The high school football season has kicked off with thrilling matchups, and now it's time to recognize the standout players from Week 0. Fans are invited to participate in the voting process for the Morris/Sussex Football Player of the Week, with the poll available at the end of this article. Voting will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, so make sure your voice is heard!
Several players have made significant impacts on their teams during the opening week of play. Jacob Alderson from Lenape Valley showcased his skills as a junior running back, rushing for an impressive 203 yards on 30 carries, scoring three touchdowns in a narrow 27-21 victory over Morris Catholic on August 28. Alderson's contributions included two crucial 4-yard touchdown runs in the second and third quarters, helping the Patriots establish a 21-12 lead. His 12-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter ultimately secured the win for Lenape Valley.
Meanwhile, Christopher Connolly of Jefferson had a standout performance despite his team's 48-26 loss to Mountain Lakes on the same day. The senior wide receiver made eight receptions for a staggering 220 yards and three touchdowns. Connolly opened the scoring with a 29-yard touchdown catch, followed by an explosive 85-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, and capped his performance with a 9-yard touchdown in the third quarter, bringing the Falcons within one point at 21-20.
In another impressive display, Evan Cotter from Newton rushed for a career-high 137 yards on just nine carries, scoring two touchdowns in a commanding 27-0 win over Asbury Park on August 27. Cotter's notable runs included a 45-yard and a 55-yard touchdown, both occurring in the second quarter before the game was halted due to inclement weather.
Frankie Falco of Roxbury also made headlines with his dual-threat capabilities in a 52-6 rout of Garfield on August 27. The junior quarterback completed four of five passes for 75 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 144 yards on 13 carries, scoring three rushing touchdowns with runs of 34, 18, and 9 yards.
Deacon Frayne of West Morris had a remarkable outing against Mendham on August 28, where he rushed for 218 yards on 28 carries and found the end zone three times in a 41-20 victory. Frayne's early touchdowns set the tone for the Wolfpack, and his 28-yard run in the third quarter extended their lead to 26-13.
Chatham's Ryan Hogan also shone in his team's 42-12 win over Randolph on August 27, completing 13 of 18 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns while adding 52 rushing yards and two more touchdowns on the ground. Hogan's passing touchdowns were caught by Nick Lagunowich and Yuki Stevenson, both occurring in the first half.
Defensively, Domenic Parise from High Point made a significant impact in a 14-6 victory over West Milford on August 29. The junior running back and linebacker recorded 10 tackles, including four sacks, and forced a fumble. He also contributed offensively with a 1-yard touchdown run and successfully converted both extra point attempts.
Lastly, Lucas Zuravnsky of Morris Knolls had a strong performance in a 49-7 win over Hamilton West on August 29. The senior running back and linebacker rushed for 62 yards and two touchdowns, with scores from 5 and 3 yards out, and added a 34-yard interception return for a touchdown.
With such impressive performances, the competition for the Morris/Sussex Player of the Week is fierce. Fans are encouraged to cast their votes and support their favorite players!
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