Highlanders win first sectional crown

Champions at last.

The West Milford High boys soccer team received a goal from Noah Christian in the 46th minute to earn a 1-0 victory over fourth-seeded Ramsey in the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 1, Group 2 tournament final on Friday at home.

The sectional crown is the first for the third-seeded Highlanders (17-3-2), which was also making its first appearance in the final. Ramsey (16-6), which had defeated West Milford in the sectional semifinals last year, was seeking its 10th sectional title and fourth in the last five seasons.

West Milford, under the direction of head coach Ray Ferriola, was scheduled to meet Madison in a Group 2 semifinal on Tuesday with a trip to the Group 2 championship game on the line. Madison won the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2 title with a victory over Harrison.

In the sectional semifinal round on Nov. 11, senior forward Will Dent scored twice as the Highlanders defeated second-seeded Mahwah.

A year ago, West Milford fashioned a then program-best 17-3-3 mark hat included a trip to the semifinal rounds of the Passaic County and North Jersey, Section 1, Group 2 tournaments. The season also marked the first time the team had a winning record since 2016.

Cross Country

Ciara Clinton of West Milford completed her impressive cross-country season as she clocked a time of 19:40.00 to finish 66th at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions on Saturday morning at Holmdel Park in Holmdel.

Clinton, a senior, earned a wild card bid to the sport’s final event of the season by placing 15th at the Group 2 championships in a time of 19:47 at Holmdel Park on Nov. 8.

Leah Starkey of Ocean Township won the girls M of C championship with a time of 17:15.