Ray Carlson came up huge in his first game at wide receiver and Toms River North's decision to go for two and the win in overtime paid off in a classic win over Rumson-Fair Haven.
No. 1 Red Bank Catholic rolled up six sacks on defense and 200-plus rushing yards on offense to handle Pope John and earn a spot in the Non-Public Group III final opposite No. 2 Mater Dei Prep.
Rumson-Fair Haven overcame the absence of its top offensive weapon and some miscues to beat Ocean, end a two-game skid and advance to the Central Group III semifinals.
After losing an anticipated game at Red Bank Catholic last week, Long Branch got back in the win column with an all-around dominant performance Friday in a 26-0 win over Wall.
After four straight seasons losing to St. John Vianney, Rumson-Fair Haven took out four years of frustration on the Lancers by blowing them out in the first half on Friday's season-opener.
Middlesex jumped out to a two-touchdown lead on Point Beach and unlike the Garnet Gulls' last two opponents, the Blue Jays held it to win the program's first state title since 1984.