North Jersey high school football fans were treated to an action-packed Friday, October 17, as several top-ranked teams faced off in pivotal matchups that could reshape the Non-Public B playoff landscape. Two of the most notable games featured DePaul Catholic and Paramus Catholic, each achieving significant victories against highly ranked opponents.
DePaul Catholic emerged victorious in a thrilling 31-21 win over St. Peter’s Prep, a previously unbeaten team and a favorite in the rankings. The Cougars’ performance was highlighted by a series of explosive plays that shifted momentum throughout the game. Derek Zammit powered through the defensive line with a touchdown run, while AJ Larkin electrified the crowd with a kickoff return for a touchdown. Defensive standout Jaxon Bastante also made a critical contribution, returning a fumble for a score that further solidified DePaul’s lead. The win not only boosted DePaul’s standings but also sent a message to other playoff contenders that the team is a formidable opponent this season.
Meanwhile, Paramus Catholic pulled off an upset against ninth-ranked Red Bank Catholic, winning 30-16 in a display of balanced offensive and defensive execution. Quarterback Rowan Martin connected on key touchdown passes, while AJ Lopez secured a game-changing pick-six that energized the team and swung momentum in Paramus Catholic’s favor. The victory marks a significant milestone in the Patriots’ campaign, demonstrating their ability to challenge higher-ranked teams and potentially alter the playoff picture in the coming weeks.
Friday’s North Jersey action was not limited to these headline matchups. Butler dominated Becton 42-7, West Milford shut out Sparta 31-0, and Old Tappan defeated Wayne Hills 47-28. Other notable results included Westwood over Ramsey 34-7, Fort Lee blanking Demarest 18-0, and Rutherford narrowly edging Wood-Ridge 14-13. High-scoring contests also highlighted the night, with High Point defeating Sussex County Tech 63-26 and Passaic Valley taking down Nutley 55-26.
Central Jersey saw equally compelling performances. Immaculata routed Lincoln 63-18, Johnson shut out North Plainfield 36-0, and Linden secured a 27-10 victory over Carteret. Old Bridge triumphed over Hunterdon Central 45-29, while East Brunswick eked out a narrow 13-10 win against North Hunterdon. Franklin defeated Monroe Township 40-22, Piscataway bested Hillsborough 21-7, and Bridgewater-Raritan won 28-7 against Westfield.
South Jersey action featured dominant performances as well. Holy Spirit overwhelmed Ocean City 48-0, Phillipsburg blanked Union 42-0, and Lower Cape May edged Cumberland 13-7. Voorhees held on for a tight 6-0 victory over Hillside, showcasing the defensive intensity present across the region.
The results from Friday’s games are expected to have a major influence on playoff seeding and rankings, particularly in the competitive Non-Public B divisions. Teams like DePaul Catholic and Paramus Catholic have positioned themselves as serious contenders, while other high-performing schools in North, Central, and South Jersey continue to build momentum for the critical final weeks of the regular season.
Fans and followers of high school football in New Jersey can stay up-to-date on scores, game highlights, and playoff developments by visiting Explore New Jersey High School Sports, the premier source for comprehensive coverage of the Garden State’s high school athletics.
