Three Undefeated Teams Fall in Final Week of Season

The Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers have only one win this season, but on Friday night against Phillipsburg they played like they were one of the top teams in the conference, nearly defeating Phillipsburg (6-2) in a game that went down to the last minute, according to NJ.com. Phillipsburg had been behind by four points before scoring a touchdown with 45 seconds remaining in the game.

Hillsborough lost one of its most important games of the season against North Hunterdon in a game that went to overtime. Hillsborough came back to tie the game in the fourth quarter, but could not hold on, giving up three points to North Hunterdon in the first overtime, . John Banaciski scored three of Hillsborough’s rushing touchdowns in the game.

Hillsborough had been 4-2 three games ago, and with a few extra wins would likely be shoo-ins for a playoff berth. But with its third straight loss, Hillsborough is now 4-5. As of Sunday, it's unclear whether they will be eligible for the playoffs, but the team should find out on Monday whether they qualified. North Hunterdon improved to 4-4 with the win.

Franklin held onto second place in the Delaware Division with a 41-3 . Ridge finished the regular season 2-7.

Cranford, a team that was undefeated for seven games until its loss against division rival Summit, faced another undefeated team on Friday night in Delaware Valley. This time it was Cranford coming away with the win, improving to 8-1 this season. According to , 8-1 is the best-ever regular season record for the Cougars. Cranford not only beat Delaware Valley, but easily overcame their opponent with a 41-7 win. Delaware Valley was one of only four remaining undefeated conference teams going into the .

With losses by other previously undefeated teams Immaculata and Bernards also taking place over the weekend, Summit (9-0) ended up being the only undefeated team this season with a , 42-0. Bernards lost to Johnson.

Upset of the Week

Immaculata has been ranked as a top team in the Mid-State 39 Conference by the Star-Ledger all season, and its undefeated record heading into its final regular season game against Westfield has reflected that ranking. On Saturday, though, the Westfield Blue Devils not only beat the top team in the conference, but they also held them to a mere six points, earning the 37-6 win. Westfield has had an outstanding season, losing only one game, but still, a dominant win over Immaculata in the last week of the season seemed unlikely.

Performance of the Week

James O’Rourke of Westfield led his team on both offense and defense in its biggest win of the year against Immaculata. The senior, in his last regular season start of his career, scored three touchdowns, rushing 30 times for 121 yards. He also caught two passes for 46 yards, and intercepted three passes on defense.

Mid-State 39 Standings

Standings are a combination of Patch records, as well as from NJ.com. Coaches are required by the NJSIAA to submit results to NJ.com in order to be eligible for the post season, due to a contract between the two.

Delaware Division

Watchung Division

Mountain Division

Union Division

Raritan Division

Hills Division