Just like Wayne Hills, the Cougars proved offense may win games, but defense wins championships. In the Non-Public, Group 1 state finals, Paterson Catholic limited Morristown-Beard's highly regarded quarterback Mike Betz to just 5-of-24 passing, for 91 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. For the season, the Cougars registered an incredible 55 sacks while allowing more than one score in a game just once. Greg Moore and Dante Burton, who both shined in the state title game, will lead the cast of characters who return next year looking for state championship #6.

After a 15-year wait and a couple of recent close calls, the Indians finally got over the hump and made it to the state finals. But Valley couldn't close the deal, losing to Wayne Hills in the North 1, Group 3 state championship game, 27-7. Despite to losing to that school on the other side of town, head coach Brian O'Connor and the Indians had a terrific year in winning their 3rd straight Northern Hills-Skyline division title. There were a number of single-season school records broken this year: quarterback Derrick Bligh set the standard for passing yards and touchdown passes; Chris Pantale broke the record for sacks; and no one finished with more tackles in a single season than Michael Landberg did this year. And let's not forget what Matt Dortch accomplished this season -- he ran for over 1,400 yards, led the team in receptions, receiving yards and interceptions, while scoring 31 touchdowns.

It was a disappointing end to one of the best seasons in school history. The Bears lost a heartbreaker to New Milford in the North 1, Group 1 semifinals, dropping a 33-31 decision as the potential game-tying 2-point conversion attempt was spotted at the 18-yard line after an excessive celebration penalty was flagged on a touchdown with under a minute to play. Despite the defeat, John Passero and the Bears had a season for the ages. Fullback Steve Hein had a brilliant year, leading the GHT listening area with 1,851 yards rushing and 31 touchdowns.

After a sub-par season a year ago, the Maroons rebounded this year to get back to the semifinals of the state playoffs, and capped off their season with a thrilling Thanksgiving Day victory over a good Paramus squad. Doug Christopher's 42-yard field goal with no time remaining gave Ridgewood their 7th win of the year, with special teams and a stubborn defense being two of the keys to Ridgewood's return to the upper echelon of the NNJIL.

First year coach Tom McCormack led the Lancers to the playoffs for the first time since they won it all in 2004. Turnovers became a factor down the stretch for the Lancers, who committed three of them and allowed four sacks in a 21-0 loss to Pascack Valley in the first round of the playoffs. Despite the early exit, Lou Montegari-to-Dan Dieghan proved to be one of the best passing combos in the area, as they hooked up 45 times for 819 yards.

The Panthers made it to the playoffs for the 10th straight year, but they could not find a way to contain Hawthorne running back Steve Hein in their first round loss to the Bears. Hein almost single-handedly knocked Glen Rock out of the playoffs, as he rushed for 314 yards, 231 of which came in the 2nd half. It will surprise no one if the Panthers make it 11 straight playoff appearances next season, as they return 15 starters, led by do-everything quarterback Chuck Stewart. The junior signal-caller not only led Glen Rock's passing attack, but finished as the team leader in carries, rushing yards, yards per carry and rushing touchdowns.