State Title Recap: Winslow 35 - Phillipsburg 0

In a game where one team had everything clicking on all cylinders, the Winslow Eagles defeated the Phillipsburg Stateliners. In the process, Winslow has been crowed the 2025 NJSIAA Champions of Group IV.   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">Winslow Top Performances</h2>    It was as clear as the night was cold that [player_tooltip player_id='402235' first='Nyqir' last='Helton'] was this game's MVP. The only thing colder than this December night might have been his cold-blooded play on the field.   Helton's impact was felt in all three phases of the game. Statistically speaking, he made 3 receptions for 43 yards, 1 tackle, 2 interceptions, and 1 pick-six; however, some of the things he did that do not fit neatly on the stat sheet where the most impressive.   One of the other things that Helton did were draw a big defensive pass interference penalty, threw an outstanding perimeter block that sprung teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1570684' first='Marcus' last='Upton'] for his 30-yard reception, intercepted a pass on Phillipsburg's first play after Winslow went up 21-0, returned another pick after a bad snapped forced a 3rd & 22 situation, and recovered a muffed punt in the endzone that was initially called a touchdown.   To those watching live, we were collectively outraged that the touchdown call on that muffed punt was reversed to a touchback. Because of Helton's play we now all understand the rule better: a muffed punt that enters the endzone cannot be recovered as it is a touchback.   With one more season to play in his career, Helton concludes his junior season with 47/852/13 receiving, 19 tackle, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery 4 interception, and 1 pick-six performance.     Phillipsburg has a reputation as a tough, physical team that controls the line of scrimmage. [player_tooltip player_id='284073' first='Rob' last='Carstarphen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1515040' first='Ben' last='Carter'] appear to have taken offense to that challenge and succeeded.   A defensive lineman, Carstarphen had his named called a lot in this one, leading Winslow in tackles with 9 on the evening. of those 9 tackles, 6 were solo stops, 4.5 were tackles for loss, and 1.5 were sacks. This championship performance propelled Carstarphen to 114 tackles (85 solo), 22.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 1 scoop & score, and 1 safety during his junior campaign.   The scary thought is that Carstarphen still has one more season to play.     For as productive and dominant teammate [player_tooltip player_id='284073' first='Rob' last='Carstarphen'] was in this game, [player_tooltip player_id='1515040' first='Ben' last='Carter'] was just as dominate. Carter matched Carstarphen's team lead with 9 tackles (6 solo) in the Winslow victory. Carter continued to with 4.5. tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Carter concludes his season with 110 tackles (88 solo), 23.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.   As scary as the thought of Carstarphen returning for his senior season is, Carter just only completed his sophomore season. Expect to see plenty more of him for years to come.     In perhaps a statement moment in his last high school game, [player_tooltip player_id='389746' first='Cameron' last='Miller'] might have sent a message to Rutgers, as if he was saying "how you like me now?"   Or perhaps the message was to Rutgers Big Ten rival Wisconsin, who earlier in the day Miller abruptly reneged his pledge to. Better yet, maybe his performance was a message to his new school, Kentucky, where he committed to earlier in the day as part of Early National Signing Day.   No matter who the game was for, Miller caught 4 balls for 67 yards and 2 scores in this contest, completing a 42/722/14 season as a target. For his career, Miller finishes with 156 receptions for 2887 yards and 42 touchdowns.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Phillipsburg Top Performers</h2>    In a valiant effort, [player_tooltip player_id='1189144' first='Jayden' last='Lucas'] can conclude his career with his head held high. The senior linebacker was tied for the team lead with 10 tackles in the contest (4 solo). Additionally, Lucas was credited with 1.5 tackles for loss, both of which were sacks. His sack totals came early in the first half when the game was still a two possession game and also on money downs.   Lucas finishes the season with 126 tackles (91 solo), 12.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. For his career, the standout linebacker made 178 tackles (131 solo), 15.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 interception.

In a game where one team had everything clicking on all cylinders, the Winslow Eagles defeated the Phillipsburg Stateliners. In the process, Winslow has been crowed the 2025 NJSIAA Champions of Group IV.