. In the process, Toms River north has been crowed the 2025 NJSIAA Champions of Group V.