Unsung players of the group football finals: Unknown, unheralded, irreplaceable

The Middlesex offense lines up against the Brearley defense during the football game between Middlesex and Brearley at Middlesex High School in Middlesex, NJ on Thursday, October 13, 2022.

According to vocabulary.com, the definition of the word unsung is as follows: Having value that is not acknowledged; not famous or acclaimed; not recognized.

We know every high school football team has at least one player who fits that definition. It’s the player who likely won’t have All-anything attached to his name when the postseason honors lists come out, whose name is rarely announced over the loud speaker at games, who is a relative unknown not only to opposing fans, but even some of this own.

NJ.com asked the 10 coaches who will be playing in one of the NJSIAA/Rothman Orthopaedics Public Group Finals who is the unsung player on their team.

We also asked the coaches to describe their unsung player and, using their words, came up with our own definition: Big hearted, unmatched toughness, leader by example, unselfish.

What we learned was a player doesn’t have to be a star, or 6-foot-4, 280 pounds or run a 4.4 in the 40 to be a significant and instrumental member of a championship team. Keep scrolling to see and meet the unsung member of all 10 finalists. We’ve also included their jersey number so you can check them out this coming weekend at Rutgers University in the historic public group finals.

Jordan Alston (33) of Passaic Tech eyes up Quran Ali (10) of West Orange before the snap during the football game between No. 13 West Orange and Passaic Tech at West Orange High School in West Orange, NJ on Friday, September 16, 2022.

The defensive quarterback

No. 33, Jordan Alston, Passaic Tech, Sr., LB

When you think about Passaic Tech’s defense, the first name that comes to mind is Dye. Twin brothers Trashon and Travon are two of the top juniors in the state at the linebacker position. The name you may not have heard is that of senior Jordan Alston. The Passaic native has 108 tackles (55 solo), eight tackles for loss and a pair of sacks on the year, but being a tackling machine isn’t his only role for the Bulldogs. He’s the defense’s captain, he lines everyone up and according to head coach Matt Demarest, he allows Trashon and Travon to do what they do. Trashon would tell you the same as Passaic Tech is set to take on No. 3 Toms River North on Sunday.

“Jordan is the smartest guy on the field at all times,” Trashon Dye said. “Most of the time, he knows the play before it happens. He’s shorter than most guys, but his heart and toughness is unmatched. He has no problem taking on a blocker so I can make a tackle and vice versa. This is his first year on varsity, so he earned his way up the depth chart and everyone on the team respects him. He’s our field general.”

A'Cear Cornish (8) of Millville hugs Ja’Briel Mace (4) of Mainland after the Thunderbolts comeback win during the NJSIAA Group 2 football semifinal between Mainland and Millville at Cherokee High School in Marlton, NJ on Sunday, November 20, 2022.

Man in the middle

No. 8, Acear Cornish, Millville, Jr., LB

The Thunderbolts wouldn’t be in the Group 4 state championship game if not for Cornish. Mainland standout Ja’Briel Mace broke free on a kickoff return and seemed headed for a game-clinching touchdown in the fourth quarter before Cornish brought him down at the 3-yard line. The Millville defense held and didn’t allow Mainland to score, and the Thunderbolts rallied for an 18-14 victory. It’s not the only play Cornish has made this season as he’s totaled 45 tackles, three for loss, a sack, an interception and forced fumble.

“He wasn’t a starter and still isn’t at times, but plays a good portion of the game and has been a huge factor defensively down the stretch,” said Millville coach Humberto Ayala.

Julien Devlin (55) of Rumson-Fair Haven tries to tackle Willingboro’s Derrick Bryant (8) as he tries to push through a block from Nicholas Scruggs (60) during the NJSIAA Group 2 football semifinal between Rumson-Fair Haven and Willingboro at Cherokee High School in Marlton, NJ on Sunday, November 20, 2022.

1st two-way player since 2009

No. 55, Julien Devlin, Rumson-Fair Haven, Sr., OL/DL

Meet Julien Devlin, the first Rumson-Fair Haven football player to play offense and defense since 2009. It says all you need to know about the 6-foot, 245-pounder, who plays guard and defensive tackle.

“As a two-way lineman, he doesn’t get any sort of praise from the media or anything like that,” said Rumson-Fair Haven head coach Jeremy Schulte. “No complaints. No whining. He just shows up every day and does his job. He a hard-nosed, old-school football player.”

Schulte said Devlin is one of the strongest players on the RFH roster.

“And he plays like it,” Schulte said.

Devlin has four sacks, six tackles for loss and one forced fumble.

