Tag: Higgins Speed Lab

by Mike Pavlichko

We’ve tallied up all the numbers, and it’s Rahway’s Andrew Avent who is the 2025 Higgins Speed Lab “Speedster of the Year”

All season long, Central Jersey Sports Radio has been highlighting Big Central Conference’s “Speedster of the Week” presented by Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick, recognizing the top runningbacks in the league every week of the 2025 season.

Now, at the end of the year, we tallied up all the outstanding players who made the list – assigned them points, 10 for a first place finish, nine for second, etc. – and come up with one winner, the Higgins Speed Lab “Speedster of the Year!”

And it’s Andrew Avent of Rahway!

Avent could have probably won this award for his whole career if we were doing it that long. He finished this year with a personal best 1,961 yards, which gives him the Rahway single-season rushing record. He also owns the Rahway career rushing record (4,524 yards), career touchdown record (55) and career scoring record.

Well done for one of the nicest kids, too, you’ll ever meet.

Scroll down for the full list of Top Ten “Speedsters of the Season” in the Big Central Conference!

Image highlighting Andrew Avent as the Speedster of the Year, featuring his achievements and statistics for the 2025 season.

Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick was founded by Kyle Higgins, son of longtime Piscataway head coach and NJFCA Hall of Famer Dan Higgins. Kyle grew up around the program and remains a Chiefs’ assistant coach to this day. At Higgins Speed Lab, Kyle has developed a system to help athletes increase speed while in a competitive small group environment of similar age and skill. Click here to listen to our interview with Kyle Higgins and learn more about Higgins Speed Lab!

Logo of Higgins Speed Lab, featuring bold lettering in black with a clean design.

They offer sport-specific training in football, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, baseball, golf, volleyball, track, gymnastics, and tennis. And “speed” isn’t their only focus. They’ll also work on proper running mechanics, plyometrics, acceleration/deceleration, top speed, linear and multi-directional speed, first-step quickness, endurance, strength, coordination, mobility and injury prevention.

Here are the Top Ten “Speedsters of the Year” for 2025!

10. Aidan Vesuvio Bush, Somerville: Week 7 winner vs. Plainfield with 40 carries for 228 yards and 3 TDs; for the season: 1,299 yards, 18 TDs
9. Sam Dech, Phillipsburg: Week 10 winner in the North 2, Group 4 semifinals vs. Colonia, with 217 yards and 2 TDs; for the season: 1,530 yards, 23 TDs
8. Mathew Resende, Brearley: for the season: 1,284 yards, 10 TD
7. Alex Schwark, Summit: Week 0 Winner vs. Morristown with 247 yards and 2 TDs; for the season: 1,274 yards and 12 TDs
6. Brody Nugent, Old Bridge: for the season: 1,262 yards, 20 TD (along with over 2,200 passing yards)
5. Matteo Tramutola, Voorhees: Week 1 winner vs. JFKK with 224 yards and 4 TDs; for the season: 1,338 yds, 17 TDs
4. Al-Naiquan Boseman, Carteret: Week 9 winner vs. JFK with 224 yards and 4 TDs; for the season: 1,338 yards and 17 TDs
3. Joshua Allen, Woodbridge: for the season: 1,579 yards, 20 TDs
2. Shaun Jackson, Sayreville: Week 6 winner vs. Franklin with 338 yards and 4 TDs, eight Top Ten appearances (most of any Speedster); for the season: 1,977 yards, 25 TDs
1. Andrew Avent, Rahway: Winner in Weeks 4, 5 and 8 (only multiple winner!); for the season: 1,961 yards (school single-season record) and 22 TDs

Disclaimer: All statistics are gathered from multiple public online sources. If someone is missing from this list, it likely means their coach has not updated statistics. All coaches are urged to do so no later than 11:59 pm on Sundays during the season.

See Higgins Speed Lab in action!

by Mike Pavlichko

Leading long, first half scoring drives, Phillipsburg’s Sam Dech earns Week 10 Higgins Speed Lab “Speedster of the Week” honors

As we’ve been doing all season long, Central Jersey Sports Radio is highlighting the high school football “Speedster of the Week” presented by Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick, recognizing the top runningbacks in the Big Central Conference every week.

And the Week Ten winner is Sam Dech of Phillipsburg!

