By Tom Szieber
Posted: Friday, October 17, 2014 9:10 am
Some teams are already 3/4 of the way through their pre-cutoff schedule, and things are getting interesting. There’s a lot happening in week six, especially up North. Let’s take a look at the best matchups of the weekend.
#5 Bergen Catholic (4-2) @ #8 St. Joseph (Mont.) (3-1)
Joe’s quarterback Jack Walsh is completing 65% of his passes and has thrown eight touchdowns. The Green Knights offensive line will need to keep Walsh upright, though—a task that will be tougher with players like defensive end Sal Mauro coming after him.
The Pick: Bergen Catholic
#12 Pascack Valley (4-1) @ Old Tappan (4-1)
Golden Knights running back Zach DeNike is averaging over six yards per carry and has reached pay dirt seven times. PV has its own workhorse in Jorge Cortes, who is averaging 115.2 yards per game thus far.
The Pick: Pascack Valley
Middletown South (4-1) @ #16 Manalapan (5-0)
The winner will take another big leap toward the Shore Conference Class A North title. The Eagles have a major weapon in running back Cole Rogers, who has rushed for 667 yards and reached the end zone 17 times this year.
The Pick: Middletown South
Glassboro (5-0) @ #18 Camden (5-0)
Glassboro quarterback Mike Maldonado still hasn’t lost as a starter and is an efficient 30-of-46 for 519 yards and seven touchdowns this season. The Panthers continue to ride high after a big comeback win over Camden Catholic with the likes of Rutgers coach Kyle Flood, Camden mayor Dana Redd and Gov. Chris Christie in attendance.
The Pick: Camden
#20 Phillipsburg (4-1) @ Elizabeth (5-0)
The Stateliners don’t want to find themselves on a two-game skid—a real possibility following their surprising loss to #19 Hillsborough. P-Burg running back Joe Maso and his front five will have a formidable matchup in the Elizabeth run defense.
The Pick: Elizabeth
Jackson (4-1) @ Brick Memorial (4-1)
The Jaguars have a capable target in wide receiver Aaron Curet (eight catches, 269 yards, three TDs), who could see more looks this week. After scoring just 14 points in its first two games, Brick Memorial has scored over 34 points per game in its last three outings.
The Pick: Jackson
Hoboken (4-1) @ Lincoln (4-1)
The Red Wings need a win here to have a realistic shot at winning the HCIL White Division. These two long-time county rivals have split their last six meetings.
The Pick: Lincoln
Ridgewood (5-0) @ Paramus (4-1)
It’ll be the first true test for the Maroons, who have rolled over some struggling competition thus far. Paramus knows that a loss could hurt its shot at a home game in the opening round of the North I, Group IV playoffs.
The Pick: Ridgewood
Park Ridge (3-2) @ Cresskill (5-0)
Cresskill can take another step toward an NJIC Meadowlands Division crown with a victory. The Owls have continued to inspire this season following the sudden passing of head coach Gary Mioli, and they are now 2-0 in games following losses.
The Pick: Cresskill
#17 Cherokee (3-1) @ Lenape (4-0)
The Indians controlled the ball last week against Allentown, rushing for 170 yards and picking up 20 first downs. The Chiefs have won 10 of the last 11 meetings between these rivals.
The Pick: Cherokee
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.