Football
Which flag football stars will shine in North-South Flag Football All-Star Classic?
All-American quarterback Janasia Wilson, one of the most dynamic and exciting offensive players in the nation, leads the North All-Stars against the South in the Phil Simms North-South Flag Football All-Star Classic.
The game is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday at Kean University.
Wilson, an elusive and explosive player, led Irvington to the North Jersey State championship last spring and a 8-0, on-the-field record this season. Irvington had three victories vacated for use of two ineligible players and did not make the postseason.
Wilson passed for 606 yards and 14 touchdowns. She ran for 329 yards, but it is her escapability and play-extending quickness, which make her such a difficult player to contain, never mind stop.
Wilson, a senior from Irvington, was named the Most Valuable Player in last year’s All-American Flag Football All-Star game.
The North will also have another talented quarterback in Newark Central’s Dyshana Austin, who passed for 1,100 yards.
Other North offense players to watch are:
- Lucia Mastellone, who had 47 catches, for North Jersey State finalist, Ridgewood.
- Kent Place’s Priya Patel, who had 32 receptions
- Montville’s Cortni Vnecak, who snared 43 passes for 631 yards.
The South roster features also has offensive stars like:
- Elizabeth’s senior wide receiver Dynasty Chandler, a track standout, who averaged 28 yards per catch. She has earned multiple scholarship offers after only one season of flag football.
- Camden Mastery quarterback Elaysha Vereen threw for 1,432 yards and 31 TDs.
- Pinelands’ senior quarterback Emily Manarik, who passed for 1,663 yards and 37 TDs.
- The South also features Rumson-Fair Haven QB Ella Mason, who has led the Bulldogs to next week’s Shore Conference championship game.
There are also some amazing defensive players in the game who will be tasked with stopping the high-scoring potential of both offenses.
From the South:
- Pinelands sophomore Jayla Kline has 27 sacks and 65 tackles.
- Kingsway senior Makayla White had 27 tackles for loss.
For the North:
- Mount Olive sophomore Molly Smyth has 52 tackles.
- Abagail Russo had 47 tackles for a Wayne Valley defense that has eight-straight shutouts and reached the New York Jets-sponsored North Jersey State Championship game against Ridgewood.
- St. Benedict’s senior Lucia Gallo has 11 interceptions.
- Harrison junior Rebecca Sardinah has 24 tackles for loss.
Day-of-game tickets at the stadium are cash only and cost $20. A ticket will also gain the holder entry to the North-South boys game at 5 p.m.