This is Dech’s fourth time on the list, and first time topping it as the “Speedster of the Week.” Dech was part of a big ground game for top-seed Phillipsburg in a 35-7 win over fifth-seed Colonia in the North 2, Group 4 semifinals, scoring two second half touchdowns on a 217-yard, 23-carry night. He helped lead two long scoring drives in the first half that were capped off by teammate Tyler Wargo, who scored the Stateliners’ first three TDs. Now, Phillipsburg will defend its sectional title from 2024 against third-seed Montgomery, this Friday night at 7 pm at Maloney Stadium, in a game you can hear live on Central Jersey Sports Radio.

Scroll down for a list of the top ten rushing performances of Week Ten in the BCC!

Image highlighting Sam Dech of Phillipsburg for being the 'Speedster of the Week' with stats: 23 carries, 217 yards, 2 touchdowns, and a 35-7 win against Colonia.

Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick was founded by Kyle Higgins, son of longtime Piscataway head coach and NJFCA Hall of Famer Dan Higgins. Kyle grew up around the program and remains a Chiefs’ assistant coach to this day. At Higgins Speed Lab, Kyle has developed a system to help athletes increase speed while in a competitive small group environment of similar age and skill. Click here to listen to our interview with Kyle Higgins and learn more about Higgins Speed Lab!

Logo of Higgins Speed Lab, featuring bold lettering in black with a clean design.

They offer sport-specific training in football, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, baseball, golf, volleyball, track, gymnastics, and tennis. And “speed” isn’t their only focus. They’ll also work on proper running mechanics, plyometrics, acceleration/deceleration, top speed, linear and multi-directional speed, first-step quickness, endurance, strength, coordination, mobility and injury prevention.

Listen to Mike Pavlichko run down the Top Ten rushing performances in the Big Central for Week Ten!

Here are the top ten rushing performances from Week Ten in the Big Central:

  • Sam Dech, Phillipsburg: 23 carries for 217 yards and 2 TDs in a 35-7 win over Colonia in the North 2, Group 4 semifinals
  • Shaun Jackson, Sayreville: 18 carries for 216 yards and 3 TDs in a 28-27 loss to Old Bridge in the Central Jersey Group 5 semifinals
  • Jahmier Black, Bridgewater-Raritan: 23 carries for 148 yards and 1 TD in a 22-7 win over Union City in the North 2, Group 5 semifinals
  • Jack Fitzgerald, New Providence: 16 carries for 131 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-21 overtime win at Hasbrouck Heights in the North 2, Group 1 semifinals
  • Brody Nugent, Old Bridge: 22 carries for 131 yards and a touchdown in a 28-27 win at Sayreville in the Central Jersey Group 5 semifinals
  • Alex Schwark, Summit: 11 carries for 107 yards and 3 TDs in a 31-28 win over West Essex in the North 2, Group 3 semifinals
  • Declan Kurdyla, Bridgewater-Raritan: 16 carries for 102 yards in a 22-7 win over Union City in the North 2, Group 5 semifinals
  • Caiden Miller, Montgomery: 23 carries for 101 yards and 1 TD in a 20-15 win at Woodbridge in the North 2, Group 4 semifinals

Disclaimer: All statistics are gathered from multiple public online sources. If someone is missing from this list, it likely means their coach has not updated statistics. All coaches are urged to do so no later than 11:59 pm on Sundays during the season.

See Higgins Speed Lab in action!

by Mike Pavlichko

Carteret’s junior Al-Naiquan Boseman, with 300-plus yards and six TDs, honored as Higgins Speed Lab “Speedster of the Week” for Week 9

As we’ve been doing all season long, Central Jersey Sports Radio is highlighting the high school football “Speedster of the Week” presented by Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick, recognizing the top runningbacks in the Big Central Conference every week.

And the Week Nine winner is Carteret’s Al-Naiquan Boseman!

In a breakout season for the Ramblers, with 1,397 yards and 14 touchdowns, Boseman saved the best for last. In fact, he saved a career high night just to send off the seniors with a win for one last time on their home field, a 49-31 Carteret win over visiting JFK: 25 carries, 312 yards and six touchdowns!

Scroll down for a list of the top ten rushing performances of Week Nine in the BCC!

A high school football player, Al-Naiquan Boseman, is shown on the field in a blue uniform, preparing for a play. The graphic highlights his impressive stats: 25 carries, 312 yards, and 6 touchdowns, alongside the score of 49-31 for his team's victory against JFK.

Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick was founded by Kyle Higgins, son of longtime Piscataway head coach and NJFCA Hall of Famer Dan Higgins. Kyle grew up around the program and remains a Chiefs’ assistant coach to this day. At Higgins Speed Lab, Kyle has developed a system to help athletes increase speed while in a competitive small group environment of similar age and skill. Click here to listen to our interview with Kyle Higgins and learn more about Higgins Speed Lab!

