Old Tappan's undefeated winning streak reaches 17 after a decisive victory over West Morris Central in the Group 3 Semifinals

The Old Tappan Golden Knights (12-0) continued their dominant run in the 2025 season and state playoffs, steamrolling past the West Morris Central Wolfpack (12-1) with a score of 35-0 in the NJSIAA Group 3 Tournament Semifinals. The game took place at Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan in Old Tappan, New Jersey.

Right from the start, Old Tappan's defense made an impact, forcing a fumble on West Morris's initial offensive play. Shane Small recovered the ball at the Wolfpack's 25-yard line.

The Golden Knights effectively mixed their running and passing game, leading to wide receiver Christakis Nicolaou taking a pitch on a jet sweep from quarterback Zach Miceli and powering his way across the goal line for a touchdown with less than 10 minutes remaining in the first quarter.

On West Morris's second offensive series with 9:30 left in the first quarter, they employed a strong running attack. The offense methodically moved the ball into Old Tappan territory, converting a crucial fourth-down play at the Golden Knights' 48-yard line to keep the drive alive. They managed another vital fourth-down conversion at the 33-yard line.

An 18-play drive consumed over nine minutes of clock time, but when West Morris faced another critical fourth down at the four-yard line, the Old Tappan defense made a stand, stopping the run and resulting in a turnover on downs with just three seconds remaining in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Golden Knights quickly advanced the ball from deep in their own territory into Wolfpack land, thanks to the outstanding play from Zach Miceli, both passing and running.

On first and ten at the West Morris Central 38-yard line, Miceli took the snap, dropped back in the pocket, and threw a pass right on target to wide receiver Leo Etter for a touchdown, extending Old Tappan's lead to 14-0.

The Wolfpack offense sought to regain momentum, pushing the ball 30 yards to their own 45-yard line. They went for it on fourth down, but the attempt failed as Golden Knights player Damian DuToit recorded a sack on an attempted pass.

With an excellent starting field position, Old Tappan faced their own fourth-down conversion at West Morris Central, succeeding when quarterback Zach Miceli completed a 10-yard pass to running back Devyn Radoian. However, the Wolfpack defense held firm, and on fourth and goal at the one-yard line, Miceli took the direct snap and powered his way into the end zone, increasing the lead to 21-0.

After receiving the second-half kickoff, returner Leo Etter used his speed to bring the ball back to the Golden Knights' 42-yard line. Old Tappan's offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage, enabling Miceli to complete passes while Radoian gained significant yardage on the ground, including a 21-yard run.

On third and goal at the West Morris Central one-yard line, Miceli took the snap and, with an open lane created by his offensive line, leaped into the end zone for another touchdown, capping off an impressive seven-play drive that consumed three and a half minutes.

With less than six minutes remaining on the clock, the Golden Knights regained possession at their own 41-yard line. Facing third and six at the 45-yard line, Miceli showcased his elusiveness, scrambling to the Wolfpack's 12-yard line. On second down at the ten-yard line, Miceli took the snap and threw a pass to wide receiver Leo Etter, who extended the ball across the goal line for a score, bringing the total to 35-0 with three and a half minutes left.

In the fourth quarter, West Morris Central tried to score by moving deep into Old Tappan's territory. However, an attempted pass was intercepted by Crosby Levine near the goal line, sealing the Golden Knights' dominating performance.

Old Tappan will look to secure their second consecutive Group 3 Championship Title when it faces the Cedar Creek Pirates (11-2) on Friday, November 28^th at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m.