Football predictions: Simeon Pincus and Andy Mendlowitz’s BCC picks for Week 5

The weather might have been terrible all weekend, but the football certainly was not, as the Big Central Conference enjoyed another outstanding weekend of action, culminating with a pair of one-point games at Rutgers on Sunday, including a big upset, as Hillsborough knocked off previously unbeaten Phillipsburg.

Simeon Pincus and Andy Mendlowitz only had two differences in their picks last week, and they split those games, as they each went 27-3 for the weekend. Pincus retains his two-game lead headed into this week’s action, leading Mendlowitz 120-24 to 118-26 in the Prophets Cup standings

Here are our picks for Week 5:

THURSDAY, SEPT. 28

GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON (4-1) at SOUTH PLAINFIELD (3-2), 7 P.M.

It’s been seven years since Governor Livingston made the playoffs, a run that included two one-win seasons, but the Highlanders are well on their way to a postseason trip, and this weekend’s game should help solidify that. The last time GL started a season 4-1 season was 2007 – and they promptly lost four of next five, including a first-round playoff elimination. The last time they were 5-1 came a year earlier when they went to the sectional semis, and this year’s team certainly has its eye on a similar run. South Plainfield appears to have taken a step back after going 8-1 last year, with the Tigers’ three wins all coming against teams that have yet to win a game this season. South Plainfield won this meeting 47-22 last year, but I see it going very differently this time around. Josh Rosenfeld will be at Jost Field for this one. He’ll have full coverage and live updates on Twitter/X @JoshPRosenfeld

PINCUS’ PICK: Governor Livingston 28-18

My friend conveniently forgot to note that Governor Livingston also has three wins against winless teams – the same three that South Plainfield beat. How is that a knock against South Plainfield and not GL? Hmm, selective picking. GL’s other win was a two-touchdown victory against a good Group 2 team in A.L. Johnson (3-1). South Plainfield has had the tougher schedule with losses against state-ranked Westwood (5-0) and Carteret (4-1). So, I don’t see this being a 13-point game either way. The scores in the wins over North Plainfield were interesting – GL won 2-0 and South Plainfield won 20-19.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: South Plainfield 21-14

It’s a battle of undefeated teams in our Game of the Week for Week 5, as Montgomery visits Watchung Hills. Check out our take on that contest, including our pick:

More: Football Game of the Week: Montgomery visits Watchung Hills in a battle of undefeated

More: Football rankings: Big Central Conference Top 15, through Week 4

FRIDAY, SEPT. 29

J.F. KENNEDY (0-4) at LINDEN (4-1), 6 P.M.

It’s almost like Linden went to the waiver wire to get a big-time pick up in Devon Chavis. (Sorry to think in fantasy sports terms, but I’m sure many of our readers are firmly entrenched in their intense fantasy football leagues). The Hudson Catholic transfer has rushed for 355 yards the last two games once he became eligible. I mean, Linden was already a quality team to begin with, so Chavis has only helped. That includes coming off a 35-7 win over Perth Amboy. J.F. Kennedy keeps showing up with a young team and looks to continue to get experience.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Linden 28-7

Is there some sort of support group one can join for those of who had Dolphins’ back Devon Achane on their fantasy league bench last week? Asking for a friend.

PINCUS’ PICK: Linden 35-0

METUCHEN (1-3) at ROSELLE (0-4), 6 P.M.

Four games in – check. It’s time for Roselle’s growth spurt to the moon. This is when Roselle took off last season after an 0-4 start to win its final eight. Once again, the Rams had a tough early four-game slate and now look to get going with favorable matchups. Roselle’s seniors like quarterback Nazir Baker (232 rushing, 125 passing) and running back Ajani Phillips (362 rushing) are surely ready. Metuchen is in the midst of a difficult stretch with some injuries after winning its opener against South River. Starting QB John Bolesta returned in last week’s 19-7 loss to Belvidere, a game that Metuchen led 7-6 heading to the fourth quarter.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Roselle 21-13

Metuchen was kind enough to snap Belvidere’s 13-game losing streak last week. Roselle has played four top-quality teams and has lost four straight, so I’m sure the Rams would appreciate breaking that streak, too.

