By Tom Szieber
Posted: Friday, October 13, 2017, 9:15 am
With the season already more than half over for a lot of teams, now is the time when those in the playoff hunt can’t afford to lose, while those sitting comfortably are looking to position themselves for higher seeds. Let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing games happening throughout New Jersey this week.
#1 St. Peter’s Prep (4-1) @ #2 Bergen Catholic (3-2)
St. Peter’s Prep QB Maasai Maynor threw for 216 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s tight 22-21 victory over #5 DePaul. BC may be 3-2, but they’re a perfect 3-0 against NJSFC United Red & White teams.
The Pick: Bergen Catholic
#4 Pope John (5-0) @ #3 St. Joseph (Mont.) (3-2)
This Pope John team is very much legit, but we will find out how formidable running back Terrance Jones (92 carries, 516 yards, 5 TD) and the Lions might be in Non-Public, Group 3 based on their performance this week. Green Knights linebacker/safety Evan Steward (team-high 46 tackles) will have his eyes on Jones all day.
The Pick: St. Joseph (Mont.)
#3 Manalapan (5-0) @ #13 Howell (5-0)
Braves running back Naim Mayfield is one of the state’s best players, period, and has amasses 1,135 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground already. Howell’s offensive foil for Mayfield will be quarterback Edwin Morales, who has gone 48-of-65 for 798 yards and 11 touchdowns on the year.
The Pick: Manalapan
Rumson-Fair Haven (4-0) vs. St. John Vianney (5-0) @ Rutgers University
Rumson running back Peter Lucas is one of the best backs on St. John Vianney’s schedule and has carried the ball 75 times for 940 yards and 12 touchdowns. He will be a major test for a Lancer 'D' that has allowed just 24 points all year.
The Pick: St. John Vianney
New Milford (4-0) @ Lyndhurst (3-1)
Bears WR Benny Franchino has hauled in 13 catches for 275 yards this year, and will be a big part of the Lyndhurst offensive attack. New Milford’s offense will be led by quarterback Ryan Picinic and running back Bart Nativo in a game with huge NJIC Liberty Division implications.
The Pick: New Milford
St. Joseph (Hamm.) (5-0) @ Allentown (4-1)
Quarterback Dan Merkel has been getting it done for Allentown, and is 54-of-93 for 1,183 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Wildcats have outscored their public school opposition 196-3, but the four opponents in those contests are a combined 4-15.
The Pick: Allentown
Haddonfield (4-0) @ Paulsboro (4-0)
Paulsboro running back Dehron Holloway has carried the ball 73 times for 558 yards and six touchdowns. Haddonfield QB Jay Foley has been playing efficient football, completing 60% of his passes.
The Pick: Paulsboro
Glen Ridge (4-1) @ Weequahic (3-1)
Running back Joe Marchesano and quarterback Tyler Liddy give the Ridgers the balanced attack that has gotten hem off to a 4-1 start. Indians running back Robert Leverett and Weequahic are looking to bounce back after their first loss in their past 16 games.
The Pick: Glen Ridge
Kennedy (3-1) @ Clifton (3-2)
Running back Azmir Ivy has rushed for 687 yards and 10 touchdowns for a Kennedy team that has won three of its first four for the first time since 2012. Clifton has its own bruising runner in David Martinez, who has has rushed for 577 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 5.3 yards per carry.
The Pick: Clifton
Holy Spirit (4-1) @ St. Augustine Prep (3-2)
Former St. Augustine Prep and current Holy Spirit quarterback Josh Zamot will line up under center for the first time against his old team. So far this year, he has gone 61-of-95 for 713 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Pick: Holy Spirit
Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.