UPDATE: In a decisive showdown, NJ.com No. 9-ranked Northern Highlands dominated Mount Olive with a score of 20-7 in the NJSIAA/Xfinity North 1, Group 4 semifinals, securing their spot in the sectional finals. The victory, achieved on November 7, 2023, showcased the Highlanders’ powerful ground game and robust defense.
The Highlanders’ dynamic duo, Chase Calarco and Tucker Kanning, led the charge, embodying the essence of smashmouth football. Calarco kicked off the scoring with a one-yard touchdown on the team’s opening drive, while Kanning added two touchdowns later in the game. This victory marks Northern Highlands’ sixth consecutive appearance in the sectional championship.
“We were physical up front and consistent in the run game,” Calarco stated after the game. “Those four and five-yard runs win games.” The Highlanders demonstrated their readiness for this high-stakes matchup, asserting control throughout the contest.
Despite the loss, Mount Olive’s senior quarterback Frank Gallo scored a late touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to shift the momentum. The Marauders finished their season with an impressive 8-2 record, but fell short of their championship aspirations. Coach Brian O’Connor expressed frustration over the NJSIAA’s northing number format, which he believes adversely impacted the competitive balance of the tournament.
“I’m proud of our seniors. They all fought hard and had a lot of success,” O’Connor remarked. “Unfortunately, we didn’t execute tonight.”
As the dust settles, Northern Highlands is set to face their long-time rivals, Ramapo, in the sectional final. The No. 8 Raiders stormed past Wayne Valley with a commanding 48-20 victory, setting up another highly anticipated clash. The previous encounter ended with Ramapo edging out Northern Highlands 28-21 just two weeks prior.
“They’re a great football team,” Highlanders’ coach Cord acknowledged. “We need to be more physical next Friday.” The upcoming matchup promises to be electric, with both teams having a history of close contests, with seven of their last meetings being decided by a single score.
With anticipation brewing for this sectional final, fans are eager to see if Northern Highlands can reverse their fortunes against Ramapo. “What’s a year without another Northern Highlands vs. Ramapo sectional final?” Calarco added, hinting at the excitement surrounding this storied rivalry.
Stay tuned for more updates as both teams prepare for this monumental clash on Friday. The stakes are high, and the community is buzzing with anticipation.