Northern Highlands football finally breaks through, wins sectional

ALLENDALE – Northern Highlands' senior class now knows the joy of reaching a sectional final and finally winning it.

The Highlanders captured the North 1, Group 4 title with a commanding 31-7 victory Nov. 13 over Middletown South, after losing in the final the last three years.

"It was huge that we could finally push over the hump and get this win," Northern Highlands senior Joss Granas said.

Granas delivered the most dramatic play of the night, returning an interception 84 yards for a touchdown to provide a 28-0 lead midway through the third quarter.

Northern Highlands (8-3) had possession just three times in the first half and turned each into a time-consuming drive and TD and 21-0 halftime lead.

Junior running back Michael Strandes caught a 2-yard score from sophomore quarterback Jack Branagh for the 7-0 lead.

Branagh scored on a 12-yard run late in the first quarter, and Strandes scored on a 1-yard run in the final minute of the first half.

Middletown South (7-4) scored its TD in the third on a 2-yard run by senior running back Justin Rosato to cut the deficit to 28-7.

Check back later for a complete breakdown from the game…

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Northern Highlands football finally breaks through, wins sectional