The Morris Knolls varsity football team (Rockaway, NJ) will host a playoff game against Ramapo (Franklin Lakes, NJ) today at 12 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 New Jersey High School Football Playoff Brackets for NJSIAA Group 4.

Morris Knolls vs Ramapo Game Info:

What: New Jersey High School Football Playoffs
Who: Morris Knolls vs Ramapo
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 New Jersey High School Football Playoff Brackets: NJSIAA – Group 4
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Game preview: Morris Knolls vs Ramapo

As the 2024 football season winds down, two of New Jersey’s most formidable high school teams, Ramapo and Morris Knolls, have captured the attention of fans across the state. Each team has built impressive records, with one standing undefeated, while the other has seen significant success. Here’s an in-depth look at both teams’ performances, key statistics, and what to expect in their upcoming showdown.

Season Overview

• Ramapo (7-3, 3-1 League)
  • Overall: 7 wins, 3 losses
  • League: 3-1
  • Home: 3-2
  • Away: 4-1
  • Points For (PF): 301
  • Points Against (PA): 237
  • Win %: .700
  • League Win %: .750
• Morris Knolls (10-0, 5-0 League)
  • Overall: 10 wins, 0 losses
  • League: 5-0
  • Home: 6-0
  • Away: 4-0
  • Points For (PF): 355
  • Points Against (PA): 140
  • Win %: 1.000
  • League Win %: 1.000

Morris Knolls enters this contest with a perfect 10-0 record, having dominated their opponents throughout the season. They have proven themselves to be a high-scoring machine, averaging a remarkable 35.5 points per game. Ramapo, though trailing in the overall win column, has been impressive, particularly in their ability to score, averaging 30.1 points per game.

Team Scoring Breakdown

• Ramapo Scoring Averages:
  • Q1: 8.1 points
  • Q2: 8.8 points
  • Q3: 5.8 points
  • Q4: 6.4 points
  • OT1: 18.0 points
  • Final: 30.1 points per game
• Morris Knolls Scoring Averages:
  • Q1: 9.2 points
  • Q2: 10.0 points
  • Q3: 8.9 points
  • Q4: 5.8 points
  • OT1: 7.0 points
  • Final: 35.5 points per game

While Ramapo has shown consistency across all four quarters, Morris Knolls tends to get stronger in the first half, often building a solid lead by halftime, which they maintain into the final whistle. However, both teams have demonstrated their ability to score in key moments, including overtime, with Ramapo’s 18.0 OT points per game standing out.

Statistical Comparison

• Rushing Yards Per Game:
  • Ramapo: 183.5 yards
  • Morris Knolls: 331.0 yards
• Passing Yards Per Game:
  • Ramapo: 209.0 yards
  • Morris Knolls: 31.9 yards
• Receiving Yards Per Game:
  • Ramapo: 208.1 yards
  • Morris Knolls: 31.9 yards
• Total Yards Per Game:
  • Ramapo: 392.5 yards
  • Morris Knolls: 362.9 yards
• Tackles Per Game:
  • Ramapo: 68.8 tackles
  • Morris Knolls: 57.5 tackles
• Sacks Per Game:
  • Ramapo: 1.5 sacks
  • Morris Knolls: 1.0 sack
• Points Per Game:
  • Ramapo: 29.9 points
  • Morris Knolls: 10.4 points

Team Leaders

• Ramapo:
  • Rushing: #8 Casey Grusser – 60.8 yards per game
  • Passing: #8 Casey Grusser – 207.9 yards per game
  • Receiving: #4 Salvatore Livoti – 68.3 yards per game
  • Total Yards: #8 Casey Grusser – 268.9 yards per game
  • Tackles: #39 Zak Darwish – 12.0 tackles per game
  • Sacks: #61 Alexander Kavallieratos – 0.3 sacks per game
  • Points: #11 Charlie Wingfield – 8.8 points per game
• Morris Knolls:
  • Rushing: #20 Robert “Bobby” Brickner – 120.0 yards per game
  • Passing: #2 Christopher Kaiser – 31.9 yards per game
  • Receiving: #3 Ayden Espeut – 25.0 yards per game
  • Total Yards: #20 Robert “Bobby” Brickner – 120.0 yards per game
  • Tackles: #20 Robert “Bobby” Brickner – 7.5 tackles per game
  • Sacks: #86 James Caproni – 1.0 sack per game
  • Points: #2 Christopher Kaiser – 2.8 points per game

Morris Knolls boasts a powerful ground game, led by Robert Brickner, who averages an impressive 120 yards per game. Ramapo counters with Casey Grusser, who has showcased versatility, leading the team in rushing, passing, and total yards. In the air, Ramapo’s Salvatore Livoti leads the receiving corps, while Morris Knolls has relied more on their rushing attack with Ayden Espeut contributing in the passing game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against Randolph, each securing dominant victories:

• Ramapo vs. Randolph (11/1/24): Ramapo won 47-27 at home.
• Morris Knolls vs. Randolph (9/20/24): Morris Knolls won 36-18 at home.

While both teams defeated Randolph, Morris Knolls’ win margin was more significant, showcasing their ability to dominate both on the ground and through the air.

Head-to-Head Record

• Ramapo: 7-3 overall, 3-1 in league
• Morris Knolls: 10-0 overall, 5-0 in league

Conclusion

The upcoming game between Ramapo and Morris Knolls promises to be a thrilling contest. While Morris Knolls remains undefeated, Ramapo’s potent offense and balanced attack could make them a formidable opponent. The key will be whether Ramapo can keep pace with Morris Knolls’ explosive running game and solid defense. Both teams have displayed resilience and skill, making this an exciting match that fans will not want to miss.