Bill Evans
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Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipient, 15 Emmys, NY State Broadcasters Hall of Fame, NY Times Best Selling Author.
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Articles by Bill Evans
N.J. wrestling medalist, Princeton commit, will miss senior season with knee injury
Delran’s two-time state placewinner and two-time region champion Jackson Weller underwent left knee surgery on Thursday that will sideline him for his senior season. Weller, a Princeton University commit, made the announcement in a heartfelt message on Instagram on Friday. “I am disappointed because it was always my dream to win a State title,” Weller wrote. “One thing that my dad taught me, though, is that success should not be measured in results.
4-star recruit, NFL player’s brother leads defense in battle of state champs
Aiden Ezeiruaku was headed to Boston College on Friday night for a college football visit. But first he had some business to attend to. Ezeiruaku and fellow defensive lineman Maurice Davis each contributed 1 1/2 sacks, created havoc in the backfield all night and stuffed the run as No. 18 Glassboro won a defensive battle of defending state champions, beating No. 17 Camden, 15-6.
Unheralded receiver becomes ‘Ice Cup 2.0′ in Top-20 matchup
Coach Keenan Wright had high praise for senior wide receiver Kenai Austin after No. 15 Atlantic City knocked off No. 10 Millville, 35-14, on Thursday night. “He’s unstoppable, I said that earlier in the year, once he gets out of his own head,” said Wright. “He’s 215 pounds.
N.J. football player airlifted to hospital after frightening head-to-head collision
A high school football player was airlifted by helicopter to a local hospital after suffering an injury during a game on Wednesday, Millville athletic director Jason Kessler confirmed. The Millville player was injured during a freshman football game at Egg Harbor Township High School. Egg Harbor athletic director Kevin Rutledge, who was at the game, said the injury occurred on a head-to-head collision.
West Jersey Football League Defensive Players of the Week for Oct. 8-10
It might not feel like it with the temperatures this week, but fall is here. With the change of seasons comes more intensity and more importance to every high school football weekend with playoffs on the horizon. Last week, there were several standout performances in the West Jersey Football League, and we highlight 10 of the best individual games on the defensive end. Check out our West Jersey Football League Defensive Players of the Week for Oct. 8-10.
N.J. football group and conference rankings for Oct. 13
There are two weeks left before postseason positions lock in. As we close in on playoff brackets being released, NJ.com’s football writers take a look at the top teams in all six groups as well as in each of the state’s five conferences. Below check out NJ.com’s football group and conference rankings for Oct. 13. Note: NJ.com football writers Bob Badders, Mike Kinney, Kevin Minnick, Ryan Patti, PJ Potter and Joe Zedalis contributed to these rankings.
N.J. junior with 16 football scholarship offers catches TD for 7th straight game
Zehkiy DeJesus is piling up touchdowns almost as quickly as scholarship offers. The St. Augustine Prep junior caught a touchdown in all seven games this season, including one in Friday night’s 37-0 shutout of Shawnee. He finished with 143 yards and a touchdown on six catches, giving him 28 receptions for 636 yards and eight touchdowns on the year. The Hermits improved to 6-1 with their second straight shutout win, while Shawnee fell to 5-2.
N.J. football team forced to forfeit game. Here’s when it will play again
High School Sports Updated: Oct. 08, 2026, 6:08 p.m. |Published: Oct. 08, 2026, 6:00 p.m. Football spicon. Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance MediaScott Faytok | For NJ Advance Media Lindenwold’s high school football team is scheduled to return to the field this week after forfeiting its game last Friday at West Windsor-Plainsboro.
All-State N.J. softball star commits to D1 program after breakout sophomore season
Clearview’s Ella Redheffer took a huge jump between her freshman and sophomore softball seasons. She raised her average by 128 points, drove in 22 more RBI, scored 21 more run, more than doubled her extra-base hits and jumped from four stolen bases to 26. Her improvement earned Redheffer 3rd Team All-State honors as an infielder in June. Redheffer’s year just got even better as she recently committed to Hofstra University.
She used to play baseball with the boys. Now this N.J. standout is a D1 softball commit
Eastern’s Lily Kwis is easy to pick out on a softball field. And not just because of her talent and .603 batting average. It’s the headband with Phillie Phanatic eyes that can be found on top of her head in just about every picture where she’s wearing a softball uniform. “I always want to bring a little bit of Philly with me everywhere I go,” said Kwis. “Plus, my favorite player is Bryce Harper.” Kwis will be taking her talents, and Phanatic headband, to State College in a couple of years.
