A number of common threads intertwine Rumson-Fair Haven and Wall. Unforgiving defenses that hit with meaningful impact and pride themselves on the little they concede will be put to the test by a pair of relentless running backs slick at following their blocks and making the most of open space.

That kind of sets the table for an intriguing non-divisional clash on Friday night when the No. 2 RFH (1-0) hits the road to pay a visit to No. 9 Wall (1-0) in a meeting of early unbeatens that is the Jersey Mike’s Game of Week and will be livestreamed on the Shore Sports Network starting at 7 p.m.

LAST WEEK

Rumson-Fair Haven 20, Red Bank Catholic 14 - Check out full game story and highlights

The Bulldogs fired the shot heard ‘round the Shore Friday night when they walked into Count Basie Field and set a definitive tone by establishing a 20-0 cushion en route to upending then-No. 1 RBC, ending the Caseys to open play in the rugged American Division on a solid note. Versatile junior RB Johnny Volker backed a 166 rushing yards, including a 33-yard TD dash, with by getting on the receiving end of a 21-yard scoring strike from senior QB Collin Coles and junior safety Ryan Ruane complemented six tackles with a 69-yard interception return for a score.

Wall 23, Middletown North 10 - Check out game recap 

A run of 16 consecutive points in the fourth quarter rallied the Crimson Knights from a 10-7 deficit to slide past Middletown North in a non-divisional encounter. Junior QB Logan Peters completed 6 of 8 attempts for 101 yards, marked by touchdowns tosses to seniors Dale McNally and Mike Galos. Junior RB Casey Larkin balanced the air attack by rumbling for 119 yards and a TD on 18 hauls. Senior DE Ian Ackerman headlined the defensive cause with eight tackles and one of three sacks recorded by the Crimson Knights.

WHERE ARE THEY RANKED

Rumson-Fair Haven opened the season at No. 4 but jumped to No. 2 this week on the merit of its victory over Red Bank Catholic. Wall held in place at No. 9.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Rumson-Fair Haven

Collin Jones (Sr. QB)

John Volker (Jr. RB)

Ryan Ruane (Jr. S)

Pete Crowley (Sr. RB)

Wall

Logan Peters (Jr. QB)

Casey Larkin (Jr. RB)

Ian Ackerman (Sr. DE)

Charlie Sasso (So. LB)

Follow Shore Sports Network on Twitter @ShoreSportsNet and on Instagram. Like Shore Sports Network on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel for all the latest video highlights. 

More From Shore Sports Network