Football predictions: Simeon Pincus and Andy Mendlowitz’s BCC picks for week zero
Welcome back to another season of us seeing the future. We’ve dusted off the crystal ball, stocked up on tea leaves and we’ve cracked open a fresh deck of Tarot cards as we prepare for another season of pigskin prognostication.
It’s Big Central Conference football time again, so here is the season’s first predictions column. All year, MyCentralJersey.com football writers Simeon Pincus and Andy Mendlowitz will bring you their predictions for games involving BCC teams.
We won’t always be right, and we won’t always pick the team you want us to pick. So, we expect the nasty Tweets and emails. We expect to be heckled at games. That’s all well and good. Just be sure to give credit where credit is due when we get it right.
Mendlowitz ruled 2022, posting a 265-65 mark (.803), while Pincus went 259-71, a .785 percentage and looking for vengeance in 2023.
Here are our picks for Week zero:
Friday, Aug. 25
GAME OF THE WEEK: No. 12 SAYREVILLE AT No. 8 COLONIA, 6 P.M.
Come back from the beach. Heed the football clarion call.
While school doesn’t start until after Labor Day, high school football kicks off Friday.
“It’s exciting,” Colonia coach Tom Roarty said. “Colonia Crazies been spreading the word, trying to get people to come out. So hopefully everybody’s back from vacation. If not, they’re going to miss a good one Friday night.”
The Colonia Crazies, as in the school’s student section that packs the stands for Patriots games. The atmosphere should be electric as Colonia hosts Sayreville on the blue turf, with playmakers on both sides.
The Patriots showcase quarterback Jaeden Jones. Sayreville features running back Zaimer Wright. The seniors are two of the most exciting players in the conference. Sure, definitely enjoy watching them, but look elsewhere as the game turns.
“This game is going to be won or lost in the offensive and defensive line,” Colonia coach Tom Roarty said. “Even though Jaeden and Zaimer, the two stars, that’s where the game is going to be decided – in the lines.”
Roarty has said a key is to find complementary runners to the dual-threat Jones (1,661 rushing yards and 1,059 passing yards last season) and to open a passing game. Casey Chiola looks to lead a receiving corps that graduated its top player in Pat Miller. Defensively, Colonia looks to replace Manny Faxas (DL) and Matt Salcedo (LB).
For Sayreville, injuries hobbled Wright last season, but he rushed for 1,401 yards as a sophomore. First-year head coach Don Sofilkanich has installed a Wing-T and Roarty said he “was a great choice for that job because he’s that kind of a coach. Tough, hard-nosed coach. He fits right in there. They’re an old-school Sayreville team. They’re going to be tough.”
“Their other backs are very good,” Roarty continued. “Quarterback’s good and that line – that line blocks for everybody. They got that Wing-t rolling already and it’s early. So they’re going to be scary as the year goes on. They’re scary right now with the Wing-t because you've got guys going everywhere. Three or four guys on every play can get the ball so it’s going to be an exciting game. Sayreville-Colonia, we go back years. Two tough programs. It’s going to be a great opener.”
I’m sold. I’ll be there and will provide updates and a post-game article, so kindly follow me at Twitter/X at @andy_mendlowitz.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Colonia 21-14
So, I just read through all of Andy’s picks for the games I wrote, and he went the same way I did. That’s no fun. Nobody likes a tie. What I do like is Sayreville in this one. Group 5 program full of a rich history of gridiron success. New year. New chance to make a first impression. Here’s me looking to take an early lead in this season’s picks.
PINCUS’ PICK: Sayreville 20-13
More: HS football: 2023 Big Central Conference, Central Jersey previews
NEW PROVIDENCE AT GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON, 4 P.M.
When I see this game on the schedule, it makes me sleepy. Not because it’s a boring game. On the contrary. When these rivals meet, it’s always fun. But, being a Union County resident, this was the Thanksgiving game I usually covered (get it? Thanksgiving? Turkey? Sleepy?). Eh. Opening day. My shtick is still in preseason mode.
Anyway, Governor Livingston should be improved, which will make for an even better contest after New Prov’s 29-9 win last year. It was the Pioneers’ fourth straight win in a series the green and gold lead 30-8-2 all-time. I’m still going Pioneers, but this one should be pretty competitive.
