Final N.J. football Top 20 for 2024: Old Tappan #11

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11-Old Tappan (12-1)

Last week: No. 14

The Golden Knights put a bow on an outstanding season with a 28-16 Group 3 championship victory over Mainland on Sunday at SHI Stadium. Senior do-it-all athlete Alex Orecchio threw a touchdown to sophomore Shane Small, ran in a score, and reeled in the game’s first touchdown for 21 points for the Golden Knights. Senior running back Nick Rossi added the team’s other touchdown on a 22-yard scamper. It’s the second Group 3 title for Old Tappan in the last three years after defeating Delsea in the 2022 final. The lone loss for the Golden Knights came in Week 8 of the regular season to Pascack Valley, which it went on to defeat in the North Group 3 semifinal 43-14.

Source Link: https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2024/12/final-nj-football-top-20-for-2024-state-champions-cap-off-epic-season.html

Athlete's Latest Article

UNDEFEATED Sectional Winners: Old Tappan

Nov 14, 2025

Old Tappan overpowered Wayne Hills 42 to 14 in the North Jersey Section 1 Group 3 final. The win gave Old Tappan its third sectional title in four years and pushed its winning streak to sixteen games. Devyn Radoian set the tone on the ground with 17 carries for 87 yards and a touchdown. His production controlled the pace from the opening quarter. The game broke open fast. On the first play from scrimmage, Christakis Nicolaou jumped a route and scored on a 31 yard pick six. Zach Miceli then found Leo Etter on fourth and goal to make the lead 14 to 0. Wayne Hills answered with an 84 yard kickoff return by Chernoh St. Paul, but Old Tappan controlled the rest of the night. Old Tappan leaned on long drives and physical runs. A first down penalty pushed the offense to its own 16. The Knights responded with a 13 play march built on nine straight runs. Radoian finished the drive with a one yard score. The defense then stopped a Wayne Hills red zone trip. With 1:22 left in the half, Miceli led an 85 yard scoring drive in sixty seconds that ended with a Shane Small touchdown for a 35 to 7 halftime lead. Small delivered a strong night across the board. He caught 4 passes for 56 yards. He scored once and helped extend key drives late in the first half. The Knights opened the second half with another long drive. Two carries from Radoian set the tempo. Damian Du Toit then handled 11 straight runs and scored from the 1 to start the running clock. Miceli completed 14 of 17 passes for 152 yards and three touchdowns. Etter scored twice. Du Toit added 61 rushing yards and one score. Matteo Morrissey remained steady with his kicking. He went a perfect six for six on extra points. Old Tappan will host West Morris in the Group 3 semifinal. Both teams enter undefeated. They have split playoff meetings in 2022 and 2023. Wayne Hills finished 9 and 3.

Devyn Radoian Scores Twice as Old Tappan Blanks River Dell in Quarterfinal Win

Nov 01, 2025

No. 7 Old Tappan blanks River Dell 37-0 in N1G3 Quarterfinals Friday, October 31, 2025 – Old Tappan, NJ Old Tappan continued its undefeated run with a dominant 37-0 shutout over River Dell in the North 1 Group 3 quarterfinals. The Golden Knights improved to 9-0 with a balanced first-half performance that saw the offense and defense overwhelm the Hawks from the start. First-Half Explosion Quarterback Zachary Miceli led two early scoring drives, connecting with Joey Crescitelli for a 20-yard touchdown and setting up Damian Du Toit’s 2-yard rushing score for a 14-0 lead after one quarter. In the second quarter, Devyn Radoian took over on the ground, punching in two touchdowns from 8 and 1 yards out. A special teams miscue by River Dell added to the damage when a fumbled punt snap by Jayden Kim rolled out of the end zone for a safety. Miceli then capped the half with a short touchdown pass to Christakis Nicolaou, pushing the score to 37-0. Defensive Lockdown Old Tappan’s defense suffocated River Dell, holding them to 60 passing yards and 106 on the ground. The Golden Knights’ front line repeatedly collapsed the pocket, forcing quick throws and limiting explosive plays. Next Round With the win, Old Tappan advances to the N1G3 semifinals, where they will host the winner of West Essex vs. Vernon. The Golden Knights have yet to allow a touchdown in postseason play and remain the top contender to repeat as sectional champions.

Old Tappan Rolls Past Pascack Valley to Stay Perfect

Oct 14, 2025

Old Tappan Rolls Past Pascack Valley to Stay Perfect Old Tappan stayed unbeaten at 8-0 after a dominant 41-3 win over Pascack Valley on Friday night. The Knights overwhelmed the Panthers on both sides of the ball, building a 34-3 halftime lead and never looking back. Offense Quarterback Zachary Miceli led the attack, completing 7 of 11 passes for 101 yards and adding 58 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Damian Du Toit powered through the defense for 121 yards and a touchdown on 8 carries. Devyn Radoian added 45 rushing yards and 2 scores. Through the air, Leo Etter led with 48 receiving yards, while Christakis Nicolaou, Joey Crescitelli, and Shane Small each added key catches to keep drives alive. Defense The Knights’ defense completely shut down Pascack Valley, holding them to zero passing and rushing yards. Dylan Park and Nick Blanchard each totaled 8+ tackles and combined for 4 sacks. Shane Small, John Bilali, and Christakis Nicolaou were strong in pursuit, while Devyn Radoian made an interception that he returned for a touchdown. Old Tappan’s front seven dominated the line of scrimmage, forcing punts and three-and-outs all game. Special Teams Kicker Matteo Morrissey stayed perfect, going 5-for-5 on extra points. Old Tappan’s balanced performance on offense, defense, and special teams sets up strong momentum heading into the playoffs.