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 12^th annual Bellamy & Son 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 Nov.8 at noon.

We will then have a runoff between the top vote-getter in Middlesex County, Union County and the BCC West which includes Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR THE 2026 BORDEN’S BALLER OF THE YEAR!!!

The player with the most votes will be Borden’s Baller of the Year. He will be featured in a story that will appear online at cjsportsradio.com and be posted on Twitter. In addition, the overall winner will receive a special Borden’s Baller of plaque courtesy of Bellamy & Sons Paving. All players will also receive a commemorative football from the Bellamy family.

In addition, every player will receive a black 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 2026 awardees.

These 59 players and their teammates have been challenged since the early season openers on the weekend of August 27-29 up through the end of the regular season on the weekend of October 22-24 and the start of the playoffs on October 30 which will culminate with the crowning of overall Group Champions on the last weekend in November.

The 2026 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 2027:

• 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” – meaning “heart,” or an intense desire

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR THE 2026 BORDEN’S BALLER OF THE YEAR!!!

Big Central Football Conference American Gold

Elizabeth – A’rique Fleming: The 6’3″ 230 pount. Quarterback/Linebacker has the Minutemen focused and in position to go undefeated as they enter the playoffs the last weekend in October. A starter since his freshman year, Fleming has thrown for 7,166 yards and 74 touchdowns as of mid-October. He also has nearly 2100 yards on the ground with 29 scores! Did we say he plays defense? He sure does, having a major impact in his team’s success having made big plays in the tight games! Oh, by the way, he’s the punter too.

St. Joseph – Elijah Contaldi: Elijah is the emotional leader of the Falcons defense which has played one of the toughest schedules in the Big Central Conference. The senior linebacker has been an inspiration for the younger players who are adjusting to a new defensive scheme as well as the competition. The two-year starter has amassed 53 solo tackles, 51 assists, nine tackles for a loss, one sack and two forced fumbles. His final post-season game will be the first weekend in November.

Union – Jamir Hall: The resurgence of the once proud Union football program has been the ability to run the football with Hall being the main stay the past two seasons. The Farmers are 5-3 and will be returning to the playoffs this October. Jamir has rushed for over 2,420 yards and 24 touchdowns for nearly eight-yards per carry. He will be the difference in the “U” accomplishing the goals they set in Coach BG Grant’s second season.

Westfield – Matt Seward: Seward has been a “tackling machine” for the Blue Devils defense the past two seasons. His 68 solos, 97 assists, 14.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks are impressive. When you add the 6 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, three blocked kicks and a tackle for a safety, you can be sure this Junior linebacker will be in the conversation for post-season honors! Matt has at least one more regular season game to add to his career totals.

Big Central Football Conference American Silver

Bridgewater-Raritan – Jahmier Black: Jahmier has been a two-way performer for the Panthers as a runner and linebacker. His physicality on offense makes it difficult for one defender to bring him down. As a linebacker he lets his shoulder pads do the talking as he takes down the opposition. Averaging nearly six-yards a carry over his career with 31 touchdowns, Black will be counted on heavily as the playoff season begins Halloween weekend. His 200-plus career tackles make him a nightmare for opposing coaches!

Hillsborough – Nick Kipila: Nick has been an inspirational leader for the Raiders defense as his young teammates navigate one of the league’s toughest schedules in the Big Central Conference. He leads the team in tackles and has the highest single game total with ten solo tackles and eight assists. With one more regular season game to be played, you can be assured that this senior will end his high school playing career by giving his all for the team.”

Phillipsburg – Shane Moore: “Shane Moore knows that the expectations are high for the State’s winningest football program in New Jersey. He showed his grit at a 3 pm Monday afternoon game versus St. Joseph of Metuchen after a weekend Nor’easter forced the re-scheduled contest. His leadership and toughness were on display as he rallied his teammates from a seven-point halftime deficit to a 42-31 victory. The senior will be relied on as the Stateliners make a playoff push as well as beating rival Easton in one of the country’s most prestigious Thanksgiving high school games.

