Football predictions: Simeon Pincus and Andy Mendlowitz’s BCC picks for week 1
Opening week is in the books, so, naturally, we’re going to call the second week of the season Week 1.
One of these days they’ll correct that ridiculousness.
In the meantime, the 22 Big Central Conference teams who didn’t play in Week 0 take the field this weekend, giving us our first full slate of the 2023 campaign.
Andy Mendlowitz took the early lead in the Prophets Cup race, posting an 18-6 week, while Simeon Pincus went 17-7.
Here are our picks for Week 1:
THURSDAY, AUG. 31
A. L. JOHNSON (0-0) at GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON (0-1), 4 P.M.
Still trying to get a read on Governor Livingston, which fell to rival New Providence last weekend. The Highlanders, who showed great improvement last season under then-first-year coach Peter Ramiccio, were blown out by New Prov when they met last year, and played a great game last Friday. So, there’s a positive sign already. AL Johnson shook off four losing seasons and went 6-3 last year, going to the playoffs. That included a 42-6 thrashing of GL when they met last season. The Crusaders suffered some key graduation losses, but not quarterback Robert Gallagher, as they open their 2023 campaign. Logic says pick ALJ, but my gut is hearing bagpipes.
PINCUS’ PICK: Governor Livingston 21-13
Bagpipes as in the Highlanders. Good one. A.L. Johnson should still be on the upswing with some nice pieces back, but I also like GL with seven returning starters on each side of the ball. Good game.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: AL Johnson 17-10
Saturday’s Bernards at Hillside meeting is our Game of the Week for Week 1. Check out our take on that contest, including our pick
More: Football Game of the Week: Bernards visits Hillside in a Group 2 rivalry game
More: Football results: Big Central Conference and area roundup for Week 0
EDISON (0-1) at J.P. STEVENS (0-1), 5 P.M.
It’s fitting this game is on a Thursday – the only things missing are a morning kickoff, rushing for idle chit-chat with relatives (I kid, I kid) and mass food. This week’s slate features a handful of once-traditional Middlesex County Thanksgiving Day rivalries moved to the early season in 2019. Edison has won nine straight in the series and leads 26-25-4 overall. The winner earns the King of the Limb trophy for a year — a tree branch with all of the series results.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Edison 24-12
I think the other thing my esteemed colleague left out is snow (Yes. He’s still esteemed. I checked). Not that it snows every Thanksgiving, but the one year I covered this game on Turkey Day, it snowed steadily through most of the contest. Didn’t accumulate much, if I remember correctly, so that was cool. But what wasn’t cool was J.P. Stevens’ tiny press box – made tinier with a bunch of people stuffed in trying to escape the weather, many of whom shouldn’t have been in there. It was, like, 10 years ago. I should probably let it go.
PINCUS’ PICK: Edison 33-6
No. 4 RIDGE (0-0) at MONROE (0-1), 6 P.M.
Ridge opens with high excitement again, after reaching four straight sectional semifinals. Will Deady leads the way (1,265 rushing yards) as a mix of veterans and newcomers seem ready. Monroe looks to get going before beginning BCC National Gold play next week against East Brunswick.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Ridge 28-7
Ridge is ranked No. 4 in our Top 15. Monroe just got shutout 25-0 by Scotch Plains-Fanwood. Now that’s what I call analysis! I should get a raise.
PINCUS’ PICK: Ridge 40-0
More: BCC football rankings through Week 0: Who's in the top spot?
No. 11 COLONIA (0-1) at SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD (1-0), 7 P.M.
One of the more pleasant surprises last weekend was Scotch Plains-Fanwood’s 25-0 blanking of Monroe. A phenomenally dominant opening-day victory for the Raiders, who really needed a positive start after last year’s uneven campaign. They certainly got it. Colonia is coming off a disappointing loss to Sayreville, but is still a quality club. Not an easy task for SPF. I gotta go Colonia, but another eye-opening outing from Scotch Plains-Fanwood is certainly a possibility.
PINCUS’ PICK: Colonia 23-16
Definitely a nice win for SPF to open the season. Colona seemed like it was still putting its offensive pieces together to complement quarterback Jaeden Jones. Hey, it’s not even September yet. Sophomore Dylan Chiera looked good when he spelled Jones a few times under center. It will be interesting to see if the Patriots get both on the field at the same time. Remember, Jones played receiver and running back earlier in his varsity career.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Colonia 21-14
NORTH PLAINFIELD (0-1) at VOORHEES (0-1), 7 P.M.
