There are several young men listed below who were among a group of prime-time performers on their teams in convincing state semifinal victories.

There were others who were forced - or maybe honored - to carry a good deal of this extra-pressure baggage by themselves.

For every player listed, his team was just one step away from appearing in an NJSIAA/Xfinity state final next week, meaning that pressure was intensified with the big, brash hand of history knocking on the door.

For Cedar Grove senior Sebastin Kovacs, the Group 1 state final wasn’t just steps within reach; it was a rather massive 49 yards downfield with only seconds remaining in regulation in a tie game against Butler.

Kovacs drilled the kick with room to spare as time ran out to propel his Panthers to victory, 24-21, send

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