Ridge – C.J. Griffith: The Red Devils captain plays an integral role in the team’s offense philosophy which is to grind it out and be physical while mixing in the play-action pass. C.J. is one of those backs that you can lean on when it is crunch time. He has averaged nearly 6.6 yards in his career in a system that uses multiple backs. With a playoff match-up at Middletown South at the end of October, Ridge’s success rides with Griffith getting as many touches as needed to advance to the second round.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR THE 2026 BORDEN’S BALLER OF THE YEAR!!!

Big Central Football Conference Freedom Gold

Brearley – Ryan Nelson: Nelson has taken over the reins of the Brearley program and has accounted for nearly 1,300 yards of offense in nine games! The junior signal caller has the Bears poised to make the playoffs with two regular season games remaining. His ten touchdown passes, and nine rushing scores lead the team in a balanced offense that features the run to set up the play action pass. Don’t be surprised if you see #2 playing on defense, as it’s all hands-on deck in a successful small school football program!

Dayton – Adrian Bernknopf: Adrian has been a consistent winner for the Bulldogs the past two seasons accounting for 38 touchdowns through the air in the Dayton spread offense. He can throw the quick pass or the deep ball with great accuracy and will beat you with his legs averaging nearly six yards per carry for 12 rushing scores. The consummate senior leader, Bernknopf knows how to motivate his teammates to give their maximum effort!

Highland Park – Marcus Smith: The Owls have made a name for themselves by winning The Goal Post Trophy against long-time rival Metuchen to end the regular season at 8-1. Yes, Smith is one of the reasons this feat was possible as the senior captain has nearly 1,500 yards of offense as a runner or passer while leading the team with 25 scores. Highland Park will travel to Woodstown the last weekend in October as Marcus and his teammates have ended their playoff drought as they will play in the first round of the State tournament!

J.P. Stevens – Dwight McIntosh: Dwight has been a two-year starter on defense for the Hawks as a linebacker. He has 61 career tackles with six tackles for a loss and two fumble recoveries. Offensively he has been a receiver and occasionally has run the football. He has 11 catches for 91 yards while rushing 15 times for 128 yards. As a specialist he has been a kick returner with 251 yards while punting for 256 yards. The senior captain has even tossed a 28-yard TD pass this year!

Roselle Park – Nick Salas: A four-year starter for Roselle Park, Salas will play his last game of the regular season versus rival Roselle, for the first time not on Thanksgiving. The two-way performer at running back and defensive back has 3,263 career rushing yards and 39 touchdowns in the Wing-T offense that shares the ball with three other potential ball carriers. As a kick returner he has two scores while tallying eight two-point conversions. Defensively Nick has over 100 career tackles and his last season for the Panthers is not over!

South River – Dominic Harris: Dominic has been the glue that has kept the Rams youthful squad together as many freshmen have been counted on to play season. Harris uses his speed and toughness as a four-year starter on both sides of the ball as a running back, specialist and defensive back. He has accounted for over 2,500 yards as a runner, receiver, returner and defender during his career. He will always play to the last whistle!

Big Central Football Conference Freedom Silver

Belvidere – Elijah White: Elijah is a four-year starter as a wide receiver and defensive back. His speed and route running ability make him a threat to go the distance at any time. Dare to leave him single-covered and you can bet he’ll take it to the house! He has 28 career catches for a score averaging 22 yards per catch. He rarely sees a return opportunity but when he does, he has scored. As a defender he has 187 career tackles and ten interceptions. He has even played quarterback when needed tossing two TD passes while throwing for 257 yards. White and company will be on a bus to New Milford for the first round of the playoffs last weekend of October!

Bound Brook – Vinny Wisniewski: The senior captain mans the offensive and defensive lines for the Crusaders. He possesses all the qualities that you would want to set the example for all his teammates on how to go about practicing and preparing for each week of the season. Vinny has the drive and perseverance to work hard no matter what the odds on both sides of the ball week in and week out. He represents the adage “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

Dunellen – Ben Howard: Howard is the consummate team player who epitomizes what this award is all about, doing whatever is needed of me to help the team. The junior offensive and defensive lineman has played since his freshman season. He helped his team end the school’s 24-game losing streak by persevering when facing adversity. On defense Ben has accrued 123 tackles, six sacks and 32 tackles for a loss. He also has seven forced fumbles, two recoveries and three blocked kicks.”