The esteemed Josh Rosenfeld will have live coverage and updates. He’s on the Twitter -- or X.. or whatever they’re calling it these days – follow him @JoshPRosenfeld.
PINCUS’ PICK: New Providence 24-16
Not bad shtick for Week Zero. If you can stay healthy, ie. no paper cuts, and get better 1 percent each week, then we’ll have an entertaining picks season. Maybe you should make a Boston Market run before working the desk Friday night for old times sake, just don’t overdo it before deadline. All right, enough hijinks. This is a great rivalry game with bragging rights on the line. Governor Livingston has seven starters back on both sides. New Providence is also loaded and they seem to have an edge this early in the season.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: New Providence 22-13
BAYONNE AT No. 15 WATCHUNG HILLS, 4:30 P.M.
The Warriors will boast many, many players to watch this season, and should be primed for another good year. Watchung Hills lost three games by a total of 13 points (losing by 1, 4 and 8), there’s a ton of optimism, despite some graduation losses. The only drawback, so far, is it looks like the Warriors won’t be playing any home night games for most of the season. Let’s hope that’s the only adversity they’ll have to face. The Warriors won this matchup 31-0 last year. Expect something similar Friday afternoon.
PINCUS’ PICK: Watchung Hills 30-13
Friday Afternoon Day-light sounds like a fine sequel to the book and TV show. I’m sure the Warriors fans and students will pack Tozier Field and create an equally fun environment. The Warriors are always competitive, win or lose, and this season should be no different. Senior QB Aleks Sitkowski threw for 752 yards for Piscataway last season and joins a team with several seniors already in key spots.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Watchung Hills 19-7
BOONTON AT BELVIDERE, 6 P.M.
Here’s what I know about the Boonton football program: The Bees went 3-6 last year, and Jackie Aprile Jr. used to play for them (in the Sopranos universe, anyway). I also know Belvidere is coming off a rough 0-9 campaign, champing at the bit to get back on the gridiron. Can’t pick the Seaters until they show me something on the field, but I’m hoping this is the only game I pick wrong this weekend.
PINCUS’ PICK: Boonton 21-13
Was Jackie Aprile Jr. a varsity player? I will say, Belvidere had an impressive 21-18 loss to a 7-3 Spotswood team in last year’s opener before getting hampered with injuries.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Boonton 28-27
CARTERET AT ST. JOSEPH-HAMMONTON, 6 P.M.
At first glance, it seems strange that Carteret is traveling 80 miles to “The Blueberry Capital of the World” to play a private school with no obvious connection. (In fact, National Geographic noted there were 56 blueberry farms in the town’s vicinity in an article two years ago. That's a lot of blueberries.) It makes perfect sense when you consider the motive. Carteret finished 6-3 in the regular season last year, but missed the playoffs based on the NJSIAA United Power Ranking system, aka the intricate power point formula that takes into account strength of schedule and other factors. Public schools that play certain non-public schools get multiplier points, win or lose. (That’s a whole other debate.) In 2022, Carteret did not play a private school, while others in the sectional did, thus the Ramblers missed out on key points. Not this year. Ramblers coach Kevin Freeman scheduled St. Joseph Academy, which gives them an extra 42 points for a win and 28 points for a loss. So, it’s well worth the trip if the playoff numbers come up tight in late October (not to mention if they can find a fresh blueberry pie stand). St. Joseph Academy is always tough and is led by first-year head coach Ron Dorsey, who graduated from the school in 1997 as its all-time leading rusher. I have to go with the private power this early, but the Ramblers are primed for a big season in the BCC United Silver Division.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: St. Joseph-Hammonton 28-20
I gotta say, I’m not really a big fan of blueberries. It’s probably my least favorite berry. I did enjoy the BlackBerry. But it’s not as good as the IPhone.
PINCUS’ PICK: St Joseph-Hammonton 34-13
NO. 5 HILLSBOROUGH AT SOUTH BRUNSWICK, 6 P.M.
