Check out more outstanding high school sports photos from Brian Carr.
By Tom Szieber
Posted: Thursday, November 14, 2013 7:30 am
NORTH 1
Overview: Pascack Valley’s linebacking corps will be a tough matchup for the Passaic Valley offense, which has put up 30-plus points just twice this year. The Hornets were only able to score seven against the Indians when they played on Oct. 11. Quarterback Jordan Fuller of Old Tappan is a rising star, and the Golden Knights defense makes them one of the most all-around dangerous teams in the bracket. Northern Highlands seems to have peaked at just the right time, and would gain even more momentum by handing Wayne Hills their fourth loss in five games. Paramus is still looking to reach its first-ever sectional final, but is looking good after back-to-back wins over Ramapo and Wayne Hills.
Picks:
(1) Pascack Valley over (8) Passaic Valley
(5) Northern Highlands over (4) Wayne Hills
(3) Old Tappan over (6) Randolph
(2) Paramus over (7) Morris Knolls
NORTH 2
Overview: As was the case last season, there are several teams in the section that failed to achieve a .500 record, including 2-6 Scotch Plains-Fanwood. Of course, Warren Hills showed last season that anyone can make a run, no matter their regular season record. If results from earlier in the year are any indicator at all, it seems likely in fact, that this section could again produce some surprises. Last season’s champion, West Morris, actually lost a 3-0 decision to Morristown (the seven seed) and beat sixth-seeded Mendham by just a touchdown in October. Phillipsburg would seem to be the odds-on favorite to win it all after going undefeated in the extremely tough Mid-State 38 Delaware Division.
Picks:
(1) Phillipsburg over (8) Scotch Plains-Fanwood
(4) Irvington over (5) JFK (Iselin)
(3) Colonia over (6) Mendham
(2) West Morris over (7) Morristown
CENTRAL
Overview: Brick Township hasn’t won a sectional title since 1994, but the top-seeded Green Dragons are hopeful that they can get versatile junior quarterback Carmen Sclafani back from a shoulder injury and make a run. To do so, they very well might meet up with fourth-seeded Middletown South in the semifinals. Brick lost to the Eagles, 28-7, on opening day. Of course, Burlington Township might have something to say about that, and they’ll look to upend South in the first round and end a two-game skid, while handing Steve Antonucci’s squad its third defeat in a row. Colts Neck may have the best two-way player in the bracket in running back/linebacker Anthony Gargiulo.
Picks:
(1) Brick Township over (8) West Windsor-Plainsboro North
(5) Burlington Township over (4) Middletown South
(3) Colts Neck over (6) Neptune
(2) Nottingham over (7) Middletown North
SOUTH
Overview: Quarterback Dan Williams and the Charger receivers are just one of several reasons Timber Creek looks poised to claim a third straight sectional title. Toms River South is experiencing its first winning season since 2003, and have their own talented signal-caller in Tymere Berry. Moorestown though, has lost only one game by more than five points, and could be a deceptively dangerous seven seed. Running back Ray Lawry and Kingsway are riding high into the postseason after a big win over defending South, Group 5 champ Williamstown.
Picks:
(1) Timber Creek over (8) Cherry Hill West
(4) Kingsway over (5) Lacey
(3) Hammonton over (6) Shawnee
(7) Moorestown over (2) Toms River South
NON-PUBLIC
Overview: The Paramus Catholic defense and running back Jabrill Peppers have led the Paladins to the top seed in the section after one of the most challenging schedules in entire state. Their sectional title victory last year was their first since 1997, but they won’t be sneaking up on anyone this time around. Undefeated St. Joseph (Met.) is in search of its first playoff win, something it can certainly achieve with talented running back Matt Olivo and an offensive line that just keeps getting better. Seton Hall Prep hasn’t defeated its first round opponent, Don Bosco Prep, in 37 years and could have trouble once again with its sometimes-leaky defense. St. Peter’s Prep is once again rolling into the bracket, though its biggest competition may be its lack of quality opposition in the latter portion of its regular season schedule.
Picks:
(1) Paramus Catholic over (8) Notre Dame
(4) Don Bosco Prep over (5) Seton Hall Prep
(3) St. Joseph (Met.) over (6) St. Augustine Prep
(2) St. Peter’s Prep over (7) Paul VI
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.