The Toms River North (Toms River, NJ) varsity football team will compete against Union City (NJ) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 29, at 2:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: New Jersey High School Football
Who: Union City vs Toms River North
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m ET
Bracket: 2024 New Jersey High School Football Playoff Brackets: NJSIAA – Group 5
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Union City vs. Toms River North
The New Jersey high school football playoffs bring an electrifying matchup as Union City and Toms River North face off in a battle of two dominant programs. Both teams boast impressive records and high-powered offenses, making this game a marquee showdown in the state’s football scene.
Season Recap
Union City Soaring Eagles
- Record: 11-1
- Division Rank: 18 (NJ, Division 1)
- Points Scored: 519
- Points Allowed: 107
- Key Player: Running back Mark Boyd, a consistent force, leads the Soaring Eagles with 121.3 rushing yards per game and 12.0 points per game.
- Strengths:
- Dominant rushing attack, averaging 307.5 yards per game.
- Explosive starts, averaging 13.8 points in the first quarter, setting the tone early.
- Weaknesses:
- Limited reliance on the passing game, with only 32.3 passing yards per game.
Toms River North Mariners
- Record: 13-0
- Division Rank: 10 (NJ, Division 1)
- Points Scored: 486
- Points Allowed: 96
- Strengths:
- Balanced and consistent scoring, averaging 37.4 points per game.
- Stellar defense, holding opponents to a mere 7.4 points per game.
- Perfect season, including a dominant 7-0 record against common opponents.
Key Stats and Comparisons
| Category | Union City | Toms River North |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 43.3 | 37.4 |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 307.5 | – |
| Passing Yards/Game | 32.3 | – |
| Points Allowed/Game | 8.9 | 7.4 |
Union City thrives on the ground with a bruising rushing attack led by Mark Boyd. In contrast, Toms River North combines a potent offense with a defense capable of stifling even the best scoring units.
Players to Watch
Union City:
- Mark Boyd (RB): The heart of the offense, Boyd must deliver another standout performance to keep Union City’s hopes alive.
- Jeremiah Hayes (LB): Leading the defense with 6.5 tackles per game, Hayes will play a critical role in slowing down Toms River North’s offense.
Toms River North:
- The Mariners have relied on their well-rounded team play all season, with no clear statistical leaders listed but consistent execution on both sides of the ball.
What to Expect
This matchup will likely hinge on Union City’s ability to establish their run game against Toms River North’s staunch defense. If the Soaring Eagles can control the tempo and win the time-of-possession battle, they have a chance to upset the undefeated Mariners. On the other hand, Toms River North’s depth and versatility could overwhelm Union City, especially if the Mariners force their opponent into a pass-heavy game plan.
Prediction
Both teams enter this game with high stakes and momentum, but Toms River North’s perfect season and dominance against common opponents give them the edge. Expect Union City to put up a fight early, but Toms River North’s balanced attack and defensive discipline should carry them to victory.
