As part of our daily coverage of New Jersey high school football, we will shine the spotlight on some of the top performances in the North Jersey Interscholastic League each week.
On Tuesdays, we will highlight five players who turned in noteworthy efforts on offense from the previous weekend. And on Wednesdays, we’ll turn to those on the defensive side.
Take a look below at our selections for NJIC Defensive Players of the Week from Week 7.
Gabriel Arequipa, Pompton Lakes, Jr., DL
In the 33-13 victory over Lodi at home, Arequipa nabbed nine tackles, including two for a loss. He also recovered a fumble. On the season, Arequipa has racked up 57 tackles, 10 TFL and one sack.
Brice Armstrong, Palisades Park-Leonia, So., LB
Armstrong’s teammate in fellow sophomore Isaiah Faria registered two interceptions in the Tigers’ 33-21 road victory over Secaucus on Thursday, but Armstrong produced a strong defensive showing of his own. Armstrong recorded a scoop and score to go with a forced fumble, six tackles and two tackles for loss. On offense, he had six rushes for 48 yards and two catches for 10 yards.
JJ Nolasco, Garfield, Sr., DB
Nolasco pieced together a defensive masterpiece in Garfield’s 36-14 win over Hasbrouck Heights on Friday in the NJIC Semifinals in Hasbrouck Heights. Nolasco recorded 14 tackles and an interception for the Boilermakers. The 14 tackles are the second-most of his career, and the total brings him up to 34 for the season. He also had three receptions for 59 yards in the game.
Caleb Rogers, Elmwood Park, Jr., DL
Rogers was all over the field this past week in the 28-14 win over North Arlington. He collected 14 tackles, including six for a loss. He also recorded two sacks. He has 40 tackles and 11 TFL this fall.
Adrian Swiecki, Elmwood Park, Sr., DL
Swiecki was another dog for the Crusaders on defense this past week in the 28-14 triumph against North Arlington. Swiecki notched six tackles for a loss, two fumble recoveries and one sack. He totaled eight tackles in the victory, bringing him to 28 for the season.