PINCUS’ PICK: Roselle 29-7

NORTH HUNTERDON (0-5) at COLONIA (3-2), 6 P.M.

The perfect antidote for a team coming off a couple losses – a team with no wins. Now, no knock on North Hunterdon. We all know about the Lions’ rebuilding season after finishing as our No. 1 team last year. So this is the time that Colonia wants to play them and I look for Jaeden Jones and company to reach .500.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Colonia 22-8

After falling 33-7 to the Lions last season, I think knocking North Hunterdon is exactly what Colonia is looking to do.

PINCUS’ PICK: Colonia 26-14

SPOTSWOOD (5-0) at ROSELLE PARK (2-2), 6 P.M.

With each win, the confidence just seems to be growing and growing for Spotswood. Can the Chargers win out? Yeah, it’s certainly possible. But remember, Roselle Park beat Spotswood 26-22 last season when both teams were in similar positions. This has the makings for another close game. Spotswood, though, wants that playoff berth after missing out in 2022.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Spotswood 28-18

A convincing 30-0 win over Highland Park last week is a nice boost of confidence for Roselle Park, which also beat Dayton handily. This should be Spotswood’s game, but don’t be surprised to see the Panthers push the Chargers to the brink, and, perhaps, over it.

PINCUS’ PICK: Spotswood 19-16

MONROE (2-3) at SOUTH BRUNSWICK (3-2), 6:30 P.M.

You heard of the Madden cover curse or Sports Illustrated cover jinx? I worried for a couple moments in South Brunswick’s 20-7 win over Piscataway last week there was a MyCentralJersey.com Big Central Conference Readers’ Choice Football Player of the Week curse (now say that quick three times). Jeylon Billups won the award, was having a great first half and then appeared to suffer a possible serious leg injury late in the second quarter. Fortunately, the sophomore was able to return and scored twice in the second half. The Vikings impressively won their third straight after opening with losses against No. 3 Hillsborough and No. 5 North Brunswick. Now, they’re rolling and look to make the postseason. Monroe is coming off its best game of the season in a 37-7 win over New Brunswick.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: South Brunswick 28-13

I played poker in Monroe once. Some random house in the woods. Nearly drove my car into a stream I never saw as I was leaving the place. Good times. Anyway, South Brunswick clinches the National Silver Division title with a win here.

PINCUS’ PICK: South Brunswick 36-7

BELVIDERE (1-4) at MIDDLESEX (3-1), 7 P.M.

Middlesex had the kind of game in its 14-8 win over Dunellen in which you name its defensive unit. The Blue Jays forced five turnovers in the victory. (NOTE: I just tried to think of something clever, but it’s not coming to me. You can’t force wit. Move on.) It’s hard to predict this one. Belvidere lost to Dunellen 44-25 and is coming off a 19-7 win over Metuchen. I just can’t go against Middlesex’s No-Fancy-Name-Needed defense. Hah, I got it!

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Middlesex 18-7

I feel like we force wit every week in this space.

PINCUS’ PICK: Middlesex 32-12

No. 8 BERNARDS (5-0) at NORTH PLAINFIELD (0-5), 7 P.M.

Bernards’ 5-0 start is the program’s best since it began 7-0 in 2014. Next week, when I write the Mountaineers’ pick, it will start with “Bernards’ 6-0 start is the program’s best since it began 7-0 in 2014.” This game is set for Bridgewater-Raritan High School, as North Plainfield’s Krausch Field isn’t quite ready yet.

PINCUS’ PICK: Bernards 41-0

It’s always good to get a jump on next week’s picks.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Bernards 32-14

BOUND BROOK (1-3) at DELAWARE VALLEY (2-2), 7 P.M.

Delaware Valley’s 30-0 loss to Bernards last weekend was a rare instance over the past bunch of seasons where a game between the rivals wasn’t close. Much like this game is not going to be close, especially if Bound Brook quarterback Jeremiah Norwood misses the game like he did last week’s 48-0 loss to Voorhees. Sources say he is not expected to play.

