Football predictions: Simeon Pincus and Andy Mendlowitz’s BCC picks for week 4
We have reached the halfway point of the regular season following this weekend’s action, as playoff races and divisional battles come into focus.
Simeon Pincus grabbed a two-game lead on Andy Mendlowitz in the Prophets Cup race with last weekend’s results, as Pincus, who posted a 25-5 week, is 93-21 for the season, while Mendlowitz went 23-7 and is 91-23, overall.
Here are our picks for Week 4:
More: Football rankings: Big Central Conference Top 15, through Week 3
THURSDAY, SEPT. 21
MIDDLESEX (2-1) at DUNELLEN (3-0), 6 P.M.
The best story thus far in the Big Central? Go ahead and put Dunellen in the conversation. The low-enrollment Destroyers are always on a tight rope with a small roster size and have struggled the last few falls. Now, they’re on the verge of the program’s first 4-0 start since going 10-1 in 2011. Ground-first Dunellen has rushed for over 1,200 yards with Chiekezie Ogbuewu bolting for 488 in two games. Middlesex won last season 43-42 in a wild overtime game. This could be just as good with quarterback Dom Parenti leading the Blue Jays. I’ll be on hand, so kindly check in for updates and a post-game article at X/Twitter @andy_mendlowitz.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Dunellen 45-43
Dunellen’s start has been a nice story, but the Destroyers schedule is going to get tougher going forward, starting with this one. Dunellen’s wins have come against three teams who have each yet to win a game, and two of those clubs went winless last season. And it’s not like Dunellen blew any of those teams out. Middlesex has blowout wins over Manville and Bound Brook, which has three wins between them, and a tight five-point loss to 3-1 South Hunterdon. If these teams didn’t play such a hard-fought battle last year, I’d expect Middlesex to cruise to the win. I think the Blue Jays will get the W, but Dunellen should put up a fight.
PINCUS’ PICK: Middlesex 41-26
No. 4 North Brunswick vs. No. 10 Sayreville, Sunday at Rutgers, is our Game of the Week for Week 4. Check out our take on that contest, including our pick:
Football Game of the Week: North Brunswick meets Sayreville in Top 10 battle at Rutgers
Friday, Sept. 22
COLONIA (2-2) at WOODBRIDGE (2-2), 6 P.M.
This is always a huge crosstown donnybrook, regardless. But now both teams are at .500 heading into midseason with the bad taste of recent tight losses. Yeah, this game has extra juice. The winner gets the “Bragging Rights” trophy. Colonia holds a 29-23-4 lead in the series that goes back to 1967. Last season, Colonia stopped Woodbridge on a two-point conversion in the final three minutes to win 14-13. Last week, Cranford stopped Woodbridge in overtime going for the two points in its 21-20 win. The Barrons certainly have guts. Maybe this week they get it?
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Woodbridge 29-28
Wow. ‘Donnybrook?’ I admit, my esteemed colleague had me scrambling for Uncle Google on that one. Good stuff, sir. I’m going to try and work that into conversation as soon as I can. Anyway, yeah. These rivals always play well against each other and that should be the case here. Quite the impressive performance by Woodbridge last weekend against Cranford, plus nice wins over Linden and Old Bridge and a well-played game in a loss to Summit, and the Barrons season is actually going pretty well, despite the 2-2 record. Colonia will certainly be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing loss to Linden, but my rule is to go home team when a game is this close. I was hoping Andy and I would pick this game differently. But that donnybrook has sailed.
PINCUS’ PICK: Woodbridge 27-21
No. 15 CRANFORD (2-1) at No. 2 ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (4-0), 6 P.M.
Just when you thought an upset was brewing, BOOM! BAM!! KABOOM!!! St. Thomas Aquinas turned a 3-3 tie after the first quarter into a 30-12 lead at halftime en route to a 44-20 win over Summit. That shows just how explosive the Trojans offense could be when it’s clicking. Cranford got a gutsy win over Woodbridge in overtime last week and can definitely keep this close for a while.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: St. Thomas 35-24
Holy flashbacks. Apparently, I’ve wandered into a 1960s episode of Batman. Riddle me this. What do you call a Cougar after a trip to North Edison? Answer: 2-2.