West Jersey Football League Defensive Players of the Week, Oct. 1-3
As part of our daily coverage of New Jersey high school football, we will shine the spotlight on some of the top performances in the West Jersey Football League each week. On Tuesdays, we will highlight 10 players who turned in noteworthy efforts on offense from the previous weekend. And on Wednesdays, we’ll turn to those on the defensive side. Take a look below at our selections for WJFL Defensive Players of the Week from Week 5.
Whoever Educates the Children Disciples the Nation
Christians need to start an education revolution. Vishal Mangalwadi shows us how. Christians debate elections, legislation, and how to restore their nations while often overlooking a more fundamental question: Who is educating the next generation? Whoever shapes children's understanding of truth, morality, and human purpose helps shape the society those children will build. Education disciples ...
N.J. All-State pitcher chooses unexpected destination to play Division I softball
Red Bank Catholic pitcher Mackenna Savage admits Louisiana University wasn’t on her radar when the recruiting period opened for softball juniors on Sept. 1. Then, about an hour after coaches could start contacting junior recruits, her phone rang with a call from an unexpected number. A little more than a month later, Savage made her commitment to continue her softball career in two years with the Ragin’ Cajuns. “I had no idea they were going to call me,” Savage said.
N.J. football group and conference rankings for Oct. 6
It’s hard to believe, but there’s only three weeks of high school football games left in the regular season. With six games of data behind, teams have really established themselves at the top of of their groups and conferences. Below we break down the top 10 teams in the state in all six groups, while we also rank the best teams in all five conferences. Check out NJ.com’s football group and conference rankings for Oct. 6.
West Jersey Football League Offensive Players of the Week, Oct. 1-3
As part of our daily coverage of New Jersey high school football, we will shine the spotlight on some of the top performances in the West Jersey Football League each week. On Tuesdays, we will highlight 10 players who turned in noteworthy efforts on offense from the previous weekend. And on Wednesdays, we’ll turn to those on the defensive side. Take a look below at our selections for WJFL Offensive Players of the Week from Week 5.
After 5th win, contender trying to peak at Halloween: ‘No one’s handing out candy’
Last season, the Ocean City High School football team needed a six-minute game-tying drive and overtime field goal to beat a state champion just to qualify for the playoffs. The Red Raiders are taking care of business early this year as they jumped to a 26-0 lead and held on for a 26-18 win over Oakcrest on a rainy Saturday morning to improve to 5-1 on the season - tying last year’s win total with three regular-season games to play.
Former state power makes 2-point stop with 7 seconds left for most wins in 5 years
Marco Colbert sat in the stands when the Williamstown High School football program was arguably the best in South Jersey, and the atmosphere was unmatched late last decade. His brother Brody was a star on the team that won back-to-back sectional titles and a regional championship. Marco hasn’t experienced much of the same success or buzz in his four seasons at Williamstown, now playing for his third coach in four years and enjoying just five wins in the last three years combined.
S.J. football player taken to hospital by ambulance after suffering neck injury
High School Sports Published: Oct. 01, 2026, 10:33 p.m. Ambulance in route.Canva Stock Image Collingswood High School senior football player Isiaha Clement was taken to Cooper Hospital by ambulance after suffering a neck injury during the Panthers’ 34-0 loss to host Deptford on Thursday night. Clement was placed on a spine board and loaded in an ambulance on the field before being taken to the hospital.
Polarizing N.J. wrestling champ Anthony Knox breaks silence on infamous brawl, transfer to Rutgers
Anthony Knox is ready to move on. Speaking publicly for the first time since his highly-publicized transfer to Rutgers last year, Knox detailed the 10 months since his move back to New Jersey — and the controversial finish to his storied high school career where he won four individual state championships at St. John Vianney.
N.J. football group and conference rankings for Sept. 29
The high school regular season is about halfway over, and teams are starting to cement their status as legitimate contenders in their respective groups and conferences. Want to know who could be competing for state titles at MetLife Stadium in late November? Who are the best teams in each of New Jersey’s five conferences? Check out NJ.com’s football group and conference rankings for Sept. 29.
West Jersey Football League Offensive Players of the Week, Sept. 24-28
As part of our daily coverage of New Jersey high school football, we will shine the spotlight on some of the top performances in the West Jersey Football League each week. On Tuesdays, we will highlight 10 players who turned in noteworthy efforts on offense from the previous weekend. And on Wednesdays, we’ll turn to those on the defensive side. Take a look below at our selections for WJFL Defensive Players of the Week from Week 4.
