The Union City varsity football team from Union City, NJ, will host East Orange Campus from East Orange, NJ, in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: New Jersey High School Football
Who: East Orange Campus vs Union City
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 New Jersey High School Football Playoff Brackets: NJSIAA – Group 5
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: East Orange Campus vs. Union City
The East Orange Campus and Union City football teams are set to meet in a highly anticipated playoff showdown on Friday, November 22, at 7 PM. Union City comes in as the favorite with an impressive 10-1 record, having gone undefeated in league play. East Orange Campus has had a strong season as well, posting a 9-2 record, with an impressive 5-0 mark at home.
Season Recap: East Orange Campus (NJ)
- Record: 9-2
- Points For/Against: 273 PF, 96 PA
- Scoring Average: 24.8 points per game
East Orange Campus has shown its strength on defense, allowing just 96 points all season. Their offense, led by Sa’eed Cole, has been solid, with Sa’eed contributing both in the air and on the ground. His ability to lead the charge through both passing and rushing makes East Orange Campus a tough team to predict. With a strong home record (6-0), they’ll look to build momentum in this crucial playoff game.
Key Players:
- Sa’eed Cole (QB/RB): Dual threat with 69 rushing yards per game and 161.4 passing yards per game.
- Shakur Taylor (WR): A key receiving threat, averaging 56.2 yards per game.
- Quadir Parrish (LB): Leading the defense with 10.3 tackles per game.
Season Recap: Union City (NJ)
- Record: 10-1
- Points For/Against: 477 PF, 107 PA
- Scoring Average: 43.4 points per game
Union City enters the game as a powerhouse, averaging over 43 points per game while allowing only 107 points all season. Mark Boyd, their standout running back, has been a force on offense with 121.6 rushing yards per game. Alongside him, Xavien Rodriguez and Khalil Sutton make up a dynamic passing attack, and the defense, led by Jeremiah Hayes, has been dominant, limiting opponents to an average of just 9.7 points per game.
Key Players:
- Mark Boyd (RB): Leading the team with 121.6 rushing yards per game.
- Xavien Rodriguez (QB): Key to the passing game with 32.2 passing yards per game.
- Khalil Sutton (WR): Important in the passing game with 18.3 receiving yards per game.
- Jeremiah Hayes (LB): Defensive leader with 6.5 tackles per game.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | East Orange Campus (NJ) | Union City (NJ) |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 148.5 | 309.8 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 147.4 | 32.2 |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | 147.2 | 31.3 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 295.9 | 342.0 |
| Tackles Per Game | 67.9 | 47.0 |
| Sacks Per Game | 3.2 | 2.1 |
| Points Per Game | 17.8 | 43.4 |
Record Breakdown
| Category | East Orange Campus (NJ) | Union City (NJ) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 9-2 | 10-1 |
| League Record | 2-2 | 6-0 |
| Non-League Record | 1-1 | 0-0 |
| Head to Head | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Home Record | 3-2 | 5-0 |
| Away Record | 5-0 | 3-0 |
| Neutral Record | 1-0 | 1-1 |
| Playoff Record | 3-0 | 3-0 |
Common Opponents
| Opponent | East Orange Campus (NJ) | Union City (NJ) |
|---|---|---|
| East Side | W (20-0) | W (42-6) |
| Montclair | L (19-12) | W (35-0) |
| Orange | W (27-0) | W (63-0) |
Union City has dominated common opponents, winning all of their matchups, while East Orange Campus has split its games against common foes.
Key Players to Watch
- East Orange Campus (NJ):
- Sa’eed Cole (QB/RB): A versatile player who can impact the game both on the ground and through the air.
- Shakur Taylor (WR): A reliable target in the passing game.
- Quadir Parrish (LB): A defensive leader who will be key in limiting Union City’s high-powered offense.
- Union City (NJ):
- Mark Boyd (RB): A dominant rusher capable of taking over the game.
- Xavien Rodriguez (QB): A key to Union City’s passing attack, even if they primarily focus on the run.
- Jeremiah Hayes (LB): A leader on defense who will be key to stopping East Orange Campus’ offense.
Prediction:
Union City enters this game as the clear favorite, having dominated both offensively and defensively all season. Their rushing attack, led by Mark Boyd, and their stingy defense should be too much for East Orange Campus to handle. However, East Orange Campus has been solid at home and could pose a challenge if they can capitalize on Sa’eed Cole’s dual-threat ability.
