As the football analyst for Central Jersey Sports Radio, it is my pleasure to introduce the 59 players – one from each of the Big Central Conference’s schools – who I have selected to the 10th annual Bellamy & Sons Paving “Borden’s Ballers” football team.
It is now up to the readership and football fans to choose one winner from the 59 nominees to be named the “Borden’s Baller of the Year.”
All may cast their vote on the ballot found at the end of this story. Voting will close on Sunday, November 10th at noon. We’ll have one winner for each of three regions – Middlesex County, Union County, and “Big Central West,” encompassing Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren County schools.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR THE 2024 BORDEN’S BALLERS OF THE YEAR
Each winner will be a finalist in a three-way “run-off” second-round of voting to determine the overall “Borden’s Baller of the Year.” The player with the most votes will be featured in a story that will appear online at cjsportsradio.com as well as posted on X. In addition, the player will receive a special commemorative football courtesy of Bellamy & Son Paving.
All players will receive an Under Armor or Nike long sleeve t-shirt with the Borden’s Ballers logo on the front and their name and school on the back. Metro Team Sports and Elite Custom Apparel have graciously provided their services to our 2024 awardees.
These 59 players and their teammates have been challenged since the early season openers on the weekend of August 29-31 up through the end of the regular season on the weekend of October 24-26 and the start of the playoffs on November 1 which will culminate with the crowning of Overall Group Championships on the first weekend in December.
The 2024 Borden’s Ballers have learned to adapt and to not take for granted the time spent with teammates in off-season conditioning, summer workouts, game preparation and finally the weekly thrill of competition.
The selection process was not easy as there are so many outstanding players in the Big Central Conference. Therefore, I have recognized an honorable mention list which can be found at the end of the player profiles.
The following criteria was used to select each of these weekend warriors who make up Borden’s Ballers Class of 2024:
- Performance: an athlete who has played at a high level throughout the season
- Leadership: a player who epitomizes the adage, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”
- Camaraderie: a teammate who can be relied upon as a positive influence under any situation
- Intangibles: someone who thrives in crunch time, represents his or her program and school well, is coachable and has what I call, “ganas,” heart or an intense desire
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Big Central Football Conference American Gold
Elizabeth – Arique Fleming: “A sophomore sensation, quarterback Arique Fleming has college coaches drooling at the prospects of landing the 6’3 180 signal caller who possesses speed and arm-strength. So far, he has accounted for over 3,500 yards of offense and 33 touchdowns for the Minutemen and the season isn’t over yet! You can expect big things for this young man as soon as the dust settles and the end of the 2024 season.”
St. Joseph – Ashton Irving: “A two-way performer for St. Joseph, Irving is one of the top defensive backs in the Big Central. At 6’4 this Falcon takes flight when the ball is in the air on offense or defense. He has 8 career interceptions with 2 more regular season games on the schedule. A 2024 captain, Ashton is a main target in the passing game whether he is at tight end or wide receiver. His 32 catches for nearly 500 yards and 5 touchdowns in 7 games is tops on a team that likes to mix the run and the pass.”
Union – Omalley King: “King has been a 3-year starter for Union at quarterback under Lou Grasso, Jr. and rookie head coach Jay Scott. The 6’4 signal caller has accounted for over 2,400 passing yards and 19 touchdowns through the air. When you add his nearly 600 yards rushing and 7 scores on the ground, the senior quarterback has been a mainstay for the Farmers. King was on the field two times when Union opened their season at the Battle at the Beach at Ocean City H.S. at the New Jersey Shore.”
Westfield – Jordan Walsh: “The sophomore receiver/quarterback has started the last two games for the Blue Devils with wins over North Brunswick and Bridgewater-Raritan. He has accounted for 182 yards passing for 2 touchdowns, 181 yards rushing for 3 scores and 71 yards as a receiver. On defense he has 20 plus tackles with 2 scores on and interception and fumble returned for six.”
