NJIC Player of the Year:
Van Weber, Rutherford, Sr., QB
One of the most productive quarterbacks in the state, Van Weber led Rutherford to a 10-1 record, the NJIC championship and a spot in a sectional final. Weber was efficient throwing the ball, completing 127 of 177 passes for 2,228 yards with 31 touchdowns and just one interception, building on a solid junior season last fall for the Bulldogs.
His ability to throw the ball down the field while not turning the ball over was impressive. He also ran for 136 yards and three touchdowns, showing the ability to hurt opponents with his legs.
There was no question that Weber was the top player in the NJIC in a conference that had plenty of talent spread out through the top teams. Weber finishes his high school career with two NJIC titles, while throwing for 4,114 yards and 44 touchdowns.
NJIC Coach of the Year:
Joe Cutrona, Wood-Ridge
Not a lot of people expected Wood-Ridge to have the season it had. Wood-Ridge advanced to its first NJIC Championship game, won its first home playoff game and ended the season with eight wins.
That’s a testament to the belief that second-year coach Joe Cutrona instilled in his team. Cutrona brought Wood-Ridge to heights the program has either never or rarely seen, gaining respect among his peers for how hard his team played this fall.
Wood-Ridge was among the best defensive teams in North Jersey this season, allowing 12.9 points per game, and the Blue Devils rode that defense and an effective offense throughout the season.
Wood-Ridge will be one of the teams to watch again next season as Cutrona gears up for his third season at the helm.
NJIC Team of the Year:
Rutherford
It was a banner year for Rutherford in the NJIC. Coach Steve Dunn guided the Bulldogs to a 10-1 record, which included defeating Wood-Ridge in the NJIC championship, and repeating as the conference’s champion.
Rutherford rolled through its NJIC schedule behind the play of Weber and wide receiver and tight end Ryan Ward. The duo was hard to stop for opposing offenses, as Rutherford averaged 37 points per game.
The Bulldogs’ season came to an end in heartbreaking fashion with a loss to Westwood in the North 1, Group 2 sectional final, but it was still a standout season for Dunn and the rest of his team.
Rutherford has plenty of pieces returning next season and should be one of the favorites to win yet another NJIC championship.
NJ.com division honors
Colonial
Player of the Year: Van Weber, Rutherford, Sr., QB
Coach of the Year: Steve Dunn, Rutherford
Team of the Year: Rutherford (10-1)
Liberty
Player of the Year: Bryce Hamilton, Waldwick, Jr., RB
Coach of the Year: Greg Gruzdis, Waldwick
Team of the Year: Waldwick (7-3)
Meadowlands
Player of the Year: Anthony DiLascio, Hasbrouck Heights, Sr., RB/LB
Coach of the Year: Joe Borkowski, North Arlington
Team of the Year: Hasbrouck Heights (4-5)
Patriot
Player of the Year: Nick Chromey, Wood-Ridge, Sr., TE/LB
Coach of the Year: Joe Cutrona, Wood-Ridge
Team of the Year: Wood-Ridge (8-2)
Union
Player of the Year: Bryce Honig, Weehawken, Sr., RB/DB
Ryan Patti and Luis Torres cover the NJIC. They can be reached at rpatti@njadvancemedia.com and ltorres@njadvancemedia.com. Follow them on Twitter @ryanwpatti and @ByLuisTorres.
