GROUP 1 STATE RANKINGS by Star Ledger
1-Hasbrouck Heights
2-Weequahic
3-Paulsboro
4-Asbury Park
5-Keyport
6-New Milford
7-Salem
8-Pennsville
9-Becton
10-Shore
NJIC Football Season Review
By Braulio Perez | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Contributors: Pat Lanni and Matt Stypulkoski | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Throughout his career, Christian Correa has been a workhorse for the New Milford offense. And in 2016, he took his aggressive running style to new heights.
On the season, the senior running back rushed 317 times for 2,509 yards and 35 touchdowns. Behind Correa’s dominance, New Milford went 8-3 and went on to play for the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 championship.
Correa – yet to make his college decision – rushed for at least 100 yards in 11 games played this season. He rushed for more than 200 yards in nine of 11 games, and recorded a season-high 320 yards and six touchdowns in a win over Waldwick on Nov. 4.
In a game over Pompton Lakes, he carried the ball a season high 42 times. He had at least 30 carries in five games this fall.
TEAM OF THE YEAR: It’s tough to argue against undefeated.
Hasbrouck Heights reeled off 11 straight wins this season to pick up a pair of trophies – the inaugural NJIC title and the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 championship. It was the Aviators first unbeaten season since 2007, which was also the last time they’d won a sectional title.
In large part, the success was due to Hasbrouck Heights’ suffocating defense, which allowed just 7.1 points per game, recorded four shutouts and held teams to 14 points or fewer in all but one game this fall.
COACH OF THE YEAR: Nick Delcalzo has steered Hasbrouck Height to playoff appearances in 17 of the past 20 seasons, including seven berths since his team’s 2007 title.
That sustained success again came to a crescendo this December, as the Aviators’ head man since 1985 roamed the sidelines during a 30-12 win over New Milford at MetLife Stadium. Plus, he and his players can forever say they won the first-ever NJIC championship. It all adds up to one of the most memorable seasons in the veteran ball coach’s distinguished career.
Conference Notes:
• Hasbrouck Heights quarterback Frank Quatrone finished the year throwing for 648 yards and nine touchdowns, while adding 1,290 rushing yards and 26 additional scores.
• Senior quarterback Kevin Cotter was efficient for Pompton Lakes, throwing 17 touchdowns to four interceptions. His campaign was highlighted by a five-touchdown performance in a win over New Milford on Sept. 30.
• This season saw the first meeting between Rutherford and Becton – a pair of intra-town rivals – since 1993. Rutherford took the NJIC crossover battle, 28-16, cutting Becton’s lead in the all-time series to 13-11-1.
• Harrison may have ended this season with three straight losses, but its 5-4 record was cause for celebration. It was the Blue Tide’s best season since at least 2003, when they last posted five wins and finished 5-5. They also qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 1989.
NJIC FINAL RANKINGS
1- Hasbrouck Heights (11-0)
2- Pompton Lakes (7-2)
3- New Milford (8-3)
4- Rutherford (8-2)
5- Becton (7-3)
6- Cresskill (7-3)
7- Waldwick (6-3)
8- Park Ridge (6-3)
9- Glen Rock (5-4)
10- Harrison (5-4)
