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MyCentralJersey.com football analyst Marcus Borden has selected one player from each of the Greater Middlesex Conference’s 24 football-playing schools to be a recipient of the fifth annual “Borden’s Ballers” Award.
Now, we need the help of our readers to select one of those 24 players to be named “Borden’s Baller of the Year.”
Readers can cast their votes on the ballot found at the bottom of this story. Voting closes Sunday, Nov. 10 at noon.
The player who receives the most votes will be featured in a story that will appear in the Home News Tribune and at MyCentralJersey.com along with a photograph of Borden presenting him with a special award, courtesy of MyCentralJersey.com.
Each of the 24 players will receive a commemorative plaque and a “Borden’s Ballers” shirt that bears a special design on the front and the name of all 24 players chosen for the honor on the back.
“For those that have achieved this great honor,” Borden said, “please keep the commemorative plaque with all your other memorabilia from your scholastic career. In addition, please wear your ‘Borden’s Ballers’ custom shirt with great pride knowing that you are being held to the highest standards that this award represents.”
Borden used the following criteria to choose the select group: Performance (an athlete who has played at a high level throughout the season); Leadership (a player who epitomizes the adage, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”); Camaraderie (a teammate who can be relied upon as a positive influence under any situation); Intangibles (someone who thrives in crunch time, represents his program and school well, is coachable and has what Borden, a Spanish teacher at East Brunswick High School, calls “ganas,” or intense desire).
“It was extremely difficult in many cases deciding which player to select from any given school that had a plethora of candidates to be considered,” said Borden, a Hall of Fame member of both the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association and the New Jersey Football Coaches Association.
For that reason, Borden provided MyCentralJersey.com with a list of honorable mention recipients.
Here's what Borden told MyCentralJersey.com football writer Greg Tufaro about each of this year's Borden's Ballers nominees:
Red Division
East Brunswick – Carlos Tapia
“When you have been named captain of your football team, there comes a certain responsibility as a team leader. As one of rookie head Coach Andy Steinfeld’s top players, the hard-nosed Tapia has spearheaded the resurgence of the Bears football program from his linebacker position while being one of the team’s leading tacklers. It is however his vocal encouragement and insistence on player accountability that has helped establish the culture that Steinfeld wants for future East Brunswick players”
J.P. Stevens – Gemal Singleton
“Gemal has been the glue for the young Hawks as the junior quarterback has been doing on-the-job-training in the J.P. Stevens spread option attack. His athleticism and quickness are two qualities that bode well for the future of the football program. Singleton and a host of sophomores and juniors have gained valuable experience as they look to finish the season on a high note.”
Monroe Township – Dylan Gorhan
“One of the most improved players in the GMC, Gorhan nearly pulled off the upset of undefeated Old Bridge in a rare Friday afternoon game in Mid-October. Known more for his throwing accuracy and decision making, Dylan used his legs to put the upset-minded Falcons in position to tie the game with the heavily favored Knights. Dylan can lead Monroe to a 5-4 season on Thursday night versus West Windsor-Plainsboro South.”
Old Bridge – Bryson Corbett
“The Cardiac Knights are undefeated at 8-0 as they head into playoff weekend. With 4 victories by a total of 7 points, linebacker/slot back Bryce Corbett has literally had his hand in on many of those wins. His timely block of a Monroe PAT proved to be the difference in a 7-6 road win at Hugh Walsh Stadium. Corbett continued his heroics at Franklin two weeks ago while scoring on two touchdown catches of 80 and 10 yards, got a critical 6-yard run on 4th down in the final three minutes of the game and then completed a 45-yard halfback option pass that would help set up the game winning touchdown.”
Perth Amboy – Erick Rivera
“Erick has been the workhorse for the Panthers averaging nearly nine yards per carry in his 6 games this season. He had his biggest rushing performance of 210 yards versus playoff-bound South Brunswick as well as over 100 yards against a stingy Woodbridge defense two weeks ago. A gifted two-way performer, Rivera was equally impressive on defense as a linebacker where his quickness and toughness were always on display.”
South Brunswick – Gage Katzenell-Hall
“One of the best quarterbacks in the GMC, Gage has made a seamless transition from the triple option to the spread. His accuracy and big play capability have led to 16 touchdowns through the air while also being a threat to take off and run on the zone read. The Katzenell-Hall’s ability to spread the ball around to multiple receivers along with a solid run game give the Vikings hope as they look to make a run in the post-season.”