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Big Central Football Conference American Silver
Bridgewater-Raritan – Declan Kurdyla: “The junior signal caller has been a lightening rod for the Panthers spread offense which can beat you on the ground and in the air. The Kurdyla family has been making noise for Bridgewater both on the gridiron and lacrosse field over the years! A gritty tough competitor, Declan has amassed 1431 yards in the air and 310 yards on the ground for 18 touchdowns as we approach the post season. You can bet that baller will be a key component of his team’s playoff success.”
Hillsborough – Jackson Jankowicz: “If you are a college coach who hasn’t seen this dynamo of a player in person, you still have a chance as we head into the post season. Whether he’s defending the pass, rushing the ball or catching TD passes, this guy just makes plays! Oh, did we say he can return punts or kicks: 15 kickoff returns for 534 yards with two scores of 91 and 99 yards. This Raider has 23 career rushing touchdowns, 3 by air and over 2,800 yards of offense. As a defender Jackson is physical and can cover 1 on 1 and make the open-field tackle or key interception when needed.”
Hunterdon Central – Kyle Ettere: “Coach Casey Ransone, who has been on the side lines as a coach in Elizabeth, Immaculata for nine years as an assistant; head coach at St Joseph of Metuchen for 4 seasons and now at Hunterdon Central since 2017, knows a thing or two about talent and his players. Eterre is one of his captains and a two-way performer on the offensive and defensive line. As his coach stated, “The kid’s a stud. Stats don’t jump off the page, but he is the of the best if not the best DE in the conference.” If that isn’t a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is! Kyle has another chance to prove his coach right in the first round of the state playoffs on Friday November 1 as the Red Devils travel to Washington Township in South Group 5.”
Phillipsburg – Jett Genovese: “Playing quarterback for the winningest football program in New Jersey revolves around one thing: Beating Easton, the Stateliners’ Thanksgiving rival. Genovese has done just that since his sophomore season, and he has one more opportunity at Lafayette College this year. A natural leader, Over his career, Jett has accounted for over 3,800 yards passing, 850 yards on the ground while tallying 53 scores for Phillipsburg. With the post season just around the corner, you can be assured that Genovese and company will be well-prepared.”
Ridge – Aidan Stieglitz: “Ridge has consistently been one of the Big Central Conference’s top teams. Their offense is powered by running backs who can carry the load of blocking and running the football in their Wing-T offense. Stieglitz has been the mainstay of the trio of backs who carry the ball not including the quarterback. His 89 carries for 800 yards and 14 touchdowns have his team ready for a top seed in the post season which commences November 1. The Red Devils success will surely involve this talented two-way performer on both sides of the ball.”
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Big Central Football Conference Freedom Gold
Brearley – Mathew Resende: “The junior running back has been the feature back the past few season for the Bears. He has tallied 953 career yards with 6 touchdowns and 173 additional receiving yards and 1 score. Resende doubles as a linebacker recording 78 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 1 recovered fumble. As a leader, the goal is to get David Brealey back in the playoff conversation as his school has a proud tradition of winning.”
Dayton – John John DeSarno: “The Bulldogs second year quarterback senior John DeSarno has made steady improvement under third year head coach Nick Iannacone. The Dayton signal caller has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns in his two years as the starter. In addition, he has used his legs to avoid the rush or keep on a zone read for more than 510 yards and 6 rushing scores. DeSarno has helped set the standard for the future of the program with his hard work and genuine leadership skills.”
Highland Park – Markos Hantsoulis: “New Jersey’s bronze medalist in the Javelin at 2023 Meet of Champions has been launching touchdown passes ever since the Owls first victory in 51 games last November 2, 2023. The athletic quarterback can hurt you with his arm or legs having already accounted for more than 1,200 total yards and 15 touchdowns this season. With the regular season winding down and potentially two more game remaining, the Owls are currently 4-3 and they could finish with a winning record which hasn’t happened since 2011.”
Roselle Park – David Newhart: “As a captain for Roselle Park, Newhart was willing to sacrifice individual glory so that the team could be successful. As the team’s go to guy at tight end, David made the crucial 3rd and 4th down catches to extend Panther drives as well as blocking in their Wing-T offense as needed. When called upon to replace an injured teammate on the offensive line, he didn’t hesitate and stated. ‘Whatever it takes for the team to win.’ As his coach indicated when nominating Newhart, he embodies everything this award is about: It’s WE, not me.”
