Shabazz Routs Cranford 42-7 in Semifinal
Shabazz scored four touchdowns in the final 8:17 to advance toward a sectional final showdown with Old Tappan.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football
Shabazz defeated Cranford 42-7 in the NJSIAA North 1, Group 3 semifinals. The win sends Shabazz to a sectional final next Friday against Old Tappan.
Why it matters
The victory extends Shabazz's push for a fourth consecutive sectional title, a run that follows back-to-back appearances in the Group 2 state championship. It also keeps the program in position for another deep postseason run in its first season in Group 3.
Shabazz held Cranford to 88 total yards while Zykir Best returned an interception for a touchdown, with Kariem Coston, Yazeed Sharif, and Faheem Ausbon also finding the end zone. The source does not provide individual player statistics beyond these scoring plays.
The players
Shabazz High School
Newark public high school whose football program is competing in NJSIAA Group 3 this season after moving up from Group 2.
Cranford High School
Union County public high school whose football team was eliminated in the NJSIAA North 1, Group 3 semifinals.
Old Tappan High School
Bergen County public high school that will face Shabazz in the upcoming sectional final.
The details
Shabazz's defense made a major stop in its own territory early in the second half, and the team pulled away after leading by just five points. Four touchdowns in the final 8:17 turned a close game into a lopsided final score.
Timeline
Semifinal victory over Cranford played November 6, 2026.
Sectional final against Old Tappan scheduled for next Friday.
Season Trajectory
Shabazz's 9-1 record and third-seed standing in Group 3 extend a recent run of deep postseason success that included state championship game appearances in each of the past two seasons. The team's 2023 Group 1 semifinal loss marks the last time it fell short of the state title game before this current stretch.
Shabazz's advancement affects the sectional bracket and playoff planning for Newark-area fans following the team's run. Fantasy and scouting interest in Shabazz players such as Zykir Best, who returned an interception for a touchdown, may rise ahead of the next game.
The takeaway
Shabazz's balanced attack and late-game execution against Cranford show a team capable of winning big in the postseason. Readers following the sectional bracket should watch how the team handles Old Tappan next week.
What happens next
Shabazz faces Old Tappan in the sectional final next Friday.
Further reading
For more on Newark's high school sports scene, browse the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NJ.
