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As the calendar is set to flip from November to December, Rutgers commits are playing their final games as high school football players. Let’s take a look at the top performances of week 2 of the NJSIAA Playoffs.
Johnathan Lewis - QB, St. Peter’s Prep
Result: 28-7 Win over Bergen Catholic - Non-Public, Group 4, Round 2
Stats: 10-19 for 143 yards, 2 TDs (9, 30) 1 INT, 19 carries for 80 yards, 1 TD (2 yards)
Lewis followed up his opening round performance with another solid game for the Marauders in the Non-Public, Group 4 semi-final game. Lewis was in total control of this one, dominating the game in the air and on the ground with three total touchdowns.
Up Next: 12/2 vs #2 Paramus Catholic
Bo Melton - WR, Cedar Creek
Result: 27-26 Win over Willingboro - South Jersey, Group 2, Round 2
While official statistics have not been provided for Cedar Creek, video of Melton on MaxPreps reveals that he easily surpassed 100 yards receiving, including an 80 yard touchdown off of a screen pass that clearly displayed his athleticism and breakaway speed. I’ll be on the call for the South Jersey state championships this weekend at Rowan University, and I’m most excited to watch Bo Melton in person.
Up Next: 12/4 vs #17 West Deptford
Everett Wormley - WR, Burlington Township
Result: 27-21 Loss vs Delsea - South Jersey, Group 3, Round 2
Stats: 6 catches for 150 yards, 1 TD (63 yards)
For the second consecutive game, Everett Wormley put up huge numbers for the Falcons. Unfortunately, this monster game for the finally-healthy Wormley did not result in a win for Burlington Township, who was unable to hang onto the lead against Delsea. With his high school career in the books, the next step for Wormley is to continue this production throughout his tenure at Rutgers.
Mike Tverdov - WDE, Union
Result: 21-7 Loss to Westfield - North Jersey Section 2, Group 4, Round 2
Stats: 8 Total Tackles, 1.0 TFL
Bonus: 34-12 Win over Linden on Thanksgiving
Stats: 6 Total Tackles, 2 Sacks, 27-yard TD Catch
While Tverdov was an impact player in Union’s playoff loss to Westfield, he was a force to be reckoned with in the 73rd annual Thanksgiving Day game against Linden. Tverdov brought the quarterback down twice to give him 14 on the season and even hauled in his first touchdown catch of the year.
Naijee Jones - CB, Timber Creek
Result: 38-14 Win over Shawnee - South Jersey, Group 4, Round 2
Stats: 5 Tackles
In a convincing win to put his team in the South Jersey, Group 4 championship game, Naijee Jones helped set the tone on defense. Jones racked up 5 tackles on the day, giving him 48 total tackles on the season from the defensive backfield.
Up Next: 12/4 vs #12 Lenape
Tyler Hayek - WR, Wayne Hills
Round 1: 33-6 Win over Roxbury - North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4, Round 1
Stats: 4 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD (32 yards) 1 carry, 7 yards
Round 2: 31-14 Win over West Morris - North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4, Round 2
Stats: 1 catch, 11 yards, 59-yard TD run
Coming off a controversial decision allowing his team to play in the 2016 playoffs, Tyler Hayek and the Wayne Hills Patriots are going to the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4 championship game. Hayek impacted both games through the air and on the ground, catching a touchdown pass in the first round of the playoffs and taking a jet sweep 59 yards to the house in the state semi-finals.
Up Next: 12/4 vs Wayne Valley
Bryce Watts - WR, Toms River North
Result: 62-34 Win over Howell - North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1, Round 2
Stats: 3 catches, 70 yards, 2 TDs (33, 29) 4 Total Tackles, 2 Pass Break-ups
In a game that turned into an absolute shootout, Watts got his offense rolling early on. Beating his defenders with precise route running, Watts has the ability to take the top off a dense and has the hands and atheticism to match. Watts is key on defense for Toms River North too, breaking up two passes and notching four tackles.
Up Next: 12/3 vs Millville