Logo of Higgins Speed Lab, featuring bold lettering in black with a clean design.

They offer sport-specific training in football, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, baseball, golf, volleyball, track, gymnastics, and tennis. And “speed” isn’t their only focus. They’ll also work on proper running mechanics, plyometrics, acceleration/deceleration, top speed, linear and multi-directional speed, first-step quickness, endurance, strength, coordination, mobility and injury prevention.

Listen to Mike Pavlichko run down the Top Ten rushing performances in the Big Central for Week 8!

Here are the top ten rushing performances from Cutoff Weekend in the Big Central:

  • Al-Naiquan Boseman, Carteret: 25 carries for 312 yards and 6 TDs in a 49-31 win over JFK
  • Brody Nugent, Old Bridge: 27 carries for 309 yards and 4 TDs in a 38-31 playoff win over Freehold Twp.
  • Lenier Whetstone, Edison: 15 carries for 207 yards and 1 TD in a 39-14 win over Watchung Hills
  • Jamir Hall, Union: 21 carries for 206 yards and 3 TD in a 28-7 win over Columbia
  • Dominic Massaro, South Plainfield: 23 carries for 205 yards in a 35-28 win over Spotswood
  • Kah’mori Cotto, South River: 28 carries for 200 yards and 1 TD in a 19-0 win at Dunellen
  • Alex Schwark, Summit: 29 carries for 185 yards and 1 TD in a 24-21 playoff win over Warren Hills
  • Julius King, North Plainfield: 11 carries for 174 yards and 2 TD in a 42-0 win at Highland Park
  • Josh D’Ambrosio, Manville: 18 carries for 173 yards and 1 TD in a 35-0 playoff win over Asbury Park, the Mustangs’ first-ever playoff win!
  • Elijah Garcia, Governor Livingston: 26 for 157 yards and 1 TD in a 14-7 win over Metuchen

Disclaimer: All statistics are gathered from multiple public online sources. If someone is missing from this list, it likely means their coach has not updated statistics. All coaches are urged to do so no later than 11:59 pm on Sundays during the season.

See Higgins Speed Lab in action!

by Mike Pavlichko

Another 300-plus yard game for Rahway’s Andrew Avent earns senior third Higgins Speed Lab “Speedster of the Week” honor

As we’ve been doing all season long, Central Jersey Sports Radio is highlighting the high school football “Speedster of the Week” presented by Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick, recognizing the top runningbacks in the Big Central Conference every week.

And the Week Eight winner is Rahway’s Andrew Avent!

Already the school’s career and single-season rushing leader, Avent wins the “Speedster of the Week” award for the third time this season for his 312-yard effort on 23 carries – with one touchdown – in a 28-7 home win over No. 3 Montgomery heard on Central Jersey Sports Radio back on Friday night.

Avent also won back-to-back in Weeks Five and Six. The first was for a 219-yard rushing game on just eleven carries, with two touchdowns, in a 33-0 win over North Hunterdon. The second was came on a 35-carry, 362-yard, five touchdown effort in a 43-41 loss at Cranford.

Scroll down for a list of the top ten rushing performances of Week Eight in the BCC!

Image celebrating Andrew Avent from Rahway as the Speedster of the Week, featuring his stats: 23 carries for 312 yards and 1 touchdown in a 28-7 victory against Montgomery.

Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick was founded by Kyle Higgins, son of longtime Piscataway head coach and NJFCA Hall of Famer Dan Higgins. Kyle grew up around the program and remains a Chiefs’ assistant coach to this day. At Higgins Speed Lab, Kyle has developed a system to help athletes increase speed while in a competitive small group environment of similar age and skill. Click here to listen to our interview with Kyle Higgins and learn more about Higgins Speed Lab!

Logo of Higgins Speed Lab, featuring bold lettering in black with a clean design.

They offer sport-specific training in football, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, baseball, golf, volleyball, track, gymnastics, and tennis. And “speed” isn’t their only focus. They’ll also work on proper running mechanics, plyometrics, acceleration/deceleration, top speed, linear and multi-directional speed, first-step quickness, endurance, strength, coordination, mobility and injury prevention.

Listen to Mike Pavlichko run down the Top Ten rushing performances in the Big Central for Week 8!