The Church: Past, Present, Future
I'm looking for some serious feedback and discussion from my Christian friends, especially those who are always stressing the importance of the local church, liturgy, creeds and submission to elders. In the young, exploding 1st century gentile community of faith- * without 2000 years of law * without 2000 years of church history * without ...
After rain-soaked win, football star says ‘We’re the best team in South Group 1′
The road to the South Jersey Group 1 title will run through Pittsgrove. Coming off a controversial 15-14 win over one South Jersey Group 1 contender in Salem, the Schalick High School football team knocked off another favorite by downing Paulsboro, 16-8, on a rainy, soggy Saturday morning. The Cougars - the top-ranked team in South Jersey Group 1 on power points - improved to 5-0. Paulsboro - ranked second - fell to 3-2.
Group 2 contender flips script for 1st win in S.J.’s best football rivalry in 7 yrs.
There have been many big moments over the last two decades in South Jersey’s best football rivalry. And while there might not have been one key play or amazing finish Friday for the West Deptford High School football team, the 28-0 win over Haddonfield was one of its most impressive victories in the long-running series. The Eagles improved to 5-0, while the Bulldawgs fell to 4-1.
How NCAA’s 5-for-5 rules impact N.J.’s college wrestling programs Original
Chase Hansen and Kage Jones are two high-profile New Jersey recruits for the Rider University wrestling team, true freshmen whom the Bronc coaches hope can add to their impressive list of All-Americans someday. In some past seasons, Rider coaches would be deliberating now about whether Hansen and Jones would benefit from a redshirt season to start their careers even if they had the skill to jump into the lineup.
N.J. college wrestling program announces schedule under new coach
The Rider University wrestling team released its 2026-27 schedule on Wednesday night, its first with interim coach Nic Bedelyon at the helm. Bedelyon is stepping in this season for John Hangey, who will become the school's deputy athletic director on a temporary basis. The Broncs are coming off a 12-6 season in which they won the Mid-American Conference East Division title, captured the MAC tournament title and saw Tyler Klinsky become the program's 11th All-American in the last 12 years.
N.J. college wrestling program announces schedule under new coach
The Rider University wrestling team released its 2026-27 schedule on Wednesday night, its first with interim coach Nic Bedelyon at the helm. Bedelyon is stepping in this season for John Hangey, who will become the school’s deputy athletic director on a temporary basis. The Broncs are coming off a 12-6 season in which they won the Mid-American Conference East Division title, captured the MAC tournament title and saw Tyler Klinsky become the program’s 11th All-American in the last 12 years.
West Jersey Football League Defensive Players of the Week, Sept. 17-19
As part of our daily coverage of New Jersey high school football, we will shine the spotlight on some of the top performances in the West Jersey Football League each week. On Tuesdays, we will highlight 10 players who turned in noteworthy efforts on offense from the previous weekend. And on Wednesdays, we’ll turn to those on the defensive side. Take a look below at our selections for WJFL Defensive Players of the Week from Week 3.
N.J. football player needed pads cut off after ‘scary’ injury. Coach provides update after hospital stay.
Absegami senior Jason Torres ran back on kickoff coverage Friday night against Hammonton, turned around to make a block, then jogged into the huddle. Absegami ran one offensive play in which Torres — a tight end — blocked his defender before the first half ended and the team went to the locker room. Torres started walking slowly off the field. Then he went down to one knee and fell to the ground. He told his coach, Warren Smith, that he was losing feeling in his body.
Rutgers national champion makes return as 1 of 3 N.J. wrestlers on major card Original
Nick Suriano will be back on a wrestling mat next month. Suriano has been announced for Real American Freestyle 14 on Oct. 23 in Las Vegas. Suriano, one of two NCAA wrestling champions for Rutgers who won a second title at Michigan, will face former Michigan All-American Dylan Ragusin in a featherweight match. The match will be Suriano’s debut in RAF. He last wrestled at the U.S. Open in April when he competed for the first time in two years.
N.J. football group and conference rankings for Sept. 22: Shuffle after Week 3
Another week, another slate of high school football results that shook up rankings from around the state. Below the NJ.com football writers rank the top 10 teams in all six groups as well as the top teams in each of New Jersey’s five football conferences. Following are the group and conference rankings for Sept. 22 following games of Week 3. Note: NJ.com football writers Bob Badders, Mike Kinney, Kevin Minnick, Ryan Patti, PJ Potter and Joe Zedalis contributed to these rankings.
