Phillipsburg runs the ball at Ridge on September 20, 2024. (Photo: Mike Pavlichko)
Phillipsburg hasn’t been on a three-year run like this in quite some time.
With a 30-4 mark since the opening kickoff of the 2022 season, the Stateliners are having their best stretch since they went 32-4 from 2004-2006, winning a state title in 2005, under coaches Phil Rohm the first year, and Bob Stem the next two.
One big difference so far is that group had a championship. This one has been to the finals the last two years, falling to West Orange in 2022, and Union City last year.
Then again, on this recent three-year run, the ‘Liners have beaten Easton back-to-back, hoping for a third this year. That team only beat the Red Rovers once.
Regardless, Friday night at seven in Phillipsburg, the top-seeded Stateliners (9-1) will entertain third-seed Northern Highlands (6-4) for the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 4 title. And as much as the team’s slogan – among other things – may be “Beat Easton,” “win a championship” might be 1b on the list.
They’ve called it unfinished business. Junior runningback Sam Dech says they have an “underdog mentality.” Call it what you will, the Stateliners have been laser focused all year, with one setback: against Ridge on September 20th. Other than that, it’s been all wins for P’burg, and they plan to continue it Friday night.
Click below to hear Phillipsburg head coach Frank Duffy talk about Friday night’s matchup with Northern Highlands in the North 2, Group 4 title game:
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