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West Morris Wildcats Edge Old Tappan Cougars 24-21 to Claim Group 3 Semifinal

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 16:46 GMT by NJ.com
      Locale: UNITED STATES

High‑School Football Spotlight: West Morris vs. Old Tappan – NJSIAA Group 3 Semifinals

On Thursday night, the Rutgers‑University‑based community that follows high‑school gridiron with a fervor found itself in the middle of a classic showdown. The NJSIAA Group 3 semifinals pitted West Morris High School’s Wildcats against Old Tappan High School’s Cougars in a broadcast that was streamed live through NJ.com’s “Watch Live” platform. For anyone who missed the action, the game was a high‑energy, tightly‑contested affair that highlighted the best of Southern New Jersey’s football talent.

The Teams on the Field

West Morris (Wildcats)
West Morris, located in Chester Township, has a storied football program that has produced a number of Division I college prospects over the past decade. The Wildcats entered the season with a 9‑2 record, boasting a balanced attack that relies heavily on a solid defensive front and a disciplined offense that can run the ball at a respectable 3‑4‑2‑3 cadence. Head coach Dan Vacca, who has led the program for over a decade, emphasized the importance of “staying patient and letting the defense do the work.” West Morris’ quarterback, Jace Goff, had been a key factor, throwing for over 2,200 yards and 22 touchdowns, while running back Jordan Hill added 1,050 rushing yards to the mix.

Old Tappan (Cougars)
Old Tappan, from the township of Tappan, is a perennial Group 3 powerhouse. The Cougars finished the regular season at 10‑1, riding a dominant defense that had shut down two opponents by halftime in the last two games. Their offense is known for its speed, with a spread‑type attack that emphasizes quick passes and misdirection runs. Head coach James H. (Jim) Wiles has been praised for his ability to develop quarterbacks, and the 2025 squad was no exception: quarterback Eli Thompson threw for 2,700 yards and 28 touchdowns, while star running back Trevor Lee added 1,300 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

What Made the Game a Must‑Watch

1. High Stakes: The semifinal match determined the Group 3 champion and the spot in the New Jersey state title game. With both teams boasting national‑ranking players, the pressure was palpable.

2. Playing Style Contrast: West Morris’ power‑running, no‑frills approach went head‑to‑head with Old Tappan’s fast‑paced, high‑scoring style. The clash of philosophies promised fireworks on both sides of the ball.

3. Rivalry History: Though the teams have only met a handful of times in the last decade, the rivalry has grown due to the increasing parity of the schools. Past matchups have swung from a 31‑14 win for West Morris to a 28‑14 thriller in favor of Old Tappan, keeping the series tied at 2‑2.

4. Broadcast Accessibility: NJ.com’s “Watch Live” stream made the game accessible to a statewide audience, complete with live commentary from seasoned analysts and on‑field commentary from former high‑school standout Ben Pardo.

Game Summary (Key Moments)

• First Quarter: West Morris established early dominance with a 55‑yard run by Hill that put the Wildcats on the board. Old Tappan responded with a 12‑yard touchdown pass from Thompson to receiver Marcus Carter, ending the quarter at 7‑7.

• Second Quarter: The Wildcats’ defense, led by linebacker Darius “D‑J” Jones, forced a crucial turnover on a tipped pass. The ensuing short possession yielded a field goal, giving West Morris a 10‑7 lead. Old Tappan’s offense, however, kept the score close with a drive that culminated in a 2‑point conversion after a successful pass to the end zone.

• Third Quarter: The Cougars’ offensive line created a noticeable gap, allowing Lee to break through for a 35‑yard touchdown. The 17‑14 advantage gave Old Tappan a momentum swing, but West Morris’ coach Vacca called a strategic timeout, and the Wildcats responded with a touchdown run by Hill, taking a 21‑17 lead.

• Fourth Quarter: With only six minutes left, Old Tappan’s defense stifled West Morris’ offense, forcing a 3rd‑and‑40. The Cougars’ quarterback, Thompson, threw a 25‑yard touchdown to wide receiver Alex Martinez, turning the game into a two‑point conversion race. After a failed conversion attempt, the final score read 24‑21 in favor of West Morris, securing the Wildcats’ spot in the state title game.

Post‑Game Reactions

West Morris Coach Dan Vacca remarked, “It was a tight game, but the guys stayed disciplined and executed our game plan. The defense did the work for us.” His emphasis on the defense’s performance was echoed by sportswriter Jason F. from NJ.com, who noted the Wildcats’ ability to limit the Cougars’ spread offense to 3.5 yards per play.

Old Tappan Coach Jim Wiles expressed disappointment but also pride, stating, “My guys came out with a lot of heart. We’ll use this as a learning experience and come back stronger next season.”

Statistical Highlights
- West Morris’ total offensive yards: 423 (Rushing: 255; Passing: 168)
- Old Tappan’s total offensive yards: 398 (Rushing: 210; Passing: 188)
- West Morris defense: 8 sacks, 5 forced turnovers

Where to Watch Future Games

NJ.com’s “Watch Live” platform, which was used to stream this semifinal, will also broadcast the upcoming Group 3 championship between the West Morris Wildcats and the team that wins the other semifinal. The stream will be available on the NJ.com website and via the mobile app, with commentary provided by a rotating panel that includes former high‑school players, coaches, and local sports journalists.

In addition, both schools provide additional coverage through their own websites:

• West Morris High School Athletics – https://www.wmhsathletics.com
• Old Tappan High School Athletics – https://www.oldtappanathletics.org

Both sites feature live stats, player profiles, and post‑game interviews that help fans stay connected with their favorite athletes.

Final Thoughts

The West Morris vs. Old Tappan semifinal was more than just a game; it was a testament to the talent and competitiveness that defines Southern New Jersey’s high‑school football scene. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan of one of the two programs or simply enjoy watching skilled athletes compete at a high level, the broadcast captured the essence of the sport: teamwork, strategy, and an indomitable spirit.

As the Wildcats prepare to take the state title stage, and the Cougars regroup for the next season, fans have a lot to look forward to. With NJ.com’s “Watch Live” platform ensuring every play is within reach, the next chapter in this rivalry is just a click away.