The Washington Township Minutemen and Toms River North Mariners will face off in the championship round of the 2023 NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 5 Football Championships on Friday, November 10th, at 6pm ET in Toms River, New Jersey.
What it is: New Jersey High School Football
Matchup: Washington Township Minutemen vs. Toms River North Mariners
Time: Friday Nov 10, 2023, 6pm ET
Game Type: Playoffs
Bracket: 2023 NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 5 Football Championships
Round: Championship Round
Locations: Toms River North – Toms River, NJ
Live stream: Watch here
Both teams come into the game with identical 9-2 records. Washington Township is ranked 3rd in the division and 22nd in the state, while Toms River North is ranked 1st in the division and 11th in the state.
The Mariners have a high-powered offense, averaging 36.1 points per game. They are led by senior quarterback Micah Ford, who has thrown for over 2,500 yards and 30 touchdowns this season. Ford is also a threat on the ground, rushing for over 500 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Washington Township has a balanced offense, averaging 30.9 points per game. They are led by senior running back Jared Dzierzgowski, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. The Minutemen also have a solid passing attack, led by senior quarterback Ryan Wright.
Both defenses are playing at a high level, with Toms River North allowing just 18.7 points per game and Washington Township allowing just 20.3 points per game.
This is sure to be a close game between two evenly matched teams. Washington Township will need to find a way to slow down the Mariners’ passing game and force turnovers. Toms River North will need to protect the football and capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
The Mariners won the previous matchup between the two teams this season, 28-21, on October 13th.
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 Toms River North due to their previous win over Washington Township. I predict that the Mariners will win a close game, 28-24.