Hillsborough takes the field in Week zero for the first time, drawing a nice solid Middlesex County squad in the opener in a game that should serve as a good measuring stick for both clubs. Hillsborough suffered some graduation losses, but it’s a relatively light outgoing class, especially compared to what happened prior to last season. Three-year starter Jonathan Lobello leads the Raiders, the lone starter remaining from the perfect season of 2021, and he’s joined by a number of experienced varsity standouts who made their marks last year. The Vikings hope to find more consistency in 2023, after a lose-two, win-three, lose-three, win-two 2022 that culminated in the South Group 5 Invitational Tournament title. South Brunswick hopes to make that kind of noise in the actual playoffs this fall. Should be a good game. Interested to see how both teams come out of it. Could be lopsided, but I feel like it’s going to be pretty competitive.
PINCUS’ PICK: Hillsborough 33-20
Defense not only wins championships, but August games as well. I’ve spoken to coaches who noted that three weeks just isn’t a lot of time to get things in sync for an opener. Maybe that gives a strong-D team like Hillsborough an early edge? The Raiders return a nice chunk from last year’s squad that limited high-flying Edison in a 10-7 loss in the Central Group 5 opener. On the contrary, South Brunswick looks to unveil an explosive offense behind quarterback Braden Paulmenn and about half a dozen seniors. The Vikings should be a player in the wide-open BCC National Gold Division.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Hillsborough 14-10
OLD BRIDGE AT WOODBRIDGE, 6 P.M.
Both teams bring some mystery entering the season with new starters at quarterback and other key positions. One known quantity is AJ Bosch, a Barrons’ playmaker the past two years. Talking about surprises, Bosch can rush or catch passes equally well for Woodbridge, so it will be interesting to see how the senior is utilized with first-year QB Derek Anderson. Old Bridge’s CJ Fortunes (6-4, 220) takes over as the Knights quarterback and leads the optimism off Rt. 516. The two quality Middlesex County programs haven’t played in a dozen years.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Woodbridge 14-7
Why is ‘Old Bridge’ two words, but ‘Woodbridge’ is one word? And what is the old bridge made out of? Not wood? My apologies. It’s 3 a.m. as I write this. Just be glad neither of these teams faced Bridgewater this season.
Mr. Todd R. Cohen has the coverage and live updates Friday night. Feel free to heckle him from the stands and troll him on Twitter @TCohenHS.
PINCUS’ PICK: Old Bridge 21-13
PERTH AMBOY AT RAHWAY, 6 P.M.
I couldn’t help but notice on social media posts the fun the Rahway players were having at the team’s annual pool party/cookout last week (I’m guessing mine and Simeon’s invite went to spam). And that’s great to see everyone so relaxed and with smiles. The program had multiple tragedies and adversaries last season, so let’s hope this fall is just about football. A mostly young team looks to once again contend for a playoff spot. Talking about cool fun, Perth Amboy’s Guy Bernadin – who coach William Clark noted is a National Honor Society member as well as “a drippy guy”– was the only player to wear fashionable shades at the BCC Media Day press conferences. The Panthers have some playmakers and can be an exciting offense with Bernadin (RB), Laivon Balthazar (QB/WR) and Jahmeil Brown (QB/RB), but have several linemen newcomers. It’s hard to predict this one, but maybe Rahway has the home edge.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Rahway 24-17
I’ve gotta agree with my esteemed colleague, Guy Bernadin’s sunglasses were one of the highlights of media day for me, too. Dude rolled in, did his thing, smiled for some photos, shared some wisdom, and made everyone smile. I like to smile. Almost as much as I enjoy cookouts. And I live about five minutes from Rahway. Next year, guys. Anyway, the Indians lost some big names to graduation and I’m not quite sure where they’re going to end up. But they’re playing at night, and if the Perth Amboy back wears his shades under his helmet, I can see how that might impact the running game.
PINCUS’ PICK: Rahway 31-21
SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD AT MONROE, 6 P.M.
