It’s a busy preseason:

 

September 3: Scrimmage vs. Montgomery High School at Princeton High School 10 am

=========================================================

© 2010 NJ.com. All rights reserved.

===================================

North 1 Deep, Timber Creek Hungry

So now what?

Despite what some might believe, there is a whole lot to talk about in Group 3 that still gives Jersey football fans a reason to be excited. It will be interesting to watch Ramapo’s title defense, and—in a related storyline—Wayne Hills’ quest to recapture what they believe is their title.

There are other questions to be answered, too. Can Holy Spirit, Immaculata or Pope John unseat St. Joe’s in what looks to be an incredibly deep Non-Public, Group 3 section? Joe’s has won the last two state sectional titles, but the teams in this collection all seem to be improved and ready to make Non-Public, Group 3 more than just a one or two team race.

And down south, can the ultra-talented Chargers of Timber Creek not only get back to the championship game, but close the deal this time around? Defending-champion Hammonton will be one team trying to stand in their way (again), and it doesn’t seem ridiculous to think we could have a rematch of last year’s final in 2010.

Let’s take a closer look at all that is Group 3 football in New Jersey.

NORTH 1

Now, don’t get me wrong, Wayne Hills is still very good. But when they lost their streak, they also lost their aura of invincibility. Teams started believing they could beat the Patriots. That being said, only one—Ramapo—actually did. The Patriots still crushed Old Tappan and then held on to beat a good Sparta team to get them back to Giants Stadium. With all that in mind, it would be foolish not to consider Hills a favorite to get there once again.

But in perhaps the deepest section in the state, there are quite a few quality teams who think they are just as likely to do so. Champion Ramapo, of course, is feeling as confident as ever and has a lot of talent returning, including QB Tyler Ward, who seemed to improve almost every week in ’09. And while we are on the subject of standout QBs, let’s talk about Old Tappan’s Devin Fuller. His potential as a playmaker seems like it hasn’t even been touched yet, and all signs point to him having a monster season. That will be good news for the Golden Knights.

Another champion, Roxbury—last season’s winner in North 1, Group 4—has moved in, as well, giving the Raiders another powerful foe with whom they’ll have to contend. The Gaels and their Penn State-bound star lineman Angelo Mangiro are surely going to be a factor in the section, and may be the outright favorite to win it all.

Predicted Playoff Teams: Old Tappan, Paramus, Pascack Valley, Passaic Valley, Ramapo, Roxbury, Sparta, Wayne Hills

 
NORTH 2

West Morris was downright dominating during last season’s run to the sectional title, but with some inexperience and the loss of RB Michael Burton, it will be a challenge for them to repeat.

Nutley found success in the initial year of the Super Essex Conference, and expectations are high for the Raiders for the first time in a while. Their schedule is not necessarily soft, but it’s friendly enough to help them score a playoff berth. Likewise, North 2, Group 3 isn’t soft, but it’s friendly enough to give the Raiders a true shot at going deep into the tourney.

The section doesn’t seem to be as strong as it was last year, which good bode well for a team that may need to sneak in. Ferris could be that beneficiary, as their HCIAA schedule and ability to put up points may enable them to nab a spot.

Predicted Playoff Teams: Ferris, Irvington, Morristown, Newark East Side, Nutley, Parsippany Hills, Plainfield, West Morris
 

CENTRAL

Last season’s champ, Monroe, is no longer in the section, and it seems this title could be very much up for grabs. Middletown South, with its winning tradition and ability to constantly contend, should find itself near the championship game.

Hamilton finished 4-6 a year ago, but they are pretty well stocked with talent and they could have a lethal running game thanks to the likes of Jamie Williams and Jay Journigan. Don’t count out Neptune, either. A seven-win team last season, they’ll be tough to stop with RB Charles Davis as the workhorse.

It will be interesting to see which other teams can emerge from the muck, as there doesn’t seem to be a lot separating most of this section.

Predicted Playoff Teams: Hamilton, Lawrence, Middletown South, Neptune, Ocean Township, Princeton, Somerville, West Windsor-Plainsboro North

SOUTH

Timber Creek came within six points of a state sectional title last year, and don’t think Damiere Byrd and company have forgotten the heartbreaking loss to Hammonton. The Chargers are determined to get back to the finals, and feel they have the tools to do so with Byrd, LBs Quanzell Lambert and Quinton Alston, and center Hunter Krajewski leading the way.

Of course, the champs liked winning the title so much last year, they are going to try and do it all over again. Now another year older, junior QB Tyler D’Amelio will be bear much more responsibility with star FB Josh Baez gone. Delsea, likewise, has moved up from Group 2 and will look to win a third consecutive sectional title.

