By Tom Szieber
Posted: Friday, October 16, 2015 8:20 am
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It’s a big week for some highly successful teams looking to show that they are, in fact, for real. Lincoln, for example, has been dominating other teams, but hasn’t really been tested. That will all change with a Hoboken team that is a very formidable opponent.
Undefeated Red Bank is sitting atop Central, Group 3, but with a Shore Conference rival like Red Bank Catholic around, it can sometimes be easy to get overlooked. A win over the Caseys would most certainly remove any doubt that the 2015 Red Bank football team is a true force that can win its section.
Kingsway fights a different battle. At 1-3, they’re trying to avoid getting buried in the power point standings in a competitive section. Still, all their losses are to high-level competition, and you can be sure Washington Township won’t be taking the Dragons lightly.
Let’s get to some picks for this week’s action.
LAST WEEK: 7-3
SEASON: 39-19
Lenape (4-0) @ #11 Cherokee (3-1)
Both teams have runners that can make an impact, as Cherokee’s Jon Lovett has rushed for 387 yards in four games, while Lenape’s Joseph Kellum has racked up 351. Lenape has quietly won 13 of 14 games, including a 24-16 win over the Chiefs last October.
The Pick: Cherokee
#16 Old Tappan (5-0) @ #13 Pascack Valley (5-0)
Golden Knights quarterback Kevin Martinez hasn’t had to throw the ball all that much, but he is completing 81% of his passes this year. Old Tappan has revenge on its mind after losing to PV in both the regular season and playoffs in 2014.
The Pick: Old Tappan
Lincoln (5-0) @ Hoboken (4-1)
Hoboken’s defense has been impressive, but the Red Wings lost their only game against a team currently sporting a winning record (Cedar Grove). The Lions have a top-quality playmaker in quarterback Zymire Gordon, who threw three touchdowns in Lincoln’s win over St. Anthony last week.
The Pick: Lincoln
Washington Township (3-2) @ Kingsway (1-3)
Washington Township wide out Nick Grosso has with 17 receptions for 384 yards and four touchdowns this year. Kingsway -- a team that is probably better than its record shows -- can’t afford another loss in a very deep South, Group 5.
The Pick: Washington Township
Silver Oak (MD) (2-3) @ #2 St. Joseph (Mont.) (4-2)
After a 2-0 start, Silver Oak (MD) has been trampled in its last three games against Fairfield (PA), Fort Hill (MD) and Allegany (MD). The Green Knights are just 2-2 against out-of-state competition, but beat their only opponent from the Terrapin State, Eastern Christian (MD), on Sept. 26.
The Pick: St. Joseph (Mont.)
Manalapan (4-1) @ #3 Middletown South (5-0)
The Eagles haven’t beaten Manalapan in 17 years, and are looking to avoid falling to the Braves for the fifth straight year. Eagles quarterback Matt Mosquera has thrown 10 touchdowns and just a single interception.
The Pick: Middletown South
#6 Red Bank Catholic (5-0) @ Red Bank (5-0)
This showdown will, in all likelihood, decide the Shore Conference Class B-North championship. The Bucs are proving to be the real deal, allowing just 6.8 points per game and earning quality wins over strong squads like Raritan and Ocean Township.
The Pick: Red Bank Catholic
Colonia (3-2) @ Woodbridge (4-1)
Colonia has come back to earth a bit, losing two straight following a 3-0 start to the year. Barrons quarterback Tracy Fudge has thrown for 770 yards and 10 touchdowns in five games.
The Pick: Woodbridge
Becton (4-1) @ Saddle Brook (4-1)
The Wildcats are winning with good defense, and are yet to allow over seven points in a single game (even their loss to Hasbrouck Heights). The Falcons showed some versatility in their win over Emerson last week, as five different players reached pay dirt.
The Pick: Becton
Elizabeth (4-1) @ Phillipsburg (4-1)
There may be no one more battle-hardened in close-game situations than Elizabeth, whose last four games have been decided by 8, 2, 3 and 6 points, respectively (they’re 3-1 in that stretch). A win over the four-win Minutemen would go a long way in P-Burg’s quest to keep pace with Middletown South in the North 2, Group 4 power point race.
The Pick: Phillipsburg
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.