Paper blowouts are no joy. This seems like an ideal opener for both teams coming off two-win seasons. Call it the Barometer Bowl. They’re apparently evenly matched and it’s a good check to see where they’re at before divisional play begins. Scotch Plains-Fanwood does return a nice chunk of players as senior Anthony Romano takes over at QB. Monroe’s Nick Isola makes his head coaching debut, but don’t expect many changes as he was the team’s offensive coordinator the last four seasons.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Scotch Plains-Fanwood 21-14
Scotch Plains-Fanwood was one of the more disappointing teams last year, finishing 2-8 after a couple promising campaigns. Now, with a cast that’s largely new, it’s kind of a reset, and it’s going to be interesting to see what direction the program goes. This is a good opening-day test for both clubs, as they look to find their footing after some big changes. SPF gonna need to prove something first. For now, I’ll go with the bigger school and the home team.
PINCUS’ PICK: Monroe 28-20
No. 7 BERNARDS AT JEFFERSON, 6:30 P.M.
It’s hard not to be super impressed with the Mountaineers string of five straight eight-win seasons that included three trips to sectional semifinals. But Bernards has not been able to get over that hump and vie for a state title that still eludes this powerhouse program. With a big group of experienced, proven varsity talent back – especially at key positions – things certainly look promising in Bernardsville. The Mountaineers will face Jefferson for the first time with a chance for a statement opening-day performance against a club coming off a 6-4 campaign. Bernards coach Jon Simoneau enters the season just two wins away from No. 100, and should collect No. 99 Friday night.
PINCUS’ PICK: Bernards 34-19
I just read through my picks, and I’m agreeing with Simeon for most of them. No controversy is not always fun! But I can’t go against Bernards here, though, it doesn’t appear to be easy. Jefferson senior QB Ryan Moran threw for 2,166 yards and 18 scores last season. However, his top three receivers led by Travis Osterhout (57 catches for 1,009 yards) graduated. Bernards’ senior three-year starter Connor Laverty (1,213 yards, 17 TD/3 INT) matches him. Could a shootout be brewing?
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Bernards 35-24
SPOTSWOOD AT BORDENTOWN, 6:30 P.M.
There’s a lot of optimism at Spotswood coming off a 7-3 season. Next step – make the playoffs. The versatile Trey Lazar gives Spotswood options under center and the Chargers have five returning starters at linebacker in their 3-5-3 scheme – James Curnal, Quin Esser, Steven Mastrolonardo, Noah Rodriguez and Sebastian Saracino. Five. They take on the Bordentown Scotties. I’ve covered teams with atypical nicknames such as the Gobblers and Blue Streaks, but one off the Scottish Terrier is a welcome first. Bordentown graduated prolific running back Kerry Nicholas, who had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and QB Dennis Morolda. The Chargers have the experience.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Spotswood 28-14
I can’t wait until the next time the Bordentown Scotties take on the Delaware Valley Terriers. That’s really gonna blow Andy’s mind.
PINCUS’ PICK: Spotswood 27-7
No. 10 EDISON AT BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN, 7 P.M.
The Panthers football program has been through the ringer the past two offseasons and have a new head coach for the third in three years in Montgomery alum and longtime conference assistant DJ Catalano (Montgomery, Somerville, BR and more). Catalano assumes a head coaching position for the first time after spending last year’s on Rick Mantz’s staff at Bridgewater-Raritan, so he’s quite familiar with the new foundation that was put down last season and what needs to be built on it. Hopefully, with some key guys back, the Panthers are ready to get things headed back in the right direction after following up three straight trips to sectional finals with four losing seasons in five years.
Edison is coming off the best season in program history after winning the Central Group 5 title last year, the Eagles’ first sectional crown since 1991. But heavy graduation losses and a coaching change leaves No. 10 ranked Edison with a lot of questions headed into 2023.
I learned the hard way the past couple years not to doubt Edison. I’ve also gotten burned being too bullish on Bridgewater-Raritan early in the season. And those who fail to learn from history’s mistakes are doomed to repeat them.
PINCUS’ PICK: Edison 27-21
Wow, Simeon got pithy and deep all of a sudden. What happened to all that shtick? I’m not quite sure how to respond. Edison does have questions, but head coach Matt Yascko noted that the better the program, the more depth you develop and it’s a natural progression. That’s the sense I get for this year’s Eagles team – that they had plenty of guys biding their time last season and they’ll be ready.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Edison 20-10
EWING AT SOUTH HUNTERDON, 7 P.M.