Kingsway and Winslow aren’t teams that are often seen as title contenders, but they’ve both got stars who they believe can take them all the way. For the Dragons, its versatile QB Kyle Heggs; for Winslow, it’s a cast of potential D-1 players led by the athletic QB Bill Belton.

Predicted Playoff Teams: Brick Township, Burlington Township, Delsea, Hammonton, Kingsway, Lacey, Timber Creek, Winslow
 

NON-PUBLIC

St. Joe’s of Montvale is always perceived to be the top dogs here, but Immaculata, Pope John and Holy Spirit all have reasons that they believe its their turn. For the first group of Spartans, its because of the host of talent on their roster, the most well-known example being RB Ish Mack. Mack is a game-changer who will most certainly be one of the top ball carriers in the state this season.

For the Lions, MLB Cole Farrand gives the defensive unit a leader and field general that strikes fear in the hearts of offensive coordinators. He is only one man, but his leadership and confidence are contagious, and Pope John has enough around him to make it seem possible that they can make a serious run.

And as for Holy Spirit, it’s tough to decide which is scarier: LB Anthony Sarao as a bigger, stronger, faster senior that is bound for Stanford University, or the two-headed rushing monster of Nigel Jones and Donta Pollack. DE Tim Goodwin is another exceptional talent.

Predicted Playoff Teams: Bishop Eustace, Camden Catholic, Delbarton, DePaul, Holy Spirit, Immaculata, Pope John, St. Joseph (Mont.)

Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.

 

===================================

Gridironnewjersey.com

Previewing the 65-Team Monster League

By Tom Szieber

When South Jersey, Group 4 titans Cherokee and Williamstown met in last season’s state sectional semifinal, there was a lot of excitement in the air. The best of the Burlco/Olympic Conference was meeting the best of the Tri-County Conference. Little did the two teams know that their classic encounter—which ended in a 30-21 win for the Chiefs—may have been merely the prologue to what could turn out to be a legendary division rivalry in the new West Jersey Football League. Both the Chiefs and Braves are now members of the WJFL’s American Division, one of 13 in the 65-squad monster of a conference.

A product of the joining of the former Colonial Valley, Burlco/Olympic and Tri-County Conferences, the WJFL stretches from Mercer County all the way down to Cape May, and has the potential to be the home of a whole lot of excitement this fall.

Surprisingly, only two of last season’s 20 state sectional champions—Delsea and Cherokee—are members, yet it still seems that there are a lot of juicy matchups in this new and exciting South Jersey super-league. Along with Cherokee and Williamstown, the American Division is also home to Eastern, a team that has some serious talent and showed what it is capable of during a 5-1 start last year. They stumbled down the stretch, losing four straight to close out 2009, but have a fantastic foundation in defensive backs Ronald Baines and Eli Woodward, giving them hope that this time around, they can finish the job.

The meeting between Cherokee and Williamstown, though, is far from the only colossal encounter on the schedule in the WJFL this season. Timber Creek and Delsea is the Royal Division. Winslow and Shawnee in the National. Penns Grove and Glassboro in the Diamond. To say the list of primetime-quality games is long is an understatement.
AMERICAN DIVISION

Favorite: Cherokee

Last season’s South, Group 4 champs haven’t won fewer than seven games in a season during the Gridiron New Jersey era. The Chiefs “D” held opposing offenses to single-digit scoring eight times in ’09, and should be outstanding again with OLB Kevin Byrne and SS Mike Zeuli back.

Dark Horse: Eastern

The Vikings lost four in a row to last year to finish 5-5, but two of those losses were to the aforementioned Chiefs. They’ll need to perform better against the heavyweights in the division to get to the next level.

Top Player: Ronald Baines, CB, Eastern

Baines is the total package, with reach, height, strong tackling and a nose for the ball. He is the type of defensive presence that can render opposing offenses one-dimensional.

Game to Watch: 10/8, Cherokee @ Williamstown

If last season’s playoff semifinal was an indicator of what this division rivalry is going to be like, we are in store for some unbelievable football. The Braves will surely have that game on their minds when these two lock horns.
CAPITOL DIVISION

Favorite: Notre Dame

Despite the fact that they haven’t gotten out of the first round of the playoffs since 2004, the Fighting Irish are perennial winners. Chappy Moore’s group has won 24 games over the last three seasons.

Dark Horse: West Windsor-Plainsboro North

Head coach Chris Casamento seems to have the Knights moving in the right direction after two seasons as head coach. Defensive back Juwan Lee and OLB Walter Dunston spearhead what could be a very formidable defense.

Top Player: Dylan Finelli, QB, