Division Rivals Face Off, Jockey For Position

Week 3, because of divisional match-ups, was a vital week for teams throughout the Mid-State 39 Conference. Some teams, like Bridgewater and Watchung Hills, were simply looking for their first win of the season, but both were unable to secure a victory this weekend and both teams have now dropped to 0-3.

Hillsborough proved that its Week 1 win against Bridgewater wasn’t a fluke—on Friday the Raiders to improve to 2-1, but perhaps more importantly, the Raiders were able to hold their opponent to only 14 points. In the first two weeks of the season, the Raiders had given up more than 40 points in both games.

The Raiders have also seen key performances from quarterback John Vonnessen and running back John Banaciski since week one. Friday against Montgomery was no different.

Ridge, a team that started the season 0-2, on Friday against North Hunterdon. Michael Hilss and JD Moore were responsible for nearly 200 yards of offense, both averaging more than six yards per carry in the game.

Next week, Ridge will face Phillipsburg, a team that has started the season by going 2-1, losing for the first time this week to a tough Franklin team, and one that is likely to be among the toughest on Ridge’s schedule this year.

Not every team was as fortunate this week as Ridge, Hillsborough and Franklin though. The Watchung Hills Warriors has given up three touchdowns in every game this year, but has never been able to score that much in any single game. On Friday against Westfield, for the first time this year.

Watchung Hills will also face what will likely be their toughest opponent of the season next week: Immaculata, a team that has started the season 3-0 and is ranked No. 11 in the state by The Star-Ledger.

Bridgewater, a team that scored 42 points in week one against Hillsborough, was shutout as well in week three, . Hunterdon Central, ranked No. 17 in the Star-Ledger’s top 20, was able to score in every quarter against the Panthers.

Week Three’s Biggest Upset

Although Franklin played well but lost against one of the best teams in the state when they faced Elizabeth in Week 1, and , it was no guarantee that they would play well against Phillipsburg this week, but Franklin ended up winning the game against their higher ranked opponent, 21-13.

In preseason rankings, NJ.com predicted Phillipsburg take second and Franklin take third of the Delaware Division. They also predicted that Franklin’s Kye Morgan would be a player to look out for this year. Morgan’s performance on Friday was vital for Franklin, as he had two long runs for touchdowns in the game.

Standout Performance

AJ Iarussi scored three touchdowns for Summit on Saturday, leading his team to their and helping to keep the Hilltoppers undefeated. He rushed for a total of 111 yards and averaged more than five yards per carry in the game.

Mid-State 39 Standings

Standings are a combination of Patch records, as well as from NJ.com. Coaches are required by the NJSIAA to submit results to NJ.com in order to be eligible for the post season, due to a contract between the two.

Delaware Division

Watchung Division

Mountain Division

Union Division

Raritan Division

Hills Division