Wayne Hills Topples Northern Highlands in Divisional Bout

WAYNE – The Wayne Hills Patriots (2-0, 1-0 SFC – Liberty Red) continued their hot start to the season with a 21-15 win over the Northern Highlands Highlanders (0-2, 0-1 SFC – Liberty Red) on Friday. 

When you take a look at the 2026 Liberty Red division in the Super Football Conference (SFC), your jaw might just drop. Old Tappan, Northern Highlands, Ramapo, Wayne Hills

Wayne Valley. For any football fans in the Garden State, this is a must-watch division. 

With a division like this one, Friday’s contest between the Highlanders and the Patriots was sure to be an incredible one. 

On the Wayne Hills side, their season kicked off in a massive way down in the “Lone Star State” last Friday. Coming off a high-scoring 41-34 victory against Midland Christian in Texas, the excitement for Friday’s home opener was through the roof for the Patriots. 

Many understand that the expectations are high in Wayne this season. Off a season where they fell to Old Tappan in the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 1, Group 3 final, the Patriots have the names to push them further. 

For the Wayne Hills faithful, star back Ethan Zacharski is the real deal. Following a strong 2025 campaign, Zacharski was uncontainable in their season opening game in Texas with 170 rushing yards and a touchdown. 

Friday, the encore presentation was a delight for those in attendance. Zacharski was a force to be reckoned with as the Highlanders had to stop him in the running and receiving game. A 28-yard receiving touchdown in the second quarter was terrific, but it wasn’t the only thing that was. 

Occurring in the same quarter, Zacharski made an incredible catch that had everyone in the crowd mesmerized. That catch eventually set up his touchdown. 

Up 21-7 at halftime, the arm of quarterback James Wolf was fantastic and he showcased why he is one of the best at his position. It helps as well that receiver David Van Hook was responsible for two of his touchdowns on the night. 

“I can’t say a single bad thing about David [Van Hook],” Wolf said postgame. “[He’s] one of my best friends. He makes plays on the ball when it’s in the air. He gets open and just all credit to him, all for his hard work.”

Wayne Hills has always had their household names with the biggest one arguably being former Miami (FL) and Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen. Over on the Northern Highlands side, they have a highly decorated and big name recruit who could potentially reach Olsen’s success. 

In regards to Penn State commit Carter Blattner, what hasn’t been said about him already? The two-way senior beast for the Highlanders has been incredible during his time in Allendale and this season, he hopes to capture that elusive first Sectional Championship. 

Coming off a heartbreaking loss to Toms River North last Friday, winning their road contest was a must. Despite their best efforts and even shutting down the Patriots’ offense in the second half, Northern Highlands could not get the best of the home side. 

Two plays late in the game stood out from Wayne Hills’ perspective. First was the all important interception from Carter Jones with 6:28 remaining in the fourth quarter. But finishing with Wolf, his fourth down conversion helped run the last 32 seconds off the clock and got the team the victory. 

The offensive line, which had been a question mark for the team heading into the season, played a big role in that conversion and Wolf gave praise where it was due. 

“They’ve been doubted a lot, but they put that aside, they play as a unit, they play as a family and they get it done when it matters most.”

Wayne Hills will look to make it three in a row next Thursday when they host West Milford. Northern Highlands will hope for better results next Thursday when they visit Hackensack.