By Gridiron New Jersey Staff
Posted: Tuesday, September 8, 7:45 am
With week zero in the books, it is time for the first edition of the Vita Athletics - Gridiron New Jersey Top 20 for 2015. Only a fraction of the teams in the Garden State took the field in week zero, but we’re ready to rank ‘em as we head to most teams’ opening week. Here we go!
1. Bergen Catholic (1-0)
Freshman running back Josh McKenzie rushed for 57 first half yards and scored in BC’s 37-7 win over American Heritage (FL). The Crusaders will play host to #2 St. Peter’s Prep on Saturday afternoon.
2. St. Peter’s Prep (1-0)
New quarterback Jonathan Lewis overcame a sluggish start to go 13-of-22 for 159 yards, and also rushed for two scores, as the Marauders beat Avalon (MD), 28-14. They’ll be in Oradell this week to take on top-ranked Bergen Catholic.
3. St. Joseph (Mont.) (1-0)
Cornerback John Thomas Giles-Harris returned an interception 70 yards for a score to permanently seize momentum for the Green Knights, leading them past Don Bosco Prep, 17-7. Joe’s will be home for a showdown with St. Edward (OH) on Saturday, hoping to avenge a 42-0 loss from 2014.
4. DePaul (1-0)
Running back Kareem Walker rushed for 135 yards and three touchdowns, and caught a score as well, as DePaul trounced Pope John, 37-0. The Spartans look to go 2-0 when they welcome Our Lady of Good Counsel (MD) to Wayne on Friday night.
5. Don Bosco Prep (0-1)
Some untimely turnovers and a sometimes-sluggish offense against St. Joseph (Mont.) caused the Ironmen to lose their fifth game in their last 12 outings, 17-7. They'll look to bounce back when they host St. Joseph’s Prep (PA) on Saturday in Ramsey.
6. Paramus Catholic (0-1)
Eastern Christian (MD) running backs Leddie Brown, Taj Washington and Tavion Washington carved up the Paramus Catholic “D” and led the way to a Honey Badger victory, 42-20. PC will look to rebound in a matchup with Pope John Saturday in Paramus.
7. Middletown South (0-0)
The Eagles are loaded, and are hoping to exorcise some recent playoff demons and capture their first sectional title since 2006. They will open up on Friday night at #20 South Brunswick.
8. Cherokee (0-0)
Quarterback/linebacker Evan Powell is in the discussion of the state’s best two-way player. The Chiefs are at Washington Township for their Friday opener.
9. Shawnee (0-0)
Quarterback Mike Welsh and the Renegades are looking to make a push toward a third consecutive South, Group 4 championship. They host Williamstown on Friday night in Medford.
10. St. Joseph (Hamm.) (0-0)
Senior defensive end Chris Carey is coming off a year when he had 46 tackles and seven sacks for the Non-Public, Group 1 champions. He and the Wildcats will be in Richland on Friday night as they open up against St. Augustine Prep.
11. Red Bank Catholic (0-0)
Senior quarterback Eddie Hahn (2,030 total offensive yards, 32 total touchdowns last season) is back to try and help RBC defend its Non-Public, Group 3 title, although he'll miss some time early in the season due to a knee injury. The Caseys open their season at Long Branch on Friday.
12. Timber Creek (0-0)
Wide receiver Cameron Chambers leads a deep and talented Chargers receiving corps. They begin their season at home on Friday night against Pennsauken.
13. St. John Vianney (0-0)
Quarterback Anthony Brown and running backs Calvin Beaty and Tyler Tedeschi provide the offensive power necessary for the Lancers to make a serious run this year in Non-Public, Group 3. They begin the season on the road this Saturday against the defending Central, Group 3 champs in Matawan.
14. Delbarton (0-0)
The Green Wave split two tilts with New York opponents last season, beating Monsignor Farrell while losing to Poly Prep. Delbarton hosts another Empire State foe, St. Anthony’s (NY), on Saturday in Morristown.
15. Camden (0-0)
With seven starters back on defense, the Panthers seem poised to get over the hump and make up for a disappointing early-round playoff exit last year. They host Highland Regional on Friday night.
16. Roxbury (0-0)
With quarterback Grant Dixon (2,335 yards and 27 touchdowns passing; 602 yards and five scores rushing in 2014) and 13 total starters back, the Gaels may be primed for a huge 2015. They’ll play host to Sparta, the two-time defending North 1, Group 3 champs,on Friday.
17. Jackson (0-0)
Running back Mike Gawlik ran for 1,165 yards and 21 touchdowns last season, while his backfield-mate Vinny Lee tallied 1,025 and 15. The Central, Group 4 champs host Jackson Liberty in their opener on Friday.
18. Pascack Valley (1-0)
Quarterback Colin Dedrick passed for 160 yards and two touchdowns as the Indians rallied to beat Hackensack, 34-29. They’ll be at Montclair on Saturday to take on the Mounties.
19. Seton Hall Prep (1-0)
A solid outing by quarterback Zach Keller and a stout effort by the Pirates’ defense propelled Seton Hall Prep to a 21-6 opening night win over Union City. They’ll be on the road for a second straight week as they look to down Columbia on Friday.
20. South Brunswick (0-0)
The senior safety duo of Junior Jabbe and Phil Campbell should prevent the Vikings from surrendering too many big plays. They host a big matchup with #7 Middletown South on Friday night.
Others Getting Consideration (in alphabetical order): Delsea, Hackensack, Manalapan, Montclair, Old Tappan, Phillipsburg, Piscataway, Toms River North, West Deptford
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