By Tom Szieber
Posted: Wednesday, November 27, 2013 4:45 pm
We here at Gridiron New Jersey would like to wish all our readers and fellow high school football fans a very happy Thanksgiving. Here are our picks for some of the best and most historic rivalry games across the state.
Montclair (10-0) @ Bloomfield (2-7)
Montclair leads all-time series, 61-24-1
The Mounties got a scared from Union City in the sectional semis, giving up 35 points for the first time since 2010. The Bengals picked up just their second win of the season last week against Passaic, but they’ve lost nine straight to their Essex County rivals.
The Pick: Montclair
Passaic (2-7) @ Clifton (3-6)
Clifton leads all-time series, 43-36-5
The Indians broke a 12-game losing streak against the Mustangs with a 29-0 win last Turkey Day. The Mustangs haven’t been the same since losing running back James Sonzogni to injury in their fifth game, but sport a defense that could feast on an Indian “O” that has been shut out in back-to-back weeks.
The Pick: Clifton
Holy Spirit (10-0) @ Atlantic City (4-5)
Atlantic City leads all-time series, 49-31-4
Holy Spirit’s last loss to date was last Thanksgiving in a 13-7 loss to the Vikings. AC is 1-2 over their last three games, but both losses have come by a combined 11 points.
The Pick: Holy Spirit
Phillipsburg (9-1) vs. Easton (PA) (10-3) @ Lafayette College
Easton (PA) leads all-time series, 60-41-5
P-Burg’s sole loss came in double overtime to perennially strong Immaculata, and the Stateliners are high on confidence now that they’ve clinched a spot in the North 2, Group 4 final. Easton (PA) has won four of the last five meetings between the squads.
The Pick: Phillipsburg
Plainfield (1-8) @ Westfield (5-4)
Westfield leads all-time series, 56-45-7
Westfield’s offense has been clicking on all cylinders over the past four games. After 17 straight losses (not including a “Sandy tie” from a year ago), Plainfield crushed Kearny in their consolation game, led by running back Steven Jones’ four touchdowns.
The Pick: Westfield
Vineland (2-7) @ Millville (7-3)
Vineland leads all-time series, 63-58-19
Millville quarterback Roberto Rivera couldn’t get much going against Eastern in the sectional semifinals, but the Thunderbolt passing game should be able to strut its stuff against a struggling Vineland “D.” The Fighting Clan is hoping to break a four-game skid in the state’s oldest rivalry.
The Pick: Millville
Palmyra (4-5) @ Burlington City (6-4)
Burlington City leads all-time series, 51-46-12
Palmyra running back John Harman has had a terrific year, rushing for 905 yards and 10 touchdowns. Burlington City may have six wins, but they’ve shown that they are susceptible to letdowns this year with losses to Robbinsville and Ewing.
The Pick: Palmyra
Hackensack (5-4) @ Teaneck (1-8)
Hackensack leads all-time series, 58-23
The Highwaymen have had a rough season, but it is worth noting that they’ve had a brutal slate -- six of their nine opponents are .500 or above. The Comets are much better than their 5-4 record, and have steamrolled the weaker teams on their schedule.
The Pick: Hackensack
Perth Amboy (1-8) @ Carteret (7-3)
Perth Amboy leads all-time series, 45-39-2
Perth Amboy has never qualified for the state playoffs, so every year’s matchup with Carteret becomes a big-time showdown for the Panthers. The Ramblers are eager to end their season on a high note after being ousted from the playoffs by Lawrence, 40-0.
The Pick: Carteret
Eastside (3-6) @ Kennedy (4-5)
Eastside leads all-time series, 41-40-7
Kennedy is 4-1 against opponents currently under .500. The Ghosts have an underrated offense, and have dropped double-digit points in six of their nine games.
The Pick: Eastside
CLOSEST CALL
Neptune (4-5) @ Asbury Park (7-3)
Neptune leads all-time series, 44-37-4
The Scarlet Fliers need the victory to avoid their first sub-.500 year since 2005. The Asbury Park defense has yet to allow more than 18 points by an opposing offensive unit, and has kept opponents under two touchdowns seven times in 10 games.
The Pick: Asbury Park
UPSET SPECIAL
Pleasantville (2-7) @ Ocean City (4-5)
Ocean City leads all-time series, 46-40-7
It’s been a year of great improvement for the Greyhounds, and a win would signify their first win over Ocean City and their first three-win campaign since 2006. The Raiders have won four of five, but they haven’t been dominant even against weaker competition.
The Pick: Pleasantville
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.