“He is the first true, two-way starter since 2009,” Schulte said. “He sets a tone for us up front on every play. He is a great kid and a great student. He understands the game and what it takes to win.”

As the clock winds down, Mike Platt (65), Mike Fano (71) and Alex Carrillo (4) head to the handshake line after the game against Mountain Lakes on 10/21/2022.

Blue-collar warrior

No. 71, Mike Fano, Caldwell, Sr., OG/DE

Quarterback Luke Kurzum, receiver Harry Boland and running back Joey Marinello are the players routinely earning headlines and Twitter mentions for their substantial offensive exploits, but it’s a guy like Mike Fano who is largely responsible for the 344 yards and 34.7 points the ninth-ranked Chiefs have averaged this season. And while Fano may only be tied for fifth in tackles, you can bet that his ability to control his edge goes a long way in explaining the 103 tackles Julian Casale has racked up or the 98 compiled by fellow linebacker Marinello. Fano, at 5-10, 220, is hardly Caldwell’s biggest lineman. But any time Fano breaks the huddle and charges to his spot at guard or DE or marches into the weight room ready for work, his heart and sense of purpose are the only measurements that count. And putting a ruler to those qualities would surely give Fano Power Five status. Because of his height, though, Fano more likely has Division 3 football in his future as a defensive lineman or fullback, according to head coach Todd Romano. Caldwell flaunts a state-leading 27-game winning streak, 24 of which were recorded with the gritty Fano in the starting lineup.

“Mike is a rock on our football team and is so critical to our success on both sides of the ball,” Romano said. “Mike embodies what a Caldwell Football player is. A blue-collar, hard-working kid who is tough as nails and has a will to win. Mike has paved the way for 1,000-yard back Joey Marinello and Harry Boland while protecting Luke Kurzum over the past two years.”

Chase Fishman (50) of Northern Highlands reacts after a fumble recovery by the Highlanders in the first quarter during the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4 football sectional final between Ramapo and Northern Highlands at Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes, NJ on Thursday, November 10, 2022.

Biggest heart on the field

No. 50, Chase Fishman, Northern Highlands, Sr., OL/DL

Fishman has 61 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries on the year, but his impact doesn’t just show in the stat sheet. He’s a two-way lineman who hasn’t missed a snap all season. Northern Highlands head coach Dave Cord values his football IQ and his ability to avoid mental mistakes and to lead by example. Cord appreciates that while duties on the offensive and defensive line aren’t exactly high-profile, he’s a 5-11, 200-pound kid pouring in 100 percent effort against one of the state’s toughest slates. Division-I talent is scattered across the Highlanders’ opponents in Winslow, Clifton, Ramapo, Irvington, North Hunterdon and now Millville, but Fishman is always puts his hand in the dirt and leaves it all on the field.

“What makes him special is his work ethic and how much of a team guy he is,” senior defensive lineman Jack Inserra said. “He’s the first guy to congratulate you after a big play. There have been countless times where I see him doing work in school or after practice. He’s a role model for everyone around him.”

Luke Maxwell (4) of Delsea finds the hole and races up field during the NJSIAA Group 3 football semifinal between Delsea and Camden at Cherokee High School in Marlton, NJ on Saturday, November 19, 2022.

Anything for the team

No. 4, Luke Maxwell, Delsea, Sr., RB/DL/LB/DB

After rushing for 1,100 yards last season as the fullback, Maxwell moved into a different role with the return of Jared Schoppe from injury. While his offensive numbers went down, his importance to the overall product came shining through. Add in his ability to play multiple defensive positions and Maxwell has proven to be quite a valuable commodity.

Maxwell has rushed for 563 yards and five touchdowns on 86 carries. He’s registered 55 tackles 10 tackles for loss, a sack and two interceptions.

“He’s a hard-working kid, really quiet and polite, who’s high-character and just wants to be the best he can be and help the team as much as he can,” longtime coach Sal Marchese Jr. said. " He never complains and is team-oriented. Luke blocks more than he runs. He just goes out and does what the team asks him of him every week.”

Luca Saracino of Old Tappan (4) deflects a pass atempt by John Rolli of West Morris (7) during the NJSIAA Group 3, football semifinal in Somerset on Sunday, November 20, 2022.

Good vibes only

No. 4, Luca Saracino, Old Tappan, Sr., WR/DB

Saracino is there for the Golden Knights every step of the way on defense and special teams. He has 74 tackles, nine tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble, but his best ability is his versatility – he’s always on the field when healthy. Head coach Brian Dunn sees him as one of the guys on his team who goes under the radar, although his tackling and high motor drive up his value. He has a good attitude for the sport and he’s upbeat, especially for the underclassmen who need a pat on the back after a miscue. Dunn added that while kids have their ups and downs, he brings it in practice and gives Old Tappan juice every day.

