The Phillipsburg varsity football team from Phillipsburg, NJ, will host Ramapo from Franklin Lakes, 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: Ramapo vs Phillipsburg
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 New Jersey High School Football Playoff Brackets: NJSIAA – Group 4
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Ramapo vs. Phillipsburg
The Ramapo and Phillipsburg football teams are set to square off in a thrilling playoff matchup on Friday, November 22, at 6 PM. Phillipsburg enters the game with a stellar 11-1 record, having dominated in both league and non-league play. Meanwhile, Ramapo, with an 8-3 record, has had a solid season, including impressive wins against tough opponents. Both teams have explosive offenses and strong defenses, making this a highly anticipated game.
Season Recap: Ramapo (NJ)
- Record: 8-3
- Points For/Against: 336 PF, 265 PA
- Scoring Average: 30.5 points per game
Ramapo has had a strong season with a 30.5 points-per-game average. They have been effective on both the ground and in the air. Their rushing attack, led by Liam Hayward, averages 188.3 yards per game, while Casey Grusser has been efficient in the passing game, throwing for over 200 yards per game. On defense, Zak Darwish has been a standout with 11.9 tackles per game, helping the team stay competitive against tough opponents.
Key Players:
- Liam Hayward (RB): Rushing leader with 63.7 yards per game.
- Casey Grusser (QB): Key to both the air and ground game with 202.8 passing yards per game.
- Salvatore Livoti (WR): Leading the receiving corps with 65.6 yards per game.
- Zak Darwish (LB): A defensive force with 11.9 tackles per game.
Season Recap: Phillipsburg (NJ)
- Record: 11-1
- Points For/Against: 426 PF, 154 PA
- Scoring Average: 35.5 points per game
Phillipsburg enters the game as one of the most dominant teams in the state, averaging 35.5 points per game while allowing just 154 points all season. Their offense is led by Jett Genovese, a standout quarterback who has 155.4 passing yards per game, and Matthew Scerbo Jr., who leads the receiving group with 94.3 yards per game. Phillipsburg’s defense, with Jayden Lucas and Khalil Lewis, has been solid all season, limiting opponents’ scoring.
Key Players:
- Jett Genovese (QB): Leading the offense with 155.4 passing yards per game.
- Matthew Scerbo Jr. (WR): A top target with 94.3 receiving yards per game.
- Felix Matos (RB): Key rusher with 12.6 points per game.
- Jayden Lucas (LB): Leading the defense with 8.5 tackles per game.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Ramapo (NJ) | Phillipsburg (NJ) |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 188.3 | 208.1 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 203.8 | 151.2 |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | 203.0 | 151.2 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 392.1 | 359.3 |
| Tackles Per Game | 68.7 | 46.9 |
| Sacks Per Game | 1.4 | 2.1 |
| Points Per Game | 30.4 | 34.4 |
Record Breakdown
| Category | Ramapo (NJ) | Phillipsburg (NJ) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 8-3 | 11-1 |
| League Record | 3-1 | 4-1 |
| Non-League Record | 4-0 | 7-0 |
| Head to Head | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Home Record | 3-2 | 6-0 |
| Away Record | 5-1 | 3-1 |
| Neutral Record | 2-0 | 2-0 |
| Playoff Record | 3-0 | 1-0 |
Common Opponents
| Opponent | Ramapo (NJ) | Phillipsburg (NJ) |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Highlands | W (25-23) | W (13-11) |
| Ridge | W (28-27) | L (28-21) |
Ramapo has the edge in the common opponent category, having won both their matchups against Northern Highlands and Ridge, while Phillipsburg split their matchups.
Key Players to Watch
- Ramapo (NJ):
- Liam Hayward (RB): A key to the rushing attack, can break off big runs.
- Casey Grusser (QB): A dual-threat quarterback who is effective both passing and running.
- Salvatore Livoti (WR): Will need to be a key target in the passing game.
- Zak Darwish (LB): A game-changer on defense.
- Phillipsburg (NJ):
- Jett Genovese (QB): A top-tier quarterback capable of leading Phillipsburg’s high-scoring offense.
- Matthew Scerbo Jr. (WR): A big-play receiver who can stretch the field.
- Felix Matos (RB): A powerful rusher who can pound the ball and score.
- Jayden Lucas (LB): A defensive leader who will be key in stopping Ramapo’s offense.
Prediction:
While Ramapo has been competitive this season, Phillipsburg’s offense, led by Jett Genovese and Matthew Scerbo Jr., has been incredibly efficient. The Phillipsburg defense has also been impressive, holding opponents to an average of 12.8 points per game.
