The Glassboro (NJ) varsity football team will compete against Cedar Grove (NJ) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 29, at 5:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: New Jersey High School Football
Who: Cedar Grove vs Glassboro
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m ET
Bracket: 2024 New Jersey High School Football Playoff Brackets: NJSIAA – Group 1
Live Stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Cedar Grove vs. Glassboro

The New Jersey high school football playoffs bring us an electrifying matchup between two unbeaten powerhouses: Cedar Grove Panthers (13-0) and Glassboro Bulldogs (12-0). With both teams boasting perfect records, this game promises to be a hard-fought battle where dominance meets resilience.

Season Recap

Cedar Grove Panthers

• Record: 13-0
• Division Rank: 31 (NJ, Division 1)
• Points Scored: 557
• Points Allowed: 171
• Key Player: Quarterback Stephen Paradiso, who averages an incredible 269.3 passing yards per game, leading one of the most potent air attacks in the state.
• Strengths:
  • Explosive offense averaging 42.8 points per game, with a balanced attack generating 366.9 total yards per game.
  • Reliable passing game, producing 273.5 passing yards per game.
  • Impressive home-field advantage with an 8-0 home record.

Glassboro Bulldogs

• Record: 12-0
• Division Rank: 34 (NJ, Division 1)
• Points Scored: 452
• Points Allowed: 63
• Key Player: Running back Kenny Smith, who dominates on the ground with 156.3 rushing yards per game and contributes 166.9 total yards per game.
• Strengths:
  • Stifling defense allowing just 5.3 points per game, the best in their division.
  • Strong rushing attack, averaging 159.4 rushing yards per game, complemented by a solid aerial game.
  • Physical play, exemplified by 4.3 sacks per game, led by defensive standout Brandon Simmons Jr.

Key Stats and Comparisons

Cedar Grove’s high-powered passing offense contrasts sharply with Glassboro’s rugged rushing game and ferocious defense. The Panthers’ ability to score in bunches will be tested against a Bulldogs defense that thrives on limiting opponents.

Players to Watch

Cedar Grove Panthers

• Stephen Paradiso (QB): The offensive engine, Paradiso’s ability to stretch the field with his arm has been critical to the Panthers’ success.
• Jackson Morrice (WR): The top receiver in the matchup, averaging 134.5 receiving yards per game, with a knack for making big plays.
• Connor Kerney (LB): Anchors the defense with an impressive 11.1 tackles per game.

Glassboro Bulldogs

• Kenny Smith (RB): A workhorse running back who thrives on punishing defenses with his power and speed, averaging 156.3 rushing yards per game.
• Brandon Simmons Jr. (DL): A relentless pass rusher, averaging 1.4 sacks per game, and a disruptive force in the trenches.
• Amari Sabb (WR): A reliable target in the passing game, averaging 87.4 receiving yards per game.

What to Expect

This game pits Cedar Grove’s dynamic offense against Glassboro’s stout defense. The Panthers will aim to set the tone early with their aerial attack, relying on Paradiso and Morrice to establish a rhythm. However, they’ll need to protect Paradiso against a Bulldogs defense that excels in pressuring quarterbacks.

For Glassboro, the key lies in controlling the clock with their rushing game, led by Smith, and capitalizing on their defense’s ability to create turnovers. If they can limit Cedar Grove’s big-play potential, they’ll have a strong chance to prevail.

Common Opponent Insights

Both teams faced Schalick this season, with dominant performances:

• Cedar Grove: Defeated Schalick 41-3 in the season opener.
• Glassboro: Earned two victories against Schalick, winning 20-10 in the regular season and 40-9 in the playoffs.

These results highlight each team’s ability to dominate against shared opponents, setting the stage for an evenly matched contest.

Prediction

Both teams are undefeated for good reason, but this game will likely come down to which unit performs better: Cedar Grove’s offense or Glassboro’s defense. Glassboro’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and dictate the tempo gives them a slight edge.