By Tom Szieber
Posted: Friday, September 29, 2017 12:40 pm
Check out Mark Wyville's photo gallery from St. Peter's Prep's win over Union City.
With so many Thursday night games, it will be a smaller-than-usual slate of games on Friday, Saturday and even Sunday. Still, there are some big ones on the menu. Let’s take a look at some of them:
#3 Bergen Catholic (2-2) @ #1 St. Joseph (Mont.) (2-1)
Each of the past three meetings between the long-time rivals has been decided by exactly three points, with Joe’s winning the most recent, 17-14. Bergen Catholic running back Josh McKenzie will be a major test for the stout Green Knights defense that held Delbarton to a goose egg two weeks ago.
The Pick: Bergen Catholic
#5 Paramus Catholic (1-2) @ #2 St. Peter’s Prep (2-1)
The Marauders have revenge on their minds after a 33-28 loss to PC in last year’s Non-Public, Group 4 title game. The Paladins will need to avoid carelessness with the football, as another four-turnover game like last week would be tough to overcome.
The Pick: Paramus Catholic
Camden (2-1) @ Cedar Creek (3-0)
Creek is 0-2 all-time against the Panthers, including a head-scratching 31-12 loss last year which saw Camden finish with a 3-7 record. Running back Najyere Edwards has piled up 321 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, including 171 last week against Seneca.
The Pick: Camden
Paul VI (1-2) @ Notre Dame (2-1)
These are the two teams on the outside looking in in Non-Public, Group 4, and a win for either will go a long way in helping that team keep pace for a playoff berth. Notre Dame running back Cortaz Williams has already amassed 683 yards and six touchdowns this year.
The Pick: Notre Dame
Elizabeth (2-1) @ Linden (2-1)
Linden has surprised many, playing close with Westfield while lighting up the scoreboard against Scotch Plains-Fanwood and Ridge. The Minutemen have also answered an opening day loss with a win streak, bouncing back from a setback against Hillsborough to handle Watchung Hills and Union.
The Pick: Linden
New Milford (2-0) @ Pompton Lakes (2-0)
Pompton running back Frank Negrini exploded last week, rushing for 244 yards and five touchdowns against Saddle Brook. New Milford linebacker Matt McElroy will be eying him all day, and has a knack for getting to the football.
The Pick: New Milford
Brick Township (3-0) @ St. John Vianney (3-0)
The Lancers have won 32 games in a row against Shore Conference foes. The Green Dragons D will have its hands full with talented quarterback Haaziq Daniels, who is a true double threat that can score on the ground or through the air.
The Pick: St. John Vianney
Bound Brook (3-0) @ Belvidere (2-1)
The Crusaders have a solid run game led by Mason-gage Horsburgh, who churned out 170 yards last week in a win over South Hunterdon. The County Seaters are looking to get back on track after being steamrolled by undefeated Roselle Park.
The Pick: Bound Brook
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.