Essex County Footballers Dominate in All-Star Classic

North South Classic 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final North All-Stars 24 20 3 7 54 South All-Stars 0 8 0 0 8

Essex County has plenty to be proud of when it comes to football in New Jersey.

The North was dominant in its 54-8 pounding of the South in the North-South All-Star Classic at Kean University on Monday evening.

Akrum Wadley, of Weequahic, received the offensive MVP award for the North. Wadley impressed all in attendance with his elusive ability to avoid tacklers in space.

Sonny Puzzo of Caldwell got about half the reps at quarterback for the North and Seton Hall Prep’s Kevin Taylor did well when he had the ball in his hands.

“The talent level of my teammates was to the max. This was basically a college experience for me,” Puzzo said. “It means so much to be able to represent my school in this game and it was a lot of fun playing with this offense. North Jersey football is dominant and hopefully it will stay that way.”

Amos Campbell, of Montclair, and Kevin Merkle, of Nutley, played major roles on the offensive line that kept their quarterbacks protected all night. 

Jorge Campbell of West Side, Jean Point Dujour, of Irvington, Dwayne Price, of East Orange, and Evans Osuii, of West Morris, were all key parts of the North’s defense. Osuii seemed to be completely unstoppable when getting to the quarterback at certain points. 

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