Here are the top ten rushing performances from Cutoff Weekend in the Big Central:

  • Andrew Avent, Rahway: 23 carries for 312 yards and 1 TD in a 28-7 win over Montgomery
  • Dominic Massaro, South Plainfield: 26 carries for 243 yards and 4 TDs in a 42-14 win over JFK
  • Matteo Tramutola, Voorhees: 31 carries for 208 yards and 3 TD in a 27-7 win over North Hunterdon
  • Logan Stevens, Bernards: 8 carries for 196 yards and 3 TD in a 22-0 win over Carteret
  • Al-Naiquan Boseman, Carteret: 25 carries for 185 yards in a 22-0 loss at Bernards
  • Kah’mori Cotto, South River: 24 carries for 185 yards and 3 TD in an 18-0 win over Highland Park
  • Andrew Schwarz, Hillsborough: 18 carries for 178 yards in a 34-8 win at Hunterdon Central
  • Jacob Quiros, Highland Park: 15 carries for 166 yards and 3 TD in an 18-0 loss at South River
  • Sam Dech, Phillipsburg: 21 carries for 162 yards and 2 TD in a 36-13 win over Bridgewater-Raritan
  • Aidan Vesuvio-Bush, Somerville: 17 carries for 155 yards and 3 TD in a 35-15 win at Watchung Hills

Disclaimer: All statistics are gathered from multiple public online sources. If someone is missing from this list, it likely means their coach has not updated statistics. All coaches are urged to do so no later than 11:59 pm on Sundays during the season.

See Higgins Speed Lab in action!

by Mike Pavlichko

Workman’s effort, nearly 300 rushing yards from Somerville’s Aidan Vesuvio-Bush earn him Higgins Speed Lab “Speedster of the Week” honors for Week 7

As we’ve been doing all season long, Central Jersey Sports Radio is highlighting the high school football “Speedster of the Week” presented by Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick, recognizing the top runningbacks in the Big Central Conference every week.

And the Week Seven winner is Somerville’s Aidan Vesuvio-Bush!

Back on Friday night, in a 40-28 win over Plainfield heard live on Central Jersey Sports Radio, the senior runningback went for 288 yards on an eye-popping 40 carries, along with three touchdowns, while he also caught a four passes for another 76 yards.

He’s now amassed 1,042 yards and 14 touchdowns this season and has helped put the Pioneers (7-1) in a position to possibly grab a top-seed in the playoffs, a year after winning the Central Jersey Group 3 championship.

Scroll down for a list of the top ten rushing performances of Week Seven in the BCC!

Image highlighting Aidan Vesuvio-Bush, a football player from Somerville, showcasing his stats: 40 carries, 288 yards, 3 touchdowns, and a 40-28 victory over Plainfield.

Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick was founded by Kyle Higgins, son of longtime Piscataway head coach and NJFCA Hall of Famer Dan Higgins. Kyle grew up around the program and remains a Chiefs’ assistant coach to this day. At Higgins Speed Lab, Kyle has developed a system to help athletes increase speed while in a competitive small group environment of similar age and skill. Click here to listen to our interview with Kyle Higgins and learn more about Higgins Speed Lab!

Logo of Higgins Speed Lab, featuring bold lettering in black with a clean design.

They offer sport-specific training in football, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, baseball, golf, volleyball, track, gymnastics, and tennis. And “speed” isn’t their only focus. They’ll also work on proper running mechanics, plyometrics, acceleration/deceleration, top speed, linear and multi-directional speed, first-step quickness, endurance, strength, coordination, mobility and injury prevention.

Listen to Mike Pavlichko run down the Top Ten rushing performances in the Big Central for Week 7!

Here are the top ten rushing performances from Week Seven in the Big Central:

  • Aidan Vesuvio-Bush, Somerville: 40 carries for 288 yards and 3 TDs in a 40-28 win over Plainfield
  • Andrew Avent, Rahway: 9 carries for 240 yards and 4 TDs in a 41-6 win at New Brunswick
  • Brody Nugent, Old Bridge: 11 carries for 186 yards and 3 TDs in a 45-29 win at Hunterdon Central
  • Matthew Resende, Brearley: 22 carries for 171 yards and 1 TD in a 27-9 loss to Metuchen
  • Sam Dech, Phillipsburg: 18 carries for 156 yards and 4 TDs in a 42-0 win over Union
  • Devin Thomas, Plainfield: 8 carries for 152 yards and 1 TD in a 40-28 loss at Plainfield
  • Shaun Jackson, Sayreville: 10 carries for 150 yards and a 94-yard TD in a 43-15 loss to Montgomery
  • Al-Naiquan Boseman, Carteret: 23 carries for 147 yards in a 10-0 win over Linden
  • Jeremiah Dixon, Old Bridge: 9 carries for 132 yards and 1 TD in a 45-29 win at Hunterdon Central
  • C.J. Griffith, Ridge: 11 carries for 130 yards and 2 TDs in a 57-20 win over North Brunswick

Disclaimer: All statistics are gathered from multiple public online sources. If someone is missing from this list, it likely means their coach has not updated statistics. All coaches are urged to do so no later than 11:59 pm on Sundays during the season.