Spotswood – Stephen Henits: “Senior wide receiver/outside linebacker epitomizes toughness and grit as a Captain for the Chargers. As receiver he has been a reliable target with 25 career catches for 425 yards and 7 touchdowns. I clearly remember a critical catch in the pouring rain at rival South River where he went up high and diving for the score. The past 3-years on defense he has played multiple positions accounting for 71 tackles which includes 6 tackles for a loss as well as a fumble recovery and blocked kick.”
South River – Michael Marchesi: “Over the years in the South River program, Michael has volunteered to play any position needed to help his team be successful. That is what a Captain does or the son of a head coach who has seen his brother play and has been on the field growing up. The 2024 Co-Captain has played the offensive line, running back, tight end and outside linebacker. He is a fierce competitor and a role model for the youthful Rams. On defense he brings the leather and has over 70 career tackles, 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.”
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Big Central Football Conference Freedom Silver
Belvidere – Kyle Blew: “Belvidere is enjoying one of its best seasons having already gone 7-1 with one regular season game remaining before the start of the playoffs. Two-way performer Kyle Blew is one of the main reasons the Seaters will enjoy a post season opportunity in North Group 1. The accurate signal caller has nearly 1100 passing yards with 20 touchdowns and only interceptions. On the defensive side he has over a 100 career tackles and an interception for a score. Should Belvidere advance in the post season, Blew will be a huge factor in their title run.“
Bound Brook – Jeremiah Norwood: “The athletic junior quarterback has started for the Crusaders the past 2 seasons. He has thrown for 1867 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for 434 yards on the ground with 6 scores. Defensively Norwood has 44 tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, 2 interceptions and 1 for a touchdown. Bound Brook’s return to its winning ways will revolve around Jeremiah’s leadership skills and his guidance encouraging his teammates in the off season.”
Dunellen – Luke Pettersen: “The senior lineman, and middle linebacker has been a tackling machine in his 4-year starting for the Destroyers. Whether he was blocking you in the single-wing run-oriented Dunellen offense or taking down an opposing running back, he let everyone know who hit you! His 178 career tackles, which included 26 behind the line of scrimmage, makes him one of the best in the school’s history.”
Manville – Naquavere Thomas: “Manville returns to the playoffs with Thomas a key figure in their 7-2 regular season. With 2200 career rushing yards and 27 touchdowns in the Mustangs Wing-T offense, you can bet he will carry the ball often. As a receiver out of the backfield, his 26 catches for 5 scores will also be an asset. However, its Naquavere’s defensive prowess will be greatly needed in keeping Paulsboro in check. With over 253 career tackles and 24 behind the line of scrimmage, the physical linebacker will need a career day if Manville wishes to advance.”
Middlesex – Dom Parenti: “Dom has elevated his play each year he has lined up as the Bluejays’ signal caller. The shifty spread offense quarterback has accounted for over 3200 yards of offense on the ground and through the air totaling 44 touchdowns. On the defense side, Parenti can cover opposing receivers and lay the wood on their runners. Most teams will not kick to him on special teams as he possesses sprinter speed when he takes it to the house! Middlesex’s playoff fortunes will be in the hands of their 3-year signal caller.”
South Hunterdon– Edward Cooper: “Cooper has been a 4-year starter for the Eagles excelling on both sides of the ball. As a runner he punished you when you tried to tackle him. He averaged nearly 6-yards a carry for 1805 yards and 26 scores. On defense he was like a heat-seeking missile that made sure the ball carrier remembered who just tackled them. His 362 total career tackles are just outstanding when you consider he registered 153 of them in his junior season! South Hunterdon went 26-11 in the four years the Coop was laying leather.”
