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 8.
Jake Britton, Hasbrouck Heights, Sr., DB
Britton helped engineer Hasbrouck Heights’ defensive effort in its 35-13 home win over Wood-Ridge on Friday. The senior recorded seven tackles, one fumble recovery and an interception to bring his season takeaway total to five to go with a blocked kick. He now has 34 tackles on the year. Britton reeled in two passes for 30 yards and converted all five of his PATs as well.
Julian Castanheira, North Arlington, Sr., LB
Castanheira has earned Defensive Player of the Week honors for the second time this year thanks to 10 tackles, two tackles for loss and one interception in North Arlington’s 6-0 victory over Cresskill-Emerson Boro on Friday at home. It’s his second week in a row with an interception and he’s up to 45 tackles on the season.
Thomas Jakobsen, Waldwick-Midland Park, Sr., LB
This past week, Waldwick/Midland Park brought home the NJIC Tournament trophy in a road overtime win at Garfield. Jakobsen helped anchor the defense with a season-high 15 tackles, alongside one tackle for loss. This season, he has 82 tackles, which leads the Warriors.
Alex Ponce, Cresskill-Emerson Boro, Jr., LB
In a tight 6-0 loss to North Arlington, Ponce recorded his second straight 12-tackle game. He also logged tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble. On the year, Ponce has 73 tackles.
James Vuono Reid, Lyndhurst, Jr., DB
Vuono Reid intercepted two passes for Lyndhurst in its 41-0 win over South Hunterdon on Friday at home. The junior, who also compiled a career-high seven tackles in the victory, is up to three career interceptions. Vuono Reid also had two rushes for nine yards out of the backfield for the Golden Bears.
