North Jersey Interscholastic Conference Games of the Week, Week 5

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With as much football action as our Great Garden State has this coming weekend within the high school ranks, here are a handful of games – and as a fan what I am looking for in each one – throughout the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone's Winter Showcase is back for 2025 with more locations than ever. Looking to attend? Register <a href="https://prepredzone.com/all-events/?type=Showcase">here</a>. Save a few dollars off the cost of registration by using my special promo code,&nbsp;<strong>MankariousWinterPRZ</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to follow me on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BrendanScoutsNJ">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for the latest New Jersey high school football prospect news and not miss a beat!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Friday, October 3</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hasbrouck Heights (4-1) at Butler (4-0)<br><br>After a heartbreaking, 1-point loss week 0 against Wallkill Valley, Hasbrouck Heights has come back renewed and focused, ripping off 4-straight victories as they prepare for their toughest test yet. They host perennial contender Butler, who has cruised thus far to a spotless record on the season.<br><br>When [player_tooltip player_id='1530306' first='David' last='Smith'], Butler's dual-threat quarterback, drops back to pass, expect him to look [player_tooltip player_id='1530298' first='Nick' last='Parkinson']'s way for a big play. Parkinson is second on the team in receptions and yardage (10/141), but has the team lead in receiving touchdowns with 5. Making an impact early on in his career is [player_tooltip player_id='1882894' first='Ryder' last='Higbie']. Just a sophomore, Higbie has made significant contributions on defense. He is amongst the team leaders in tackles with 21 (9 solo), 2 sacks, and 2 tackles for loss; however, he disrupts the ball as he has the team lead with 3 forced fumbles. In terms of making big plays near the line, [player_tooltip player_id='1882898' first='Tommy' last='Henehan'] might be the biggest Bulldog of them all. Henehan has a combined 10 tackles behind the line (4 sacks, 6 for loss), while making 14 total spots (7 solo).<br><br>If I had to take my pick of three prospects that are most critical to the success of Hasbrouck Heights, I would first start with tailback [player_tooltip player_id='1529469' first='Michael' last='Napolitano']. Napolitano has been a production king thus far, accounting for 616 yards and 9 scores rushing on 67 attempts. Likely serving in a reserve role, he also has 2 picks to his name, matching his 2 tackles. The second prospect I would highlight is [player_tooltip player_id='1550091' first='Brady' last='Shine'] - and not because he is their top receiver (12/190/2). Shine has been clutch in big spots. Thus far, he finds himself having a share of the team lead in interceptions with 2, and having blocked 2 kicks so far - adding to his impressive 20 tackles (12 solo) As if that was not enough, Shine also handles kicking duties for Hasbrouck Heights, making 13-16 PATs and having 7 of his 9 punts downed within his opponents' 20-yard line. Finally, the play of [player_tooltip player_id='1921829' first='Michael' last='Colaneri'] has been a welcomed and necessary addition to defense. Colaneri leads the team with 59 tackles (15 solo), while also leading the squad in sacks (5) and tackles for loss (6). Moreover, the sophomore has recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass too. As if that was not enough, Colaneri has caught two passes on offense for 74 yards, scoring once; and rushed 3 times for 16 yards.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Saturday, October 4</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Cresskill (3-1) at Rutherford (4-0)<br><br>A team that I do not believe I have covered in the past, Cresskill is off to a eye-catching 3-1 start, with their only loss being to an upstart Glen Rock team to open the season. They travel into Rutherford with hopes to put the first blemish on their 4-0 record.<br><br>In order to do so, [player_tooltip player_id='1923210' first='Jake' last='Lewin'] must continue his high level of play. On the season so far, Lewin leads Cresskill with 240 yards on the ground on 28 carries, while scoring twice. An efficient passer, Lewin has completed 47-80 attempts for 648 yards and 9 touchdowns without throwing an interception. A disruptor on defense too, Lewin adds 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception to his 7 tackles. Last, but certainly not least, Lewin handles the punting duties for Cresskill, making 4th down situations that much more stressful. His favorite target appears to be [player_tooltip player_id='1923211' first='Joe' last='Connelly']. Connelly, a senior, leads the team with a 16/238/4 stat line at receiver, while also leading the team with 2 interceptions - one of which he returned for a score. Additionally, Connelly has 15 tackles (6 solo) and one-half tackle for loss, while also serving as their primary returner. Finally, expect [player_tooltip player_id='1923213' first='Max' last='Reiner'] to have his name called several times throughout this contest. The senior linebacker leads the team with 34 tackles (12 solo), 2.5 sacks, and 6.5 tackles for loss, while also forcing one ball loose. Not lost upon him are offensive duties, catching 9 balls for 160 yards and 1 score.<br><br>Rutherford has been a team covered somewhat often - and for good reason. The play of [player_tooltip player_id='1905701' first='Quinn' last='Webber'] continues to excite as a possession receiver. Despite leading the team with 15 hauls and 4 scores, he is second on the team with 158 receiving yards. The sophomore has a full plate, making 30 tackles on defense (20 solo) and a stop behind the line. [player_tooltip player_id='1923216' first='Hank' last='Schroeder'] has been a productive prospect too, making 30 tackles (20 solo), 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. Joining Schroder in terms of production is [player_tooltip player_id='1923221' first='Angelo' last='Pizza']. Pizza has 2 sacks and 2 tackles for loss to his name, as well as 17 total stops (7 solo). </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->