North Plainfield traveled to Manchester last weekend (Ocean County, not England), and returned from the Pinelands with a 34-6 loss. No word on whether Christopher and Paulie’s missing Russian scored one of the TDs. He’s STILL out there! That’s two Sopranos references in as many weeks. I might make this a habit. Voorhees is hoping its outing last weekend doesn’t become one. A habit, that is. Try and keep up. The Vikes got thrashed by Somerville 41-7 last Friday. They hope to take it out on North Plainfield. Mr. Harry T. Frezza has the coverage. He’ll have live updates on X (formerly Twitter) @TheFrez56.
PINCUS’ PICK: Voorhees 26-20
I see Manchester England and the band Oasis popped into my head for some reason instead of Sopranos. (Hmm, I wonder if A.L. Johnson QB Robert Gallagher is related to Liam and Noel.) Voorhees won last year’s meeting 33-12. While I don’t think you can look back in anger, North Plainfield does return 15 starters. However, the Vikings are also experienced with QB Isaac Levitan. We’ll see how much the gap has closed.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Voorhees 28-24
FRIDAY, SEPT. 1
CARTERET (1-0) at PERTH AMBOY (0-1), 6 P.M.
Well, we didn’t see that one coming. Veteran-led Carteret opened with a 42-14 win at traditional South Jersey private school power St. Joseph-Hammonton last week. Nothing personal, Ramblers fans! Next up is the former grandaddy of Middlesex Thanksgiving Day games that began in 1927. Perth Amboy, which looks to bounce back after last week’s 21-7 loss to Rahway, leads the series 49-44-2.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Carteret 24-15
I feel like once you’re a grandaddy, you’re always a grandaddy. But I’m not one to get involved in family politics.
PINCUS’ PICK: Carteret 31-13
MANVILLE (0-1) at BREARLEY (0-0), 6 P.M.
The good news for Manville is Kenilworth is closer than Keyport, and no tolls.
PINCUS’ PICK: Brearley 34-7
I’ll just say I think Manville will continue to improve this season and am looking forward to Allen Phillips’ debut as Brearley’s head coach, the first new Bears lead skipper in 21 seasons after Scott Miller stepped down (he remains the school’s AD).
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Brearley 31-12
NEW PROVIDENCE (1-0) at No. 3 ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (1-0), 6 P.M.
To be fair, St. Thomas Aquinas did have question marks. Yes, we both picked against the Trojans last week, but they quickly showed they’re in for another big season with a 42-7 win over Paul VI. New Providence could pose a threat with its returning players and was defense-first in last week’s 14-7 win over Governor Livingston.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: St. Thomas 18-7
New Providence is a solid club that should certainly contend and get its share of wins. But there’s a reason we nominated the Trojans for the statewide Non-Public Top 10.
PINCUS’ PICK: St. Thomas 32-13
RAHWAY (1-0) at LINDEN (1-0), 6 P.M.
The Union County schools are just three miles apart down St. George Ave., yet they played last season for the first time since 2009. It’s great to see this non-division matchup again. Linden might have the edge with its experience.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Linden 24-21
Both teams have high hopes for 2023 and this should be a great matchup that should tell us a lot about each club. I agree, Linden gets the edge with its experience, but could totally see the Indians nabbing this one.
PINCUS’ PICK: Linden 20-16
SOUTH HUNTERDON (0-1) at ROSELLE PARK (0-0), 6 P.M.
South Hunterdon cruised to a 42-8 win when these teams met last year, but graduation has hit the Eagles pretty hard, especially on offense. Still think the trek to eastern Union County will be worth the trip.
PINCUS’ PICK: South Hunterdon 26-14
I liked that Roselle Park did snag five wins last season, the program’s most since 2017. But give credit to Group 1 South Hunterdon for nearly knocking off Group 3 Ewing last week (the Eagles trailed 7-6 in the fourth quarter in a 28-12 loss).
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: South Hunterdon 21-12
SOUTH PLAINFIELD (0-1) at J.F. KENNEDY (0-0), 6 P.M.
We knew last week was going to be tough for South Plainfield and the Tigers lost 44-12 to state-ranked Westwood. The good: Patrick Smith rushed for 102 yards and a TD. Now, the Tigers return to the BCC looking to build off that against a JFK team with several first-time varsity starters.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: South Plainfield 21-10
Yeah. Totally giving the Tigers a mulligan on last week.
