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By Tom Szieber
Posted: Friday, October 10, 8:00 am
It’s another big week, with perhaps the biggest game of the year so far: top-ranked Don Bosco Prep vs. #2 Paramus Catholic. In addition, there is another ranked parochial vs. ranked parochial showdown involving 5th ranked DePaul and #7 Bergen Catholic. There are so many other big-time rivalry games, particularly in the WJFL and the Mid-State 38, as well. Things are heating up, and the playoffs will be here before you know it. Let’s look at some picks for the week:
#1 Don Bosco Prep (3-0) @ #2 Paramus Catholic (5-0)
Paramus Catholic defensive tackle Rashan Gary—who is dominant every time he steps on the field—will have his toughest matchup yet against the Bosco offensive line.
The Pick: Don Bosco Prep
#5 DePaul (5-0) @ #7 Bergen Catholic (3-2)
BC losing to DePaul two years in a row might seem unfathomable, but it’s a realistic possibility with stud running back Kareem Walker (95 carries, 850 yards, 14 TD) carrying the rock for the Spartans. Remarkably, the Crusaders are undefeated against out-of-state opponents (3-0), but have been throttled against their two Jersey foes.
The Pick: Bergen Catholic
Voorhees (4-0) @ Cranford (4-0)
The Cougars are surging behind running back Jack Schetelich (530 yards, nine TD) and coming off a huge win over rival Summit. Voorhees has its own dangerous back in Devan Thomas, who has carried the ball 53 times for 452 yards and four touchdowns.
The Pick: Cranford
Toms River North (3-1) @ Jackson (3-1)
The Jaguars are looking for a bounce-back week after a tough 30-24, overtime loss to 14th-ranked Brick Township. Toms River North sophomore quarterback Mike Husni is a threat with his arm and his legs.
The Pick: Jackson
#20 Camden (4-0) @ Camden Catholic (4-0)
This one has “shootout” written all over it, as both squads are averaging over 46 points per game. Camden Catholic hasn’t really been tested yet, but that will change when they are forced to defend the talented Panthers receiver duo of Ja’Mir Washington and Brad Hawkins.
The Pick: Camden
#19 Cherokee (2-1) @ Williamstown (3-1)
Williamstown defensive end David Sanchez will need to be accounted for after a four-sack performance against Pennsauken. The Chiefs are sure to be in the game, as they haven’t lost by more than single digits in 22 contests.
The Pick: Cherokee
#16 Montclair (2-1) @ St. Mark’s (Del.) (4-1)
In just three games, Mounties quarterback Elijah Robinson already has 398 yards passing and 364 more on the ground. The Spartans are averaging 6.2 yards per carry as a team.
The Pick: Montclair
Hillsborough (4-0) @ #13 Phillipsburg (4-0)
Hillsborough quarterback Ed Trimpert is completing over 58% of his passes and has thrown eight touchdowns (versus just a single pick). The Stateliners run defense will be a tough test for a Raiders backfield that has been operating by committee.
The Pick: Phillipsburg
Woodstown (4-0) @ Glassboro (4-0)
Glassboro has won every game (nine straight) since quarterback Mike Maldonado was inserted under center. Wolverines safety Dillon Hill is a field general who can play both the run and the pass.
The Pick: Glassboro
West Morris (2-2) @ Roxbury (4-0)
The Wolfpack has shown that a two-quarterback approach can work, as Collin Sokolowski and Coopers Sloan have both been effective. Linebacker Michael Franzi is a defensive force for the Gaels that is especially dangerous rushing the passer.
The Pick: Roxbury
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.