FB: New Jersey Athletic Conference

[RowanPhan]

Wow! What a game!

If you would have told me Barry gains more yards on the ground than McGowan, I would not have believed it.

I'm not sure why SU attempted 2 on the final TD with 19 seconds left. There was no upside to that, at all.  Had SU recovered the onside kick and kicked a FG, the game would have gone to OT. Had  they kicked the PAT and then get the onsides and managed a FG, they win the NJAC. Baffling decision.

Kudos to CNU, I had a feeling CNU would win if it turned into a shoot out

[CNU85]

The NJAC is improving.  2 ranked teams. Rowan getting votes which means some people think they are top 25. TCNJ having a winning season. I believe both CNU and SU are better teams having played that game. Other than extra points and trying to make up for it, that game was a tie. Turnovers were the difference. SU will be tough in the playoffs. I hope the NJAC makes some noise in the coming weeks.

[MRMIKESMITH]

First want to say congrats to CNU for winning the NJAC championship. CNU was the better team, their crowd was in it all night and they seized key moments throughout the game.

Now from a Salisbury perspective, Salisbury did not perform to its standard on and off the field. Salisbury committed too many penalties and the BAD penalties which changed field position multiple times. IMHO, those multiple unsportsmanlike penalties are very selfish and SHOULD never happen. As CNU85 mentioned, Salisbury had 4/5 turnovers (including turnover on downs on 4th and 8???) that either resulted in CNU having short field position or return for a TD, CNU capitalized on every single turnover. Aside from the big hit on the pass that was reviewed and confirmed, those turnovers were self-inflicted. Offensively, Salisbury has to protect the ball and have better execution, which I know they will overkill this upcoming week. In a perfect world, if Salisbury does not have the "self-inflicted" turnovers, its a different ball game. Defensively, Salisbury played well considering the offense put them in precarious position. I think the gameplan was to take away #2, which was not successful in key moments, but Salisbury paid for it as CNU QB had converted with his legs on multiple 3rd and longs. Salisbury defense does make adjustments, but against good teams, its appears to be late, I think some self scouting is need to improve on 3rd and long defense. Now regarding the missed extra point, that proved costly as Salisbury was chasing those points and couldn't get it. IMHO, the key moment (series) was CNU 90+ drive where they brought in multiple TEs and ran QB/RB power, which Salisbury had no answer for, Salisbury overcompensated for #2, which allowed CNU to have numbers on the their right side. The weird thing is is that CNU did the same thing to Montclair a week ago, so I'm somewhat disappointed in the scout. Overall, it was a good game to watch if you weren't a Salisbury supporter, I did enjoy the effort from the players and I know they are disappointed in the outcome. Hopefully, the staff learns from this and self scout for A, B, and C scenarios. Players execute better and celebrate with team and keep the yapping to themselves. Salisbury is not done, we are not finish.

[CNU85]

My apologies. The CNU SID sent me a still shot of SU lining up to kick the PAT after that last TD with 19 seconds left in the game. The snap was bobbled and it became a broken play. SU was indeed attempting the PAT.

[MRMIKESMITH]

Looking at current brackets and projected brackets, here are teams that Salisbury and CNU could potentially play in the first 2 rounds.

Salisbury (#3/#4/#5/#6) - Cortland, Endicott, Eastern, Union, F&M, Muhlenberg, Springfield, John Carroll, Susquehanna, W&J, Grove City, and Curry
CNU (#1/#2) - R-MC, Muhlenberg, F&M, Eastern, W&J, Susquehanna, Grove City, Chapman (travel bracket), Willamette (travel bracket).

CNUs 3rd Quarterfinal game will probably require a flight from or to many of the potential 1 to 2 seeds, unless its a team aforementioned or potential game with Mount, Johns Hopkins. Many of the other #1/#2 seeds can not get to CNU by bus.

Salisbury will most likely face a Hopkins or Mount Union in the S16 if they were to win their 2nd round matchup.

[MRMIKESMITH]

Looks like CNU moved to the overall #3 seed, most likely avoiding Mount and North Central until the National Championship. Salisbury finished at #13 which is the top #4 seed. So both teams will have their first playoff game at home, while CNU will host until the Semi-finals with a possible trip to Wartburg.

Salisbury will most likely play a PA school (Eastern, Susquehanna, etc...)

[@d3jason]

A rivalry no doubt, is it the new Route 13 rivalry, I think its time to get a trophy for this game. Salisbury competes in every sport.

I like "New 13 Rivalry"> I enjoyed watching the game last week.

Heading your way this weekend CNU85.

My daughter is competing in the College National Club Field Hockey Tournament this weekend in Virginia Beach for the University of Delaware. Good luck to CNU in the playoffs! (Salisbury, not so much....lol)

[MRMIKESMITH]

Congratulations to the 3 NJAC Programs that are playing in the post-season. Rowan will play Utica in an ECAC bowl, while both Salisbury and CNU are competing in the National Playoff. To be one of the few teams that are playing is a testament to the programs. Many programs do not even exist anymore    and it is a special time to be alive and kicking.

Looking at the bracket, there is a good chance that both Salisbury and CNU face each other in the Quarterfinals for a rematch. However, there appears to be some very good teams that both CNU and Salisbury will have to get through. Salisbury faces a talented Endicott team that is no stranger in playing Top 15 teams, the way Endicott blitzed Curry after the 17-17 tie was a sight to see. CNU with a potential rematch against Susquehanna and a hot W&J is not a easy draw. However, I think both teams are more than capable of getting past the "2nd" round.