PINCUS’ PICK: St. Thomas 34-19
DAYTON (0-3) at BREARLEY (1-2), 6 P.M.
Brearley showed life last weekend, notching a 16-8 win over Roselle Park after an 0-2 start, and get another very winnable game here. Dayton has scored seven points in each of its first three games, while allowing an average of 29. I’m not a great at the maths, but I feel like that means something.
PINCUS’ PICK: Brearley 23-7
I started counting on my fingers, but then opened the computer calculator to double-check that average. Yeah, maths isn’t my strong point, either. Brearley is too good a program to just completely disappear. The Bears have a chance to finish very well.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Brearley 18-7
GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON (3-1) at J.F. KENNEDY (0-3), 6 P.M.
Governor Livingston continues to write a great story, as the Highlanders have come surging out of the gate. They following up a hard-fought one-score loss to New Providence on opening day with three straight wins, including a 34-0 whacking of J.P. Stevens last weekend. GL will take on another winless team this week. I gave the Mustangs the benefit of the doubt last weekend against Perth Amboy and it didn’t turn out very well for me, as JFK dropped a 35-7 decision. As a someone once said, ‘Disappointment is disappointing.’ And that someone was me. Just now. Put it on a t-shirt.
PINCUS’ PICK: Governor Livingston 33-6
I could see a yellow t-shirt with “Disappointment is disappointing” above a frowning face selling quite well. I think you’re on to something! JFK is still coming together with several new starters and GL is beginning to roll
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Governor Livingston 28-13
LINDEN (3-1) at PERTH AMBOY (2-2), 6 P.M.
There are grand entrances, then there’s how Devon Chase introduced himself to the Big Central Conference last week in his debut for Linden. The senior transfer from Hudson Catholic rushed for 246 yards on 30 carries and scored twice in the Tigers’ 28-20 win over Colonia. He gives Linden another exiting option along with run-first quarterback Te’Quan Thomas. Perth Amboy is on a nice run after starting 0-2.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Linden 28-18
Perth Amboy’s nice run was nice while it lasted.
PINCUS’ PICK: Linden 38-7
MONROE (1-3) at NEW BRUNSWICK (0-4), 6 P.M.
This is a good matchup for two teams in sort of a rebuild phase. Forget what happened in past weeks, the players can see their development in what should be a fun game. Monroe had a nice 21-20 win over East Brunswick two weeks ago.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Monroe 28-15
I had a great uncle named Monroe. I don’t remember every meeting him. But they certainly talked about him a lot. In a good way. That’s rare in my family.
PINCUS’ PICK: Monroe 26-20
SOUTH BRUNSWICK (2-2) at PISCATAWAY (2-2), 6 P.M.
Call this a banner notch game. The winner will likely capture the BCC National Gold Division title. No matter the record, this is a classic meeting between Middlesex County teams on the upswing. Both have won two straight and seem to be clicking with several new starters. The Vikings have outscored opponents 87-52 the last two weeks with most of the yards on the ground led by quarterback Braden Paulmenn and breakout sophomore Jeylon Billups. The Chiefs have outscored their last two opponents 65-19. I can’t wait to cover this one. Check in for updates and a post-game article at Twitter/X @andy_mendlowitz.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Piscataway 15-14
This should be quite the game. I hope there’s a live stream. I’ve been oscillating all week about this game. My gut feels like South Brunswick will win, but that could just be PTSD from watching Piscataway’s fall from state power to also-ran over the past decade. But the Chiefs are clearly heading back up the past two years. Piscataway has two losses by a combined three points (one in overtime), and hard-fought big-game experience isn’t always east come by this early in the season.