Kudos to the Big Central Conference on its first-ever media day, held over two days last week at Iron Peak Sports Complex in Hillsborough, with each of the league’s 59 teams represented by a coach and players there to share their hopes for the new season.
One of the highlights, for me, was South Hunterdon coach Toby Jefferies, who shared great some anecdotes about coaching “in the middle of nowhere,” and what it’s like to have a coaching legend as a father in longtime Eagles mentor Sam Jeffries, who has been known to send in-game coaching advice to his son on the sidelines via his grandkids.
I am somewhat ashamed to admit this, but despite this being my 27th season covering New Jersey sports, I have never seen a game at South Hunterdon HS – in any sport. I’ve seen the Eagles plenty, but it’s always been neutral site or a road game. I’ll admit, the distance from Union County to Lambertville might have something to do with that. But I have a great appreciation for our great state, especially its more rural areas, and after listening to Coach Jefferies talk about football on the Hunterdon County/Pennsylvania border, I’m now hoping to make the trek there one of these days. And I’m counting on seeing some coyotes.
But it won’t be this Friday night, as Ewing makes the short trip up to West Amwell, looking to get its season started after a 4-5 campaign last year. South Hunterdon, which went 6-3 last year, suffered some key graduation losses, with most of its offense departing, so this could be a challenge Friday night against a Group 3 program.
PINCUS’ PICK: Ewing 27-14
Well, at least half of the staff has covered a game at South Hunterdon. Yes, I worked the 2008 Thanksgiving Day game against Delaware Valley as a freelancer. I don’t remember any coyotes, just parking a ways away with the place packed, and standing in muck and mud on the sidelines. It was great. South Hunterdon is coming off a nice 13-5 run the last two years, so it’s good to see the program having success.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Ewing 21-6
FRANKLIN AT EAST BRUNSWICK, 7 P.M.
Both teams played way better than their records last season. Franklin (0-8) nearly snagged wins over playoff-bound Piscataway and New Brunswick. East Brunswick (1-8) lost the first eight, but remember those halftime ties against power North Brunswick and Piscataway? That fighting spirit could have only helped in the offseason training. Franklin must replace 26 seniors, but the foundation is there under second-year head coach Blair Wilson.
East Brunswick has intrigue with Elizabeth transfer Vito Tropeano Jr. coming back to the green and white. The senior quarterback threw for 1,135 yards last season. Senior receiver Ryan Bennett noted the team’s chemistry at the BCC Media Day and “especially getting my Pop Warner QB back to EB, it’s going to be very special.” East Brunswick featured a run-first quarterback the past two seasons in the graduated Ben Solimini. So, it will be interesting to see the scheme changes, but head coach Andy Steinfeld and staff are sure to find ways.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: East Brunswick 24-16
I do think Franklin is going to get headed back in the right direction very soon, especially with coach Blair Wilson entering his second season as varsity coach after a long run in the middle school. But when you go winless and then lose 26 seniors, it’s hard to get fired up until a reason for it is shown between the sidelines. A good opening-day matchup for Franklin. Let’s see if the Warriors can cash in.
PINCUS’ PICK: East Brunswick 21-15
HUNTERDON CENTRAL AT NORTH HUNTERDON, 7 P.M.
Another great rivalry game on tap for Friday night in Clinton Township, as the 74th edition of a series that goes back to 1921 opens the season for one team that hopes to continue an upward trend and another coming off a state sectional championship.
Hunterdon Central, which leads the series 46-27, but has dropped two straight after losing last year’s meeting 29-8, hasn’t had a winning season since 2018, but has been adding two wins to its total each season since 2020, finishing 4-6 last year. With junior quarterback RJ Hart leading a nice group of returners, there’s every reason to think the Red Devils will continue on its current trajectory.
North, which won the North 2 Group 4 crown last year, was decimated by graduation, losing all but four starters, including three all-state players. Now, led by senior Kyle Anderson, the only two-way returning starter who will take over at quarterback, plus a new head coach in longtime Hackettstown mentor CJ Robinson, perhaps the biggest question mark of the new season hangs in Annandale.