Manville – Noah Sommers: Sommers has seen his team complete an undefeated regular season in 2025 and is well aware of what it takes to qualify for the state playoffs. As a senior two-way lineman, he knows his team’s success relies on their ability to run the football and utilize the play action pass. He leads by example showing the importance of attention to detail and focus. Noah will have his teammates ready for their first-round playoff game against Shore Regional at home the last Friday in October!

Middlesex – Niko Zazunishvili: Niko been a three-year starter for the Blue Jays, having played on the offensive and defensive line. He plays with a passion and intensity that is obvious when you see him in action! He has great quickness at 270 pounds, with 113 career solo tackles, two sacks and 13 tackles for a loss. On the offensive line his stamina is a plus when running a no-huddle fast paced offense. He has quick feet, and he can run or pass block well.

South Hunterdon– Charles Dickerson: Charles has been a three-year starter for South Hunterdon and has been one of the main reasons the Eagles have won five games already this season. He is currently the team’s second leading receiver with 17 catches and three scores. Defensively he has 127 career tackles with three tackles for a loss and a sack. With one remaining regular season game versus North Warren, Dickerson and his senior classmates can go out on a high note!

Big Central Football Conference Liberty Gold

Colonia – Tyronn Holloway: Holloway has been the favorite target for the Patriots this season. His 52 catches for 768 yards and five touchdowns make him the go-to guy in crunch time. As a defensive back he has tallied 78 career tackles, two tackles for a loss and two interceptions. With one regular season game still to be played, Tyronn will be counted as a leader to finish the season on a high note versus Westfield as Colonia has been in four one-score games this season.

Linden– Joe Boyd: Boyd and the Tigers are in the second year of a rebuilding process under their head coach. They are currently 4-4 and have qualified for the playoffs. The four-year starter on defense has 123 career tackles, three sacks and 13 tackles for a loss as a linebacker. As a punishing runner on offense, the senior captain has 1,891 yards with 23 scores on the ground. What’s even more impressive is as a quarterback last season he accounted for 523 yards through the air for 5 touchdowns!

Plainfield – Tymir Huff: “Tymir has been an integral part of the spread offense under second year head coach Donald Jones. The nifty receiver has 91 career receptions for 1,269 yards and 15 scores. As an occasional runner on the jet sweep, he has gained 145 yards for two additional touchdowns. Huff has been a special teams returner; however, most teams have kicked away from him over his career. His final game for the Cardinals is against rival Westfield.

Rahway – Jaquan Robinson: A four-year starter Robinson has been a two-way performer for Rahway since his freshman year. As a dual-threat quarterback he has 2,360 career passing yards and 28 touchdowns while rushing for 1,150 yards and 18 scores. As a defensive back he has 148 career tackles with 24 tackles for a loss, four sacks and three interceptions. He has also taken on the punting duties this season. The 8-1 Indians have a home playoff game versus Mount Olive the last weekend of October. One thing is for sure, Jaquan will be counted on heavily while leading his team to victory!

Woodbridge – Kyle Campos: “Campos has been a Jack of all Trades for the Barrons the past two seasons. He has been a runner, receiver, defender, kick returner and punter. Most importantly he has been a vocal leader for a youthful team that needs to understand the high expectations of the Woodbridge football program. Kyle is the team’s leader in catches with 26 and five scores. Defensively he has 93 career tackles and 4 interceptions. As a kick returner he has 428 yards averaging 20-yards per return. With Woodbridge traveling to Northern Highlands in the first round of the playoffs, this senior captain will surely have his hand in the outcome!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR THE 2026 BORDEN’S BALLER OF THE YEAR!!!

