By Tom Szieber
Posted: Thursday, September 8, 6:00 pm
Check out Brian Carr's photo gallery from Paramus Catholic's game against St. Frances at Michigan Stadium.
Week Zero was great, but now the rest of New Jersey gets to get in on the action. Along with title defenses and some juicy matchups, one of the highlights will be the coaching debuts in big-name programs. Jamil Jackson will walk the sideline for the first time at Elizabeth, while Frank Edgerly returns to Red Bank Catholic following a stint in the NFL. Bill Weigel begins his tenure at Paramus, taking over for Dan Sabella, who coaches is first in-state contest at the helm of Paramus Catholic.
There’s a lot to get to, so here it goes.
Timber Creek (0-0) @ Delsea (0-0)
Former Williamstown defensive end Eric Smith won’t play in this game, but his transfer to Timber Creek will surely be a boost to the Chargers this year. Delsea fullback Rashaad Williams rushed for 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2015.
The Pick: Timber Creek
Cherokee (0-0) @ Shawnee (0-0)
The Renegades have beaten the Chiefs in each of the last two seasons. Running back Jon Lovett rushed for 1,307 yards and 13 touchdowns last year, and is back to pace the squad once again.
The Pick: Cherokee
Elizabeth (0-0) @ Hillsborough (0-0)
The Minutemen have to be happy to get on the field and put the turmoil of their offseason coaching change behind them. The Raiders are eager to make amends for a disappointing 4-6 2015 season that began with hopes of a playoff run.
The Pick: Elizabeth
Hoboken (0-0) @ Verona (0-0)
The defending North 2, Group 1 champion Red Wings will look to QB Wilden Germain and an experienced offensive line to keep them the high-scoring team they were a year ago. The Hillbillies have now won 23 straight games and the last two North 1, Group 1 titles.
The Pick: Verona
Red Bank Catholic (0-0) @ Middletown South (0-0)
The Caseys have a talented receiving corps in Max Hazard, Brandon Lombana and Matt Ansell. The Eagles have a lot to replace at the skill positions, but experience at linebacker and in the trenches gives them confidence that they can compete to defend their North 2, Group 4 championship.
The Pick: Red Bank Catholic
Old Tappan (0-0) @ Paramus (0-0)
Running back Erik Slater has big shoes to fill, but the Golden Knights believe they have a good foundation to build on a 12-0 sectional championship season. The same can be said for new Spartans coach Bill Weigel, who looks to lead Paramus to a win in its first post-Sabella game.
The Pick: Old Tappan
Wayne Hills (0-1) @ Ramapo (0-0)
Wayne Hills has a chip on its shoulder in this one, as it attempts to rebound from its opening loss to Pahokee (FL) and avenge its 34-7 loss to Ramapo last year. Ramapo defensive end Chris DiTommaso (5 sacks in 2015) is a tough matchup for any opposing offensive lineman.
The Pick: Ramapo
Rumson-Fair Haven (0-0) @ Raritan (0-0)
The Central, Group 2 champion Rockets pulled off one of the state’s most improbable runs last year, bouncing back from a 3-5 start to win their section. One of their losses was a 21-20 setback on Oct. 30 against eventual Central, Group 3 champion Rumson, who went 10-2.
The Pick: Rumson-Fair Haven
St. Joseph’s Prep (PA) (1-0) @ Don Bosco Prep (0-1)
No shame in losing to American Heritage (FL), but Bosco had to be shocked by its inability to score a single point in its opener. Running back D’Andre Swift is a threat every time he touches the ball for St. Joseph’s Prep (PA).
The Pick: St. Joseph’s Prep (PA)
Bergen Catholic (1-0) @ Tampa Catholic (FL) (0-0)
Quarterback Johnny Langan tossed four touchdowns in Bergen’s opener against Archbishop Wood (PA) last week. The BC defense will have its hands full with Auburn-bound Tampa Catholic (FL) RB Devan Barrett.
The Pick: Bergen Catholic
Paramus Catholic (1-0) @ DePaul (0-0)
Junior quarterback Shelton Applewhile (1,262 yards, 16 TD) will be the grizzled vet leading the young Spartans into their opener. The Paladins view 2016 as an opportunity at redemption after going 3-6 against a brutal schedule last year.
The Pick: Paramus Catholic
Ridgewood (0-0) @ Hackensack (0-0)
Running back Drew Granski (1,056 rush yards in 2015) is one of 21 starters back for Ridgewood. The Comets won a 28-27 squeaker over the Maroons last Oct. 23.
The Pick: Ridgewood
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.