By William Hathaway, Jr.
There were some special New Jersey high school football regional football championship games that took place this past weekend at Rutgers’ SHI Stadium. Thanks to the work of diligent coaches and players, Essex County now has two new true state champions.
First, the Irvington Blue Knights finished their amazing season by winning the first ever group state championship in school history. After winning a state sectional title, the 11-2 squad beat Northern Highlands 19-14 in a comeback title win, capping off a seven game winning streak for the North Jersey Group 4 Championship.
Leading Irvington was a tough defense and a stellar offense led by Saquan Gordon, who connected with Trent Jones on a 61 yard touchdown pass. Justin Evans and brothers Famah and Vaboue Toure recorded interceptions and sacks for the now legendary Irvington defense.
Of course, the main attraction was the undefeated East Orange Campus Jaguars, who sought to win their first Group 5 Championship in school history. They had to go through a tough Clifton team, who did not care about the other team’s record. What took place was a high school classic, and will go down as one of the most talked about championship games ever.
The end of the game saw Clifton fumble the ball on the 1-yard line, and East Orange’s Ahmad Nalls run it back for a 100 yard touchdown return to win the game and championship in the third overtime, 30-24. While Clifton fans complained about that call, EO fans at the game had their own gripes about how officials were not giving the Jaguars calls, especially when spotting the ball during the game.
As usual, East Orange was led by senior quarterback Raeden Oliver, with 142 yards passing, along with Joshua Richards, who posted 64 yards and two touchdowns. Richards caught a TD pass from Oliver in the first overtime. The sensational Kyle Louis recorded 11 tackles, while Damon Phillips also gave fits to Clifton.
Head coach Rae Oliver, Raeden’s dad and a graduate of Orange High School, has compiled a 39-11 in his fifth year at the helm of EOCHS. The last state championship victory was back in December 2007 against Montclair High for the Sectional crown.
While there is nothing known as of deadline for Irvington, the City of East Orange has scheduled a parade on Dec. 11 for the 13-0 Jaguars team that owned 2021.
The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at the corner of Central Avenue and Oak Street, and will travel up Central Avenue and down South Clinton Street before ending at Paul Robeson Stadium, 215 North Clinton Street. A victory celebration will immediately follow the parade and take place on the stadium field