Big Central Football Conference Liberty Silver

Hunterdon Central – Jayden Cozze: Jayden has been making plays since his sophomore season whether it was on offense or defense. The senior captain epitomizes toughness and intensity. As a receiver he has 54 receptions for 678 yards and two scores. As of late he has been running the ball 60 times for 244 yards and 3 touchdowns. As a defensive back, he brings the leather with 93 career tackles, one sack, four tackles for a loss and one interception. With one regular season game against Livingston, you can be assured that Cozze will have his teammates ready for the challenge.

Montgomery– Zach Furey: Zach has been a two-year starter for Montgomery, playing running back and linebacker. The Marist commit is a physical downhill tackler with career totals of 106 solos, 56 assists and eight tackles for a loss. When you add in a sack, interception for a touchdown and a blocked kick you know that this Cougar is on the opposition’s radar. Furey has shown his versatility this season by carrying the football 83 times for 492 yards and four scores.

North Hunterdon – Matthew Esposito: Esposito has been a two-way starter for the Lions as a running back and defensive back. On offense he leads the team in rushing with 916 yards and nine touchdowns while having seven catches for 114 yards and a score. As a defensive back he has tallied 36 tackles and two behind the line of scrimmage. As a team captain Matt has been an inspiration for many his underclassmen teammates who are making the adjustment to the difficult schedule which they face week in and out in the Big Central Liberty Silver Division.

Somerville – Justin Bowen: Bowen has been a two-way performer for the Pioneers for three years as a running back and linebacker. His career rushing totals include 1,330 yards on the ground and 19 touchdowns while also snaring 46 passes for 644 yards and five scores. Defensively, he has 109 tackles, 16 1/2 tackles for a loss and 5 1/2 sacks. He has scored twice on fumble recoveries and has one interception. With a first-round playoff game at Holmdel the last weekend in October, Justin will have his team ready to bring their “A” game!

Watchung Hills – Evan Williams: Evan suffered a gruesome season ending ankle injury in 2025. He has rebounded nicely in his senior season having already rushed for 999 yards in nine games. His career numbers are 181 carries for 1,765 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has also caught 30 passes for 271 yards and two scores. The senior captain also shines on the defensive side as a defensive back with 57 career tackles, one fumble recovery and three interceptions. With a playoff game at Middletown North the last weekend in October, Williams will continue to motivate his teammates through his solid play!

Big Central Football Conference National Gold

East Brunswick – Gabe Marquez; Gabe has been the leading rusher for the Bears through 9 games while also excelling on the defensive side the past two seasons. He has rushed for 609 yards on 102 carries which averages out to nearly 6 yards a pop for 9 scores. He also has 49 career receptions for 597 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively the diminutive Marquez has hit the competition 100 times with 1 interception, two forced fumbles and one recovery. With one regular season game remaining versus Hightstown, you can be sure this captain will lay it all on the line!

Monroe – Logan Richter: Logan has been the consummate leader for the Falcons as they currently sit at 5-4 with one remaining regular season game. Unfortunately, Monroe lost out on a playoff opportunity due to a tie-breaker rule. This guy will be the one to focus his team’s disappointment into a win. He can make the big play running, catching or defending. He is one of two seniors that have been with the program for all four years. Richter has 100 career catches for 1,121 yards and seven scores. He has also scored twice this year rushing the ball and has 37 tackles and one interception.

Old Bridge – Chase Rizzo: The two-year starting halfback is humble and deflects the attention to his teammates. If he has a big run, it’s the guys up front who block or me. If he snares an interception, it’s the pressure put on the quarterback by the edge rushers. Let’s set the record straight, Rizzo has rushed this season 132 times for 1,003 yards and eleven scores at nearly eight yards a pop. He has done that his entire career! As a receiver he has tallied 13 career scores with 54 grabs and 1,012 yards for nearly 20 yards a catch. The Knights’ fortunes certainly will go through Chase and his teammates as they are on to the sectional semifinals of the playoffs against Williamstown!