West Jersey Football League Offensive Players of the Week, Sept. 17-19
As part of our daily coverage of New Jersey high school football, we will shine the spotlight on some of the top performances in the West Jersey Football League each week. On Tuesdays, we will highlight 10 players who turned in noteworthy efforts on offense from the previous weekend. And on Wednesdays, we’ll turn to those on the defensive side. Take a look below at our selections for WJFL Offensive Players of the Week from Week 3.
Championship football coach wins 1st meeting with former team in Top 20 showdown
The St. Augustine Prep football team handed their first-year coach, Bill Belton, a win over his former team in a battle of undefeated West Jersey Football League heavyweights on Saturday night. The No. 5 Hermits rolled past No. 15 Winslow, 42-14, behind 248 yards and five touchdowns from senior Roman Coney. St. Augustine improved to 4-0. Winslow, which ended Glassboro’s 29-game winning streak last week, fell to 3-1.
N.J. football coach returns from mysterious 3-game absence for game decided in final second
Deptford High School football coach Montrey Wright tweeted on Friday morning, “It’s an absolute great day to be (a) Deptford Spartan!!” Wright insisted there wasn’t any special meaning to it, but the coach had reason to be excited. For the first time in four Deptford games this year, Wright was on the sideline. The game came down to the final play, and Clearview made a goal-line stand with one second left to hold off the Spartans, 14-6, in a matchup of up-and-coming teams.
West Jersey Football League Defensive Players of the Week, Sept. 10-12
As part of our daily coverage of New Jersey high school football, we will shine the spotlight on some of the top performances in the West Jersey Football League each week. On Tuesdays, we will highlight 10 players who turned in noteworthy efforts on offense from the previous weekend. And on Wednesdays, we’ll turn to those on the defensive side. Take a look below at our selections for WJFL Defensive Players of the Week from Week 2.
All-State N.J. softball star makes college commitment as ACC program gets a real Gem
The first minute college coaches were able to reach out to high school softball players, Delran’s Gemma DeJoseph heard from her dream school. Less than two weeks later, the 1st Team All-State infielder committed to Syracuse. DeJoseph made her decision official over the weekend. “I knew from the get-go that was one of my top schools,” said DeJoseph. “If I got that call on Sept. 1, that’s where I wanted to go. There were a few other schools, but I was good with the coach. They had a good business school.
West Jersey Football League Offensive Players of the Week, Sept. 10-12
As part of our daily coverage of New Jersey high school football, we will shine the spotlight on some of the top performances in the West Jersey Football League each week. On Tuesdays, we will highlight 10 players who turned in noteworthy efforts on offense from the previous weekend. And on Wednesdays, we’ll turn to those on the defensive side. Take a look below at our selections for WJFL Offensive Players of the Week from Week 2. Cole Anderson, Shawnee, Jr., Util.
N.J. football group and conference rankings for Sept. 15
There was another week of significant high school football results throughout the state of New Jersey this past weekend. Winslow’s upset of Glassboro, which ended the Bulldogs’ 29-game winning streak, was the tip of the iceberg for rankings-shifting victories. Below check out the top 10 teams in every group as well as the top programs in each of the state’s five conferences for games through Sept. 12.
‘Legacy lives on’: Emotional night honoring fallen alum, legendary coach ends with win
Friday was a night for the past, present and future of the West Deptford High School football team. Prior to Friday’s 22-0 win over rival Paulsboro, West Deptford honored one of its all-time great players and a legendary coach. West Deptford revealed an eagle statue dedicated to former player Nick Brandemarti, who was killed in the 9/11 attacks in New York when the World Trade Center fell 25 years ago. Brandemarti was just 21 years old.
N.J. football team stuns rival with 28-yard game-winning Hail Mary on final play (Video)
Woodbury senior Thomas Lewis delivered a brief message to his quarterback before the final play of Thursday night’s thrilling West Jersey Football League rivalry game against Gateway. “Excuse my French, but I told him to give me the (bleepin’) ball,” said Lewis. Manny Dunleavy did just that, and the result was a 28-yard touchdown pass with no time on the clock that gave the Thundering Herd a 22-20 victory. Woodbury trailed, 20-16, before the walk-off score. Both teams are 2-1.
