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By Tom Szieber
Posted: Thursday, December 5, 2013 11:00 am
NORTH 1
(2) Paramus (8-3) vs. (1) Pascack Valley (9-2) @ MetLife Stadium
Remember when Pascack Valley was said to be rebuilding? The Indians haven’t lost a game since a 23-6 loss to Non-Public, Group 2 finalist DePaul on Oct. 4, and have cruised past Passaic Valley and Northern Highlands in the playoffs. Quarterback Colin Dedrick has developed into a major offensive asset, and running back Jorge Cortes has been one of several outstanding backs in the diverse PV rushing attack. Paramus signal-caller Tyler Smith has become the latest double-threat quarterback for the Spartans, and leads a squad that has found ways to win all year long. Coach Dan Sabella has made many forget that Paramus was ever a struggling program, and a program-first sectional title would be the culmination of seven seasons of hard work.
The Pick: Pascack Valley
NORTH 2
(6) Mendham (6-4-1) vs. (1) Phillipsburg (9-2) @ Rutgers University
The Stateliners have dominated the comparatively weak bracket, and seem to be a class above the rest. The Minutemen have been one of the biggest surprises in New Jersey, having qualified for the playoffs at 3-4-1. It is worth noting, though, that they have won three straight since, and two of their three losses have come against traditional NJAC power Delbarton and North 2, Group 3 finalist Parsippany Hills. Mendham linebacker Anthony Marconi has 104 tackles on the year, and if the Minutemen can contain Phillipsburg’s array of weapons, he will be a big reason why.
The Pick: Phillipsburg
CENTRAL
(3) Colts Neck (10-1) vs. (1) Brick Township (8-3) @ The College of New Jersey
Colts Neck running back/defensive end Anthony Gargiulo is one of the finer two-way players in the state, and his efforts are a big reason why the Cougars are appearing in their first title game. The Green Dragons are looking for their first since 1994, and have their own workhorse back in Ray Fattarusso. Though impressive at times, the Brick defense has been somewhat inconsistent throughout the latter half of the season, most glaringly in a 42-35 loss to Toms River East (which finished the season at 4-6). If Brick hopes to establish the passing game, it will need to account for Colts Neck linebacker Nick Volpe, who has sacked opposing quarterbacks 12 times this season.
The Pick: Colts Neck
SOUTH
(6) Shawnee (8-3) vs. (1) Timber Creek (10-1) @ Rowan University
The Chargers have possibly the most dangerous passing game in New Jersey thanks not only to quarterback Dan Williams, but the star wide receiver duo of Adonis Jennings and Cameron Chambers. Even when their offense isn’t clicking, they’ve shown they can win defensive slugfests -- having beaten Moorestown and Paul VI by scores of 7-6 and 8-7, respectively. Shawnee knows how to keep games close, but are just 2-2 in games decided by under seven points. Running back Anthony DiOrio is the engine that makes the Renegade offense go, and has 1,188 yards and 16 touchdowns this year.
The Pick: Timber Creek
NON-PUBLIC
(2) St. Peter’s Prep (10-1) vs. (1) Paramus Catholic (9-2) @ MetLife Stadium
Paramus Catholic played perhaps the most difficult schedule in New Jersey this year, with not a single New Jersey public school on it. Running backs Jabrill Peppers and Keyon Washington are a lethal one-two punch, and the former rushed for 149 yards against the Marauders in last season’s semifinal. The Marauders have their own game-breaking back in Jonathan Hilliman, who has averaged 9.7 yards per carry. St. Peter’s Prep has lost to one of the Big North’s “Big Four” in each of the past six postseasons.
The Pick: Paramus Catholic
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.