Piscataway – Landon Pernell: Landon has been QB1 for the Chiefs for 4 years and 28 wins and the playoffs at the end of October. His career passing stats are impressive with 4952 yards and 53 touchdowns at a staggering 76% completion rate! When he has run the ball, it was to avoid a sack or get a first down. He has 9 additional rushing touchdowns. The goal for Piscataway is to play for Championships. One thing is for sure Pernell is the perfect player to lead them against West Orange the first week of November in the second round of the playoffs!

South Brunswick – Terry Bynes: Bynes brings the heat every play on defense for the Vikings according to Mike Gerst the new South Brunswick mentor. As a starter for two years, the physical senior leader has recorded 147 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for a loss along with sack and an interception. With a playoff game remaining at No. 1 seed Washington Township, Terry and his teammates will need to play at a high level if they want to advance. One thing is for sure this talented defender will give the maximum effort to get it done!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR THE 2026 BORDEN’S BALLER OF THE YEAR!!!

Big Central Football Conference National Silver

Edison – Shaun Garland: A three-time Baller, Garland has been the rock for the Eagles in every facet of the game. He is the perfect example of consistency, hard work and dedication to be the best version of oneself on and off the field. His career defensive statistics include 140 tackles with 20 1/2 for a loss and nine sacks along with four forced fumbles and an interception for a TD. As a punishing runner who will get the necessary yardage to continue a drive, as he has 1,053 yards for 19 scores averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Let’s not forget his 66 grabs for 737 yards and four scores making him the complete package!

Franklin – Michael Rogers, Jr.: Michael has been the one constant for the injury-riddled Warriors this season. As the featured back in the Franklin spread offense the Junior has 1,117 yards on the season with ten touchdowns. That’s nearly seven yards a carry every time he touches the ball. His three-year career totals on the ground include 2,333 yards with 27 scores. As a special team’s performer, he returns punts and kickoffs if the opposition kicks to him. Rogers also handles the punting duties with a long of 56 yards and three punts inside the 20. With a playoff game at Ramapo the last weekend of October, you can expect this Warrior to continue to give his all for the team!

North Brunswick – Sal Fama-Linn Sal has had his hands on the ball for the Raiders in just about every way imaginable since his sophomore season. Of course, with a 10.83 in the 100 meters and 22.39 in the 200 meters in the Central Jersey Group 4 meet, it’s easy to understand why! He has 1,945 total yards throwing, running, returning and catching for 15 touchdowns. As a defender Fama-Linn has recorded 94 tackles with three behind the line of scrimmage along with five interceptions. A true leader in every way!

Sayreville – Sherwin Appiah: The New Haven commit has been the go-to-back in Sayreville’s Wing-T offense this season with 138 carries for 1164 yards and 18 touchdowns in nine games. He has four catches for 95 yards and a score. Defensively, the gifted cornerback has 80 career tackles, seven for a loss and three interceptions with one for a score. With Bomber Country hosting a playoff game versus Vineland the last weekend in October Appiah knows that the ground game will be the difference for his team to advance to the second round!

St. Thomas Aquinas – Zymere Weaver: Weaver burst on the scene as a freshman in a showcase game against Mount St. Joseph of Maryland in Delaware. His second half heroics brought the Trojans back in contention in a game that they trailed by double digits. The 6’4″ junior has 4,478 career passing yards for 47 touchdowns and 818 on the ground for ten scores. He currently has an offer from Temple with many more to come. He is focused, can make every throw and just when you think you have him down, he rallies his team back from adversity. With Parochial playoff seeding on November 1, you can count on Zymere bringing his A game when the Trojans play the following weekend!

Big Central Football Conference Patriot Gold

Delaware Valley – Chase Kraucheunas: The Junior 6’4″ 195 pound Syracuse-offered former wide receiver/free safety has showed his athleticism as the Terriers signal caller and linebacker. Currently sitting at 7-2, Kraucheunas and his team will host Gateway in the first round of the playoffs the last weekend in October. He has thrown for 1,466 yards and 15 touchdowns while using his running ability for an additional 679 yards with eleven scores. Defensively he is Delaware Valley’s top defender with 109 career tackles, six tackles for a loss, two sacks, three fumble recoveries, one interception, a safety and a blocked kick. Chase will do whatever it takes to make sure his team advances to the second round of the NJSIAA playoffs!