PINCUS’ PICK: Piscataway 33-24
SOUTH PLAINFIELD (2-2) at J.P. STEVENS (0-4), 6 P.M.
Down 19-0, it would have been easy for South Plainfield to mentally pack it in last week against North Plainfield, especially coming off a 40-7 defeat to Carteret. Instead, the Tigers emerged with perhaps a season-defining 20-19 win. Patrick Smith bolted for 204 rushing yards and Dom Massaro scored three touchdowns. It’s quite possible the Tigers can win out in the regular season, or at least position themselves for a playoff berth. J.P. Stevens looks to score as the program continues to get better.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: South Plainfield 21-7
I think what Andy is trying to say is that J.P. Stevens fights hard.
PINCUS’ PICK: South Plainfield 35-6
No. 14 SUMMIT (2-1) at RAHWAY (3-1), 6 P.M.
Some picks are no-brainers. Others, like this one, you see the matchup, put it off for a few picks, go back, do a few more picks, then check your fantasy baseball team in the midst of an intense pennant race, maybe go to YouTube to listen for a few songs, then realize it’s time to finish up. So here I am. I just couldn’t get a read on this game at first look. Summit outscored its first two opponents 92-49, no slouches in Woodbridge and Cranford. The Hilltoppers then played No. 2 St. Thomas Aquinas tough in a 44-20 loss. Rahway’s offense hasn’t exploded, but grinded out three wins and fell 28-20 to a good Linden team. You could just sense the young players are improving each week. Can Rahway’s defense stop Summit? Can Summit’s offense score on Rahway? Let me go back to YouTube … all right, it’s time.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Summit 21-20
I retired from playing fantasy baseball after the 2019 season after doing it at a very high level for 30 years. Just couldn’t put in the time anymore to do it right. I guess that’s why it took me about a second to know which way I’d be going in this one.
PINCUS’ PICK: Summit 34-21
No. 8 HILLSIDE (2-1) at NEW PROVIDENCE (3-1), 7 P.M.
New Providence has conquered every challenge, notwithstanding a 41-0 Week 2 loss to powerhouse St. Thomas, and last weekend’s 23-16 topping of Delaware Valley is the most impressive Pioneers win so far. Enter Hillside, a powerhouse in its own right, winners of two straight since an opening-day loss to undefeated Bernards. This will be the best team each of these clubs have seen since their respective Week 1 losses, and while the Comets are the favorite, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see New Providence make a run here
PINCUS’ PICK: Hillside 26-19
That’s a pretty big notwithstanding, but I can’t knock New Providence for the St. Thomas Aquinas loss. The Pioneers showed a lot in that Del Val win and that GL dub may prove huge as the Highlanders have taken three straight. Still, Hillside and its several new key starters are gaining momentum after Week 1.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Hillside 31-20
BELVIDERE (0-4) at METUCHEN (1-2), 7 P.M.
The time is not a typo. Metuchen has a rare night game with portable lights up all week for evening field hockey and boys and girls soccer games. The football “white out” game is a good finale for the Bulldogs fans to show school spirit. Metuchen, which has battled injuries, can get back to .500. Belvidere, though, should make it a contest. The County Seaters lost by a point to undefeated Spotswood and got their offense going the last two weeks with 40 points.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Metuchen 22-13
Belvidere, which has dropped 13 straight, is going to win a game one of these days. Could be this one. But I gotta go Bulldogs.
PINCUS’ PICK: Metuchen 23-14
CARTERET (3-1) at NORTH PLAINFIELD (0-4), 7 P.M.
