Shore Conference Clash: Point Pleasant Boro vs. Rumson-Fair Haven in Group 2 Semifinals

by NJ Athletics

Friday night is going to be electric as two of New Jersey’s top high school football teams, Point Pleasant Boro (10-2) and Rumson-Fair Haven (11-0), square off in the NJSIAA Group 2 Semifinal. With a trip to the state championship on the line, this game has all the makings of an instant classic. Here's everything you need to know about this Shore Conference showdown.

A Tale of Two Seasons

Point Pleasant Boro: Ground and Pound

For Point Boro, the formula is simple: run the ball, control the clock, and play tough defense. The Panthers have been riding a wave of momentum through the playoffs, recently grinding out a hard-fought 15-7 win over Camden in the South Jersey Group 2 final. Senior running back Dylan Reitmeyer has been a workhorse, rushing for over 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns this season.

But don’t sleep on sophomore Jake Clayton, who adds versatility with 863 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns of his own. Together, they form one of the most formidable backfields in the state.

Still, this isn’t the same team that fell to Rumson-Fair Haven back in Week 2 (41-28). That loss stung, but it also sparked a run of dominance for the Panthers, who have won 8 of their last 9 games.

Rumson-Fair Haven: A Perfect Season

If Point Boro leans on the run, Rumson-Fair Haven counters with one of the most dynamic offenses in New Jersey. Senior quarterback Owen O’Toole has been lights out, passing for 2,454 yards and 25 touchdowns. His connection with standout receiver Jordan Angstreich (1,041 yards, 13 TDs) has shredded defenses all season long.

The Bulldogs aren’t just about finesse, though. Junior running back Kellen Murray is a force on the ground, with 1,332 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, giving Rumson a balanced attack that’s almost impossible to stop.

Defensively, Rumson has been stout, holding opponents to single digits in five games this season. Their ability to generate turnovers—+15 turnover differential—has made them especially dangerous.

The History: A Split Series

These two teams are no strangers to each other. In their last two meetings, it’s been a story of revenge:

  • 2023: Point Boro won 42-28 in a high-scoring affair.
  • 2024 (Week 2): Rumson bounced back with a 41-28 victory.

With the series split, this game feels like the tiebreaker—and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Three Matchups to Watch

  1. Point Boro’s Rushing Attack vs. Rumson’s Front Seven The Panthers’ triple-option offense will test Rumson’s defensive discipline. Can Rumson’s linebackers, led by senior Austin Kiernan (106 tackles), keep Reitmeyer and Clayton in check?

  2. Owen O’Toole vs. Point Boro’s Secondary Rumson’s aerial assault is one of the best in the state, and O’Toole has the arm to find his weapons deep. Point Boro’s sophomore Jake Clayton (3 INTs) and senior Colin Obser will need to step up to slow down Angstreich and company.

  3. Special Teams Rumson’s Jordan Angstreich is dangerous on punt returns, with an 83-yard touchdown return earlier this year. In a game like this, field position could be the difference.

The X-Factors

  • Point Pleasant Boro: Their ability to control the clock with their ground game will be crucial. The longer they keep O’Toole and the Bulldogs’ offense on the sidelines, the better their chances.
  • Rumson-Fair Haven: If Rumson can strike early and force Point Boro into a shootout, it’ll be tough for the Panthers to keep up.

Why You Should Watch

This semifinal isn’t just a game; it’s a battle of two Shore Conference powerhouses with championship aspirations. For Point Boro, it’s a chance to avenge an early-season loss and prove their ground game can dominate anyone. For Rumson-Fair Haven, it’s about maintaining their undefeated streak and punching their ticket to the final.

Under the Friday night lights, anything can happen. One thing’s for sure—this is high school football at its finest.

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