The Northern Highlands Highlanders and Ramapo Raiders will face off in the championship round of the 2023 NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1 Group 4 Football Championships on Friday, November 10th, at 6:30pm ET in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
What it is: New Jersey High School Football
Matchup: Northern Highlands Highlanders vs. Ramapo Raiders
Time: Friday Nov 10, 2023, 6:30pm ET
Game Type: Playoffs
Bracket: 2023 NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1 Group 4 Football Championships
Round: Championship Round
Locations: Final Round – Franklin Lakes, NJ
Live stream: Watch here
The Highlanders come into the game with a 9-2 record, while the Raiders are undefeated at 10-0. Ramapo is ranked 1st in the division and 10th in the state, while Northern Highlands is ranked 2nd in the division and 24th in the state.
The Highlanders have a balanced offense, averaging 29.8 points per game. They are led by senior quarterback Ryan Wright, who has thrown for over 2,500 yards and 30 touchdowns this season. Wright is also a threat on the ground, rushing for over 400 yards and 10 touchdowns. Northern Highlands also has a solid running game, led by senior running back Matt Cassidy.
The Raiders have a high-powered offense, averaging 39.5 points per game. They are led by senior quarterback Micah Ford, who has thrown for over 3,500 yards and 40 touchdowns this season. Ford is also a threat on the ground, rushing for over 500 yards and 10 touchdowns. Ramapo also has a solid running game, led by senior running back Landyn Collins.
Both defenses are playing at a high level, with Northern Highlands allowing just 18.7 points per game and Ramapo allowing just 16.3 points per game.
This is sure to be a close game between two evenly matched teams. Northern Highlands will need to find a way to slow down the Raiders’ passing game and force turnovers. Ramapo will need to protect the football and capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
Ramapo won the first matchup between the two teams this season, 34-31 on September 29, 2023.
The game will be streamed live on the NFHS Network. To watch, you will need to create an account and subscribe to the service. Subscriptions are available on a monthly or annual basis.
You can watch the game on your smartphone, tablet, computer, or connected device. The NFHS Network app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
Both teams are evenly matched, but I am giving the edge to Ramapo due to their undefeated record and their more explosive offense. I predict that the Raiders will win a close game, 28-24.
