VIDEO: Zarfati’s heroics lead Middle to massive road victory

Posted: September 9th 2023

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

Michael Zarfati has been one of the more underrated players in the West Jersey Football League for the past couple of seasons.

It might be about time he’s considered a star.

Zarafti caught the go-ahead touchdown with 34 seconds to go and put the game to bed with an interception in the dying moments as Middle Township picked up a massive road victory with a 24-22 result at Glassboro Friday.

Zarfati’s late-game heroics put the cherry on top of a scintillating performance by the wide receiver and safety, who caught six passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns, picked off two passes and even threw a 55-yard completion for the Panthers (3-0). One of his interceptions was in the end zone.

Middle used a balanced offense to get the victory in the back-and-forth affair that saw numerous lead changes. Mark Oliver had one of the better games of his career, the senior quarterback completing 7 of 13 passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns. Middle also rushed for 153 yards, with Remi Rodriguez leading the way with 94 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Shaun Watkins added 53 yards on 12 carries and also caught a seven-yard touchdown pass.

On the winning touchdown, Oliver rolled to his right and tossed in the corner of the end zone to Zarfati, who somehow stayed inbounds as he caught the pass.

The win puts Middle squarely in the conversation for the WJFL Patriot Division title race. The Panthers face another key division contest Friday when they host fellow unbeaten Clayton at 6 pm.

The victory also boosts Middle’s Group II playoff hopes.