PINCUS’ PICK: South Plainfield 28-7
No. 6 NORTH BRUNSWICK (0-0) at SOUTH BRUNSWICK (0-1), 6:30 P.M.
I’ve covered this matchup on Thanksgiving, but this time I’m bringing insect repellent instead of a scarf and gloves. Who knew bugs were such football fans – they were everywhere last week in the warm weather at the Sayreville/Colonia game I attended (the Secret Life of Bugs sports fanatics?) Those flying things aside, I’m looking forward to seeing North Brunswick’s new-look team after graduating veteran QB Frankie Garbolino and other starters. South Brunswick was tied with Hillsborough 8-8 after the first quarter en route to a 29-8 loss last week. North Brunswick leads the series 27-19-1, including taking the last four, with the Mike Elko Memorial Trophy on the line. Check in for highlights and a post-game article at @andy_mendlowitz.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: North Brunswick 31-22
Speaking of bugs, are the spotted lantern flies still a thing?
PINCUS’ PICK: North Brunswick 27-20
No. 12 CRANFORD (0-0) at NORTH HUNTERDON (0-1), 7 P.M.
A former colleague of mine used to throw around the phrase “Gotta put some lipstick on that pig” when trying to find the silver lining in a story. It’s a solid metaphor.
PINCUS’ PICK: Cranford 41-13
Putting some lipstick on the pigskin also works here. I’m eager to see the debut of several of Cranford’s new starters.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Cranford 25-12
DAYTON (0-0) at DUNELLEN (0-0), 7 P.M.
This is a compelling opener between two improving small school programs. Dunellen’s Chiekezie Ogbuewu is back after rushing for 1,090 yards along with experienced linemen, while Dayton’s Alex Altemus rushed for nearly 500 yards and leads at linebacker. Dayton won last season 14-8 and this could be just as good.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Dunellen 21-13
Ah, a chance to pick up a game in the Prophet’s Cup standings. Don’t let me down, Bulldogs!
PINCUS’ PICK: Dayton 20-16
FRANKLIN (1-0) at No. 8 MONTGOMERY (1-0), 7 P.M.
A lot of great things happened last weekend around the Big Central Conference. There were some great showings by teams expected to have big years, like Montgomery’s 34-7 thumping of Robbinsville, and there were some outstanding efforts that showed that some of the teams that struggled last year might be ready to turn the page. That was certainly the case with Franklin’s inspired 27-12 victory over East Brunswick, as the Warriors follow up last year’s winless campaign with an opening-night dub. I would love to say Franklin could be poised for another statement win, but someone once told me we don’t always get what we want in life.
PINCUS’ PICK: Montgomery 31-14
But sometimes you’ll find you get what you need. For Montgomery, that should be a balanced attack keyed by QB Michael Schmelzer. Nice to see Franklin get back in the win column.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Montgomery 21-10
HIGHLAND PARK (0-0) at TENAFLY (0-0), 7 P.M.
The Group 1 Owls meet Group 4 Tenafly of Bergen County – a team that has struggled with a small roster the past few seasons. Tenafly is led by first-year head coach Alonso Escalante, a former NFL assistant and player at Glen Rock High School. Highland Park has excitement with several returners.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Tenafly 24-16
Highland Park? Tenafly? I don’t get it. They played last year – Tigers won 42-6 – guess the Owls think they can avenge that. At least the holiday-weekend traffic will be going in the opposite direction Friday afternoon.
PINCUS’ PICK: Tenafly 31-20
No. 5 HILLSBOROUGH (1-0) at EAST BRUNSWICK (0-1), 7 P.M.
Hillsborough’s ‘March on the Brunswicks’ continues after last week’s win over South. Now, they head east looking for a 2-0 start before BCC American Silver play. (BTW, there’s an East, South and North Brunswick, but no Brunswick. Go figure?) East Brunswick showed some good things in last week’s 27-12 loss to Franklin (down 14-12 entering the fourth quarter).
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Hillsborough 30-15
For me, New Brunswick has always represented ‘Brunswick.’ The bigger question is why there isn’t a West Brunswick?
PINCUS’ PICK: Hillsborough 37-6
MIDDLESEX (0-0) at BOUND BROOK (0-0), 7 P.M.
