Gridiron New Jersey Top 20
By Gridiron New Jersey Staff
Posted: Monday, October 6, 2014 10:15 pm
1. Don Bosco Prep (3-0; last week #1)
Following its dominant 41-14 victory over Fort Pierce Central (Fla.), the Ironme were off this past weekend. They will be back in action on Saturday at #2 Paramus Catholic to take on a Paladins squad that just won big against #7 Bergen Catholic.
2. Paramus Catholic (5-0; last week #2)
Defensive tackle Rashan Gary and his 3 1/2 sacks led a pass rush that overwhelmed #7 Bergen Catholic and pushed the Paladins to a 44-7 win. PC will meet top-ranked Don Bosco Prep on Saturday in perhaps the biggest regular season game in New Jersey this season.
3. St. Peter’s Prep (3-1; last week #3)
The Marauders were idle following their Sept. 26 loss to IMG Academy (Fla.). They shouldn’t experience much rust when they take the field on Friday against winless HCIL opponent Ferris.
4. St. Joseph (Hamm.) (4-0; last week #4)
Running back Rocco Ordille scored three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) in the Wildcats’ 48-0 win over Vineland. They’ll be in eastern Ohio this weekend to take on state-power Steubenville.
5. DePaul (5-0; last week #5)
Running back Kareem Walker rushed for two scores and caught a 35-yard touchdown as the Spartans beat Northern Highlands, 56-21. They’ll kick off a tough four-game Big North United stretch at #7 Bergen Catholic on Saturday.
6. Red Bank Catholic (4-0; last week #6)
The Caseys enjoyed a bye after their shutout victory over Shore rival Neptune. Up next for RBC is a Friday night showdown with Colts Neck.
7. Bergen Catholic (3-2; last week #7)
The Crusaders were down just 14-7 in the second quarter, but #2 Paramus Catholic reeled off 30 unanswered points to win their Big North United Division contest, 44-7. Bergen will try to get on the right track when it battles #5 DePaul in Oradell on Saturday.
8. St. Joseph (Mont.) (3-1; last week #8)
Kick returner J.T. Giles-Harris’ 93-yard return touchdown on the game’s opening kick propelled Joe’s past Old Tappan 42-0. The Green Knights will be off this week before a meeting with rival #7 Bergen Catholic.
9. Shawnee (4-0; last week #9)
Quarterback Michael Welsh rushed for three touchdowns to lead the Renegades to a victory over Moorestown 35-7. Shawnee plays host to Cherry Hill East on Friday night.
10. Piscataway (3-0; last week #10)
The Chiefs were off after beating Edison, 31-6, on Sept. 27. They will look to make it three straight road wins when they resume play against J.P. Stevens on Friday night.
11. Timber Creek (4-0; last week #11)
A 90-yard kick return touchdown by Kareem Ali to kick off the second half spearheaded a 45-7 Timber Creek victory over Washington Township. The Chargers are at Kingsway on Friday.
12. Pascack Valley (3-1; last week #12)
Colin Dedrick and Greg Collier connected for two touchdowns as PV beat Wayne Hills, 21-19. The Indians host Bergenfield on Friday night in Hillsdale in a Big North Independence Division game.
13. Phillipsburg (4-0; last week #13)
Quarterback Anthony Guarino threw two touchdowns as the Stateliners beat Franklin, 32-8. They will host Hillsborough on Friday night in a huge Mid-State 38 Delaware Division showdown.
14. Brick Township (4-0; last week #14)
A one-yard QB sneak by Carmen Sclafani gave the Dragons the game-winning touchdown in overtime, as they overcame Jackson, 30-24. They’ll host Wall on Friday night.
15. South Brunswick (4-0; last week #15)
The Vikings would have preferred a win on the field, but ended up with a forfeit victory due to the controversy involving the Sayreville football program. South Brunswick will come back from their de facto bye on Friday night when they host East Brunswick.
16. Montclair (2-1; last week #16)
The Mounties led Nutley by just two, 15-13, at the half last week, but ended up with a 41-20 victory over the Raiders when all was said and done. They’ll travel to Delaware on Friday night to take on St. Mark’s.
17. Haddonfield (4-0; last week #17)
Kicker Drew Tomlinson’s 33-yard overtime field goal gave the Bulldawgs a victory over West Deptford, 28-25. They’ll welcome Sterling to town on Friday night.
18. Manalapan (4-0 ; last week #18)
Manalapan trailed, 14-0 early, but running back Imamu Mayfield’s four touchdowns helped it bounce back to beat Middletown North, 56-34. The Braves will be in Lanoka Harbor to take on Lacey on Saturday.
19. Cherokee (2-1; last week #19)
The Chiefs rested for a week after their week three victory over Eastern. They will get back on the field Friday night for a big WJFL American battle with Williamstown.
20. Camden (4-0; last week #20)
With its 40-6 win over Willingboro, the Panthers have now put up 40-plus in four straight games, while holding their opponents to single digits in three. They’ll battle Camden Catholic in Cherry Hill on Friday night.
Others Getting Consideration (in alphabetical order): Cranford, Delbarton, Elizabeth, Hammonton, Hillsborough, Jackson, Linden, Roxbury, Union City