Malcolm X Shabazz High School football team, under the leadership of Mr. Coach Darnell Grant, has advanced to their fourth sectional championship in the last five years and will seek their third crown on Friday, November 16th in Newark.
According to NJ State officials, the 2018 championship game will be played at the higher seed's location making this the first time in history that Malcolm X Shabazz will host a sectional football championship in Newark.
Officials say The 'mighty' Shabazz Bulldogs currently hold a (9-1) record will take on the undefeated football 'powerhouse' Aviators of Hasbrouck Heights -Bergen County- who are (10-0) and easily defeated The Newark Weequahic High School Indians on November 9th by a score of 26-6.
The Shabazz Bulldogs hope to seek a consecutive championship victory after going 12-0 last year and capturing the championship crown over Weequahic the previous year.
Team officials tell RLS Metro Breaking News that they are leaning on senior running back Aziz Wilson who has rushed for over 1449 yards scoring 15 Touchdowns. Officials say Wilson is a dangerous threat when he touches the ball causing big play ability.
On the other side of the football, Hasbrouck Height's senior wide receiver Jasiah Purdie is key to a possible win for the Aviators.
According to published reports, Purdie is the team's 'do it all' wide receiver for the Bergen County school who comes into this championship game with 621 yards receiving; connecting on 8 touchdowns and 432 yards rushing with 13 touchdowns.
Team and school officials are asking all Newark residents for their support by attending this game that with mark history for the City of Newark and will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Good luck to all of the payers from Newark and Hasbrouck Heights.
PHOTO CREDIT: Team Photographer Mr. Larry Washington