I once got a speeding ticket going from Bound Brook through Middlesex. Only time I was ever asked to take a field sobriety test (I hadn’t been drinking at all). Good times.
PINCUS’ PICK: Middlesex 28-6
I often go to that Dunkin Donuts between Dunellen and Middlesex to write my article after covering games in that area. More good times. I like Middlesex to keep improving in year 2 of Philip McGuane’s second season as head coach with Dom Parenti at QB.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Middlesex 22-7
OLD BRIDGE (0-1) at SOMERVILLE (1-0), 7 P.M.
Great start by Somerville last weekend, 41-7 over Voorhees to get head coach Matt Bloom’s first full season off on the right foot. Old Bridge had a rough time at Woodbridge, losing 28-13. I don’t expect this to go much better for the Knights.
PINCUS’ PICK: Somerville 33-21
Old Bridge is a work in progress as several new starters get up to speed. I think the Knights will be smooth once BCC National Gold play begins, but Somerville seems a tad ahead now.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Somerville 28-17
PISCATAWAY (0-1) at HUNTERDON CENTRAL (1-0), 7 P.M.
There was a time in the not-too-distant past where this was an epic postseason rivalry. Both programs have had their struggles lately. Central looks to be coming out of it. The Red Devils need to take advantage of this early-season schedule, because the likes of Ridge, Hillsborough and Phillipsburg loom. Central hasn’t started 2-0 since 2013. I think that changes this weekend.
PINCUS’ PICK: Hunterdon Central 29-13
While Piscataway fell to Long Branch 23-21 last week, it was sort of an encouraging loss for the mostly young Chiefs against a veteran quarterback-led team. Piscataway will be fine. Still, they gave up 408 yards of total offense and Hunterdon Central looked great against North Hunterdon.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Hunterdon Central 24-21
ROSELLE (0-0) at DELAWARE VALLEY (0-0), 7 P.M.
Roselle was a fantastic story a year ago, shaking off an 0-4 start to run the table the rest of the way, finishing 8-4 and capturing the South 2 Invitational Tournament. Graduation was not kind to the Rams, but there should be enough there for this to be another solid year. Del Val got slammed pretty hard by graduation, but this is a program that’s always competitive, which should make for a great game here. I could go either way on this, but I’m gonna take the home team.
PINCUS’ PICK: Delaware Valley 24-20
The teams seem about even with the same level of mystery surrounding the newcomers, which should make for a fun opener. I, too, have to go with the home team.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: x Delaware Valley 14-7
No. 9 SAYREVILLE (1-0) at No. 1 PHILLIPSBURG (0-0), 7 P.M.
Sayreville sure looked like a complete, balanced team in last week’s 42-21 win over Colonia, plus the Bombers still have a passing game the coaches want to implement. I certainly give them a chance here. Phillipsburg, though, enters as our No. 1 squad and the Stateliners are the favorites at home.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Phillipsburg 14-10
Winning at Maloney Stadium is no routine task, even for the best teams. This looks like it could be a championship year for the loaded Liners, so this will be a nice early-season test.
PINCUS’ PICK: Phillipsburg 27-14
More: Sayreville football tops Colonia as Zaimer Wright flashes skillset for four TDs
SPOTSWOOD (1-0) at BELVIDERE (0-1), 7 P.M.
D-FENCE. Spotswood pitched the shutout in last week’s 14-0 win over Bordentown. Not easy, considering it was an August opener on the road against an unfamiliar non-conference opponent. You’d have to figure the Chargers offense opens up this week keyed by QB Trey Lazar and RB John Lubin.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Spotswood 28-6
Belvidere is looking to shake off last year’s winless campaign, and last weekend’s meeting with Boonton did not go well. I do think the Seaters will win some games, but I don’t see this as being one of them.
PINCUS’ PICK: Spotswood 27-13
No. 13 ST. JOSEPH-METUCHEN (0-0) at NEW BRUNSWICK (0-1), 7 P.M.
Having that veteran quarterback is so nice. St. Joseph kicks off with senior Daniel DeGennaro (1,175 passing yards) returning and he’ll look to feed playmaker Jeremy DeCaro. New Brunswick lost to Trenton in Week 0, but having that first game under new head coach Steve Gluchowski should help, as Omar Williams and company look to get on track.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: St. Joseph 17-7
You lost me at low-scoring 10-point game.
PINCUS’ PICK: St. Joseph 44-12
UNION (0-1) at No. 15 BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN (1-0), 7 p.m.