All right, losses happen. Carteret now looks to bounce back after that 35-7 defeat to Plainfield. The Ramblers are in good shape postseason-wise by sitting No. 5 in the South Group 3 United Power Rankings. North Plainfield had two interesting weeks, losing to Governor Livingston 2-0 and South Plainfield 20-19. The losses are tough, but Canucks should at least be lifted by playing two decent teams so well.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Carteret 21-10
Carteret ran into an ornery Plainfield club last week, and it showed, as three Cardinals pick-6s and nine sacks doomed the Ramblers to their first loss of the season. As for the Canucks, I admit had pretty much left North Plainfield for dead after lopsided losses to Manchester and Voorhees to start the season, but its results the past two weeks – even in defeat – shows there’s plenty of life left in the Canucks. This game will be a lot more competitive than I might have thought in the wake of recent events, but I still like Carteret here.
PINCUS’ PICK: Carteret 27-19
DELAWARE VALLEY (2-1) at No. 7 BERNARDS (4-0), 7 P.M.
This has been one of the great rivalries in the area in recent seasons, and a contest each team has circled on its calendar every year. Delaware Valley leads the all-time series 11-6, but Bernards has won 5-of-8 since 2015, including 17-14 last season. Still, five of those contests have finished within a touchdown – including an overtime match -- while two of the other three were two-score affairs. Unfortunately, at least for this year, I don’t expect this to be much of a thriller. Del Val has been solid, but it did lose a ton to graduation and is working its way back, while the Mountaineers got everyone back and have emerged as a state Group 2 powerhouse that I don’t really expect to be challenged the rest of the regular season. That includes Friday night.
PINCUS’ PICK: Bernards 33-13
It would have been great if Del Val entered this meeting undefeated, but the Terriers’ fourth quarter comeback fell short against New Providence. Either way, Bernards would be the favorite. One thing: Bernards led Voorhees 7-6 at halftime and 14-6 heading into the fourth quarter. So, it’s not like teams can’t challenge them, and Del Val can certainly make put up a fight early on.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Bernards 24-12
EDISON (1-3) at FRANKLIN (2-2), 7 P.M.
Unlike last year when Franklin went 0-9, the Warriors are excelling against teams near their level this year, with last weekend’s 42-6 drubbing of winless New Brunswick the latest example. Franklin has also played in a 20-12 loss to Piscataway two weeks ago. Edison, however, despite its record and despite its graduation losses, are still probably out of Franklin’s league, so to speak. This might be a good game, but I’d be surprised if the Eagles don’t head back down Route 287 with a victory.
PINCUS’ PICK: Edison 26-16
Save for a lopsided opener against Bridgewater-Raritan, the Eagles have played well in their defeats. Edison fell to No. 4 North Brunswick, 23-16, and to No. 10 Sayreville, 24-12. I look for Edison to get back to .500 before October.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Edison 24-18
MANVILLE (2-2) at SOUTH HUNTERDON (3-1), 7 P.M.
South Hunterdon continues to work its way through the Freedom Silver, improving to 2-0 in the division with last weekend’s super-impressive 12-7 topping of previously unbeaten Middlesex. Perhaps the Eagles’ heavy graduation losses didn’t do much to slow things down. Manville, which was hit even harder by graduation and went through a coaching change, has been a nice early-season story, following up an inspired 12-7 win over Brearley three weeks ago with a 41-7 dismantling of Dayton last weekend. Major boost to whoever wins here. I’m going to give the edge to the home team.
PINCUS’ PICK: South Hunterdon 27-22
That was an impressive showing by South Hunterdon’s defense to slow a Middlesex team that scored 84 points in its first two wins. Equally great job by Manville with the big bounce-back win. I know you can’t always go by common opponents – styles make fights, teams are missing players, etc. – but Middlesex beat Manville 34-0 and South Hunterdon beat Middlesex 12-7.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: South Hunterdon 28-18
OLD BRIDGE (0-4) at EAST BRUNSWICK (0-4), 7 P.M.