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Big Central Football Conference Liberty Gold
Woodbridge – Derek Anderson: “The GMC Borden’s Ballers All-Area returning quarterback has his team at 8-0 with one week remaining before the start of the playoffs. His statical accomplishments are phenomenal with more than 2750 yards passing with 34 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. On the ground he has run or over 620 yards and 10 scores. Woodbridge’s post season success rides on this Barron getting the ball to his twin Bryan who has been on the receiving end of 11 of those tosses!”
Colonia – Dylan Chiera: “The 6’2 junior quarterback saw limited time last season he displayed his ability to distribute the ball like he does on the basketball court too. As the starter this season, Chiera has passed for 1723 yards and 19 scores with the 4-4 Patriots poised to secure playoff spot on cutoff weekend. With four of the Patriots losses to playoff bound competition, Chiera is certainly experienced enough to handle the big stage while helping his team to a post season berth.”
Linden– Tyrone Hinton Jr.: “Hinton has played quarterback and inside linebacker for the Tigers the past three seasons. In 2024 he took the reins as the starting quarterback and has been a punishing runner while averaging 6 yards a carry for 700 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. As an inside linebacker, you know you have been hit by #1 who has launched his 240 lb. frame on many would be runners for 200 career tackles and 18 tackles behind the line of scrimmage for the orange and black of Linden.”
Perth Amboy – Lavion Balthazar: “Bathazar was a 3-year starter for the Panthers spread offense playing quarterback and defensive back during his career. As a passer he accounted for over 2700 yards and 18 touchdowns while carrying the ball for over 800 yards and 7 touchdowns. Defensively he played safety for Perth Amboy and had 57 tackles and 6 tackles for a loss and 8 sacks. As the consummate team leader, Balthazar brought his hard work and intense desire to the playing field every day.”
Plainfield – Joel Cordoba: “The Kent State commit is one of the best wide receivers in the Big Central Football Conference and the State of New Jersey. His 66 catches for 1234 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2023 was epic in my opinion a I saw him up close in three games. He is equally impressive as a defensive back with 10 career interceptions with six of them returned for touchdowns! This Cardinal takes flight any time the ball is in the air, and he is highly likely to pull it down in traffic as he will be more physical than his opponent. Cordoba must be an All-State player in my book.”
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Big Central Football Conference Liberty Silver
Montgomery– Brandon Rector: “The success of the Montgomery football program over the years has been the commitment of players like Brandon. He leads by example in the classroom and on the gridiron. As a two-way performer on he offensive and defensive line, Rector will thrive at the next level at a school which emphasizes academics and football. The 6’2 270 interior lineman has multiple offers from schools like Gettysburg, TCNJ, Columbia and Franklin & Marshall just to name a few.”
North Hunterdon – Luke Testa: “After starting the season with three straight losses, Testa and his teammates won 4 of their remaining 6 games under their second-year head coach CJ Henderson who has been working hard to bring the Lions back to their winning ways. As a team captain, Luke played offensive tackle and defensive end while finishing his senior season with 63 career tackles and 4 tackles behind the line of scrimmage.”
Rahway – Andrew Avent: “Junior Andrew Avent has been a two-way starter for Rahway since his freshman year. That is a rarity in a Group 4 program which plays large schools on a regular basis. In three years, Avent has amassed 2180 yards on the ground for an average of 5 yards per carry with 29 touchdowns. As a tenacious linebacker he has recorded 210 tackles and 35 tackles for a loss. I am quite sure this young man will be on the radar this year with offers to come as a bona fide linebacker prospect!”
Somerville – Tyrell Mitchell: “Mitchell, a Wake Forest commit, has been an integral part of Somerville’s perfect 8-0 record heading into the cut-off weekend before post season play begins. The compact and physical future Demon Deacon runs with authority, speed and outstanding cutback ability. He averages nearly 7 yards a carry as a three-year starter while hitting paydirt 29 times on the ground. What’s even more impressive is his 64 catches for 623 yards and 8 scores through the air. In addition, if you plan to kick to him on special teams, you can expect to add to his 5 career kick returns for scores!”