N.J. football program continues to honor legacy of all-time great 25 years after he died on 9/11
Forty-Four. In West Deptford, the number is royalty. A jersey bearing No. 44 hangs inside the high school’s fitness center. A No. 44 decal is fitted to the back of every helmet on the football team. For locals, Nick Brandemarti will never be forgotten — and it has little to do with his heroics on the field. Twenty-five years ago, Brandemarti, just 21 years old, worked as a financial analyst on the 89th floor of the World Trade Center in New York City.
N.J. school naming HS football field after coach who turned winless program into championship power
When Frank DeLano became Haddonfield’s football coach in 2002, he knew his team would have to beat West Deptford and coach Clyde Folsom to be champions. When Haddonfield travels to West Deptford on Sept. 25 for the latest in a long line of rivalry matchups, DeLano will be coaching on Clyde Folsom Field. West Deptford will name its football field after Folsom prior to Friday night’s game against another rival, Paulsboro. Folsom posted a 227-64-2 record in 27 seasons before stepping away in 2017.
West Jersey Football League Defensive Players of the Week, Sept. 3-5
As part of our daily coverage of New Jersey high school football, we will shine the spotlight on some of the top performances in the West Jersey Football League each week. On Tuesdays, we will highlight 10 players who turned in noteworthy efforts on offense from the previous weekend. And on Wednesdays, we’ll turn to those on the defensive side. Take a look below at our selections for WJFL Defensive Players of the Week from Week 1.
All-State N.J. softball player commits to SEC program after dominant sophomore year
One of New Jersey’s most dynamic softball players made her college decision over Labor Day weekend. Paul VI junior outfielder Jules Jackson committed to SEC power South Carolina. She announced her decision on social media on Labor Day, committing following her visit. “The environment, I just loved everything about it,” said Jackson. “It felt like a family. Coaches were amazing.
West Jersey Football League Offensive Players of the Week, Sept. 3-5
As part of our daily coverage of New Jersey high school football, we will shine the spotlight on some of the top performances in the West Jersey Football League each week. On Tuesdays, we will highlight 10 players who turned in noteworthy efforts on offense from the previous weekend. And on Wednesdays, we’ll turn to those on the defensive side. Take a look below at our selections for WJFL Offensive Players of the Week from Week 1.
1st football group and conference rankings for 2026: Early state-title favorites
By now, every team in the state has a game under their belt, if not two. While it’s certainly still early, the NJ.com football staff perused all the standings and results and came up with a top 10 for every group in the state. Who will be the teams battling for state titles at MetLife in November? Here’s an early idea. We also break down the top teams in each of New Jersey’s five conferences below.
N.J. football Top 20 for Sept. 6: 2 new teams enter and defending state champ surges
Week 1 of the New Jersey high school football season is in the books. Technically, it was Week 2 for most of the state as many teams played Zero Week. Some ranked teams have struggled and slid down or even out of the rankings, while other squads have shown in the early going they are going to be tough to contend with this season. Below is our Labor Day weekend edition of the NJ.com high school football Top 20. See the two new additions to this week’s rankings as well as all the other movement.
State champion rallies from 14-point deficit, beats No. 8 team for 16th straight win
When Millville’s Reggie Holley returned an interception 96 yards for a score and 14-0 lead early in the second quarter Friday, it appeared Washington Township’s 15-game winning streak was in serious jeopardy. No. 19 Washington Township graduated the core of last year’s 14-0 championship team and trailing a No. 8 Millville team, which has some of the state’s best athletes, it was uncertain how the young Minutemen would respond.
Big-play offense, stifling defense lead Group 2 contender to statement win
The Haddonfield Memorial High School football team traditionally features a tough-as-nails defense. This year, the Bulldawgs might have an explosive offense to go with it. Haddonfield scored on a 77-yard pass on its first pass play, added a 75-yard touchdown run, capitalized on another pass play of 54 yards and capped the scoring with a 33-yard TD strike as it rolled past Seneca, 34-0, on Thursday night. “How about that? And it was good,” said Haddonfield coach Frank DeLano.
West Jersey Football League Defensive Players of the Week, Aug. 27-29
As part of our daily coverage of New Jersey high school football, we will shine the spotlight on some of the top performances in the West Jersey Football League each week. On Tuesdays, we will highlight 10 players who turned in noteworthy efforts on offense from the previous weekend. And on Wednesdays, we’ll turn to those on the defensive side. Take a look below at our selections for WJFL Defensive Players of the Week from opening weekend.
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