The teams’ records are one thing, but to me, this matchup is as compelling as ever. It’s two next-door neighbors hungry for a win in a former Thanksgiving rivalry game that’s been close in the fourth quarter the last five seasons. Old Bridge leads the “Battle of Route 18” series 26-3 with 12 straight victories. The Knights have to again be the favorites based on the common opponent. South Brunswick beat Old Bridge 44-38 and topped EB 43-14.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Old Bridge 24-14
That’s a pretty hard 0-4 for Old Bridge, which has had its losses come to Woodbridge, Somerville, South Brunswick and North Brunswick, all solid teams that are either ranked or almost ranked. East Brunswick has been competitive in most games, and should be again, but I believe it will be the Knights who get into the win column Friday night.
PINCUS’ PICK: Old Bridge 29-14
PLAINFIELD (2-1) at NORTH HUNTERDON (0-4), 7 P.M.
I’ve been saying it all season and I’ll say it again, the Cardinals just might be back! Big win over Elizabeth opening day. Great effort and showing in a hard-fought controversial loss to Montgomery two weeks ago. And then utter domination against previously unbeaten Carteret last weekend, with a 35-7 Plainfield win that featured three interceptions returned for touchdowns. Coach James Williams will be back on the sideline after serving his suspension last weekend -- just in time, I believe, to see his team score another no-sweat win.
PINCUS’ PICK: Plainfield 36-20
You know when Simeon uses an exclamation point, he’s seriously excited about something. OK, I’m also on Plainfield’s bandwagon! That was an impressive win over Carteret, a team I tabbed to win. The Cardinals have a complete, balanced team that can finish huge.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Plainfield 32-18
More: Plainfield requests NJSIAA investigate officiating at Friday’s football game at Montgomery
No. 3 RIDGE (2-1) at No. 11 HUNTERDON CENTRAL (4-0), 7 P.M.
Hunterdon Central has been incrementally tested each week and come through with flying colors, as the one-time juggernaut climbs its way back from a disappointing stretch of losing seasons. Last weekend’s 17-7 win over Bridgewater-Raritan brought Central up yet another level, and although the red-clad Red Devils will be heavy underdogs to their powerhouse opponents this weekend, the green-clad club with the same mascot better be at the top of its game if it’s to get out of Hunterdon County with a win. Ridge notched its most impressive win of the season with a 28-7 topping of Hillsborough last Thursday night and will be the favorite again. Central has been a nice surprise, but a win here would be an absolute shocker.
PINCUS’ PICK: Ridge 34-14
You remember those loser-leave-town matches in pro wrestling? Maybe make this a winner-keeps-the-nickname game. Hunterdon Central’s key win over BR last week certainly makes this a much more compelling event. Quarterback RJ Hart has already thrown for over 1,000 yards and it’s great to see the Hunterdon Red Devils back in big games. However, I must go with the favorite Somerset Red Devils in this one.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Ridge 21-12
ROSELLE (0-3) at A. L. JOHNSON (2-1), 7 P.M.
Roselle’s 0-4 start last season, followed by an eight-game winning streak to close out the year, was one of the great stories of 2022, and a 14-6 loss to AL Johnson was the fourth of those losses. Now, after an 0-3 start that’s followed some key graduation losses, the Rams are looking for history not to start repeating itself until next week. All Roselle’s losses have come to standout teams – Hillside, Delaware Valley and New Providence – so this is certainly a step back in competition, but whether it’s enough of a step back remains to be seen. The Crusaders shook off an opening-day loss to Governor Livingston with two wins, but those wins came over Bound Brook and Metuchen, and I think ALJ will find its opponents this Friday night a cut above. Again, lets see how far above. I’m torn here. Could see either of these teams winning, so I’m going to go home team.
PINCUS’ PICK: A.L. Johnson 32-26
Was it Bear Bryant who said, “Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it.” Well, sometimes you can know history, but tough-nosed linebackers are going to help you not forget. Roselle definitely has had the tougher earlier slate, so I don’t read too much into the Rams’ record. A.L. Johnson’s 34-10 win over Bound Brook, though, may be looking better. The Crusaders also led GL heading into the fourth quarter. Quarterback Robert Gallagher has deftly run the triple option and was the Player of the Week after the 35-11 Metuchen win.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: AL Johnson 28-21
ROSELLE PARK (1-2) at HIGHLAND PARK (0-3), 7 P.M.
