By Tom Szieber
Posted: Friday, October 23, 2015 4:00 pm
The playoffs are fast-approaching, and teams are jockeying for position in their respective sections. Bergen Catholic and St. Joseph of Montvale, for example, are both safely playoff-bound, but the Big North United crown and the top spot in the Vita Athletics-Gridiron New Jersey Top 20 are still very much up for grabs.
Similarly, Don Bosco Prep is out to show that despite two losses on its schedule, the Ironmen are still, well, the Ironmen. If they can upend the nation’s top team in Bishop Gorman (NV), they’ll certainly have a case for inclusion in the USA Today Super 25 again. There’s a whole lot more going on in New Jersey football this week. Let’s take a look at some games and picks.
LAST WEEK: 6-4
SEASON: 45-23
#2 St. Joseph (Mont.) (5-2) @ #1 Bergen Catholic (4-2)
BC managed to beat DePaul two weeks ago, but it will be interesting to see how the Crusaders compete with a team like Joe’s without Jarrett Guarantano. Expect a close one, as these two have split their last four meetings, and two of the last three have gone to overtime.
The Pick: St. Joseph (Mont.)
#14 West Deptford (5-0) @ Collingswood (4-2)
The Eagles have been trouncing the competition, but haven’t really been tested since their opening game against Haddonfield. Collingswood running back Dashon Burdett is one of the biggest offensive threats West Deptford has faced, as he averages 126.7 yards per game thus far in 2015.
The Pick: West Deptford
Sayreville (3-3) @ Piscataway (5-0)
Chiefs running back Elijah Barnwell may be a bit too explosive for the Bombers to contain. Sayreville needs a win to keep pace with the likes of Summit and North Hunterdon for the last few spots in the North 2, Group 4 bracket.
The Pick: Piscataway
Cranford (6-0) @ Delaware Valley (6-0)
Cougars quarterback Jack Schetelich has accounted for 18 touchdowns this year (11 rushing, 7 passing). Cranford’s offensive line will need to play its best game of the year to beat a Terriers front four that is adept at run-stopping and rushing the passer.
The Pick: Cranford
Delbarton (4-2) @ #9 Roxbury (6-0)
The Green Wave has been on a tear since losing its first two games, and has held three of its last four opponents to three or fewer points. Delbarton has beaten the Gaels five straight times, with Roxbury’s last win coming in Oct. 2009.
The Pick: Roxbury
#3 Middletown South (6-0) @ Brick Memorial (5-1)
Mustangs quarterback Tim Santiago has been doing major damage with his legs, rushing for 984 yards and 11 touchdowns. The running back duo of Cole Rogers and James McCarthy is one of the reasons the Eagles have yet to be beaten.
The Pick: Middletown South
#5 Don Bosco Prep (4-2) @ Bishop Gorman (NV) (8-0)
Bishop Gorman (NV) is a six-time defending champion from Las Vegas that is ranked first in the USA Today Super 25. The Ironmen are a perfect 3-0 against out-of-state competition this year.
The Pick: Bishop Gorman (NV)
Cresskill (4-2) @ Hasbrouck Heights (5-1)
The Aviators will have their work cut out for them trying to stop Cougars running back Brendan Coffey, who has 1,032 yards and 14 touchdowns this year. Cresskill looks like they are in good shape in North 1, Group 1, but their shot at a top-four seed would take a big hit with a loss.
The Pick: Hasbrouck Heights
Millville (3-2) @ Bridgeton (3-3)
Bridgeton receiver Markquese Bell’s 6-4 stature makes him a prime target that will make things tough on the Millville secondary. The race for power points is tight near the bottom of South, Group 4, and the Bulldogs need a victory with teams like Absegami and Mainland holding a game-in-hand.
The Pick: Millville
Hoboken (4-2) @ Hudson Catholic (6-0)
Admittedly, Hudson Catholic has played a weak schedule thus far, but it remains remarkable that they have yet to surrender a single point. Hoboken running back Marquis Roberts has rushed for 937 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Pick: Hoboken
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.