It could go down as one of the most diverse performances in the history of Hudson County high school football.
St. Peter’s Prep senior Minkah Fitzpatrick proved to everyone why he was considered the top all-around college prospect in the state of New Jersey and ranked No. 27 in the entire nation.
However, if there are 26 players better in the United States, better than what Fitzpatrick did last Saturday in the Marauders’ incredible 62-7 destruction of Union City, then they must be ungodly talented.
Fitzpatrick turned Caven Point Cochrane Stadium into his own personal playground in the game, showing the world why he’s headed to the University of Alabama after he graduates from Grand and Warren next June.
Fitzpatrick scored five touchdowns, all from 20 yards out and beyond. He caught four passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns, two on identical 66-yard receptions and another on a 34-yard pass.
He carried the ball twice for an additional 43 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown run.
On defense, Fitzpatrick intercepted a pass and returned it 22 yards for another score. Fitzpatrick also led the Marauders with seven tackles.
It was a performance of epic proportion, one for the ages and one that showed the incredible disparity between the Marauders and the rest of Hudson County. Because Union City was thought to be the best team next to the Marauders, equally state-ranked among the state’s top 20 teams before the game and one can see the final result.
For his efforts, Fitzpatrick has been selected as The Hudson Reporter Athlete of the Week for the past week.
Fitzpatrick was a little surprised about his performance.
“I didn’t think I’d have that kind of game,” Fitzpatrick said. “Did I think it was going to be like that? No, I didn’t. But we put a lot of preparation into the game. It was a game that we all were looking forward to. Union City was getting closer to us. I really enjoy playing against them.”
The Marauders have not lost a game inside their conference since 1998 and have not dropped a contest inside the confines of Hudson County since 2000. The win clinched the program’s 15th straight Hudson County championship and pushed their winning streak against county foes inside the league to 107 straight. Simply put, that’s just incredible and unfathomable dominance.
Head coach Rich Hansen was asked what he thought of Fitzpatrick’s remarkable performance.
“I hate to say it, but it’s almost expected,” Hansen said. “Nothing he does surprises me anymore. It’s certainly fun to watch. It’s also something we’ll talk about long after he’s gone. I’m happy for him to have a day like that. It’s a credit to him and hopefully, we’ll have a few more games like that before he’s gone.”
That’s Fitzpatrick’s goal.
“I’m going to try and get six [touchdowns] the next game,” Fitzpatrick said.
Hansen was asked about the way Fitzpatrick handled the pressures of his recruitment to Alabama.
“You learn a lot about people when you go through something like that,” Hansen said. “You learn about life. It’s a lesson about the business side of this game, with so many twists and turns. It’s almost as important as coaching them on the field. I think Minkah learned how to read people and the good, the bad and the ugly that comes with it. He’s had all the national attention and handled it pretty well.”
Fitzpatrick said that he didn’t mind getting all the attention from college coaches and recruiters.
“I wouldn’t call it tough,” Fitzpatrick said. “I would say it was a blessing. You can’t take anything for granted, because you never know when it could end. I just had to take a few phone calls from coaches. That’s about it.”
Fitzpatrick said that he likes the chemistry he has with quarterback Brandon Wimbush, who was the Reporter Athlete of the Week earlier this season.
“We worked a lot together in the summer,” Fitzpatrick said of Wimbush. “He just throws the ball up and puts it in a perfect spot for me. You can see that hard work paying off.”
Hansen knows that Fitzpatrick’s future is extremely bright.
“I think it’s the sky’s the limit,” Hansen said. “He’s just a 17-year-old kid, but he’s worked really hard to get where he is. He has the potential to be a tremendous football player. He’s improved both physically and maturity-wise. I just hope that helps him years from now.”
Fitzpatrick said that he will miss playing offense, because he’s being groomed to be a cornerback at Alabama.
“I feel defense is where I’m a better player,” Fitzpatrick said. “Sure, I’m going to miss it, but I have to think about my future.”
Fitzpatrick said that he sometimes thinks of playing in the National Football League.
“That’s definitely the ultimate goal,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s a big dream of mine. When people say that [about his chances to play in the NFL], it puts a smile on his face when I hear that. Someday that would be nice.”
There’s no question that if Fitzpatrick continues his ascent, he has a chance to play at Alabama and beyond.
“His talent is off the chart,” Hansen said. “You can put him in the same class with people like [current Baltimore Ravens safety] Will Hill and [former Temple standout running back] Kee-Ayre Griffin. I think I compare Minkah the most with Kee-Ayre. They were both similar in that they could play anywhere, but Minkah is bigger and stronger. He’s totally committed to his craft. He’s a great kid who has worked hard and learned a lot over the years.”
For now, there’s some unfinished business at Prep. The Marauders lost in the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 4 title game to Paramus Catholic last year. Fitzpatrick wants his last shot to win a state title.
“It’s always a goal to get there and win a state championship,” Fitzpatrick said. “Last year things could have been different [if Wimbush didn’t suffer a concussion that sent him to the sidelines]. This year, we’re going to get it no matter what. We’re definitely a better team this year.” – Jim Hague
Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com.