Top N.J. Football Moments, Photos & Video from Week 3

Week 3 High School Football Highlights

Week 3 of the high school football season delivered an exciting array of games, with standout performances and dramatic finishes that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Below is a detailed look at the key moments, top teams, and notable stories from across the state.

Through the Lens: Photo Galleries from Key Games

Photographers captured unforgettable moments from 11 games over three days. Here are some of the most anticipated matchups:

• Lower Cape May vs. Absegami
• Manasquan vs. Shore
• Old Tappan vs. Ramapo
• Williamstown vs. Timber Creek
• Woodbridge vs. Colonia
• St. Joseph (Mont.) vs. Paramus Catholic
• Phillipsburg vs. Ridge
• Jackson Twp. vs. Donovan Catholic
• Wood-Ridge vs. Weehawken
• St. Joseph (Hamm.) vs. Cumberland
• New Milford vs. Secaucus

Each game provided unique highlights, showcasing the intensity and skill of the players involved.

Video Replays: Catching the Action

Two games were broadcast live by our team, and replays are now available for those who missed the action:

• Friday, Sept. 19: Newton vs. Sparta
• Saturday, Sept. 20: Elizabeth vs. St. Joseph (Met.)

These replays offer a chance to relive the excitement or catch any plays you might have missed.

How the Top 20 Teams Fared

All 20 teams in the rankings were in action this week, with several notable results:

• No. 1 Bergen Catholic defeated Pope John 35-0.
• No. 3 St. Joseph (Mont.) edged out No. 12 Paramus Cath. 20-7.
• No. 4 DePaul rolled past Seton Hall Prep 38-14.
• No. 5 St. Peter’s Prep dominated Delbarton 42-7.
• No. 6 Winslow secured a 19-6 win over No. 14 St. Augustine.
• No. 7 Rancocas Valley narrowly beat Shawnee 17-14.
• No. 8 Washington Twp. claimed a 21-10 victory over Millville.
• No. 9 Old Tappan triumphed over No. 16 Ramapo 28-24.
• No. 11 Red Bank Cath. shut out Middletown North 36-0.
• No. 13 Glassboro overwhelmed Salem 42-0.
• No. 15 Phillipsburg defeated Ridge 28-6.
• No. 17 N. Highlands topped Pascack Valley 39-13.
• No. 18 Holmdel bested Middletown South 49-21.
• No. 19 Burlington Twp. crushed Moorestown 50-2.
• No. 20 West Morris narrowly beat Warren Hills 28-27.

A Game of Inches

One of the most thrilling games of the week was between Old Tappan and Ramapo. The Golden Knights pulled off a last-second win, 28-24, after a dramatic play. Senior quarterback Casey Grusser attempted a run from the 10-yard line but was tackled two yards short of the end zone. Zach Miceli threw four touchdowns, including one with just under two minutes left, giving Old Tappan its first lead of the game. This marked the team's second consecutive win over Ramapo and a fourth straight 4-0 start to the season.

The Buc Stops Here

Belleville proved to be a strong contender in the SFC Ivy division, defeating Demarest 27-26 in a nail-biting finish. A two-point conversion stand sealed the victory as time expired. Senior Jailen Sharpe and junior Nathaniel Anabwani scored touchdown runs, while quarterback Jordan Armstrong connected with Caleb Love for additional points. This was Belleville's first 3-0 start since 2019.

Winslow Gets Back on Track

Despite not having its offensive attack fully in sync, sixth-ranked Winslow delivered a strong defensive performance in a 19-6 win over No. 14 St. Augustine. The defending Group 4 state champions rebounded from a tough loss to Bergen Catholic and played in front of a packed crowd on the road.

Kingsway Tops Rival After Scary Situation

Kingsway defeated Delsea 36-0, but the celebration was overshadowed by a medical emergency involving sophomore RB Amari Terrell. He suffered a seizure on the sideline during the fourth quarter and was taken to the hospital for evaluation. QB David Oravetz threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, while Cole DeNick added a touchdown rushing and receiving.

Redemption Tour Moves On

Camden Eastside made a significant turnaround, winning 26-3 over Lenape after trailing at halftime. Dymear Hill emerged as a key player, while junior quarterback Naeem Dale passed for 257 yards and three touchdowns.

Minutemen Continue to Sizzle

Washington Township improved to 4-0 for the first time since 2021, defeating Millville 21-10. Senior QB Cole Aquino contributed a touchdown pass and a TD run, while Jaylen Robinson recorded 10 tackles, including his first sack of the season.

West Morris Hangs On

West Morris came from behind to defeat Warren Hills 28-27 in a thrilling finish. Deacon Frayne scored the go-ahead touchdown, and Johnny Vieria added the PAT. The defense made a crucial stop on 4th-and-25 to secure the win.

Injuries Overshadow Victory for St. Joseph (Mont.)

Although St. Joseph (Mont.) won 20-7 over No. 12 Paramus Catholic, the victory was marred by injuries to seniors Lamar Best and Nate Bailey. Best suffered a shoulder injury, and Bailey sustained an ankle injury. Both will need to be monitored as the team heads into its next matchup against St. Peter’s Prep.

Deja Vu for Southern in Week 4?

Southern enters Week 4 with a 4-0 record after a dominant 35-7 win over Brick Township. The team has a history of strong starts, but last year it faced a setback. This year, the question remains whether they can maintain their momentum.

Brick Memorial Back on Track

Brick Memorial bounced back after a rough start, defeating Toms River North 28-21. Senior QB Jason Lajara returned from illness and led the team to victory. Nyzier Matthews had nine receptions for 169 yards and three touchdowns.

Brearley Snaps Losing Streak

Brearley ended a 15-game losing streak with a 24-20 win over Immaculata. Joe Squillaro’s 3-yard TD run and Christopher Miserendino’s PAT were pivotal. Senior Matthew Resende rushed for 244 yards and two touchdowns.

Bridgewater-Raritan’s Fourth Straight Win Comes with Pain

Bridgewater-Raritan defeated Hunterdon Central 35-7, marking its first 4-0 start since 2016. However, senior QB Declan Kurdyla suffered a knee injury, raising concerns about his availability for future games.

Weequahic Falls Behind in First Half, But Returns with a Vengeance

Weequahic trailed Immaculata at halftime but staged a comeback with a 92-yard kick return and a blocked field goal. Mekhi Armour’s 100-yard return sealed the 26-20 victory, marking his first TD of the season.