Watchung Hills – Brayden Kelly: “Brayden Kelly has a knack for being around the football whether it is on offense or defense. The Warriors’ Captain leads by example and has been an integral part of his team’s success the past two seasons. As a receiver he has 60 career catches for 1067 yards and 8 touchdowns going into his final regular season game. On defense he has been a ball hawk at the corner back position with 11 career interceptions and 1 for touchdown. His 104 career tackles with 8 for a loss are a result of his attention to detail in studying the opposition.”
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Big Central Football Conference National Gold
Piscataway – Jahai Johnson “The Bowling Green commit has the Chiefs back in the playoffs with his outstanding play in every phase of the game. As a receiver Johnson has 37 catches for 479 yards for 6 scores. If you dare kick to him, he has had 3 kickoff returns for a touchdown in a single game. Get the ball to him on a jet sweep and he can take it the distance with three rushing scores. As a defensive back Johnson has 3 interceptions with one of them for a 75-yard touchdown. It is no wonder why the Falcons of Ohio pursued this Piscataway playmaker!”
East Brunswick – Felix Muñoz; “The Bears emotional leader on and off the field, Feliz has helped his teammates deal with the sudden loss of their head coach not being rehired just two weeks prior to the 2024 season opening in August. The East Brunswick senior co-captain fought through the adversity while being a positive role model for the younger players as well as his fellow senior classmates. Muñoz has surely exemplified all the qualifications for this award through his play as a wide receiver scoring four touchdowns on offense and as a defensive back with 21 tackles, a tackle for a loss and an interception.”
Monroe – Logan Fotiadis: “A three-year starter for the Falcons, Fotiadis has excelled on both sides of the football as a receiver and defensive back. As one of the top receivers returning in Middlesex County in 2024, Logan has been one of the primary targets for Monroe. His 77 catches for over a 1000 yards and 12 touchdowns the past two seasons make him a potential college prospect should the three-sport athlete pursue a career on the gridiron.”
Old Bridge – Brody Nugent “Junior quarterback Brody Nugent might be called the Houdini of the Big Central Football Conference! In just two seasons this Knight has dissected enemy defenses for 2100 yds in the air for 23 touchdowns while traversing the field for 1745 yards and 21 scores on the ground in just 18 games. Just when the defense thinks they have him pinned in or stopped, he spins out of a tackle extending the play while being laser-focused on finding his target or the endzone!”
South Brunswick – Dason Boateng.: “Dason has been a 3-year starter for the Vikings on the offensive and defensive line under 2 different head coaches. During that time, he has led the team with 62 solos tackles,18 assists 9 tackles for a loss and 17 quarterback sacks. His new coach characterized him as a tremendous leader who is an exceptional student-athlete and a phenomenal performer on the field for South Brunswick.’”
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Big Central Football Conference National Silver
Edison – Shaun Garland: “The 6-2 230 lb. sophomore running back and linebacker for the Eagles looked the part when I visited the Eagles in the preseason. He is a tenacious blocker, can run and catch passes for the offense and makes his presence known on the defensive side. Having seen time as a freshman, Garland has improved steadily throughout this season and will have an opportunity to get a taste of post season football as the Eagles travel to Rancocas Valley for a first-round playoff game.”
Franklin – Christian Lewis: “Franklin’s football program has improved steadily each year under Blair Wilson, going winless in his first campaign while giving the Warriors the opportunity to finish 2024 with a winning record for the first time since 2012. The senior Lewis has been an integral part of this transformation. The 6’3 180 WR/DB has the size and speed to play at the next level. He has 13 catches for 173 yards and 1 touchdown. As a defensive back he recorded 21 tackles, 1 interception and a forced fumble and one for a recovery.”
North Brunswick – Jahir Dawud: “The University of Pennsylvania commit has been a starter for North Brunswick since his sophomore. As a defensive back he has used his track speed to cover the pass as well as fill on the run. With over 125 career tackles, this Raider made a habit of being always being around the ball whether it was behind the line of scrimmage, recovering a fumble or intercepting the opposition. On the offensive side he rushed for over 400 yards and 8 touchdowns and as a receiver he had 11 catches and one score.”