[CNU85]

Nicely said. And congrats to all. I know you shouldn't look ahead but I have to say I don't really want to play Susquehanna again and really really really do not want to play Salisbury again. We played them both this year. That's enough! This is like running a gauntlet.  Yuck.    

[RowanPhan]

I echo CNU85, nicely said, and congrats to the teams that are practicing and preparing another week - priceless!

Can't wait to see Prof Football on Saturday!

[goroprofs]

Watching the livestream from Utica, if the announcers could pronounce Bukala's name correctly it'd be great.

of course all audio just cut out, Rowan got the first and goal at the end of the 2Q but then it was 1st and 10 from the 20. Don't know what's going on.

[RowanPhan]

🏈 Rowan Football: 2025 Season Recap (8-2-1)The 2025 Rowan football season was defined by an elite, high-scoring offense that steamrolled non-conference and bottom-tier NJAC opponents, coupled with a defense that stepped up in the biggest moments against the top teams.
Season Highlights
Dominant Offense: Rowan's offense was among the nation's best in Division III, averaging over 41 points per game and 440.5 yards of total offense.
NJAC Performance: The Profs finished 5-2 in the highly competitive NJAC, with their two losses coming against the conference's best—eventual NJAC Champion Christopher Newport and 9-1 Salisbury.
The ECAC Bushnell Bowl Victory (26-20 over Utica): The victory over the 8-2 Utica Pioneers was the capstone of the season. Rowan's game plan to win with the ground game and disruptive defense succeeded, with the team rushing for 230 yards and the defense sealing the game with a late turnover on downs.

Key Moments & Stats
Final Record 8-2-1 (5-2 NJAC) Program's best record in years, finishing on a 4-game win streak. Points Per Game 41.2
The cornerstone of the season; one of the highest scoring teams in the region. Rushing Defense 94.0 YPG Allowed The defensive foundation; Rowan consistently shut down opponents' ground games.
ECAC Bowl MVP Nunes Bukula IV Highlighted the running game's dominance in the postseason title win.Turnovers+6 (approx.)A decisive factor in numerous close wins throughout the year.

⭐ Star Players and Major Award Winners
The 2025 roster was anchored by a mix of veteran playmakers who earned All-Conference honors and dynamic young players who stepped into leadership roles.
🥇 Offensive Leaders
Nunes Bukula IV Running Back ECAC Bushnell Bowl MVP (118 Rushing Yds, 1 TD); First Team All-NJAC; 10 Rushing TDs.The primary threat and closer. Dominated the Bowl game with 9.1 YPC.
Nate Maiers Quarterback Second Team All-NJAC; 2,104 Passing Yds; 20 TDs; 64.89% Completion. The primary passer and field general who led the aerial assault.
Tyshawn Bookman Running Back 536 Rushing Yds (5.4 YPC); 5 TDs; Scored a TD in the Bowl game. The secondary back who provided the big-play speed in the ground attack.
Shane Martin Wide Receiver The deep threat, demonstrated by his 75-yard TD reception in the Bowl game.A critical explosive element who stretched the field for the entire offense.
Matt Welsey Quarterback The dual-threat QB who seamlessly split time with Maiers, providing a different look, and threw the 75-yard TD in the Bowl. The effective change-of-pace QB who provided crucial playmaking ability.

🛡� Defensive and Special Teams Leaders
Anthony Henriquez Linebacker NJAC Defensive Player of the Year; First Team All-NJAC; Team leader in tackles and disruption. The undisputed heart and soul of the defense, earning the conference's top defensive award.
Giaini Derameaux Defensive Line First Team All-NJAC. Provided crucial pressure and run-stopping ability up front, allowing the linebackers to make plays.
Jaeden Everett Cornerback NJAC Defensive Rookie of the Year. A sensational true freshman who made an immediate impact in the secondary.
AJ Ryker Linebacker/DB Led the team in TFLs and recorded a key interception in the Bowl game. The versatile playmaker whose impact was critical in the clutch, high-leverage situations.
Greg Casimir Kicker Hit two long field goals (40 and 44 yards) in the Bowl victory. Provided reliable points and exceptional range for the special teams unit all season.

The Bowl Game Decoded: Rowan's Victory
The 26-20 victory over Utica was an offensive showcase for Rowan's running back duo, combined with an outstanding defensive effort.Rowan's Game Plan Success: The Profs achieved their blueprint for victory by leaning heavily on the run. Bukula IV and Bookman combined for 196 rushing yards, physically dominating the Pioneers' defensive front and controlling the clock when they had the ball.The Big Play: Rowan's ability to create instant offense was vital, highlighted by Matt Welsey's 75-yard touchdown pass to Shane Martin early in the third quarter that provided a commanding 26-7 lead.The Final Stand: The prediction of a late defensive stand came true. Despite Utica's star QB, Tyler Szalkowski, throwing for 357 yards and leading a fierce comeback, the Rowan defense, anchored by AJ Ryker's interception and a 4th-and-long stop in the final seconds, secured the 26-20 win and the Asa S. Bushnell Bowl title.The 2025 season will be remembered as the year Rowan returned to prominence, capping a stellar run with a major postseason trophy.