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January 28, 2026

Three undefeated Cardinals teams playing for title

NORTHFIELD — It was a clean sweep for the Northfield Cardinals in the semifinal round of the Cape Atlantic Junior Football League playoffs Nov. 20 at Birch Grove Park.

All four levels of the Northfield Cardinals went undefeated during the regular season, with Pee Wee, Junior Varsity and Varsity all hosting games Nov. 20 in the semifinal round.

Head coach Chris Graves led the Pee Wee team to a 29-0 win over the Upper Township Indians in the early game. Jake Guerreri scored two rushing touchdowns while Mike Pepper and Carter Graves each had one run to pay dirt. Cole Levinson threw a two-point conversion to Reid Grasso. The Pee Wee team will face the Galloway Township Renegades on Nov. 27 in the championship game at Absegami High School. Galloway defeated Brigantine 18-0.

Junior Varsity head coach Joe Goukler led his team to a 21-6 victory over the Hamilton Knights. 

Nick Goukler scored rushing touchdowns of 47 yards and 5 yards while quarterback Matt Borini scored a 7-yarder.

Borini led the way with 62 rushing yards, while AJ Goukler had 59, Nick Goukler had 57 plus two catches for 33 yards and an interception, and Patrick Kane had 24 yards.

The JV team will face the Upper Township Indians for the championship on Nov. 27 at Absegami High School. Upper topped Brigantine 8-0.

The Varsity team, led by head coach Joe Russo, defeated the Brigantine Rams 45-22.

The Cardinal offense was keyed by three rushing touchdowns from Jake Blum and one each by Colt Russo, Liam Kennedy and Andrew Gilman. 

“We’re very efficient on offense, our kids do a good job,” Russo said. 

The defense came up big with four turnovers, including interceptions by Gilman and Brady Kallen.

The Varsity team will face the Upper Township Indians for the championship Nov. 27 at Absegami High School. Upper edged Hamilton 8-6.

FAN President Angela Borini was excited that all three teams would be playing for the title.

“I don’t remember that ever happening, with all three going to the championship,” she said.

Borini said the taxi squad played the previous week, losing in the finals of the Taxi Bowl.

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