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By Tom Szieber
Posted: Monday, December 2, 2013 12:05 pm
NORTH 1
(3) Pompton Lakes (9-2) vs. (1) Hasbrouck Heights (11-0) @ MetLife Stadium
The Heights offensive line -- consisting of Justin Porzl, Chris Verdi, Dimitri Forde, Mauro Altamura and Ryan Palladino -- has been the engine behind an offense that boasts a dangerous run game and top-flight quarterback in Darren Iurato. Iurato scored three times (2 pass TD, 1 rush) in the Aviators’ 28-21 win over the Cardinals in early November. Pompton is looking to become the first team to win three straight North 1, Group 1 crowns since Glen Rock won five in a row between 1998 and 2002.
The Pick: Hasbrouck Heights
NORTH 2
(2) Shabazz (8-3) vs. (1) Hoboken (8-3) @ Kean University
The defending champion Red Wings have now won five of six, and look primed to take home a second consecutive title. Hoboken has a major threat in quarterback/defensive back Donte Bass, who can shut down an opposing “O” or “D” as long as he is on the field. Shabazz couldn’t break the Weequahic defense on Thanksgiving, but scored a big win to get here with a 35-22 semifinal win over Roselle Park -- last season’s runner-up. Bulldogs running back Dashon Myers compiled 189 yards and four touchdowns in the win over the Panthers.
The Pick: Hoboken
CENTRAL
(3) Point Pleasant Beach (9-2) vs. (1) Shore (10-1) @ The College of New Jersey
Shore would seem to have the psychological edge, considering they kept Point Beach off the scoreboard and forced three turnovers in a division-clinching 31-0 Thanksgiving victory. Its defense hasn’t allowed more than 14 points in a game all season long, and has some recent championship experience, having won a sectional crown in 2010. The Gulls meanwhile, are making just their second-ever appearance in the sectional finals, and are looking for a program-first championship.
The Pick: Shore
SOUTH
(5) Glassboro (6-5) vs. (2) Penns Grove (8-3) @ Rowan University
Their first meeting, on opening day, was a close 14-12 affair that went in favor of the Red Devils, but there may be no hotter team than the Bulldogs right now. After a 3-5 start, Glassboro reeled off four in a row, and showed that they can win any type of game throughout their playoff run (they beat Paulsboro in a low-scoring affair, and then Pennsville, 40-33). Meanwhile, Penns Grove has lived dangerously over the last month, beginning with their 2-0 win over Woodbury in the first round of the playoffs. They had to rally from a 17-0 deficit to take down Salem in the semis, and were handled, 49-0, by Pennsville on Thanksgiving.
The Pick: Glassboro
NON-PUBLIC
(3) St. Mary (9-2) vs. (1) St. Joseph (Hamm.) (10-1) @ The College of New Jersey
The Wildcats are built for this time of year, and have a true workhorse in C.J. LaFragola, who has carried the ball 122 times this year for 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns. LaFragola’s dominance has allowed St. Joe’s to get by without relying on its passing game. The Wildcats have just 78 total pass attempts this season, and just eight touchdowns through the air. St. Mary has a premier back of its own in Keon Banks, who has rushed for 1,088 yards and 17 TDs. Quarterback Willie Krajnik is solid if not spectacular, and has 10 touchdown passes to just two picks. Joe’s has beaten the Gaels for its last three titles by a combined 127-0.
The Pick: St. Joseph (Hamm.)
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.