See Higgins Speed Lab in action!

by Mike Pavlichko

With personal best, Shaun Jackson of Sayreville and his 338 rush yards make him the Week 6 Higgins Speed Lab “Speedster of the Week”

As we’ve been doing all season long, Central Jersey Sports Radio is highlighting the high school football “Speedster of the Week” presented by Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick, recognizing the top runningbacks in the Big Central Conference every week.

And the Week Six winner is Sayreville’s Shaun Jackson!

Last week, Jackson carried 20 times for 338 yards and four touchdowns in a big 37-28 win over Franklin, that keeps Sayreville in the hunt for the top seed in Central Jersey Group 5, with Cutoff Weekend just two weeks away. It was his third time rushing for over 200 yards this season, and he’s hit the century mark in all seven games this season.

On the season, he now has 1,404 yards and 18 touchdowns. While the 18 TDs also are a career high, he’s 81 yards away from tying last year’s total with two more regular season games and at least one more playoff game this season.

Scroll down for a list of the top ten rushing performances of Week Six in the BCC!

Image highlighting Shaun Jackson, the Speedster of the Week from Sayreville, with stats: 20 carries, 338 yards, 4 touchdowns, and a 37-28 win over Franklin.

Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick was founded by Kyle Higgins, son of longtime Piscataway head coach and NJFCA Hall of Famer Dan Higgins. Kyle grew up around the program and remains a Chiefs’ assistant coach to this day. At Higgins Speed Lab, Kyle has developed a system to help athletes increase speed while in a competitive small group environment of similar age and skill. Click here to listen to our interview with Kyle Higgins and learn more about Higgins Speed Lab!

Logo of Higgins Speed Lab, featuring bold lettering in black with a clean design.

They offer sport-specific training in football, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, baseball, golf, volleyball, track, gymnastics, and tennis. And “speed” isn’t their only focus. They’ll also work on proper running mechanics, plyometrics, acceleration/deceleration, top speed, linear and multi-directional speed, first-step quickness, endurance, strength, coordination, mobility and injury prevention.

Here are the top ten rushing performances from Week Six in the Big Central:

  • Shaun Jackson, Sayreville: 20 carries for 338 yards and 4 TDs (the latter two being career highs) in a 37-28 win at Franklin
  • Matthew Resende, Brearley: 23 carries for 223 yards and 2 TDs in a 49-14 win over South River
  • Joshua Allen, Woodbridge: 24 carries for 221 yards and 3 TD in a 41-33 win at Montgomery
  • Andrew Avent, Rahway: 10 carries, 201 yards and 3 TDs in a 49-20 win over Watchung Hills
  • Se’mir Tolbert-Brimage, Spotswood: 28 carries for 188 yards and 2 TDs in a 20-19 loss at Dayton
  • Aidan Vesuvio-Bush, Somerville: 22 carries for 178 yards and 3 TDs in a 43-14 win at North Hunterdon
  • Zaire Majerska, A.L. Johnson: 14 carries for 167 yards and 2 TDs in a 21-19 loss at Delaware Valley
  • Jamir Hall, Union: 12 carries for 165 yards and 2 TDs in a 13-0 win over South Brunswick
  • Andrew Schwarz, Hillsborough: 36 carries for 158 yards and 4 TDs in a 30-18 win over Bridgewater-Raritan
  • Jake Markey, Bound Brook: 19 carries for 151 yards in a 38-28 win at Middlesex

Disclaimer: All statistics are gathered from multiple public online sources. If someone is missing from this list, it likely means their coach has not updated statistics. All coaches are urged to do so no later than 11:59 pm on Sundays during the season.

See Higgins Speed Lab in action!

by Mike Pavlichko

Rinse, repeat! Rahway’s Andrew Avent takes “Speedster of the Week” honors, presented by Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick, for a second straight week with best BCC night of ’25

As we’ve been doing all season long, Central Jersey Sports Radio is highlighting the high school football “Speedster of the Week” presented by Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick, recognizing the top runningbacks in the Big Central Conference every week.

And the Week Five winner is Andrew Avent of Rahway… again!