PINCUS’ PICK: Delaware Valley 38-0

Ooh, this is a tough game, anyway, especially so without your QB.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Delaware Valley 35-14

BREARLEY (2-2) at SOUTH HUNTERDON (4-1), 7 P.M.

It seems the decline of the South Hunterdon football team has been greatly exaggerated. I guess mostly by me. Graduation losses or not, the Eagles haven’t skipped a beat, as Anthony Venettone and friends have won four straight since falling to Ewing in Week 0, and are a win away (or a Dunellen loss this weekend to Manville away) from winning the Freedom Silver Division title. Brearley scored a nice 30-14 win over Dayton last weekend, but there’s no question the Bears are rebuilding. This should be another W for South Hunterdon.

PINCUS’ PICK: South Hunterdon 34-7

You never know how quickly a Group 1 school could bounce back with heavy graduation cycles. South Hunterdon has the program going.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: South Hunterdon 30-21

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN (1-4) at No. 2 RIDGE (3-1), 7 P.M.

It’s been a rough 1-4 for Bridgewater-Raritan, which has been right in it until the end in each of its four losses, each coming by 10 points or less, including a 14-7 setback at Watchung Hills last Saturday on a late Warriors’ score. The Panthers should be competitive here, but Ridge showed last weekend with a second-half surge that led to a 41-13 win over Hunterdon Central just how potent it can be. BR probably doesn’t get blown out, but I’d be surprised if this doesn’t go the Red Devils’ way.

PINCUS’ PICK: Ridge 28-14

Maybe if Ridge’s win over Hunterdon Central was closer, I’d feel bold enough to call an upset here. But just, wow, what a 21-0 third quarter for Ridge to break that open. That explosiveness and defense makes it hard to go against the Red Devils here. BR’s fighting spirit has to be admired.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Ridge 30-18

DUNELLEN (3-1) at MANVILLE (2-3), 7 P.M.

Manville got beat up literally and figuratively at South Hunterdon, not only falling 43-7, but losing several players to injury. Dunellen is coming off a 14-8 loss to Middlesex, a defensive struggle nobody saw coming for a team that won its previous two games 50-44 and 44-25, but that’s why games aren’t played on paper. I would have felt better about Manville here had last week’s loss not been as lopsided, but I still think this is the Mustangs’ game to win. I can see this one coming down to a big play late. The esteemed Harry Frezza heads to Manville for this one. He’s got updates @TheFrez56.

PINCUS’ PICK: Manville 23-20

While Dunellen’s offense didn’t explode last week, the Destroyers also had five turnovers – four fumbles and an INT on a rare pass. It happens. If Dunellen holds on to the ball, it should be able to have sustained drives. I like how Manville bounced back after an opening loss, but this isn’t a game not to be at full strength.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Dunellen 34-22

EAST BRUNSWICK (0-5) at No. 13 SAYREVILLE (3-2), 7 P.M.

Sayreville couldn’t do much more in a 21-20 loss to North Brunswick at Rumble on the Raritan at Rutgers, where a late 2-point conversion attempt fell short. So, the Bombers simply move on and look to secure a playoff spot. It was great to see Zaimer Wright return healthy (18-144). East Brunswick put up a spirited effort in a 30-28 loss to Old Bridge, in which Vito Tropeano threw for 243 yards and Ethan Hernandez and Derick Christie each had over 90 receiving yards.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Sayreville 29-14

Very impressive outing by East Brunswick last weekend in a game I expected to be a blowout loss. The Bears have shown flashes, but I think a Sayreville club coming off a heartbreaking loss is going to be looking to take out its frustration Friday night.

PINCUS’ PICK: Sayreville 37-7

ELIZABETH (0-5) at No. 14 SOMERVILLE (3-2), 7 P.M.

Elizabeth is about as tough an 0-5 as a team can be, with all five losses coming by a touchdown or less, including two straight two-point setbacks, to Westfield on Sept. 14 and last weekend, 21-19 to St. Joseph-Metuchen. I’ve seen a lot of teams get things turned around at midseason after taking some early lumps, and if Somerville wasn’t coming off two disappointing losses in its own right, this would be a classic trap game. The Pioneers 3-0 start was disrupted by a pair of one-score losses, coming two weeks ago to Montgomery, and 13-10 last weekend to Union. That makes The Ville hungry, and a hungry Ville might spell doom for the starving Minutemen. That reminds me. I need to eat lunch. Anyway, don’t sleep on Elizabeth, but this should be a Somerville win.

