Unsung Heroes Of The New Jersey Playoffs

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1027688"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692628f9ce0fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Washington Township has enjoyed a spectacular season, and much of that surge can be traced back to [player_tooltip player_id='1027688' first='Cole' last='Aquino']. As the playoffs intensified, Aquino continued to elevate his game and emerged as one of the most overlooked yet essential pieces of Township's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To start, his big-play production has been undeniable. Aquino has scored seven touchdowns of 20 yards or more during this playoff run, consistently stretching defenses and flipping momentum. Additionally, he recently crossed the 4,000-yard career passing mark, becoming the only quarterback in Washington Township history to reach that milestone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moreover, Aquino's consistency and aggressiveness have transformed the offenses. He pushes the ball downfield with confidence, attacks tight windows, and keeps the unit operating at an explosive pace. Because of his ability to deliver deep strikes and stay poised under pressure, Township has added a dynamic layer that few defences have been able to handle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ultimately, Aquino's steady excellence has carried Washington Township all the way to the Group 2 state championship game. He may not always get the spotlight, but his impact has been central to their postseason run, making him one of the true unsung heroes of the New Jersey playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Senior, [player_tooltip player_id='1027688' first='Cole' last='Aquino'] <a href="https://twitter.com/coleaquino2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coleaquino2</a> becomes the 1st Washington Township Quarterback in school history to eclipse the 4,000 career passing yards mark! Congratulations Queens! 🔴⚪️🔵 <a href="https://t.co/elYsNLWzJq">pic.twitter.com/elYsNLWzJq</a></p>&mdash; Minutemen Football (@WTHSMinutemen) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTHSMinutemen/status/1982111171059593641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Touchdown Township: Joyner 21 pass from Aquino (Sheets kick)<br><br>Minutemen lead 24-0 with 23 seconds left in half<br><br>Great throw. Great catch. Great first half for WT<a href="https://twitter.com/SJGridironGang?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SJGridironGang</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RVRHS_Athletics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RVRHS_Athletics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WTHSMinutemen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTHSMinutemen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WTHS_Athletics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTHS_Athletics</a> <a href="https://t.co/9mZqf9BCwe">pic.twitter.com/9mZqf9BCwe</a></p>&mdash; Tom McGurk (@McGurkSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/McGurkSports/status/1986945175025844281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["432324"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692628f9ce161"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Because Bergen Catholic is loaded at wide receiver, [player_tooltip player_id='432324' first='Jamel' last='Hammary'] has often played in the shadows behind standouts [player_tooltip player_id='703169' first='Austin' last='Busso'] and [player_tooltip player_id='437687' first='Bryan' last='Porter']. However, once the playoffs arrived, he stepped forward and proved he was far more than a secondary option. He emerged as a true weapon at the tight end position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To begin with, Hammary showcased reliable hands throughout the postseason. Yet what truly separated him was his body control and concentration in traffic. He consistently adjusted to off-target throws, shielded defenders, and secured catches in tight windows — the kind of plays that extend drives and stabilise an offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the stakes rose, Hammary elevated his impact. Even though Bergen Catholic ultimately fell to Don Bosco, he showed he can be a dependable playmaker in high-pressure moments. He filled critical gaps in the passing game, created mismatch problems, and gave his quarterback a trustworthy target over the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ultimately, Hammary's playoff surge revealed just how valuable he can be within this offense. While he may not always receive the spotlight, his postseason performance proved he's a reliable, steady contributor — and one of Bergen Catholic's true unsung heroes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1703698"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692628f9ce1aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Paramus Catholic has caught fire in recent weeks, and that surge has carried right into the playoffs. A major reason for that momentum has been the emergence of sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1703698' first='Rowan' last='Martin']. After stepping in for injured starter [player_tooltip player_id='402270' first='Marco' last='Green'], Martin quickly stabilized the offense and injected confidence into the entire unit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From the moment he took over, Martin showed maturity beyond his age. In the playoff win over Red Bank Catholic, he displayed impressive poise, pushing the ball downfield with purpose and extending plays with his legs. Moreover, he consistently made smart decisions, avoided costly mistakes, and handled pressure like a seasoned veteran.