Sayreville – Shaun Jackson: “A 2-year starter for Sayreville, Jackson made his presence known in the playoff run the Bombers had in 2023. His breakout game on offense occurred in the 2nd round of the playoffs at Montgomery when he carried the ball 11 times for 149 yards. This season he was the main threat tallying 6 rushing touchdowns and 287 yards versus North Brunswick. The speedster averaged about 9 yards a carry for nearly 1400 yards. On the defense as a safety Jackson tallied 47 tackles with two tackles for a loss and 1 sack.”
St. Thomas Aquinas – Chase Young: “A 4-year starter for the Trojans, Young and his brothers and father are the foundation of the Aquinas football program under Tarig Holman. A 2-way performer at running back and linebacker, Young has been an inspiration for all his teammates. He averaged 6,5 yards every time he touched the ball for 1902 yards and 27 touchdowns. Defensively he recorded over 100 tackles and 19 behind the line of scrimmage. An intense competitor, Chase brings his A game and enjoys the big stage.”
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Big Central Football Conference Patriot Gold
Bernards – Terrence Hanratty: “Hanratty has been a physical presence for the Nards both on offense and defense since his sophomore season. Over his career he has been a tackling machine with 155 total tackles, 18 for as loss, 4 fumble recoveries and 1 interception. As a running back he amassed 739 yards, 17 touchdowns mostly as a punishing short yardage back. The Mountaineers have back-to-back undefeated regular seasons thanks to players like Terrence Hanratty.”
Delaware Valley – Ben Cobb: “The 6’3 185 lb. WR/DB has been a primary target of Kelton Ibach as the Terriers get ready for the state playoffs the first weekend in November. Cobb possesses tremendous hands and leaping ability which is an advantage for his quarterback when in the red zone. As a defensive back Ben uses his athleticism and height to his advantage when covering pass. He has 60 tackles and 2 for a loss. An outstanding leader on and off the field, Cobb leads by example in practice and games.”
J.P. Stevens – Maurice Webb: “Webb has been the main reason J.P. Stevens ended it’s 42-game losing streak in their first game of the 2024 season. His attention to detail and leadership skills helped his teammates overcome a cloud that hung over the program since their freshman season. Witnessing the tears of joy and accomplishment by Webb and his fellow players was a sight to see and the stands poured on to the field relishing the moment. Maurice led by example, never gave up and improved tremendously because of his hard work and perseverance.”
Voorhees – Matteo Tramutola: “The junior running back and outside linebacker has been a huge part of the rebuilding process at Voorhees. A physical presence on both sides of the ball, Matteo has carried the load on offense with 1258 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also caught 13 passes for 178 yards and 2 scores. On defense he punishes the ball carrier and leads by example. His 70 tackles and 8 for a loss make him a team leader on both sides of the ball.”
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Big Central Football Conference Patriot Silver
Arthur L. Johnson – Ryan George: “Ryan George has been the feature back in the Crusaders ground and pound triple option offense the past three years. As the fullback he has averaged 8.7 yards a carry with 2317 yards and 32 touchdowns in his three years as a starter. Defensively he has been a linebacker he has recorded about 5 tackles a game and been an integral part of Johnson’s successful 7-1 record and the #4 seed in the South Group 2 playoffs.”
Metuchen – Kyle Johnston: “The Bulldogs Kyle Johnston is a two-way performer on the offensive and defensive line. He has played multiple positions over the years because he was willing to do whatever was needed for his team. Metuchen’s success this season, 6 wins and 3 losses, has been the direct result of guys like Kyle. He leads by example and is a great role model for the underclassmen. Over is career Johnston has 95 total tackles as well as 30 stops behind the behind the line of scrimmage.”
New Providence – Jameson Moore: “Jameson has been a 3-year starter for the Pioneers on the offensive and defensive lines. As an offensive guard he pulls often in the counter sweep action for a New Providence offense that thrives on running the ball. He will be the kickout man or lead up depending on the call. Defensively he averages about 5 tackles a game with a career total of 78 tackles and 7 stops behind the line of scrimmage. As the #2 seed in North 2 Group 1, New Providence and Moore will host a first-round playoff game versus Boonton.”
