It may be the youngest high school football rivalry in the state, but Jackson Liberty High School's home football game against Jackson Memorial High School on Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. holds added meaning for the Lions.

In only its fourth season, Jackson Liberty (5-4) has its most victories ever — five — and comes off a resounding 62-14 NJSIAA consolation game victory over Allentown High School. A victory against Jackson Memorial will give the Lions a winning season.

Jackson Memorial is 4-5 and Jackson Liberty coach Tim Osborn sees a number of similarities in the two teams this season. They met last year on Thanksgiving for the first time and Jackson Memorial prevailed, 18-7.

"We match up well with them defensively," said Osborn, who has coached Jackson Liberty from its opening season. "Jackson Memorial could be 7-2 as easily as they are 4-5. They run the ball and we can run. What has hurt us is making big mental mistakes and mistakes that comes at key times in a game. Those mistakes show up on the field."

Lions running back Matt Filosa takes 11 touchdowns into his final game and 711 yards rushing despite missing two games with an ankle injury. Filosa scored two touchdowns—one rushing and one on a reception from junior quarterback Dylan Wright — in the Allentown victory. He missed all of last season with a broken collarbone. Filosa also doubles defensively at linebacker as many starters play on both sides of the ball.

Tailback Mike Patterson, a senior who also plays safety, has scored 10 touchdowns in 2009. Another senior, fullback Dylan Addvensky, scored a touchdown against Allentown, which went to 4-5 with that loss.

Wright, closing in on 1,000 yards passing, has thrown nine touchdowns.

Ron Brown, a junior who has 22 receptions, caught two of his four touchdown passes this season against Allentown.

The Lions certainly have upstaged their crosstown rivals at times this season with some dramatic games, winning and losing. Late in the season they came from behind to beat Manchester, 25-20, and deny the Hawks a state playoff berth.

Wright went 14-21 passing for 256 yards against Manchester and will be expected to lead the way with Brown next season along with junior running back Christian Ruiz, who scored two touchdowns against Allentown. Wright has earned praise from Osborn for his decision-making and for minimizing mistakes.

"We look at all of our games and they went down to the wire, except for one," said Osborn. "We beat Central Regional in overtime, we beat Barnegat and we drove late in the game against Wall before getting stopped and losing, 10-7. We surprised people with how well we did against Manchester and showed we could throw the ball that night."

Two seniors who have been the heart and soul of the Lions' offensive line will be sorely missed after the final game.

Senior Matt Tracy has started every game Jackson Liberty has played, including his 40th start against Jackson Memorial.

"He's been a solid player for us," said Osborn in a tone of understatement for the offensive tackle and defensive end.

Center Brendan Kahle has been "the anchor of the offensive line," said Osborn. "I've coached for 26 years and he's as good as anyone I've coached."

Kahle also anchors the linebackers in the middle and has the distinction of calling signals on both sides of the ball for the offensive linemen and the defense.

Anthony Foley also graduates up front, but Joe Mandola and Tyler Sousa will be expected to return as two-way linemen. Anthony Ferullo also comes back next season with a year's experience at offensive end and outside linebacker.

Nick Tiso, a sophomore, got a good look at middle linebacker and Osborn touts him as a player of the future for the Jackson Liberty program.

"A lot of people are talking about the program and are excited," said Osborn. "We want to take it to the next step. We're happy we've progressed, but with a couple of breaks we would have made the playoffs. Now we have to wait until next year."

And if the players continue to progress, that wait may not last long.