Highland Park’s promising season hit a snag in last week’s 34-0 loss to unbeaten Spotswood. Still, the Owls looked good in the first two games and can bounce back with a spirited effort. The Panthers are also seeking a win after falling 16-8 to Brearley. I have a sense this will be closer than Roselle Park’s 42-13 win last year.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Roselle Park 27-14
That reminds me. I promised my dog, Beavis, I’d take him to the park.
PINCUS’ PICK: Roselle Park 30-13
No. 12 SOMERVILLE (3-1) at No. 13 UNION (3-1), 7 P.M.
These were two of the league’s most dominant programs two years ago, but each went through transitions last year and took a step back. Now, each has taken a giant leap forward in 2023. We’ll see who has advanced farther Friday night. A great, great game, and the winner here will get a giant boost of confidence entering the stretch drive of the regular season, not to mention a nice haul of power points as teams start eyeing the postseason. Somerville was edged by Montgomery 27-21 last Friday night, while the Farmers got past St. Joseph 22-15 the following day and haven’t lost since a 21-6 setback to Rancocas Valley in Week 0. Between the momentum and home field, I’m going with Union, but, honestly, flip a coin. Josh Rosenfeld has the coverage and the live updates @JoshPRosenfeld.
PINCUS’ PICK: Union 29-26
Now, I’m not expecting widespread kudos, but I’ve been on the Farmers early and picked Union the last three weeks. I just thought the returning players were talented and gained needed experience last year, including a playoff appearance. I’m sticking with them in what should very much be a toss-up.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Union 21-14
ST. JOSEPH-METUCHEN (1-2) at ELIZABETH (0-4), 7 P.M.
Looking at the teams’ records is like reading a book cover jacket. You may get a quick overview, but must read the whole thing for the full gist. So yes, when you dig deeper, each of Elizabeth’s losses were by a touchdown or less, while St. Joseph lost twice by a combined 13 points. So, they’ve been competitive and better than the records indicated. This should be a good game. Which one pulls it out?
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: St. Joseph 18-12
After two well-played games against standout teams, albeit in losing efforts, St. Joseph should be primed to get back in the win column. But that’s no guarantee. Elizabeth’s record certainly does not match the quality of the ballclub.
PINCUS’ PICK: St. Joseph 27-19
VOORHEES (1-3) at BOUND BROOK (1-2), 7 P.M.
Bound Brook rescued its season last week, snapping a 12-game losing streak and posting its first victory since 2021, 35-13 over South River, behind a big day from QB Jeremiah Norwood. With a win under its belt, Bound Brook is hungry for more, and while the Crusaders’ schedule is going to get a lot tougher with the likes of Delaware Valley and Bernards on deck, this is a game I’d give BB at least a puncher’s chance of finding another win. Voorhees has come through the toughest part of its schedule, losing games to Del Val, Bernards and Somerville, plus a lopsided win over North Plainfield, so the Vikings are just as hungry to get back in the victory column.
PINCUS’ PICK: Voorhees 30-17
Coaches don’t look ahead, as we know, but sportswriters happily will. Voorhees will likely be favored in four of its final five games, with the South Plainfield game possibly a pick-‘em. So, a winning season and a playoff push isn’t out of the question. It begins this week against a good-to-see improving Bound Brook side.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Voorhees 29-17
WESTFIELD (1-2) at SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD (1-3), 7 P.M.
These schools are bitter rivals in most sports, but that hasn’t really translated on the football field – certainly not as of late -- as Westfield has won six straight over SPF, including 30-0 last year, and leads the all-time series 43-13-2. The Blue Devils are coming off a much-needed 23-21 win over Elizabeth, while Scotch Plains-Fanwood has lost three straight, including 27-12 to Rahway last weekend. Expect Westfield’s streak to continue, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Raiders put up a fight.
