Battle of the Bulldogs: Group 2 Championship Preview

by NJ Athletics

The stage is set for an epic showdown in the NJSIAA Group 2 State Final as the Rumson-Fair Haven Bulldogs (12-0) face off against the Shabazz Bulldogs (9-3). Both teams bring contrasting stories into the championship game, and the clash promises high drama at SHI Stadium.

For Rumson-Fair Haven, this is a shot at redemption after falling short in last year’s final against Westwood. For Shabazz, under the leadership of second-year head coach Naz Oliver, this marks a return to glory as they’ve transformed from contenders to serious challengers in just two seasons.

Team Overviews

Rumson-Fair Haven Bulldogs

  • Record: 12-0 (5-0 Shore - A North)
  • Key Strength: Balanced offense with a dominant passing game.
  • Season Recap: Rumson has dominated their opponents all season, averaging over 43 points per game. Senior quarterback Owen O’Toole is at the heart of their success, with 2,779 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. Junior running back Kellen Murray adds a dynamic rushing attack with 1,411 yards and 28 touchdowns, while senior receiver Jordan Angstreich has been unstoppable with 1,164 yards and 13 touchdowns.
  • Defensive Leaders: Senior linebacker Austin Kiernan (119 tackles) and senior defensive back Jacob Tobias (115.5 tackles, 2 INTs) anchor a unit that has held opponents to 10.3 points per game.

Shabazz Bulldogs

  • Record: 9-3 
  • Key Strength: Gritty defense and a power running game.
  • Season Recap: Shabazz’s journey has been defined by resilience. After an uneven start to the season, they’ve won five straight games, including a stunning 8-7 win over Hanover Park in the semifinals. Senior running back Jalen Cline has been the workhorse with 1,034 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, while senior receiver Daveion Porter provides a spark with 553 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns.
  • Defensive Leaders: Junior linebacker Zaiden McDonald (74 tackles, 10 TFL) and sophomore linebacker Zykir Best (86 tackles) lead a defense that thrives on physicality and forcing turnovers.

Key Matchups

  1. O’Toole vs. Shabazz Secondary

    • Rumson’s aerial attack will test Shabazz’s defensive backs, particularly senior Omari Gaines, who has 57 tackles and 6 INTs. If O’Toole has time in the pocket, Shabazz’s defense could struggle to contain Angstreich and senior receiver Nick Thomas (821 yards, 9 TDs).

  2. Jalen Cline vs. Rumson Front Seven

    • Shabazz’s power run game relies on Cline breaking tackles and setting up play-action. Rumson’s defensive line, featuring Ben Gredell (53 tackles, 4.5 sacks), must control the line of scrimmage to stifle Cline’s production.

  3. Special Teams

    • Rumson’s Jordan Angstreich is a threat in the return game, including an 83-yard punt return touchdown this season. Shabazz counters with Daveion Porter, who can flip field position with explosive returns.

Tale of the Tape

Statistic Rumson-Fair Haven Shabazz
Points Per Game 43.2 25.4
Points Allowed Per Game 10.3 14.2
Passing Yards/Game 236.6 118.3
Rushing Yards/Game 157.9 180.2
Turnover Differential +18 +10

Keys to Victory

Rumson-Fair Haven

  1. Start Fast: A quick start could force Shabazz out of their comfort zone, especially given Rumson’s firepower.
  2. Protect the Ball: Avoiding turnovers will ensure that Rumson’s offense keeps its rhythm.
  3. Limit Big Plays: Shabazz thrives on momentum-swinging moments, so containing Porter and Cline is crucial.

Shabazz

  1. Control the Clock: Sustained drives will keep O’Toole and the Rumson offense on the sideline.
  2. Win the Trenches: Both offensively and defensively, Shabazz needs to impose their physicality.
  3. Capitalize on Opportunities: In a game where Rumson is favored, Shabazz must make the most of red-zone trips and turnovers.

X-Factors

  • Rumson-Fair Haven: Owen O’Toole—The senior quarterback has been clutch all season. His ability to spread the ball around will dictate Rumson’s success.
  • Shabazz: Defense—The second-year head coach has built a unit that thrives in tight games. Can his Bulldogs deliver another gutsy performance?

Why You Should Watch

This game features two programs with championship aspirations and two head coaches with something to prove. For Rumson, it’s a chance to finish the job after last year’s heartbreak. For Shabazz, it’s a shot at glory in their first final under Coach Oliver.

Kickoff is set for Wednesday, December 4, at 4:00 PM at SHI Stadium. Don’t miss the Bulldogs’ battle for the crown!

Back to Blogs
x