One of the more encouraging Week 0 results was Bridgewater-Raritan’s decisive 44-12 victory over reigning sectional champ Edison. The Eagles might have lost a ton to graduation, but they’re still a quality squad, and to see the Panthers roll and give new head coach DJ Catalano’s his first varsity coaching win was one of the highlights of the weekend. Union did not enjoy its trip to Ocean City and the Battle of the Beach, losing to Rancocas Valley 21-6. The Farmers are on their way back after a rebuilding season, so this should be a fantastic test for both clubs. BR won last year’s meeting 7-6 in a game I covered. Harry Frezza has the coverage of this one. He’s on Twitter/X @TheFrez56.
PINCUS’ PICK: Bridgewater-Raritan 20-12
I don’t discount Bridgewater-Raritan’s win at all last week against a top program, but Union nearly pulled out its own victory and trailed just 8-6 entering the fourth quarter. The Farmers’ defense is there as their offense catches up. Don’t forget last season when BR beat Passaic Tech 32-7 in the opener, only to score six points the next week against Union.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Union 14-7
SATURDAY, SEPT. 2
ELIZABETH (0-1) at PLAINFIELD (0-0), 1 P.M.
I am all-in on the Cardinals. Plainfield showed some phenomenal progress last season, especially on offense, and with a host of young experienced talent back, to go along with a Division I lineman in Josue Cordoba and talent all over the skill positions, the Cards could be poised for its first winning season in nearly two decades. Enjoyed talking to assistant coach Cesar Cordoba and some of the guys at media day, and there definitely seems to be a buzz around Plainfield. The Cardinals get to see what’s what with an opening-day affair at Hub Stine Field. Elizabeth won last year’s meeting 23-22, so you can bet Plainfield will be laser-focused on payback. And that’s what I believe the Cardinals will have. Josh Rosenfeld has the live updates and coverage. He’s on TwitterX @JoshPRosenfeld.
PINCUS’ PICK: Plainfield 34-28
It’s always good to see Simeon get excited for an underdog-type team. Elizabeth, though, had a back-and-forth loss to Linden in the opener with a freshman quarterback in Arique Flemming (7-of-12, 141 yards). Welcome to The Show, Arique. They’re going to be good, too. But I must go with the more experienced players.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Plainfield 23-22
METUCHEN (0-0) at SOUTH RIVER (0-0), 1 P.M.
Metuchen feels good with a deep offensive line and a returning lead back in Evan Toth (1,003 all-purpose yards) and quarterback John Bolesta. One thing is certain; never, ever count out a Rich Marchesi-coached team on a Saturday afternoon at Bill Denny Stadium. Follow me on Twitter @Andy_Mendlowitz for live updates and coverage.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Metuchen 28-21
Great early-season game, won by South River 28-21 last season. We should know more about these squads after this one. I’m going to go home team.
PINCUS’ PICK: South River 27-22
No. 14 WATCHUNG HILLS (1-0) at No. 10 WESTFIELD (0-0), 1 P.M.
The Warriors sure gave us something to watch last weekend, and watch I did, taking in the live stream of the 4:30 p.m. start, kicking off a great evening of football in Central Jersey. Took Watchung Hills a minute to get going, but it certainly dominated on both sides of the ball for a statement opening-day win. Westfield is looking to get out of the gate fast after some big graduation losses and avenge last year’s 17-7 loss to Watchung Hills. The good news is: Last year’s Westfield loss in this meeting sparked a five-game winning streak. So maybe that will happen again.
PINCUS’ PICK: Watchung Hills 20-10
This game seems like a coin flip – a great matchup in Week 1. But we do have Westfield ahead in our BCC rankings, so I’ll go with the Blue Devils. I do like that Westfield has several seniors stepping into starting jobs. Those guys are hungry after biding their time.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Westfield 17-10
WOODBRIDGE (1-0) at SUMMIT (0-0), 1 P.M.
Those juniors grew up fast. The experienced underclassmen helped Woodbridge to a nice win against Old Bridge last week. The Barrons won last season’s meeting 34-27.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Woodbridge 28-21
The Barrons were impressive against Old Bridge last weekend and have some nice momentum coming into this one. Summit is looking for some consistency this year after an up-and-down 2022. An opening-day home win would certainly add a lot to that endeavor.
PINCUS’ PICK: Summit 24-20
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 1