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the stakes climbed, Martin continued to elevate. He used his mobility to create offense when protections broke down, kept drives alive with timely throws, and gave Paramus Catholic a calm presence under center. Although he's only a sophomore, he played with a senior's composure — and that leadership has helped spark PC's postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Now, Paramus Catholic is preparing to compete for the Non-Public B state championship, and Martin's unexpected rise remains one of the biggest reasons why. He stepped in when his team needed stability and delivered far more, earning his place as one of the true unsung heroes of the New Jersey playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">First playoff win vs Immaculata. <br>3 passing touchdowns as well as 143 passing yards and 28 rushing yards. Semis up next‼️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/classof28?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#classof28</a> <a href="https://t.co/OZJFsbPbu0">pic.twitter.com/OZJFsbPbu0</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1703698' first='Rowan' last='Martin'] (@RowanMartin420) <a href="https://twitter.com/RowanMartin420/status/1990110501704008037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1054424"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692628f9ce1ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1054424' first='Ahmad' last='Jones'] has been on an absolute tear. Over his last five games, he has thrown 20 touchdown passes, and he's topped 249 passing yards in every one of those matchups — including a 340-yard performance against Voorhees in the opening round. As Camden pushed deeper into the playoffs, Jones kept getting sharper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout this stretch, Jones has paired production with efficiency. He has thrown only two interceptions during this run, demonstrating clear command of the offense and growing confidence in his reads. Moreover, his accuracy from the pocket, his quick processing, and his ability to diagnose defenses have allowed Camden to stay aggressive without sacrificing ball security.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a result, Jones' late-season surge has transformed Camden's offense. His hot streak — which started at the end of the regular season and carried straight into the postseason — has propelled Camden into the Group 2 state championship game against Shabazz.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ultimately, Jones may not get the statewide spotlight he deserves, but his consistency and high-level execution have made him one of the true unsung heroes of the New Jersey playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Camden&#039;s [player_tooltip player_id='1054424' first='Ahmad' last='Jones'] was 23-for-30 passing for 304 yards and five touchdowns. He threw to seven different receivers -- who he says all patiently wait their turn. <a href="https://t.co/9miYYivnMP">pic.twitter.com/9miYYivnMP</a></p>&mdash; John Lewis (@JohnLewis19) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnLewis19/status/1986987764470985203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["910743"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692628f9ce22f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zachary Miceli has quietly become one of the most efficient and dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in New Jersey. He may not always command the headline, but his production speaks loudly — especially in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To start, Miceli has been a model of smart decision-making. In his latest playoff performance, he completed 11 of 15 passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns, showing complete control of the passing game. Moreover, he added 85 rushing yards and two more touchdowns on the ground, proving he can take over from either phase of the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the game wore on, Miceli continued to make the right reads, protect the football, and capitalize on every scoring chance. His five total touchdowns highlighted just how difficult he is to defend when he's in rhythm. Additionally, his ability to extend plays, attack open space, and finish drives gave NVOT the offensive punch it needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ultimately, Miceli's balanced, high-efficiency play has propelled NVOT into the state championship game. His steady impact and all-around versatility make him one of the true unsung heroes of this year's New Jersey playoffs — and a major reason NVOT is still playing for a title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/nvotfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nvotfootball</a> QB <a href="https://twitter.com/Zach_Miceli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Zach_Miceli</a> tallies his second rushing TD of the game against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestMorrisCentral?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestMorrisCentral</a> in the third quarter 🏈 <a href="https://t.co/UW7WqguCIj">pic.twitter.com/UW7WqguCIj</a></p>&mdash; Sports News By Sunil Sunder Raj (@SunilSportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunilSportsNews/status/1992084428957589953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->