Football: Check out Darren Cooper's predictions for state championship games, Thanksgiving

We have reached the end, my friends. The end of the New Jersey high school football season. I hope you’ve had as much fun as I did.

I hope you all have a happy and great Thanksgiving.

My favorite moment of the high school football season – to this point – was when I covered Ridgefield Park and Tenafly. Early in the game, I made eye contact with a Tenafly assistant coach who shook my hand and said he was a fan of my work. I hope he knows how much that meant to me.

The worst moment came down in Florida on the Bergen Catholic sideline where I encountered a man who was most definitely not a fan of my work. It was an uncomfortable moment. But hey, it is what it is.

Before get to all the big picks for the five games involving North Jersey teams, I want to answer some questions I have seen online. Like viewer mail. Sort of. But these are good questions.

Why are we playing games on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday?

This was not the NJSIAA’s first thought, but the NFL and Amazon trump New Jersey high school football.

The biggest thing to know is that the state sort of keeps things “open” for the state football finals because they have to accommodate the teams that play on Thanksgiving. Yes, I think it’s kind of strange, but hey, New Jersey is New Jersey. So there is never a hard and firm set date for the state finals.

The Jets got the Black Friday game at MetLife because the NFL loves the NY television market and torturing Jet fans. Then the Giants play at home Sunday. So that ruled out MetLife for this weekend. Rutgers is playing at home on Saturday. So then the NJSIAA couldn’t go there Friday night.

Could we have played games at Kean or Montclair State? I guess. But the hard truth is a lot of places don’t want the hassle of hosting HS events.

Why are the non-publics at MetLife and the publics at Rutgers?

A few years ago, when we transitioned from sectional champs to state group champs, we had a middle step of "regional championship” games. Basically, the round we just finished. However, South Jersey teams complained about the travel to MetLife Stadium.

We really are a divided state, but this drives me nuts. You know, some schools in South Jersey would probably rather play their state finals at the Linc in Philadelphia if they could, but last time I checked, that wasn’t in New Jersey.

It’s a shame because not every HS football player in America gets the chance to play a game at a real NFL stadium, but Rutgers was the compromise as a central location.

All I am going to say is there are teams in North Louisiana (much closer to Texas) who will drive six hours down to New Orleans to play for the state title in the Superdome. Fans put signs all along the highway marking the route. It's a great tradition. New Jersey is so much better than Louisiana in so many ways, but I’ll never understand this one.

When will we have a minority head coach of a Big Six program?

This question came out after Dan Marangi stepped down at St. Joseph.

I think the tweet was meant to spark a conversation, so let's have it. I always try to believe that social media posts actually are genuine.

Here’s what I will say. All I know is that when I do my North Jersey Power Players list of the most powerful people in North Jersey athletics, finding minority representation is hard. I’m not saying this is good. I’m just saying it’s true.

I’d also say that it’s changing, though. I see more diverse coaching staffs than ever before, and talented coaches – no matter their skin color – are rewarded. Is it past time? Sure. Will it happen soon? I hope so. I think so. But I also know that my optimism could be misguided. I always choose to believe the best in people.

OK, let’s get to the state championship football games. Starting Thanksgiving, there’s wall-to-wall football for five straight days.

Ramapo (12-0) vs. Mainland (13-0)

Group 4 final - Sunday, 2 p.m. at Rutgers

Ramapo was my big miss last week, but I didn’t think it was that big of a reach to think that Mount Olive could win. It’s impressive that Ramapo did it without receiver Zach Schnorrbusch, who missed the game with an injury. My instinct is Zach will play Sunday, even if Ramapo uses him as a decoy some.

Here’s what I know about Mainland. The Mustangs have only thrown 123 passes all season, which is basically about four games for Ramapo. Quarterback Stephen Ordille has 28 touchdowns and has run for 1,657 yards. He is a big chunk of their offense.

In other words, Mainland is extremely similar to Ramapo and QB Landon DePrima. Except Mainland probably won’t bring a pineapple on Sunday. (Mental note: find out who has the pineapple)

This game, to me, is the REASON (all caps) why we wanted state group finals in New Jersey for years. We have a classic South Jersey vs. North Jersey battle here that we never could have had before. So then it becomes who do you think is better? Where do they play better football? Because listen, there’s not many people on Earth who have seen both Mainland and Ramapo play.

The pick: My first instinct on this one was Mainland is better. I think the Mustangs have played a good schedule, and when they thumped Millville, 35-13, that got my attention. I lean toward Mainland. Not by much.

Westwood (12-0) vs. Rumson-Fair Haven (8-4)

Group 2 final - Monday, 5 p.m. at Rutgers

By record, this looks like a mismatch. But here are the Rumson-Fair Haven losses: Toms River North, Red Bank Catholic, Point Pleasant Boro and Donovan Catholic.

To put it into context, this would be like if Westwood had played Passaic Tech, DePaul and Paramus Catholic. Would Westwood have won those games? Probably not. Maybe one.

Rumson junior QB Owen O’Toole has thrown for 1,917 yards and 17 scores, but the Bulldogs like to run the ball. Alastair Orr has 641 yards and five TDs. Listen, we have to give the stats because its all we have to compare things. Both teams are good.

Rumson-Fair Haven was in this final last year and lost to Caldwell. Westwood has been on a mission all year since losing to Caldwell in the state semis last year. If Westwood had beaten Caldwell, I think the Cardinals would have beaten Rumson last year, but that’s the past.

