As the week begins, New Jersey’s sports scene is buzzing with high school football showdowns, Major League Baseball triumphs, and mixed results for the state’s NFL teams. From Bergen County to the big leagues, local athletes and teams are keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
High School Football: Week 4 Matchups Set
Week 4 of New Jersey high school football promises to deliver excitement, particularly with a marquee matchup between Bergen Catholic (Oradell) and Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey), ranked #1 and #2 in the state, respectively. This clash is already being called the highlight of the week, as both teams have maintained dominant starts to the season.
Other top-ranked squads to watch include Winslow Township, Red Bank Catholic, Washington Township, St. Augustine Prep, and Northern Highlands, many of whom remain undefeated. Week 3 offered several thrilling contests, including St. Joseph Regional vs. Paramus Catholic, Winslow Township vs. St. Augustine Prep, and Red Bank Catholic vs. Middletown North, with standout performances influencing state rankings and playoff seeding early in the season.
Major League Baseball: Yankees Continue Push
The New York Yankees enjoyed a dominant weekend against the Baltimore Orioles, securing back-to-back victories that keep them within striking distance of the AL East lead.
On Saturday, September 20, the Yankees won 6-1, powered by Aaron Judge hitting his 49th home run of the season and Giancarlo Stanton launching a three-run homer, marking the 450th of his career. Carlos Rodón delivered a career-high performance on the mound, keeping Baltimore’s offense in check.
Sunday’s matchup extended into extra innings, with the Yankees prevailing 7-1. Ben Rice crushed a tie-breaking grand slam in the top of the 10th inning, complemented by a solo home run from Jazz Chisholm Jr. and an RBI single from Anthony Volpe. These victories left the Yankees two games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East with just seven games remaining, intensifying the playoff race.
NFL Recap: Jets, Giants, and Eagles
The New York Jets suffered a heartbreaker on Sunday, losing 29-27 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a last-second field goal. Despite rallying with three touchdowns in the final 10 minutes, the Jets fell short, dropping to 0-3 on the season. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor finished 26-of-36 passing for 197 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, while wide receiver Garrett Wilson hauled in 10 receptions for 84 yards. Injuries compounded the loss, as cornerback Sauce Gardner and linebacker Quincy Williams exited the game.
The New York Giants also struggled, falling 22-9 to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football. Russell Wilson went 18-of-32 passing for 160 yards with two interceptions, while Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to their first win of the season, finishing 22-of-37 for 224 yards and a touchdown. The Giants now join the Jets in starting 0-3 for the season, raising early concerns about offensive consistency.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles pulled off a dramatic comeback against the Los Angeles Rams, winning 33-26. Trailing 26-7 early in the third quarter, the Eagles scored 26 unanswered points. Defensive lineman Jordan Davis blocked a potential game-winning 44-yard field goal as time expired and returned it for a touchdown, sealing the victory. The Eagles remain undefeated at 3-0, continuing their strong start to the season.
Local Tragedy: NBA Star’s Sister Killed
In Jackson Township, tragedy struck when Toriah Reed, 28-year-old sister of Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid, was fatally shot outside the Paragon Apartments on Saturday, September 6. Authorities arrested her boyfriend, Shaquille Green, 29, who has been charged with murder and weapons offenses. Court documents indicate Green allegedly suspected Reed of infidelity.
The case has drawn attention as part of a concerning rise in domestic violence incidents. Green remains in the Ocean County Jail pending trial, highlighting the serious consequences of domestic abuse and the ongoing need for community awareness and intervention.
A Week of Intense Action Across New Jersey
From high school gridiron battles to critical MLB wins, NFL drama, and sobering local incidents, New Jersey continues to see a spectrum of events shaping the lives of its athletes and communities. Fans are encouraged to stay updated on schedules, results, and coverage as teams push toward the playoff stretch, championship opportunities, and, in some cases, recovery from tragedy. For comprehensive sports news across the state, including game previews, player highlights, and team standings, visit Explore New Jersey Sports.
