Syracuse commit scores 3 TDs as N.J. Group 5 state title contender completes undefeated regular season

Syracuse commit Mikey McQueen scored three touchdowns in Rancocas Valley’s 42-0 win over Burlington Township at Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mount Holly, New Jersey on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Kevin Emmons/South Jersey Sports Zone

MOUNT HOLLY — The Rancocas Valley Regional High School football team honored the only undefeated team in school history on Saturday afternoon.

The 1966 Red Devils, led by Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris, were the only team to ever accomplish an undefeated regular season.

A 42-0 triumph over Burlington Township in a West Jersey Football League Colonial Division showdown guaranteed the second undefeated regular season in program history. R.V. improved its record to 9-0 and secured a home playoff game in the Group 5 playoffs.

Members of the 1966 team talked to the Red Devils following their dominant win.

“It was chilling,” Rancocas Valley coach Garrett Lucas said. “Just to see those guys and even hear about some of their memories. Hearing their stories like they just happened yesterday. Before the game we had about seven or eight alumni that played within the last four years come see us. Just seeing those guys and the excitement from our seniors seeing those guys, it’s just building that family.”

Syracuse commit Mikey McQueen scored three touchdowns in the Red Devils’ victory.

“I think he’s the best athlete in South Jersey,” Lucas said, “from what he can do from an offensive perspective, defense and special teams. In each week you can see he’s kind of unlocking a new level.”

McQueen scored on a 6-yard TD pass from Zach Merhar and returned an interception for a 65-yard score in the first quarter.

“The quarterback threw it up and I tried to make a play,” McQueen said. “Every time I get the ball I’m trying to score. I’m trying to put points on the board.”

His second TD catch came on a tremendous one-handed grab on a 16-yard throw from Merhar. The score helped give Rancocas Valley a 28-point lead in the third quarter.

“My quarterback trusted me,” McQueen said. “Threw me the ball and I had to make a play for him.”

Hakim Theresa, Jr. and J.J. Stewart each ran for a TD. Adris Anderson threw a TD pass to Bryce McArthur as time expired in the fourth quarter. Theresa, Jr. ran for 61 yards on the Red Devils’ first drive to help set up McQueen’s first TD catch.

The Falcons dropped to 4-5 with their fourth consecutive loss. Burlington Township played without Division-I quarterback recruit Bryce Carter and All-South Jersey running back Aiden Binns.

Rancocas Valley last won a sectional championship in 1987. It’s one of the Red Devils’ goals this season in addition to a larger prize.

“We have one goal and that’s a state championship,” McQueen said.

In order to reach both goals the objective is to approach each game one week at a time.

“It’s just taking it week by week,” Lucas said. “The one thing I told the team, though, is they’re only guaranteed next Friday. The work put in on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will determine the result on the scoreboard.”