Roselle – Brandon Puryear: “Puryear is one of the many athletic quarterbacks who can beat you running or throwing the ball. With the program under new leadership late in the school year, the Rams had little time to adjust to head coach Tyrone Turner’s new offensive and defensive schemes. In the game versus Metuchen, I got to see up close just how explosive the senior quarterback could be. With Roselle trailing 21-6 at halftime, Brandon rallied his team by scoring on a 37-yard run, and then tossing a 31-yard TD pass followed by his 2-point run. At 28-20 in the 4th quarter, he forced the Bulldogs to run the ball to keep it out of his hands. The final score may have been 35-28, however their flashy signal caller put everyone one on notice,” Remember the name!”
Big Central Football Conference United Gold
Carteret – Ja’kir Thomas “Thomas has been a 4-year starter for the Ramblers rushing for a career high 3,446 yards for an 8-yard average every time he touched the ball while scoring 37 touchdowns. Defensively playing in the secondary he recorded 164 tackles with 14 hits behind the line of scrimmage. Ja’kir also snared 7 enemy passes and returned one for a touchdown. The multi-sport athlete was a tremendous leader willing to do anything to help his team be successful. He is an excellent role model for all his Carteret teammates!”
Cranford – Tyler Veltre: “The second-year quarterback for Cranford has them back in the playoffs on a 3-game winning streak with a rematch with Summit on their home turf! He will orchestrate the offense mixing the run and pass while using his legs when necessary. Tyler has 1378 career passing yards and 7 touchdowns whereas on the ground he has 6 scores and 319 yards. The steady senior will be counted on to provide the spark needed as the Cougars expect to win when it is the post season.”
Hillside– Darren Ikinnagbon: “The 6’6” Georgia commit has been a 2-year starter for Hillside at TE/DE. His physical skills and size made him an attractive prospect while receiving over 25 offers from schools like Notre Dame, Boston College, Duke, Florida and Cincinnati to name a few. His two-years statistics include 109 tackles, 6 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 33 tackles behind the line of scrimmage.”
Scotch Plains-Fanwood – Jayden Richards: “Under new head coach Shawn Johnson, Richards literally burst on the scene in the Raiders run oriented offense which relies heavily on the shifty senior who rushed for 814 yards in 8 games while scoring 7 touchdown. Richards, a team captain and role model for Scotch Plains-Fanwood, was quick to praise his teammates and the offensive for his success when interviewed after his game with New Brunswick.”
Summit– Oscar Marx: “A 2-way performer for the Summit Hilltoppers, Marx excelled at catching the ball at its highest point whether it was on defense intercepting a pass or making an over-the-shoulder catch down the middle of the field as a wide receiver. On offense he secured 22 catches or 445 yards and 6 scores. As a gifted defensive back Oscar recorded 67 tackles, 11 behind the line of scrimmage with 4 interceptions of which 3 of them were return for touchdowns.”
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Big Central Football Conference United Silver
J.F. Kennedy – Emmanuel Pérez Quijano “Manny has been a 3-year starer for the Mustangs an exceptional example of a leader every coach needs when establishing a culture for your program. He has played every position whether running, catching or playing on defensive line as a nose guard. His career 140 tackles and 34 hits behind the line of scrimmage were tops for JF Kennedy. He also kicked 14 extra points and caught 4 passes over his career.”
Governor Livingston – Jack Dally: “Dally has been the heart and soul of the Governor Livingston’s revival under Pete Ramiccio. He led by example, was a fierce competitor and the guy everyone in the locker room looked up to when things got tough. A 3-year starter he has played running back and linebacker. His 1567 career yards and 22 touchdowns were tops on the team. His biggest impact both literally and physically was on defense. He recorded 173 tackles and had 30 hits behind the line of scrimmage. Jack also tallied 2 interceptions, 1 safety and a fumble recovery for a score.”