I have been at the front of the Lions bandwagon the past couple years, and I’d love to be again, but this edition is going to need to show me something first. Now pardon me as I climb aboard the Central Express.
Follow Harry Frezza for live updates and coverage. He’s on Twitter/X @TheFrez56.
PINCUS’ PICK: Hunterdon Central 27-17
It does seem strange that our final No. 1 team in last year’s BCC Top 15 didn’t make this year’s preseason rankings. That’s just the cyclical nature of high school sports. Last year’s bandwagon of the North Shuttle is now the Central Express. Choo choo! Now, I don’t think North Hunterdon will completely disappear, but maybe it’s the Red Devils who grab the county headlines. Head coach Casey Ransone had a pair of 9-1 teams at St. Joseph-Metuchen before taking the Hunterdon Central job in 2017, so he knows about success.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Hunterdon Central 18-7
LONG BRANCH AT PISCATAWAY, 7 P.M.
Piscataway has already seen a murderer’s row of competition with scrimmages against USA TODAY NETWORK NJ Top 20 public school teams in No. 3 Passaic Tech, No. 5 Northern Highlands and No. 14 Middletown South, along with West Morris, winners of two straight sectional titles. In other words, the team of mostly varsity newcomers won’t be frazzled come kickoff. Still, the Chiefs are developing and this is another look at quality competition before BCC play. Long Branch returns senior QB Earnest Reevey (1,624 passing yards, 15 TD/6 INT) from last year’s 7-4 campaign.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Long Branch 21-10
Considering all the years I’ve bene doing this, and all the success Piscataway has had over those seasons, it’s hard for me to think of the Chiefs as anything other than a powerhouse, and I know it’s only a matter of time before they get back there. Coach Dan Higgins did a great job of stacking the preseason schedule with as much high-quality competition as possible, and, as my colleague alluded to, that’s going to pay a ton of dividends as the games get bigger and bigger. But you’ve got to walk before you run, I’m told, and the still-developing squad needs to put one foot in front of the other. I wouldn’t be shocked to see an upset here, but smart money is on our friends from the Shore.
PINCUS’ PICK: Long Branch 19-14
ROBBINSVILLE AT MONTGOMERY, 7 P.M.
Montgomery is a team I expect big things from this year. With a gaggle of returning talent, including a three-year starter at quarterback in Michael Schmelzer, there’s every reason to believe the Cougars will improve on last year’s 7-3 campaign and, perhaps, win a state game for the first time since 2007 -- the only time the 24-year-old program has done it. This is a rematch of last year’s opener, won by Montgomery 29-6. I’m expecting more of the same.
PINCUS’ PICK: Montgomery 34-13.
Gaggle is a great word choice, especially for this early in the season. Kudos. Montgomery got off to a 5-0 start last year, and it’s easy to see the Cougars excelling from the gate again, especially with that gaggle. Remember, this is a team that lost to sectional champion North Hunterdon by a touchdown in the regular season, so they’re right there.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Montgomery 24-12
SOMERVILLE AT VOORHEES, 7 P.M.
Last season was a wild and wacky one at Somerville, and while the Pioneers would certainly like to forget the first half, they’re looking to pick up where they left off.
After a 57-7 six-year run, Somerville brought in longtime out-of-state college coach Ian Pace last season after Dallas Whitaker stepped down, and Pace lasted just seven games in his first stint as a head coach. The Pioneers went 2-5, including a forfeit loss when Somerville was ruled to have used an ineligible player in its opener against Mastery Charter of Camden. Longtime Pioneers assistant Matt Bloom took over for Pace and the Ville responded with two big wins to close out the regular season and qualify for the playoffs.
With Bloom at the helm from the start this year, things should look more familiar at Brooks Field, although some big graduation losses will be a challenge to overcome, an exodus that included three-year starting quarterback Mike Miller. The Group 3 Pioneers will certainly have their hands full playing a Group 5 schedule in an American Gold Division that includes Westfield, St. Joseph, Union and Elizabeth, so it is essential the Ville comes out rolling against the Vikings here.
Voorhees is trying to pull itself back to contention after a five-year slide of losing seasons that has followed its 2017 sectional-finals appearance, which makes this a curious matchup, considering the Vikings are a Group 3 program in a Group 2 division. This will certainly be a big test, and if things go well, would be a huge boost of confidence Voorhees, but it’s a tall task.