PINCUS’ PICK: Somerville 30-21

This is a game where I really want to pick Elizabeth, just to see them rewarded. Heck, they could realistically have been 5-0 at this point. Still, I lean toward the favorite at home, which could also sit at 5-0. We’ll say this every week going forward, but this is a key one for the Pioneers’ playoff hopes. Now, I’m both hungry and starving. I gotta get something to eat.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Somerville 22-21

FRANKLIN (2-3) at No. 5 NORTH BRUNSWICK (4-0), 7 P.M.

Forget the NFL, I was glued to YouTube last Sunday. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend the games at Rutgers, so I saw North Brunswick’s win over Sayreville online. The Raiders were definitely more entertaining than the Giants or Jets, I tell you that, as Samaad Hicks and company stood out as prime-time players. Franklin won’t be easy, especially after showing its mettle in competitive losses to Edison and Piscataway. It’s hard to pick against North Brunswick as it tries to secure a high playoff seed.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: North Brunswick 24-10

It was a three-screen afternoon for me Sunday, with Jets-Patriots on the TV, NFL Red Zone on the iPad, and the happenings at the Rumble on the Raritan on the laptop. Would have had to use my phone as a fourth screen had the Mets-Phillies game not been pushed to a night game because of the weather. Impressive job by North Brunswick holding off Sayreville in a game I thought the Bombers would win. This shouldn’t be as tough a challenge but don’t discount Franklin, which is climbing its way back to respectability, playing well even in its losses.

PINCUS’ PICK: North Brunswick 29-21

HIGHLAND PARK (0-4) at DAYTON (0-4), 7 P.M.

I love games like this, as one team will definitely get to celebrate afterward. It’s also tough to get a read on. I mean, Highland Park lost to Dunellen 50-44 and Dayton lost to Dunellen 18-7. Heck, Dayton has scored 35 points the entire season, but Highland Park is coming off two-straight shutout defeats. I’m going with the Owls for their first win since Nov. 24, 2016. (That includes not playing the 2020 season and having four forfeit losses in 2018 after opting to play a junior varsity schedule because of a lack of players.)

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Highland Park 28-21

The Owls are certainly going to snap their 46-game losing streak at some point, and that point might be this week, but I’m not quite ready to pick that. Dayton is having a down year, but its early-season schedule hasn’t exactly been a cakewalk. I think the Bulldogs win here.

PINCUS’ PICK: Dayton 21-16

No. 3 HILLSBOROUGH (4-1) at No. 9 UNION (4-1), 7 P.M.

This could have been our game of the week, especially after Hillsborough’s inspired 14-13 toppling of previously unbeaten Phillipsburg at Rutgers last Sunday. Boro coach Kevin Carty said from the preseason how much he loves his defense, and the unit led by Jonathan Lobello, Tyler Van Cleef and Nick Santa Barbara certainly did its job against the high-powered Stateliners. Now comes Union, which has quietly climbed back to near-elite status after last year’s rebuilding season, and has run through a tough conference slate, winning four straight, including a 13-10 topping of Somerville last weekend to take control of the American Gold race. As long as the Raiders don’t suffer a Phillipsburg hangover or get complacent, they should grab the win here. But this is also a game Union is perfectly capable of taking, as well.

PINCUS’ PICK: Hillsborough 22-17

Hillsborough’s confidence has to be sky-high after that Phillipsburg win. Like I said, the Raiders love playing at Rutgers. But now they have a short week on the road against an equally surging team with a tight defense. It should be another thriller.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Union 21-15

No. 12 HUNTERDON CENTRAL (4-1) at No. 4 PHILLIPSBURG (3-1), 7 P.M.

Whatever chance Hunterdon Central might have had at sneaking up on Phillipsburg probably disappeared when the Stateliners were stunned 14-13 by Hillsborough on Sunday at Rutgers. The Red Devils are having a resurgent season and were also unbeaten until last weekend when they fell 41-13 to Ridge in a game that was tight in the first half. Central should play well here, but it’s hard enough to beat Phillipsburg at Maloney Stadium in a regular week, let alone one where the Liners are looking for someone to unleash their frustration on.