New Brunswick – Chase Maurrasse: “New Brunswick has steadily been trying to increase the numbers in their football program since Steve Gluchowski took over the program two years ago. The lower levels have improved which will hopefully see the varsity reap the rewards the next few years. Sophomore Chase Maurrasse has stepped up as a leader for the Zebras playing wherever needed. He is listed as a TE/LB but has seen action as a quarterback, a runner and even a receiver. On the defensive side he is one of the top tacklers which bodes well for s team that was led by underclassmen.”
North Plainfield – Aaron Potts: “Potts finished his career with a win and over a 1000 yards rushing in his senior season for the Canucks. A 4-year starter on defense, he logged 119 tackles along with 15.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and two interceptions. Most importantly, he has been a role model for his teammates on how to work on your craft in the weight room, off-season workouts and summer conditioning. Aaron’s influence has been critical in North Plainfield’s rebuilding process.”
South Plainfield – AJ Perales: “As one of the top defender in the Big Central Conference, Perales’s 99-yard return of a fumble against JF Kennedy gave South Plainfield a share of the United Silver Division title for the BCC. With 208 career tackles and a whopping 62 tackles for a loss, the Tigers’ outstanding defensive end will be sorely missed on defense. As a wide receiver in a run-oriented offense, A.J. had 14 catches for 405 yards and 5 touchdowns.”
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Honorable Mention
- Arthur L Johnson – Robert Gallagher
- Belvidere – Mason Chamberlain
- Bernards – Jack Morra
- Bound Brook – Andy Perpignan
- Bridgewater-Raritan – Nick DiEsso
- Carteret – Darius Armstrong
- Colonia – Joe Oyola
- Cranford – Justin Hoeffler
- David Brearley – Joe Squillaro
- Delaware Valley – Kelton Ibach
- Dunellen – Mark Stein
- East Brunswick – Faruq Tajudeen
- Edison – Justin Boslet
- Elizabeth – Nahjae Smith
- Franklin – Troy Hyman
- Governor Livingston – Dylan Randis
- Highland Park – Zyaire Holland
- Hillsborough – Chiemele Ozokpor
- Hillside – Zion Risher
- Hunterdon Central – James Mongno
- J.F. Kennedy – Fiheem Howell
- Jonathan Dayton – Adrian Bernknopf
- J.P. Stevens – Quadir Johnson
- Linden – Joe Mesko
- Manville – Joshua D’Ambrosio
- Metuchen – Evan Toth
- Middlesex – Jax Jarvis
- Monroe – Kimoni Yearwood
- Montgomery – Trey McFadden
- New Brunswick– Michael Galindo
- New Providence – Mike Pestes
- North Brunswick – Abdul Kargbo
- North Hunterdon – Nicholas Ramaci
- North Plainfield – Anthony Penaranda
- Old Bridge – Zahmir Evans
- Perth Amboy – Brandon Bradsher
- Phillipsburg – Matthew Scerbo Jr.
- Piscataway – Joshua Stephens
- Plainfield – Ala-Meen Watkins
- Rahway – Kevin Taylor
- Ridge – Ryan Turner
- Roselle – Damari Julius
- Roselle Park – Anthony Cianfrocca
- Sayreville – Bryce Bouchard
- Scotch Plains-Fanwood – TJ Rasberry
- Somerville – Max Nuzzi
- South Brunswick – Chisom Asonye
- South Hunterdon – Thomas Breuer
- South Plainfield – Evan Brown
- South River – Aiden Valdez
- Spotswood – Se’mir Tolbert-Brimage
- St. Thomas Aquinas – Josiah Zayas
- St. Joseph – Justin Scaramuzzo
- Summit – Sam Henry
- Union – David Gardiner
- Voorhees – Jackson Trevaskiss
- Watchung Hills – Jake Arakelian
- Westfield – Jake Zemsky
- Woodbridge – Bryan Anderson
Be sure to VOTE now and often. Reminder, the first round of voting closes on Sunday, November 10th at Noon. Thanks for voting!
CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR THE 2024 BORDEN’S BALLERS OF THE YEAR
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