Last week, Avent became the fifth different Big Central student-athlete to be honored as “Speedster of the Week” in the first five weeks of the season (Weeks 0 through 4). Now, he’s the first two-time winner, going back-to-back. This week, albeit in a 43-41 loss at Cranford, he rushed 35 times for 362 yards and five touchdowns. The rushing total was the highest by a Big Central back this season, and just one of two over 300 yards, the other also coming this week – see below!

In two weeks now, Avent has rushed for 581 yards – half a season for many backs – and on the season he has 1,071 and 14 TDs. He’s on a pace to shatter last year’s numbers of 1,412 yards and 16 scores, with three more regular season games left, plus the postseason.

Scroll down for a list of the top ten rushing performances of Week Five in the BCC!

Graphic highlighting Andrew Avent of Rahway as the 'Speedster of the Week' with stats: 35 carries, 362 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 43-41 loss against Cranford. Includes logos for Central Jersey Sports Radio and Big Central Conference.

Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick was founded by Kyle Higgins, son of longtime Piscataway head coach and NJFCA Hall of Famer Dan Higgins. Kyle grew up around the program and remains a Chiefs’ assistant coach to this day. At Higgins Speed Lab, Kyle has developed a system to help athletes increase speed while in a competitive small group environment of similar age and skill.

Logo of Higgins Speed Lab, featuring bold lettering in black with a clean design.

They offer sport-specific training in football, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, baseball, golf, volleyball, track, gymnastics, and tennis. And “speed” isn’t their only focus. They’ll also work on proper running mechanics, plyometrics, acceleration/deceleration, top speed, linear and multi-directional speed, first-step quickness, endurance, strength, coordination, mobility and injury prevention.

Here are the top ten (actually, we have 11!) rushing performances from Week Three in the Big Central:

  • Andrew Avent, Rahway: 35 carries for 362 yards – No. 1 performance in the Big Central Conference this season – and 5 TDs in a 43-41 loss at Cranford
  • Al-Naiquan Boseman, Carteret: 21 carries for 323 yards and 4 TDs in a 45–0 win over New Brunswick
  • Matteo Tramutola, Voorhees: 16 carries for 202 yards and 3 TDs in a 41-13 win over North Plainfield
  • Shaun Jackson, Sayreville: 26 carries for 200 yards and 3 TDs in a 42-24 win at No. 7 Piscataway
  • Matthew Resende, Brearley: 18 carries for 190 yards and 2 TDs in a 21-0 win at South Hunterdon
  • Justus Leitner, Metuchen: 8 carries for 183 yards and 1 TD in a 36-13 win at Highland Park
  • Joshua Allen, Woodbridge: 10 carries for 169 yards and 4 TDs in a 41-0 win over Perth Amboy
  • Dominic Massaro, South Plainfield: 26 carries for 161 yards in a 7-0 loss to Bernards
  • Oscar Duran, South Brunswick: 27 carries for 152 yards in a 20-15 loss at Watchung Hills
  • Andrew Schwarz, Hillsborough: 17 carries for 151 yards and 4 TDs in a 42-21 win at Westfield
  • Logan Richter, Monroe: 5 carries for 151 yards in a 30-12 loss to North Hunterdon

Disclaimer: All statistics are gathered from multiple public online sources. If someone is missing from this list, it likely means their coach has not updated statistics. All coaches are urged to do so no later than 11:59 pm on Sundays during the season.

by Mike Pavlichko

Rahway’s Andrew Avent becomes fifth different “Speedster of the Week,” presented by Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick

As we’ve been doing all season long, Central Jersey Sports Radio is highlighting the high school football “Speedster of the Week” presented by Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick, recognizing the top runningbacks in the Big Central Conference every week.

And the Week Four winner is Andrew Avent of Rahway!

Avent is the fifth different Big Central student-athlete to be honored as “Speedster of the Week” in the first five weeks of the season (Weeks 0 through 4). This week, he ran for 219 yards on just eleven carries for a whopping average of 19.9 yards per carry! In a 33-0 shutout win at North Hunterdon, Avent opened the scoring with a four-yard touchdown run, then added a 59-yarder to make it 14-0, and he had an even longer run that went for 71 yards, but just didn’t result in a score. Avent is almost on an identical pace to last year, when he rushed for 1,412 yards in ten games, with 717 through five, which would put him at 1,434 through ten. But more impressive, he’s done it on significantly fewer carries: just 66, for an average of 10.9 per carry, while last year he had 194 by year’s end, for a season average of 7.3 per rush.

Scroll down for a list of the top ten rushing performances of Week Four in the BCC!

