Editor's note:  This list was compiled by Jersey Sports Now cameraman/reporter Casey deWaal.  Enjoy our first JSN "deWaal-Area" football team, starting with the Player of the Year:

Dan Deighan-Lakeland Sr. QB/DB-The explosive and elusive QB accumulated over 2,500 yards of total offense with nine passing touchdowns and 11 rushing TD’s. The speedy signal caller led the Northern Hills Conference-Suburban Division Champion Lancers to the North 1, Group III finals and is our inaugural Jersey Sports Now Football Player of the Year.

When the Lancers needed a big play, they could always count on Deighan.  Against DePaul in the game that clinched the league title, Deighan ran for over 200 yards in the second half to bring Lakeland from behind to win.  In the mud in the first round of the states against Ramapo, Deighan was bottled up most of the game, but made a tremendous run to set up the winning score in the final minutes.

Also a hard-hitting defensive back, Deighan is expected to take his multiple talents to the Ivy League next year at the University of Pennsylvania.

James Jurewicz- DePaul Sr. RB-This tough running back was only seven yards shy of a 2,000-yard football season. This Spartan was among the state leaders in touchdowns with 24, scoring 146 points while leading the Wayne school to an outstanding 8-2 season.  Not blessed with the speed or size of some other top backs, Jurewicz simply ran harder, wearing defenses down until he found the end zone.

Greg DeLuca-Mountain Lakes Sr. RB/LB-The Duke University-bound DeLuca was part of the dynamic Herd backfield that finished the season undefeated, winning the Colonial Hills Conference and the North 1, Group I sectional football title. DeLuca possesses speed and power, rushing for over 1,100 yards with an average of 10 yards per carry; he also scored 24 touchdowns.

Jake Tripucka-Mountain Lakes Sr. RB/QB/DB-An extremely versatile athlete, #21 did it all for the Herd. A true playmaker, Tripucka was a threat to run, catch, pass or even return the ball to the end zone. It is no wonder, as the very athletic Tripucka comes from a strong lineage of athletes, as his father played in the NBA and grandfather in the NFL.  Like teammate DeLuca, Jake’s best sport is lacrosse and the two should continue to play together on the college level at Duke.

Zach Protin-Lakeland Sr. OL/LB-The 6’5” 230-pound Lancer did most of his damage on defense. Among the state’s premier linebackers, Protin set a school record with 22 tackles in a game earlier in the football season and went onto register over 140 tackles on the season.  He was also part of the Lakeland offensive line.

Sam Stallard-Wayne Valley Sr. OL/LB-Stallard was a two-way force for the Northern Hills Conference-Skyline Division Champion Indians. The linebacker was all over the field leading the football team in tackles with 132 while also paving the way for Wayne Valley’s ballcarriers.

Shakim Phillips-DePaul Jr. WR/DB/KR-This dynamic playmaker could score from anywhere on the field and usually did. Combining receptions, rushes and returns, Phillips had 1,393 yards with an average of 18.5 yards a touch and 12 scores. The junior speedster is a big-time Division I football prospect.

Ryan Durr-Wayne Valley Sr. FB/LB-As a two way standout, Durr did it all for the “Cardiac Kids”. He led the football team in scoring, rushing and catches. The gritty Durr also returned punts and kickoffs and even completed a few passes. On defense Number 1 was as solid as they come as an outside linebacker.

Brian DeVeau-Kinnelon Sr. QB/DB- DeVeau powered the Colts run-and-shoot offense with an emphasis on the run. He led the charge for a football team that set a school record 7 wins and made a playoff appearance. DeVeau was dangerous as a passer but was lethal as a runner, often breaking tackles more in the mode of a fullback than a quarterback.

Alex Martello-Montville Sr. RB/DB-The Wing-T usually provides balance among the backs, but the speedy Martello stood out. He was a key player for the 6-4 Mustangs, as he led the team in rushing, receiving, returning, touchdowns and scoring.

Paul Mason-Pompton Lakes Jr. WR/RB/QB/DB/K- And throw in the kitchen sink for Mason. Seemingly every game Mason would be around the football. The Cardinals’ leader in scoring, he provided offense as a runner and receiver, then switched behind center when needed. Defensively, he led the team with 4 interceptions and on special teams he served as a reliable returner but more importantly as a kicker with 18 PAT’s and one field goal.

ON THE BUBBLE:

Mike Ward-Pompton Lakes Sr. RB/LB-This tough two way player led the Cardinals with 8 TD’s but was even more punishing as a linebacker with over 100 tackles.

Dan Farley-DePaul Jr. QB-No doubt the key to football success for DePaul in 2008 was a steady dose of James Jurewicz. But Farley provided balance, passing for over 1,200 yards with 16 TD’s.  He also scored six rushing touchdowns.  With Farley and Phillips back, look out for the Spartan offense next year.

2008 HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Butler-Michael Fitzpatrick WR/DB

DePaul-T.J. Kowal FB/LB

Kinnelon-Andrew Heilmann OL/DL

Lakeland-John Allard WR/DB/K, Tyler Johnson TE/DL

Montville-Cody Phillips RB/DB, Anthony Callendrella TE/DL

Mountain Lakes-Pat Flynn OL/DL, Nick LoBiondo FB

Passaic Valley-Dom Coiro RB, Alan Bogoevski WR

Pequannock-Alex Helmer WR/DB/ST

Pompton Lakes-Tommy Duncan OL/DL

Wayne Valley-Pete Savastano QB, Pat LaNeve RB/DB

West Milford-Will Weaver OL/DL, Matt Smith LB, Kyle Donnelly DL, Brian Mizerek QB/DB