Bloom is the only Somerville coach left from the six-year Whitaker/Jeff Vanderbeek era, so he certainly knows what it takes for this team to succeed. That success should start Friday night.
PINCUS’ PICK: Somerville 29-16
The Pioneers just played so much smoother under Bloom last season. Remember that 35-14 stunner over Hillsborough? Now they have had a full offseason program together and everybody should be up to speed. I do like Voorhees senior-led team and even a well-played loss will be a boost heading into the tough BCC Patriot Gold play.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Somerville 20-13
SOUTH PLAINFIELD AT WESTWOOD, 7 P.M.
Credit to South Plainfield for scheduling up. The Tigers meet Westwood, the No. 15-ranked public school team, in the Jim Grasso Classic. The Classic honors the former Ramsey athletic director who died from pancreatic cancer in 2018. For South Plainfield, this is the mark of a confident, ambitious team looking for big things after a breakout season. The Tigers went 8-1 in 2022 after going 2-8 in 2021. While South Plainfield has key losses, it returns enough talent like the electric Patrick Smith running the ball to again be a playoff contender. Westwood brings back nine starters on defense and quarterback Robbie Carcich from an 11-1 team that reached the Group 2 state semifinals. Maybe South Plainfield isn’t there yet, but the game should pay dividends later on.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Westwood 31-21
I do like South Plainfield to enjoy another standout season, after it turned heads in a major way a year ago. But a state power with that much back is quite the opening-day mountain to climb. Personally, I don’t get why people do things like climb mountains. Or hike. Or run, if nobody is chasing them with a sharp object. But that’s why my athletic career was been limited to slo-pitch softball once I got out of high school. Now I need three Advil and a nap after walking to the mailbox.
PINCUS’ PICK: Westwood 35-13
ELIZABETH vs. LINDEN @KEAN, 7:30 P.M.
Linden just might have a BCC Player of the Year candidate on both offense and defense. Linebacker Myles Hamilton, a preseason All-State selection, had a monster 2022 with 124 tackles and nine sacks. Three-year starting QB Te’Quan Thomas rushed for 1,184 yards and added 689 passing yards. More importantly, the team is littered with experience throughout the lineup. Elizabeth returns 34 seniors from a 2-9 team, many with varsity action.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Linden 35-21
You can absolutely count on Elizabeth returning to glory one of these years. And with this being coach John Fiore’s second year at the helm, the Minutemen should see evidence of a turnaround sooner than later. But that doesn’t change the fact Linden seems primed for a big year. With a ton of experienced talent and two all-state players, the Tigers could be in for something special. That said, this is pretty much a must-win for a team whose schedule is going to get tougher and tougher as the season progresses.
PINCUS’ PICK: Linden 34-14
Saturday, Aug. 26
MANVILLE AT KEYPORT, noon
Last year was a great ride for Manville, which went 8-2 and enjoyed its winningest campaign since going undefeated in 1968, also hosting just the second-ever playoff game in program history. It was a special group, to be sure. Now, with a new head coach and 19 of 22 starters having graduated, things aren’t likely to go as swimmingly in 2023. But how much of a drop off will there be? Veteran coach and alum Pat Gorbatuk was promoted to athletics director, leaving the club in the capable hand of longtime assistant and fellow alum Dave Markowitch. There is upside here, but it’s certainly not going to come easy, and only time will tell if the culture change holds with an almost-entirely new cast.
Manville beat Keyport 30-20 in last year’s opener, but unlike the Mustangs, the Red Raiders have a nice group back after last year’s 6-3 finish, so this will be a challenge for the blue and gold. Like some of our other teams that have gone through a lot of turnover, I need to see it from Manville on the field before I’m going to risk a losing pick. My esteemed colleague, the esteemed Mr. Mendlowitz, (who, in case I haven’t mentioned it, is esteemed), beat me in last year’s picks battle, further raising his esteem, and I do not take that lightly, even from someone as esteemed as he is.