White Division
Edison – Tyee Martin
“A pre-season quad scrimmage at Woodbridge was Martin’s coming out party as he displayed exceptional route-running ability, speed and hands. He was equally impressive on the defensive side of the ball with natural instincts and leaping ability when covering opposing wide receivers. His 38 catches for 526 yards and 6 touchdowns are the most among the Eagles receivers. He may be one of the best kept secrets in Middlesex County with a promising future at the next level.”
New Brunswick – Keshon Davila
“One of Middlesex County’s best wrestlers in the GMC last year, Davila took his wrestling skills to the gridiron for the Zebras as one of the toughest defensive linemen in the area. His ability to get off opposing lineman was never more evident that the night New Brunswick upset heavily favored #1 Piscataway at Memorial Stadium. Keshon was a disruptive force the entire night as New Brunswick’s winningest grappler helped his team pin a 13-7 defeat on the Chiefs.”
North Brunswick – Leon Lowery
"The Syracuse commit did not disappoint the Orange coaching staff in attendance as the much-anticipated border war with New Brunswick turned in to a laugher as Lowery and company pressured the Zebras offense into two Raider defensive scores while scoring 20 points in the 4th quarter. Leon is a dominant pass rusher who gives opposing Offensive coordinators nightmares. You can bet Westfield’s QB Hank Shapiro (a Lehigh commit) had his head on a swivel in the regular season finale as Lowery sacked him early and late.”
Piscataway – Marcel Walker
“One of three returning starters from the Chiefs magical 13-0 Bowl Champion 2018 season, Walker has raised his performance level on both sides of the ball, but more importantly he has been the vocal leader for a young team trying to live up to ‘Title Town’s’ expectations. Marcel continues to be a game-changer as a pass rusher and as a blocking/receiving tight end. You can bet he will be the calming voice needed in the huddle as the playoff season starts.”
Sayreville – Jayvis Rayside
“The Bombers are always tough defensively and Jayvis Rayside fits the mold of a seek and destroy linebacker. The Bryant University commit is one of the top linebackers in the GMC who lays it on the line week in and week out. His added role as a slot back in 2019 shows his desire to be on the field at all times. Jayvis’ huge sack of Williamstown’s QB in the closing moments of their 2018 Bowl Championship helped set up the winning score as the Braves punter mishandled the snap in his endzone while under pressure from Rayside and the Bombers.”
BLUE DIVISION
Carteret – Justin Leigh
“Leigh is the Ramblers most inspiring player on the field as the team’s leading receiver with 24 catches for 419 yards while averaging nearly 18 yards per catch. Defensively he is one of the top safeties in the GMC who has a knack for always being around the ball. It is his compassion for others, however, that impresses you the most. After being crowned 2019 Homecoming King, Leigh passed his crown and sash over to Jason Yacout, a fellow classmate with Down syndrome, to the delight of the Rambler faithful.”
Colonia – Matt Croteau
“A bruising runner that gets stronger as the game goes on, Matt has willed his Patriot teammates into the playoffs with legendary performances on both sides of the football. Averaging 153 all-purpose yards a game on offense with 14 rushing touchdowns along with his 20 tackles in 8 games on defense, Croteau has to be regarded as one of the best two-way performers in the GMC as well as in the state.”
J.F. Kennedy – Tristan Blaize Miranda
“Has a motor that doesn’t stop. When you put on the videotape, you see a linebacker that flies to the football even when the play goes away from him. This relentless pursuit carries over on offense too with Miranda often seen blocking to the whistle from his tight end position.”
St. Joseph – K-Shawn Schulters
“With multiple scholarship offers coming in recent weeks, St. Joseph’s top two-way performer is sure to receive a few more before the December early signing date. A dynamic wide receiver, K-shawn has made game-winning plays on both sides of the ball. When the ball is in the air, this Falcon takes flight over the competition to make the big catch!”
South Plainfield – Austin Scott
“Having made a name for himself as a sophomore defensive end/tight end in 2018, Scott has continued to show growth as a junior while being the team’s leading receiver and one of their top defensive performers. Blessed with size and athleticism, you can bet this South Plainfield Tiger will lead his teammates back to their winning ways after defeating crosstown rival North Plainfield in their season finale.”