Andrew Avent, Rahway

Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick was founded by Kyle Higgins, son of longtime Piscataway head coach and NJFCA Hall of Famer Dan Higgins. Kyle grew up around the program and remains a Chiefs’ assistant coach to this day. At Higgins Speed Lab, Kyle has developed a system to help athletes increase speed while in a competitive small group environment of similar age and skill.

Logo of Higgins Speed Lab, featuring bold lettering in black with a clean design.

They offer sport-specific training in football, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, baseball, golf, volleyball, track, gymnastics, and tennis. And “speed” isn’t their only focus. They’ll also work on proper running mechanics, plyometrics, acceleration/deceleration, top speed, linear and multi-directional speed, first-step quickness, endurance, strength, coordination, mobility and injury prevention.

Here are the top ten rushing performances from Week Three in the Big Central:

  • Andrew Avent, Rahway: 11 carries for 219 yards and 2 TDs in a 33-0 win at North Hunterdon
  • Ian Robert, St. Thomas Aquinas: 8 carries for 202 yards and 2 TDs in a 35-21 win over Elizabeth
  • Shaun Jackson, Sayreville: 10 carries for 171 yards and a TD in a 46-7 win over North Brunswick
  • Matteo Tramutola, Voorhees: 22 carries for 162 yards and 2 TDs in a 21-12 win at Delaware Valley
  • Al-Naiquan Boseman, Carteret: 30 carries for 156 yards and 2 TDs in a 39-38 loss at Scotch Plains-Fanwood
  • Fiheem Howell, JFK: 25 carries for 152 yards in a 32-13 win over Monroe
  • Nathan Sussko, Belvidere: 17 carries for 149 yards in a 28-27 loss at Bound Brook
  • Dominic Massaro, South Plainfield: 23 carries for 148 yards and 1 TD in a 12-9 loss at Governor Livingston
  • Sam Dech, Phillipsburg: 11 carries for 141 yards and 3 TD in a 59-20 win at Hillsborough
  • A.J. Whitehead, New Providence: 12 carries for 141 yards and 1 TD in a 41-6 win over Roselle

Disclaimer: All statistics are gathered from multiple public online sources. If someone is missing from this list, it likely means their coach has not updated statistics. All coaches are urged to do so no later than 11:59 pm on Sundays during the season.

by Mike Pavlichko

In shootout win, St. Thomas Aquinas’ Ian Roberts runs all over to take Week 3 “Speedster of the Week” honors, presented by Higgins Speed Lab

In our newest feature this season, the Week One “Speedster of the Week” presented by Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick honors the top runningbacks in the Big Central Conference every week.

And the Week Three winner is Ian Roberts of St. Thomas Aquinas!

Friday night’s game was a track meet, shootout, anything you want to say to describe a game in which the teams combined for 102 points! It was a 57-45 win for St. Thomas, and a tight game late. But in a contest where big play followed big play for both schools, Roberts excelled with 262 yards on 28 carries, scoring two touchdowns in the victory. It tied for the highest point total Aquinas has scored since the Big Central Conference’s first season in 2020.

Scroll down for a list of the top ten rushing performances of Week Three in the BCC!

Image featuring Ian Roberts, a football player from St. Thomas Aquinas, celebrating after a game. The image shows key statistics: 28 carries, 262 yards, 2 touchdowns, and a score of 57-45 against Franklin.

Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick was founded by Kyle Higgins, son of longtime Piscataway head coach and NJFCA Hall of Famer Dan Higgins. Kyle grew up around the program and remains a Chiefs’ assistant coach to this day. At Higgins Speed Lab, Kyle has developed a system to help athletes increase speed while in a competitive small group environment of similar age and skill.

Logo of Higgins Speed Lab, featuring bold lettering in black with a clean design.

They offer sport-specific training in football, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, baseball, golf, volleyball, track, gymnastics, and tennis. And “speed” isn’t their only focus. They’ll also work on proper running mechanics, plyometrics, acceleration/deceleration, top speed, linear and multi-directional speed, first-step quickness, endurance, strength, coordination, mobility and injury prevention.