Hillside – Kamsi Igboanugo: Kamisi has been a two-year starter for the Comets on the offensive and defensive line. The 6’2″ 290-pound University of Maine commit helped Hillside win the Patriot Gold Division and best previously undefeated Cranford winners of the United Gold Division. Igboanugo has been on a tear defensively with 79 career total tackles along with an astounding 42 1/2 tackles for a loss and 14 1/2 sacks. His ability to block the opponent’s defense front has Hillside scoring 19 TDs by air and 17 scores on the ground. It on to the playoffs as Hillside travels to Rutherford the last weekend in October!

New Brunswick – Orian Huggins: The senior captain has been a constant for the young Zebras who are trying to resurrect a once-proud program under second year Coach Geoffrey Chrisman. Orian has led the team defensively with 136 career tackles from his linebacker spot with 14 1/2 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and one sack. He has also caused four fumbles and recovered one. With one regular season game to be played at Bound Brook, Huggins will continue to demonstrate to his teammates how to give your all when you step on the field of play!

North Plainfield – Zion Fairley: Zion has the Canucks in position to have their first winning season since 2021 under new head coach Steven Brown. With one regular season game remaining on the schedule, the senior quarterback will be asked to use his arms and legs to get the job done. He currently has accounted for 892 yards passing and nine touchdowns while carrying the ball for 383 yards and four scores. These are four-game totals, however, as the senior had to sit out the first four games due to the transfer rule. You can bet Fairely will be on a mission to get the job done!

Voorhees – Toby Dorr: Dorr was selected as a team Captain by first year Vikings head coach Matt Evancho. As a three-year starter at wide receiver and defensive back for Voorhees, the senior has 450 career catches for 746 yards and six touchdowns. As an occasional runner on the jet sweep Toby has 48 rushing yards and one score. Defensively over his career he has 51 solos, 21 assists, one forced fumble and one interception for a touchdown. With one regular season game remaining with Spotswood, you can be sure he will bring his “A” game as they take on the Chargers!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR THE 2026 BORDEN’S BALLER OF THE YEAR!!!

Big Central Football Conference Patriot Silver

Arthur L. Johnson – Vincent Cilento: Vincent has been a 3-year starter on defense for Johnson while taking over as the quarterback in the team’s triple option offense. His 202-yard rushing performance in a huge game at Perth Amboy for a piece of the Patriot Silver Division was electric as he executed the option to near perfection while limiting the offensive opportunities for the Panthers who would have won the title outright were they victorious. The senior field general has the Crusaders currently at 6-2 and will travel to Haddonfield in the first round of the playoffs. BTW his defensive career stats are impressive too: 161 tackles, 16 for a loss, two sacks, one fumble recovery, three interceptions and a blocked kick!

Metuchen – Gio Tan: Tan has been a three-year starter for the Bulldogs as a receiver, runner and defensive back. Unfortunately, his season was cut short after four games due to an ACL tear suffered during his game versus Perth Amboy. He recently had surgery and has vowed to prove people wrong who say he can’t play college football! His career statistics include 22 catches for 402 yards and seven touchdowns as a receiver. He has 267 yards rushing for two scores while he has tossed one pass for 53 yards and a touchdown. Defensively he has tallied 42 tackles with 6 interceptions and one score. Gio is on a mission with a definite goal in sight…he believes!

New Providence – Kevin Reilly: Reilly has been a 2-year starter for the Pioneers at quarterback having been a key contributor to 17 wins as the team’s quarterback. His career totals though the air are 2,589 yards with 39 touchdown and a 65% completion rate. On the ground he has 752 yards for five scores. With Becton visiting Pioneer Country for the first round of the playoffs the last weekend in October, Kevin will do whatever it takes to give his team the best opportunity to win and advance!

