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PATRICK’S POWER RANKINGS – WEEK 2

TOP 5 SMALL SCHOOLS (Group I & II)

1. Caldwell: The Caldwell Chiefs powerhouse was able to extend their impressive winning streak to 30 games. They did it in convincing fashion as they notched a second consecutive shutout to begin the season. Caldwell ran away from Pequannock in the second quarter. Chiefs senior running back Joey Marinello totaled 100 yards and scored on a 60-yard touchdown scamper. Pequannock had no answer for Caldwell’s running game or screen attack. Caldwell will look to keep their state leading win streak alive when they travel to Verona on Thursday, September 14th.
2. Mountain Lakes: The HERD’s rushing attack was on full display against Morris Catholic. Senior running back Jordan Hernando stole the show as he scored three touchdowns for Mountain Lakes. The HERD’s offense was doing so well moving the ball on the ground that they did not need to throw the ball much. Carson Fitch and Massimo Corevelli scored rushing touchdowns as well. Mountain Lakes will take their undefeated record into a home matchup against Madison on Thursday night.
3. Hanover Park: The Hanover Park Hornets pulled away from Madison after trailing 14-0. The Hornets had tied the score at 14 in the second quarter. Hanover Park dominated the rest of the game and ended up defeating their division rival by a score of 35-14. Kittatinny awaits a tough test from this Hornets squad.
4. Lenape Valley: Lenape Valley rolled to an easy 31-2 win over Kittatinny. Patriots Quarterback Keith Wagner had a big day in this one. Wagner threw for a 75-yard and a 38-yard touchdown. Tanner Gaboda added an 18-yard touchdown late in the 3rd quarter. Kittatinny was able to get on the board with a safety in the second quarter. The Patriots will take on Hackettstown on Friday night.
5. Wallkill Valley: Wallkill Valley prevailed in a thrilling double overtime game against High Point! Both teams traded touchdowns early and often. High Point’s Quarterback Jerron Martress sent the game to OT as he threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Mason Mericle. After each school exchanged touchdown runs of their own in OT, it was Joseph Kurbin’s turn to be the hero. Kurbin nailed a 23-yd field goal in 2OT to send the Rangers fans home happy. The Rangers will get ready for a battle against the Newton Braves on Friday.

Teams almost there: Kittatinny, Hackettstown, High Point, North Warren

TOP 5 LARGE SCHOOLS (GROUP III, IV, V & NON-PUBLIC)

1. Pope John: No.17 Pope John won in a wild one against the No.11 Paramus Catholic Paladins 47-40. The Lions raced out to a commanding 21-0 lead and then a 31-13 lead at the break. Paramus Catholic came roaring back in the second half to cut the deficit. Paladin’s Quarterback Crew Colon found another gear after halftime as he brought his team to within a 38-34 game. Colon threw for two touchdowns in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Pope John Senior kicker Jack Morgese had ice in his veins when he drilled a 50-yd field goal to give the Lions a 41-34 advantage. Tylik Hill’s third touchdown run of the day helped seal the upset victory for Dom Gaston’s squad. Pope John will travel to play Cardinal Hayes (NY) next Friday.
2. Delbarton: The No. 8 Green Wave lost a tough one to Malvern Prep (PA). Malvern Prep won 20-17. Delbarton captured an early 10-0 lead but could not sustain its momentum. Green Wave superstar Ryan Trafford got his team on the board first with a 6-yd touchdown run. Quarterback Skyler Smith gave Malvern Prep a 14-10 lead with his two passing touchdowns. Jake Bauer extended the lead to 20-10 late in the 3rd quarter. Delbarton Quarterback Christian Zebrowski tried to bring his team back with his 3-yd passing touchdown in the 4th quarter. It was not enough as Delbarton fell to 1-1 on the season. The Green Wave will look to bounce back against St. Peter’s Prep next Saturday afternoon.
3. Mount Olive: The Marauders made themselves known to the rest of the Super Football Conference. Mount Olive earned a signature win against a West Morris powerhouse. West Morris struck first in this one though. Mount Olive would keep the Wolfpack off the board for the rest of the game. Adam DeCristofaro and Jake Asbury each combined to score two touchdowns apiece. DeCristofaro accounted for two rushing touchdowns. Asbury threw for a 15-yard touchdown and ran one in for a 7-yard touchdown. The Marauders found a way to limit Quarterback Jacob Morris to just 18 passing yards. Next up for Mount Olive is a tough test against a good Morristown team.
4. Roxbury: Roxbury keeps its storybook season going in a dominating win against division rival Randolph. The Gaels got off to a fast start and did not look back. There was no slow start for Ryan Roumes’ squad. The goal for the Gaels was to play a complete game and they delivered. The 1-2 punch of Matt Rattay and Jamani Miller provided the spark for Roxbury. Rattay got in the endzone twice. Jamani Miller accumulated 201 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns! The 3-0 start by Roxbury marks their best since 2015. It was also Roxbury’s first win against the Randolph Rams since 2017! It does not get any easier for Roxbury as they will host West Morris on Thursday night.
5. Warren Hills: The Blue Streaks soared past Chatham 27-7 in a division tilt. Warren Hills put pressure on Chatham Quarterback Jackson Hodges and held him to just 12-32 passing. Blue Streaks Quarterback Josh Lee connected with Wide Receiver TJ Kachala twice for touchdowns. Jayden Aziz and TJ Kachala added rushing touchdowns. Warren Hills will go on the road to face Mendham on Thursday.

Teams almost there: Morristown, West Morris, Montville