Group 4 State Final Preview: Undefeated Winslow takes on Phillipsburg

by NJ Athletics

The NJSIAA Group 4 State Final will be a clash of titans as the Winslow Eagles (13-0) put their perfect season on the line against the gritty Phillipsburg Stateliners (11-2). Both teams have battled through tough schedules and playoff challenges to reach this point, but only one can claim the championship under the lights at SHI Stadium.

Winslow’s season has been defined by dominance, with star-studded talent headlined by former Wisconsin commit Cam Miller, Boston College commit Marcus Upton, and Iowa State commit Karon Brookins. Meanwhile, Phillipsburg has relied on their hard-nosed, balanced attack and a defense that delivers in clutch moments. This is a battle of firepower versus resilience, and it promises to be one of the season’s best matchups.

Team Overviews

Winslow Eagles

  • Record: 13-0 (4-0 WJFL - American)
  • Key Strength: Explosive offense and playmaking defense.
  • Season Recap: Winslow has been nearly unstoppable, averaging 46.3 points per game while holding opponents to 7.9 points per game. Sophomore quarterback Jalen Parker has led the charge with 2,678 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, spreading the ball to a talented receiving corps led by Nyqir Helton (809 yards, 13 TDs) and Miller.

On defense, Winslow boasts a ferocious front led by Rob Carstarphen (105 tackles, 8 sacks) and a ball-hawking secondary with 18 interceptions, including four from NaKeem Powell. Winslow’s defense is as dynamic as their offense, making them a complete team.

Phillipsburg Stateliners

  • Record: 11-2 (3-1 Big Central - American Silver)
  • Key Strength: Balanced offense and a bend-but-don’t-break defense.
  • Season Recap: Phillipsburg has shown grit all season, with a standout win over Northern Highlands (13-11) and a dominant performance against Ramapo (35-6) in the semifinals. Senior quarterback Jett Genovese has been steady, throwing for 1,763 yards and 16 touchdowns, while junior running back Sam Dech has powered the ground game with 784 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns.

On defense, Phillipsburg leans on senior linebacker Jayden Lucas (116 tackles) and senior safety Matthew Scerbo Jr., who also leads the team with 1,069 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Their ability to win close games has been key to their success.

Key Matchups

  1. Winslow’s Passing Attack vs. Phillipsburg’s Secondary

    • Winslow’s aerial assault is lethal, with Parker distributing the ball to multiple threats. Phillipsburg’s secondary, led by Scerbo and Felix Matos, must limit big plays to keep the Stateliners in the game.

  2. Phillipsburg’s Ground Game vs. Winslow’s Front Seven

    • Dech and Genovese will need to establish the run to control the clock and keep Winslow’s offense off the field. Winslow’s defensive line, anchored by Carstarphen and Ausar Heard, will look to dominate the trenches.

  3. Special Teams Play

    • Winslow’s Cam Miller and Jayden Poteat are threats in the return game, while Phillipsburg kicker Alexie Moreira has hit clutch field goals, including a 46-yarder. Field position could be pivotal.

Tale of the Tape

Statistic Winslow Eagles Phillipsburg Stateliners
Points Per Game 46.3 30.5
Points Allowed Per Game 7.9 14.7
Passing Yards/Game 205.3 135.5
Rushing Yards/Game 122.3 172.2
Turnover Differential +20 +12

Keys to Victory

Winslow Eagles

  1. Start Fast: An early lead would put immense pressure on Phillipsburg to abandon their balanced game plan.
  2. Limit Mistakes: Turnovers are the only way the undefeated season gets derailed.
  3. Exploit Matchups: Parker must use his weapons like Miller and Upton to stretch the field.

Phillipsburg Stateliners

  1. Control the Clock: Time-consuming drives are crucial to keep Winslow’s offense on the sideline.
  2. Pressure Parker: Forcing the young QB into quick decisions will be key to disrupting Winslow’s rhythm.
  3. Win Special Teams: Big returns or a key field goal could swing momentum.

X-Factors

  • Winslow: Cam Miller—A game-changer on both sides of the ball, Miller’s ability to make explosive plays could tilt the game in Winslow’s favor.
  • Phillipsburg: Jayden Lucas—The senior linebacker must lead the charge in containing Winslow’s dynamic offense.

Why You Should Watch

This game is a showcase of two elite programs with distinct styles. Winslow’s star power and perfect season will be tested by Phillipsburg’s disciplined and determined squad. With a state championship on the line, expect nothing less than a thrilling battle.

Kickoff is set for Wednesday, December 4, at 7:00 PM at SHI Stadium. Don’t miss it!

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