Week 4 in New Jersey high school football featured plenty of stardom on the defensive side of the ball. As we do following every week of the year, we highlight Players of the Week across every conference.
Justin Giella, Cresskill-Emerson Boro, So., LB
Cresskill-Emerson Boro came away with a loss to Waldwick-Midland Park this past week, but that did not take away from Giella’s efforts. He posted a career-high 21 tackles, including four for a loss. He also had two sacks and two forced fumbles. This season, Giella has registered 39 tackles, 6.5 TFL and three sacks.
Ameer Ibrahim, Garfield, Jr., LB
Ibrahim put together the best defensive performance of his career in Garfield’s 41-6 win over Manchester Regional in Haledon on Friday. The junior racked up six tackles to go with a fumble recovery for a touchdown. It’s the first defensive touchdown of Ibrahim’s career.
John Kozlik, Rutherford, Sr., LB
In a pivotal and close 27-21 win over Becton, Kozlik led all players with 11 tackles. It marked his third game with 11 tackles this season, bringing him to 45 total through five games, and 149 for his career.
Jake Rodrigues, North Arlington, Sr., LB
Rodrigues helped headline a strong defensive effort for North Arlington in a 20-7 victory over Saddle Brook at home on Thursday. The senior totaled 12 tackles, three tackles for loss and a fumble recovery in the second win of the year for the Vikings. It’s the most wins North Arlington has had in a season since 2023.
Eliam Zabaleta, Wood-Ridge, So., DL
In the 49-0 win at Wallington, Zabaleta led all Blue Devils with nine tackles, including two for a loss to help his team improve to 5-0. On the season, Zabaleta has recorded 21 tackles (six for a loss) and one sack.