Woodbridge – Jesus Cabrera
“If you were in attendance at Basilone Field in Bridgewater last Friday, you would have seen a phenomenal comeback win by the Barrons over Bridgewater Raritan and the indominable spirit of #1 Jesus Cabrera who was not to be denied! His relentless pressure on the Panthers quarterback in the final minutes of the game and his impressive catches and drive for extra yardage with Woodbridge driving to take the lead, epitomizes that never-say-die attitude he shares with his teammates as they continue their drive to the playoffs.”
GOLD DIVISION
Dunellen – Adem Sangiray
“When you play in Dunellen’s single-wing offense, you have to play just about every position. Named the ‘offense in a phone booth’ by head coach Dave Denapoli, meaning everyone is toe to toe or crammed together, Adem is a perfect fit. He is a physical blocker and powerful runner that will get the extra yard. However, it was on defense where Sangiray had the most impact averaging nearly 8 solo tackles a game and 3 tackles for a loss.”
Highland Park – Michael Adamczyk
“If there was any one player on the Highland Park team who was determined to see the Owls finish the season after nearly losing the program last year, it was Adamczyk. With a small roster comprised of many first-time players, the diminutive but tough tailback showed grit and desire when he carried the ball. He was knocked down often but kept getting back up to lead the fight to save the once proud program which has so much history.”
Metuchen – Colyn Qualls
“Qualls led a much-improved Bulldog football program, which fell on hard times the past few years, back to respectability. A physical and mentally tough leader, Colyn was one of sophomore QB Stephen Michlalizyn’s favorite targets while also being a consistent blocker in the running game. On defense he epitomized his head coach’s passion for getting eleven hats to the ball”
Middlesex – Alex Roque
“When you play running back in Middlesex’s grind it out triple option, you better be ready to carry the ball at a moment’s notice. Roque’s speed and toughness makes him the outside threat as the defense becomes consumed with stopping the quarterback and fullback. When you add the the play action pass to the mix, Alex is already running by you for six. A solid two-way performer and special teams player, this BlueJay will have an impact in the playoffs.”
South River – Stephen Rodriguez
“Rodriguez has been an inspirational leader for the young Rams which celebrated their 100th season playing football in 2019. As a solid two-way performer, he anchored the offensive and defensive line for South River. The 6’4” 225 defensive end was a disruptive force all season long and will have one more game in legendary Bill Denny Stadium as the Rams host Harrison H.S. in a Regional Crossover on Saturday November 9.
Spotswood – Shae Griffin
“When you are a running back in the wing-t offense you have to block for your backfield mates if you want them to block for you. Griffin was an outstanding blocker for the Chargers and a quite capable runner too. In his final regular season game, Shae ran the sweep to perfection accumulating 147 yards on 19 carries. He will have one more opportunity at home versus A.L. Johnson Regional next Saturday.”
St. Thomas Aquinas – Alejandro Santiago
“Aldo is a punishing runner who combines quickness, athleticism and power when running the ball. He rarely comes off the field and handles the kicking duties as well as playing inside linebacker. When he hits you, you go down! The consummate team player, Alejandro has been an tremendous role model for a young Trojan team that starts as many as 5 freshmen. He will be an outstanding player at the next level.”
Honorable Mention
East Brunswick – Christian Richards
Edison – Deon Freer
J.P. Stevens – Nasear Neal
Monroe – Mike Torsiello
North Brunswick – Samod Wingo
Old Bridge – Eddie Nugent
Piscataway – Khristan Hernandez
Sayreville – Mark Whitford
South Brunswick – Jai Patel
Bishop Ahr – Kyle Hall
Carteret – Emmanie Roman
Colonia – Kenny Shinski
J.F. Kennedy – Antonio Badillo
New Brunswick– Nydir Harmon
Perth Amboy – Jared Starks
St. Joseph – Jordan Kinsler
South Plainfield – Josiah Harvey
Woodbridge – Sebastian Mont-Louis
Dunellen – Qwentin Rose
Metuchen – Frederik Krebs
Middlesex – Jordan Campbell
South River – Cincere McCrary
Spotswood – Ryan Quinn
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