The pick: This year, I think Westwood will be too athletic and quick for the Bulldogs. Give me the Cardinals. Do it for Vito Trause.

Passaic Tech (13-0) vs. Toms River North (11-2)

Group 5 final - Monday, 8 p.m. at Rutgers

This is a rematch of the Group 5 final last year. I think Passaic Tech the Bulldogs are better than they were last year, but can they pass their last big test?

Remember, in the game last year, Passaic Tech marched right down the field on the opening drive but missed on a chance to score. Then the Mariners took over.

Stanford commit Micah Ford missed a bunch of games this season with an injury. Last year, he was probably the best player in New Jersey. The Mariners don’t seem to be quite as good as they were last year, but they’re still good.

Yes, I know we have Bergen Catholic-Delbarton and all that, but this is the state championship game I am most interested in. I hate to say it, but it’s again offense vs. defense. The Tech defense is special. They create turnovers.

We know the Dye twins are good, but they aren’t alone. Kaiden Rex can play on my team any time. The Bulldogs have put together a defense that flies to the ball, and when you get hit by them, you go down. But, you kind of figure that Ford will make a couple of plays, so then can the Tech offense score?

The pick: If you stop Trashon Dye running the ball, the Bulldogs will have to throw, which I still think is their Achilles' heel. I think it’s closer than last year, and I can see Passaic Tech getting a defensive TD or a bunch of turnovers and winning, but I lean toward Toms River North. Rematch corollary.

Red Bank Catholic (9-1) vs. DePaul (6-5)

Non-Public B final - Tuesday, 5 p.m. at MetLife Stadium

Last year, DePaul was 6-5 heading into the state final against 10-1 Red Bank Catholic. The Spartans played a bit of a choppy game, but won 19-17. Hey, I know 7-5 doesn’t look like a great record, but what does look good are the state title rings.

This year, DePaul is 6-5 heading into the state final against 9-1 Red Bank Catholic. The Caseys only loss this year came by 18 points to Bergen Catholic. One of DePaul’s losses is by 18 points to Bergen Catholic.

RBC has two elite offensive threats in quarterback Frankie Williams, who has thrown for 17 scores and run for three more, and wide receiver Emanuel Ross. The Caseys are one of the best teams in New Jersey.

DePaul? Well, it’s been hard to say. I thought coming into the season, DePaul might have been the second-best team in the state, but it just hasn’t connected. The Spartans have won three in a row, but have struggled on defense against good teams.

My friends down the Shore tell me this game is a toss-up and that RBC has had better teams in the past. The good news for DePaul is, every game before this one can be (and would be) forgotten with a win. I don’t think they’re the favorites, so I think they can play with some emotion and daring.

The pick: Can Red Bank Catholic tackle Nolan James? You know the Spartans are going to start with him. But I just think the Caseys will find ways to score. I will take Red Bank Catholic.

Delbarton (10-1) vs. Bergen Catholic (10-1)

Non-Public A final - Tuesday, 8 p.m. at MetLife Stadium

The final game of the New Jersey high school football game matches No. 1 vs. No. 2, just the way it should be.

Delbarton impressed me again in its win over Seton Hall Prep. I didn’t think the Green Wave could put up that much offense. The Green Wave defense is legit. They are well coached, and Philip Folmar can play.

Bergen Catholic has been the team on top of the New Jersey mountain for three years running now. One of the things I talked to Vito Campanile about after the win over Donovan Catholic was how he’s been able to keep his team motivated for success. He smiled and said that’s his main goal most of the time.

I flash back to last year. Don Bosco had beaten Bergen Bergen Catholic during the regular season and looked primed to win again. Then the Crusaders just took the Ironmen apart. I blew the pick and still regret it. I’d say this game is more intriguing because Bergen and Delbarton did not play in the regular season.

I’ve seen both teams a few times, so pressure is on to make the right pick. The thing about Bergen Catholic is that there are times the Crusaders don’t look in sync. But let’s be honest, what game were they really pushed in? St. Joseph was the only NJ team to play them within two touchdowns.

The pick: I can see this game being close for a half, but then Bergen Catholic will make a play. Maybe Christian Gonzalez makes a pick or Kaj Sanders makes a long run. The Crusaders will win a third in a row. Don't look now, but I think they’re the favorites next year too.

Quick picks

We still have three excellent Thanksgiving Day football games in North Jersey. The games are fun community events and yes, tradition. They matter to a lot of people. Not as many as they used to, but still.

Eastside and Kennedy will play at Hinchliffe Stadium. Eastside is still the better team, even though Kennedy seems to be improving.

Teaneck vs. Hackensack has some juice this year. It’s the last game for Teaneck coach Harold Clark on the sidelines.

Both teams picked up a game two weeks ago to stay sharp. Teaneck gave River Dell a battle in a loss, and the Comets lost to Elizabeth. With a win, Hackensack can clinch its first winning season since 2016. I think that’s all the motivation the Comets need for a win. Ayden Jones goes out with a couple of touchdowns.

The oldest Thanksgiving rivalry game left in Bergen County is Dumont vs. Tenafly. This year, it’s at Dumont. Tenafly comes it at 6-3 and hasn't beaten Dumont since 2013. After making the playoffs last year, Dumont is 4-5. The Huskies will want this one to avoid a losing season. I like Dumont.

I love Thanksgiving and I love football and I love making these picks. They’re so much fun. I hope you’ve enjoyed them too.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: North Jersey football: Predictions for state championship games