Perth Amboy – Amauris Peguero: Amauris has revived the school’s football program under the school’s new head coach Evan Baubles. The Panthers finished the season at 7-2 and will travel to Irvington for the first round of the playoffs the last weekend in October. The senior is a gifted passer and running threat as well. His 2026 passing statistics include 1285 yards and 15 touchdowns while on the ground he rushed for 1036 yards and 19 scores. He is electrifying and can take over the game in an instant with his accurate throwing or his sprinter-like speed. One thing is for sure, Peguero will leave nothing in the tank to get his first playoff victory!

Roselle – Raekwon Anderson: Raekwon has three years of experience in the Rams football program playing running back, wide receiver, defensive back and kick returner. His career totals as a receiver 39 catches for 377 yards and three touchdowns. As a returner he had nearly 150 yards on punts and kickoffs. Defensively he recorded 36 tackles, one interception, four forced fumbles and one tackle for a loss. Anderson scored on a five-yard touchdown catch in the final Roselle vs Roselle Park Thanksgiving game in 2025.

Spotswood – Ryan Foster: This Charger has been a threat on offense and defense for Spotswood in his first three years with the program. As a wide receiver Ryan currently has 81 catches for 1,197 yards and 13 scores. As an occasional runner, he has 21 carries for 134 yards and two touchdowns. As a kick returner he has only seen nine touches for 344 yards with an 85-yard score. As a defensive back he has 67 tackles, two tackles for a loss and five interceptions. He has scored on a fumble recovery and has a pick-six. Foster has even thrown a 17-yard TD pass!

Big Central Football Conference United Gold

Carteret – Nicholas Gomm: A three-year starter for the Ramblers on defense as a linebacker, Nick has been a tackling machine! He has registered a staggering 193 solo tackles, 104 assists, 39 tackles for a loss, two sacks and one interception. In 28 games that averages a remarkable ten-plus tackles per game over his career, which is not over as he has will travel to Roxbury for the first round of the playoffs the last weekend in October. One thing is for sure, you better have #22 on your radar!

Cranford – Aidan Capizzi: Aidan has been a dynamic leader and gritty performer for the 7-1 Cougars who host Matawan in the first round of the playoffs the last weekend in October. The senior captain has 2,546 career passing yards for 20 scores while completing 60 percent of his passes. He knows how to adapt his game according to each week’s opponent. He is willing to do whatever is asked of him for the betterment of the team. Capizzi will be an integral piece to the puzzle for Cranford should they want to advance to the second round of the NJSIAA playoffs!

Scotch Plains-Fanwood – Andrew Lourenco: Lourenco has been a team captain and an emotional leader for the young Raiders who are steadily improving under their head coach Shawn Johnson. This year he has led the defense with 81 tackles, four tackles for a loss, one sack, one forced fumble and an interception. Andrew surely will add to these totals with one remaining game on the schedule. He literally played lights out in a game I witnessed against South Plainfield with 13 tackles, two for a loss while also kicking two PATS! His career kicking totals include six punts for 183 yards, 24-of-28 on PATs and two field goals of 28 and 25 yards.

Summit – Matt McKeever: Matt has been one of the most impressive players I have seen play over the past two seasons! His ability to run the Hilltoppers up tempo offense as a runner and passer has translated to wins and playoff appearances. When your quarterback plays middle linebacker, you know how tough this guy is. He presently has 224 career tackles, eleven tackles for a loss, six sacks and two interceptions with one for a touchdown. He has rushed for 1,624 yards and 19 scores while passing for 1,323 yards and five touchdowns. McKeever, a Lehigh University commit, is not done leaving his mark in 2026 as Summit travels to Morris Knolls for the first round of the playoffs the last weekend in October!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR THE 2026 BORDEN’S BALLER OF THE YEAR!!!

Big Central Football Conference United Silver

Bernards – Nolan Walsh: Nolan has accounted for a staggering 6,527 yards of offense since his sophomore season. He knows what it means to play for a program with a proud tradition of vying for championships! The Group 2 Mountaineers beat Hanover Park in the first round of the playoffs and are in the sectional semifinals for the third time in four years. Walsh is no stranger to big games having been responsible for 46 scoring tosses while taking it to pay dirt himself 15 times. He might just be on the field defensively too, as it’s all hands-on deck when closing out a game!