PINCUS’ PICK: Phillipsburg 35-21

This could be at the high level of a Hunterdon Central/Philipsburg wrestling match. Hunterdon Central will certainly be tested for the playoffs with its schedule. I don’t think Phillipsburg was exposed last week against Hillsborough. The Stateliners simply lost a close one against a fellow great team. They’ll rebound at Maloney.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Phillipsburg 28-17

J.P. STEVENS (0-5) at CARTERET (4-1), 7 P.M.

Carteret got a rousing 34-0 bounce-back win over North Plainfield after its first defeat against Plainfield. The next three games after this are intriguing ones against Governor Livingston, Rahway and Hillside. And yes Simeon, I’ll say it sincerely like I do every week, J.P. Stevens plays hard.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Carteret 32-14

J.P. Stevens definitely fights hard.

PINCUS’ PICK: Carteret 44-7

NEW BRUNSWICK (0-5) at EDISON (2-3), 7 P.M.

Edison didn’t flinch when Franklin scored first and went on to win 18-7 last week. The Eagles look to return to .500 and prepare for the stretch run. New Brunswick may be a year away, but the Zebras are continuing to rebuild the program with limited numbers.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Edison 30-13

So, what you’re saying, Andy, is that New Brunswick also fights hard?

PINCUS’ PICK: Edison 27-0

NEW PROVIDENCE (3-2) at A. L. JOHNSON (3-1), 7 P.M.

Johnson’s been on a nice run, ripping off three straight wins, including a 27-6 triumph over Roselle last weekend. But the Crusaders’ schedule is about to get a whole lot trickier with trips to Hillside and undefeated Spotswood on the horizon. First, ALJ takes on New Providence, which just got done tangling with the Comets. The Pioneers fell 35-15 to Hillside last weekend, and should be primed to get back in the win column. New Prov won 27-14 when these teams met last season and I expect something similar Friday night in Clark.

PINCUS’ PICK: New Providence 28-13

New Providence pulled out three competitive wins against teams it likely needed to beat for playoff consideration in Governor Livingston (14-7), Roselle (24-14) and Delaware Valley (23-16). A.L. Johnson falls into that category. Close, but the Pioneers likely seal it down the stretch.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: New Providence 28-20

PISCATAWAY (2-3) at OLD BRIDGE (1-4), 7 P.M.

The programs have had some classic games through the years, and this could be another tense one. Piscataway moved the ball at times in last week’s 20-7 loss to South Brunswick, but a couple turnovers hurt. The Chiefs used two quarterbacks and both were adept at throwing and running in Elan McCrorey and Landon Pernell. Piscataway is fighting for a postseason berth and will likely need this dub, as the kids say. Old Bridge lost to South Brunswick 44-38 on a late TD two weeks ago. The Knights are certainly better than their record and are coming off a 30-28 win over East Brunswick. I’m excited to cover this game and kindly check in for updates and a post-game article on Twitter/X @andy_mendlowitz.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Piscataway 22-21

Thought Old Bridge would have an easier time of it against East Brunswick last weekend. I also thought Piscataway would beat South Brunswick. I feel better about this one.

PINCUS’ PICK: Piscataway 28-13

No. 15 PLAINFIELD (3-1) at NORTH BERGEN (2-2), 7 P.M.

The Cardinals cracked the Top 15 rankings for the first time, coming off a 35-0 ripping of North Hunterdon, and should enjoy their trip north to play a rematch of a game Plainfield won 42-0 a year ago.

PINCUS’ PICK: Plainfield 39-6

Boston Bruins. UCLA Bruins. North Bergen Bruins. I can’t think of too many other teams with Bruins as mascots. A Wikipedia check has nine current colleges such as Bethany University and Salt Lake Community College with Bruins nicknames. Who knew? This should be a good game for Plainfield before a showdown with Watchung Hills.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Plainfield 35-7

RAHWAY (3-2) at CRANFORD (2-2), 7 P.M.