PINCUS’ PICK: Westfield 20-12
I’ve always found it interesting that going to Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, you turn onto Westfield Avenue. I mean, you don’t turn on Fanwood Drive to get to Westfield High. Logistics aside, I, too, expect a good game between the neighbors.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Westfield 24-15
SATURDAY, SEPT. 23
SPOTSWOOD (4-0) at SOUTH RIVER (0-3), 1 P.M.
This might be a prototypical trap-type of game for Spotswood. The Chargers are rolling, but they know not to overlook South River at Bill Denny Stadium. Still, fans have to like what they see thus far. Spotswood put up 64 points the last two weeks with balanced efforts on both sides. Follow Josh Rosenfeld for updates @JoshPRosenfeld.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Spotswood 30-20
I’m going to go ahead and overlook South River.
PINCUS’ PICK: Spotswood 28-6
No. 6 MONTGOMERY (4-0) at HAMILTON WEST (0-4), 2 P.M.
Cool. I don’t need any analysis. That saves time. Get the balloons ready, Cougars fans. The 100th victory in program history should be worth the short trip to Mercer County.
PINCUS’ PICK: Montgomery 38-7
May I recommend cake for all, as well as those New Year’s Eve noisemakers. Disclaimer: Solely for post-game purposes only.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Montgomery 31-14
BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN (1-3) at No. 9 WATCHUNG HILLS (4-0), 2 P.M.
At this point it’s safe to refer to Watchung Hills as a powerhouse, and last weekend’s 31-24 win over Morris Knolls certainly helped cement that fact. Senior transfer Aleks Sitkowski has quarterbacked a more potent offense than I can ever remember this program enjoying, averaging over five touchdowns per game, while the defense has continued to hold teams at bay. This game was a little more enticing before Bridgewater-Raritan’s 17-7 loss to Hunterdon Central last weekend, but the Panthers are still a very dangerous opponent and Watchung Hills is going to have to be firing on all cylinders if it’s to maintain its undefeated mark headed into next week’s Liberty Silver showdown with Montgomery. Harry Frezza has the coverage and live updates from Warren. He’s on Twitter/X @TheFrez56.
PINCUS’ PICK: Watchung Hills 33-17
This is the fifth team my picking partner called a powerhouse. I mean, I just looked up the word and the Warriors have been “a person or thing of great energy, strength, or power.” That’s true. So, no knock on them in the least bit. It’s great to see Sitkowski enjoying his new home and all three phases are certainly excelling. However, Watchung Hills has won two games in which it was a clear favorite, and took two, non-easy tossups. Fair play to them. Now, let’s see how they do against BR and Montgomery. Then, I can add the “powerhouse” moniker. Yes, I am picking them this week.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Watchung Hills 33-17
SUNDAY, SEPT. 24
No. 5 HILLSBOROUGH (3-1) vs. No. 1 PHILLIPSBURG (3-0) at Rutgers University, 12 P.M.
Hillsborough’s 28-7 loss to Ridge last weekend takes some of the juice out of this game, but the Raiders should still prove a threat to P’burg’s flawless mark. The teams hit Piscataway for this marquee matchup, and while Boro stumbled last weekend, the Stateliners have continued to roll, a 54-7 dismantling of North Hunterdon Phillipsburg’s latest conquest. The Liners won 34-0 when these teams met at Maloney Stadium last season. I expect Hillsborough to put up a better fight, but, at the end of the day, this should still be a P’burg W.
PINCUS’ PICK: Phillipsburg 28-13
Hillsborough fans have great memories from the Raiders’ last game at Rutgers – the 2021 South Group 5 win over Kingsway to cap an undefeated season. I was there on that cold day and remember all smiles on the Hillsborough side. This time, though, there probably won’t be as much celebrating. Yes, the Raiders will play tough and challenge, but Phillipsburg just seems primed for its own state run this season.
MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Phillipsburg 28-15
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 4