Here are the top ten rushing performances from Week Three in the Big Central:

  • Ian Roberts, St. Thomas Aquinas: 28 carries for 262 yards and 2 TDs in a 57-45 win at Franklin
  • Joshua Allen, Woodbridge: 31 carries for 252 yards and 2 TDs in a 34-21 home win over Colonia
  • Matthew Resende, Brearley: 24 carries for 244 yards and 2 TDs in a 27-26 home win over Highland Park
  • Logan Stevens, Bernards: 19 carries for 208 yards and 3 TDs in a 31-21 win at Voorhees
  • Shaun Jackson, Sayreviille: 18 carries for 197 yards and 4 TDs in a 28-14 home win over Hillsborough
  • Nick Salas, Roselle Park: 22 carries for 174 yards and 2 TDs in a 37-20 loss at Dayton
  • Michael Rogers, Franklin: 12 carries for 166 yards and 3 TDs in a 57-45 home loss to St. Thomas Aquinas
  • Tyler Fuscaldo, Dayton: 19 carries for 166 yards and 2 TDs in a 37-20 home win over Roselle Park
  • Zaire Young, Piscataway: 28 carries for 165 cards and 1 TD in a 16-8 non-conference home win over Ridgewood
  • A.J. Whitehead, New Providence: 23 carries for 154 yards and 1 TD in a 30-0 win at Metuchen

Disclaimer: All statistics are gathered from multiple public online sources. If someone is missing from this list, it likely means their coach has not updated statistics. All coaches are urged to do so no later than 11:59 pm on Sundays during the season.

by Mike Pavlichko

Governor Livingston’s Dominic Labisi works overtime to earn Week Two “Speedster of the Week” honors, presented by Higgins Speed Lab

In our newest feature this season, the Week One “Speedster of the Week” presented by Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick honors the top runningbacks in the Big Central Conference every week.

And the Week Two winner is Dominic Labisi of Governor Livingston!

A three-sport athlete who also plays basketball, and is an outfielder/pitcher on the state championship Highlander Baseball team – which became the first public school baseball team to go undefeated since Pennsville did it in 1981 – Labisi carried an eye-popping 40 times for 240 yards and five touchdowns. He also had two two-point conversions on the night, and in overtime of a 36-28 win at JFK Friday night, gained all 25 yards in their overtime period and ran in the two-point try. That wasn’t the plan, but with their long snapper and left tackle losing their helmets on the touchdown play, GL opted not to kick the PAT and ran it instead.

Scroll down for a list of the top ten rushing performances of Week One in the BCC!

Image of Dominic Labisi celebrating after a football play, with text highlighting his achievements: 40 carries, 240 yards, 5 touchdowns, and a 36-28 overtime win at JFK, presented by Higgins Speed Lab.

Higgins Speed Lab in South Brunswick was founded by Kyle Higgins, son of longtime Piscataway head coach and NJFCA Hall of Famer Dan Higgins. Kyle grew up around the program and remains a Chiefs’ assistant coach to this day. At Higgins Speed Lab, Kyle has developed a system to help athletes increase speed while in a competitive small group environment of similar age and skill.

Logo of Higgins Speed Lab, featuring bold lettering in black with a clean design.

They offer sport-specific training in football, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, baseball, golf, volleyball, track, gymnastics, and tennis. And “speed” isn’t their only focus. They’ll also work on proper running mechanics, plyometrics, acceleration/deceleration, top speed, linear and multi-directional speed, first-step quickness, endurance, strength, coordination, mobility and injury prevention.

Here are the top ten rushing performances this week in the Big Central:

  • Dominic Labisi, Governor Livingston: 40 carries, 240 yards, 5 TDs (including the go-ahead score in overtime) in a 36-28 OT win at JFK
  • Joshua Allen, Woodbridge: 28 carries, 228 yards and 4 TDs in a 27-18 win at Plainfield
  • Andrew Avent, Rahway: 11 carries, 175 yards and 3 TDs in a 43-8 win over Perth Amboy
  • A.J. Whitehead, New Providence: 16 carries, 158 yards and 4 TDs in a 37-14 win over Johnson
  • Tyler Fuscaldo, Dayton: 17 carries for 158 yards in a 26-14 loss at Highland Park
  • Shaun Jackson, Sayreville: 15 carries, 154 yards and 1 TD in a 46-14 win at Edison
  • Gabe Gutierrez, Scotch Plains-Fanwood: 14 carries, 150 yards and 1 TD in a 24-8 win over New Brunswick
  • Alex Schwark, Summit: 21 carries for 148 yards in a 35-20 win over Hillside
  • Jordan Walsh, Westfield: 17 carries, 142 yards and 3 TDs in a 36-29 OT loss at Elizabeth
  • Matteo Tramutola, Voorhees: 19 carries, 140 yards and 2 TDs in a 45-8 win at JP Stevens.

Disclaimer: All statistics are gathered from multiple public online sources. If someone is missing from this list, it likely means their coach has not updated statistics. All coaches are urged to do so no later than 11:59 pm on Sundays during the season.