“Luca is the kind of guy on the team who always has his head up and sees the bright side of things,” senior running back/linebacker Aidan Heaney said. “When a bad play happens, he’s the first one to say, ‘Let’s go boys we got the next one.’ Luca dislocated his elbow and missed the first few games of the season, but he was at every practice, every lift, every film and he always stuck by the guys. He’s the first person to take accountability if he messed something up, which is a quality you don’t usually see from high school players and that shows the type of teammate he is.”

Ian Redzepagic (23) of Mountain Lakes is congratulated bvy Joe Sluck (13) after scoring on a long touchdown run in the third quarter during the football game between Boonton and Mountain Lakes at Boonton High School in Boonton, NJ on Friday, October 14, 2022.

The motivator and mentor

No. 13, Joe Sluck, Mountain Lakes, Sr., CB

Sluck has played a vital part in Mountain Lakes’ run to the Group 1 championship game, and his impact has been felt on and off the field. Sluck became a leader for the Herd following the team’s loss to Cedar Grove in the sectional final in 2021. He rallied his teammates during the offseason, taking a few under his wing, and pushing them to get stronger and improve so Mountain Lakes had a chance to make a deeper postseason run. Coach Darrell Fusco described Sluck as a team player.

The coaching staff called upon Sluck to play a pivotal role on a defense that has allowed 12.7 points per game, filling in at cornerback after one of Mountain Lakes’ other senior corners went down with an injury. Sluck has 22 total tackles this season and plays on special teams, helping in whatever way he is needed to help Mountain Lakes win games.

“Joe Sluck is a HERD senior who does all the little things the right way, having a positive attitude, working hard, pushing his teammates to be better, and taking advantage of every play he gets on the field,” Fusco said. “Joe Sluck is one of the key Senior leaders that have helped lead Mountain Lakes to the Group Championship.”

More pancakes than IHOP

No. 27, Nick Walano, Toms River North, Sr., FB

When you’re a team that has rushed for more than 4,000 yards and run for 61 TDs, it becomes apparent the blocking is every bit as good as the backs. When it comes to Toms River North, which plays in the Group 5 final against Passaic Tech on Sunday, the best blocker is not one of its massive offensive linemen.

North’s leader in pancake blocks is 5-foot-10, 225-pound fullback Nick Walano.

He is the best, pure fullback in our program since Charlie Henry, who just happens to be his position coach, back in the early 2000s. He leads our team in pancake blocks. He is an absolutely devastating lead blocker and ignites our run game.”

With Walano leading the way, quarterback Micah Ford has run for 2,251 yards and 33 touchdowns. Josh Moore has run for another 926 yards.

“He’s tough, rugged and dependable,” Oizerowitz said.

Sean Loomis (4) of Maple Shade tries to break a tackle from Jamar Wallace (58) of Woodbury during the football game between Maple Shade and Woodbury at Maple Shade High School in Maple Shade, NJ on Friday, August 26, 2022.

Leader on the line

No. 58, Jamar Wallace, Woodbury, Sr., OL/DL

Wallace is an undersized cog on both Thundering Herd lines. At 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, Wallace is the starting center on an explosive offense that has accounted for over 4,000 yards and as a defensive lineman has contributed 16 tackles and two sacks to a defense permitting less than 11 points per game and hasn’t permitted more than one score in the previous five contests.

“He’s the quiet leader on our team,” said Woodbury coach Anthony Reagan. “At center, he’s always facing a bigger D-lineman but holds his own each week.”

The N.J. High School Sports newsletter now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now and be among the first to get all the boys and girls sports you care about, straight to your inbox each weekday. To add your name, click here.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Bill Evans covers the West Jersey Football League. He can be reached at bevans@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BEvansSports

Mike Kinney covers the Big Central Conference and Super Football Conference. He can be reached at mkinney@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MikeKinneyHS

Joe Zedalis covers Shore Conference football for NJ.com. He can be reached at jzedalis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Josephzedalis

Kevin Minnick covers the West Jersey Football League. He can be reached at kminnick@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @kminnicksports

Ryan Patti covers the Super Football Conference and NJIC. He can be reached at rpatti@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanwpatti

Luis Torres covers the Super Football Conference and NJIC. He can be reached at ltorres@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByLuisTorres

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

X

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

If you opt out, we won’t sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.