Every week, there seems to be one game with two teams coming off big losses that are mad, hungry and looking to get back. This week it’s this Union County tussle. Rahway lost 41-7 to Summit, and Cranford fell 38-0 to St. Thomas Aquinas. Both teams are very much in the playoff picture and these power points will go a long way. This could go either way. I’ll cop out and go with the home team.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Cranford 21-14

To be fair, I would have picked Cranford even if it were a road game.

PINCUS’ PICK: Cranford 23-19

SOUTH RIVER (0-4) at VOORHEES (2-3), 7 P.M.

Bound Brook beat South River 35-13 two weeks ago. Voorhees beat Bound Brook 48-0 last weekend. Man, that’s a rough drive from South River to Lebanon Township on a Friday during rush hour.

PINCUS’ PICK: Voorhees 35-0

Yeah, those common opponent scores don’t look good for South River. Voorhees is just seeking a win as it fights for a playoff berth.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Voorhees 28-10

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30

PERTH AMBOY (2-3) at WOODBRIDGE (3-2), noon

Wow, that was an unexpected 42-7 Woodbridge win over Colonia last week. The Barrons could easily be undefeated with a couple breaks (46-36 loss to Summit, 21-20 loss to Cranford). This team seems to be close to peaking and will be the favorite in its next three games. Perth Amboy had a two-game win streak snapped in a 35-7 loss to Linden.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Woodbridge 24-12

I might head to one of the Perth Amboy fishing piers for some striper fishing over the next few weeks. But not Saturday.

PINCUS’ PICK: Woodbridge 34-7

SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD (1-4) at No. 11 SUMMIT (3-1), 1 P.M.

This certainly hasn’t been the season Scotch Plains-Fanwood has expected – on and off the field – after a convincing 25-0 win over Monroe on opening day, and things have gone south since, including a head coaching change two weeks ago and a 31-0 shellacking by geographic rival Westfield last weekend. This is another tough task for the Raiders, who play a brutally tough schedule that won’t be letting up anytime soon. Summit is coming off another impressive win, 41-7 over Rahway, and should cruise to another this weekend.

PINCUS’ PICK: Summit 34-14

We certainly underestimated Summit entering the season with the Hilltoppers having several first-year varsity starters such as sophomore QB Cole Sabol (504 passing yards) and RB Carter Shallcross (581 rushing yards). Well, they emerged just fine.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Summit 30-17

No. 1 ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (5-0) at No. 10 HILLSIDE (3-1), 1 P.M.

This was one of the games you underline in the preseason as a marquee matchup. Now? Still pretty good, but St. Thomas Aquinas enters as the clear favorite. The Trojans pitched their third shutout in a 38-0 win over Cranford, a week after beating a good Summit squad 44-20. It doesn’t mean that Hillside can’t pose a challenge. Josh Rosenfeld will eagerly be on hand and he’ll have updates at Twitter/X @joshprosenfeld.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: St. Thomas 34-22

This will be the toughest opponent each of these teams have faced so far this year. It would have a little more juice if Hillside hadn’t lost to Bernards in Week 1, but still should be a great matchup.

PINCUS’ PICK: St. Thomas 28-13

WESTFIELD (2-2) at ST. JOSEPH-METUCHEN (2-2), 1 P.M.

Westfield’s already tough early-season schedule is about to get ridiculous, so consider this a crossroads game for the Blue Devils, who have Somerville, Ridge and Hillsborough on tap after Saturday’s get-together with the Falcons. St. Joe has played well in defeat against two ranked teams in Somerville and Union, and is coming off a nice 21-19 win over Elizabeth, a team Westfield also only beat by two points. Got a coin? Flip it. Mine landed on the home team.

PINCUS’ PICK: St. Joseph 28-24

I call heads for St. Joseph, and that’s where it just landed. I covered last year’s meeting when Westfield rallied in the fourth quarter for a 14-10 win. There are some different personnel, but this can be a similar type of game. It’s interesting to see how it develops as both QBs can throw in St. Joe’s Daniel Degennaro and Westfield’s Maxwell Cho, but the teams can also stick to the ground.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: St. Joseph 21-14

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 5