PINCUS’ PICK: Keyport 29-16
I was going to be humble, but since you brought it up … yes, I am the defending Prophet Cup champion, as we called it. I just want to thank my parents for having me, and Simeon for the opportunity to pick against him and being a good partner each week. I’m also apparently esteemed, so thank you for the moniker. Concerning Manville, I’m going to miss talking with Gorbatuk, who was always super helpful during my coverage of football and wrestling. The Mustangs should get better as the season progresses and the new starters jell.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Keyport 21-13
No. 3 ST. THOMAS AQUINAS VS. PAUL VI AT OCEAN CITY, 1 P.M.
Ctrl C. Ctrl V. For the past three seasons, you could pretty much cut and paste the top names for St. Thomas Aquinas from the previous year. Jayden Young. Najee Lovejoy. Isaiah Marelis and so on. Now, several multi-year starters graduated for the Trojans leaving newcomers to pick up the void, including at quarterback for Young. One of them, his younger brother Chase, rushed for a pair of 100-plus yard games as a fill-in. I think STA will be fine and they have a chance to finish as Middlesex County’s top team. Playing Paul VI in the third annual Battle at the Beach is a good showcase for them. The Haddon Township school is led by QB Dom Santiago, a 6-foot-5, 225-pounder who threw for 1,023 yards as the Eagles finished 7-3. Here’s one brush-with-fame game note: Paul VI defensive line coach is Dan Klecko, the son of Jets great Joe Klecko, and a former player at Marlboro High School and Temple, and a three-time Super Bowl winner (two with the Patriots and one with the Colts).
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Paul VI 21-18
I’m a diehard Jets fan and a former season ticket holder. Joe Klecko’s induction into the NFL Hall of Fame this summer was long, long overdue. That should be enough for me to pick Paul VI.
PINCUS’ PICK: Paul VI 26-16
J.P. STEVENS AT MORRISTOWN-BEARD, 3 P.M.
Could the streak-breaker be near? J.P. Stevens came close to a win last season, and now optimism is high under first-year head coach Jason Goerge. He was a big part of South Brunswick’s success as an assistant under his father Joe. Now, he’s the main skipper and he made it clear to his players to forget the recent past. That seems to be the right game plan for a program in a 31-game losing streak. Players like juniors Yasir Riddick, Mihir Tadeparti and Marquise Webb would love to be the class to snag that W. Morristown Beard, a member of the Metropolitan Invitational Football League that consists of private schools from New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, has 11 seniors from a 3-6 team last year. I would love to break down hours of game film of both teams, but since this is the opener, what the heck, I like the Hawks for a historic win.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: JP Stevens 21-7
Now that’s what we call creative scheduling. Mo-Beard got blown out twice late last season by our friends at Pingry, a program that fled the Mid-State Conference, one of the BCC’s predecessors, a year or so before the new league was formed. I cannot imagine Morristown-Beard can roll with a public school team. Stranger things have happened, but I like the Hawks here.
PINCUS’ PICK: J.P. Stevens 33-14
UNION VS. RANCOCAS VALLEY AT OCEAN CITY, 3 P.M.
Union went through some growing pains last year, going 2-7 after a dominant 9-1 campaign in 2021. But with a ton back, the Farmers look to be one of the teams poised for a big turnaround. This should be a good opening-day test, as the Farmers head south for The Battle at the Beach. Rancocas Valley went 6-4 last year and should prove to be a tough opponent, so a win here for Union should do wonders for its confidence. The Farmers are one of those teams that are going to have to show me something before I pick them, so I’ll take the Red Devils and hope I’m wrong.
PINCUS’ PICK: Rancocas Valley 19-14
Union should certainly be on the upswing, as all the youngsters from last season are that much more seasoned. Junior WR/DB Renick Dorilas is getting recruiting buzz and this is an excellent early test on a fun stage. Rancocas Valley has questions after graduating its two senior quarterbacks and leading rusher from last season. This could be a close one.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Rancocas Valley 21-13
Simeon Pincus has covered NJ sports since 1997. He can be reached at SPincus@GannettNJ.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus
Andy Mendlowitz can be reached at AMendlowitz@NJPressMedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Andy_Mendlowitz
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ Football predictions: Pincus and Mendlowitz’s BCC picks for week 0