J.F. Kennedy – Braylon Diaz: “Diaz has been one of the bright spots under first year coach Anthony Nyers who has a young team learning a new system on offense and defense. The senior captain WR/LB has been a 2-year starter on defense with 59 solo tackles, 38 assists,4 sacks 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 interception and a blocked kick. As a receiver he has recorded 39 catches for 470 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also has carried the ball 28 times for 229 yards and 2 scores. With one remaining game at J.P. Stevens, you can expect Braylon to continue motivating his teammates right to the very end.”

Governor Livingston – Logan Stack: Logan has been a leader for the Governor Livingston football program that prides itself on being physical. The senior linebacker has led the team to a 4-5 record with one regular season game to be played at Mendham the last weekend in October. Stack, the leading tackler with 178 total tackles and 9 1/2 behind the line of scrimmage, will give the Highlanders defense his absolute best to pull off a win in their season finale!”

South Plainfield – Aiden Noblecilla: The 6’3″ 205-pound linebacker has been an impressive defensive player for the Tigers the past two seasons. His quickness and range make him elusive for the opposition’s offense. His two-year season numbers are incredible with 219 total tackles and an additional 85 tackles for a loss, 30 sacks, eight forced fumbles and one recovery. He is a excellent blocker at tight end in the Wing-T offense with 13 catches for 235 yards and four touchdowns. With one regular season to be played at Raritan you can be sure Noblecilla will have an impact in his final game for the Tigers!

Honorable Mention

• Arthur L Johnson – T.J. Kershaw
• Belvidere – Anthony Viola
• Bernards – James Gallagher
• Bound Brook – Tyler Cunningham
• Bridgewater-Raritan – Evan Woodring
• Carteret – Al-Naiquan Boseman
• Colonia – Aaron Gonzalez
• Cranford – Gabe Worrell
• David Brearley – Rocco Federico
• Delaware Valley – Marcus Gary
• Dunellen – Alex Martin
• East Brunswick – Sean Christie
• Edison – Logan Ulozas
• Elizabeth – Qua’yon Williams
• Franklin – Jaden Lee
• Governor Livingston – Theo Tombros
• Highland Park – Jacob Quiros
• Hillsborough – Joandel Nebot
• Hillside – Travis Miles
• Hunterdon Central – Odin Potynsky
• J.F. Kennedy – Jason Asmah
• Jonathan Dayton – Isaiah Rivas
• J.P. Stevens – Jesse Palmer
• Linden – Zion Francis
• Manville – Jonathan Gosk
• Metuchen – Nasir Chaplin
• Middlesex – JoJo Pham
• Monroe – Tommaso DeMetrio
• Montgomery – Xavier Harrigan
• New Brunswick– Jadriyel Morfa
• New Providence – Quentin Moore
• North Brunswick – Nolan Joseph
• North Hunterdon – Stephen Prohidney
• North Plainfield – Anthony Costello
• Old Bridge – Griffin Nugent
• Perth Amboy – Ariel Rosario Sime
• Phillipsburg – Vincent Berger
• Piscataway – Zaire Young
• Plainfield – Jordan Nelson
• Rahway – Jaylen Eastman
• Ridge – Tristan Frank
• Roselle – Willie Currie
• Roselle Park – Maxwell Griffin
• Sayreville – Chiemerie Attah
• Scotch Plains-Fanwood – Yasir Oates
• Somerville – Shyheim Hobbs-Harris
• South Brunswick – Brenden Shearstone
• South Hunterdon – Tucker Hicks
• South Plainfield – Kaydin Daniel
• South River – Junior Funez
• Spotswood – Jon Regan
• St. Thomas Aquinas – Dante Jennings
• St. Joseph – Liam Barr
• Summit – Gavin Schnall
• Union – Khalil Haynes
• Voorhees – Jaxon Garner
• Watchung Hills – Lucas Ricci
• Westfield – Owen Furrer
• Woodbridge – Dylan Stephen

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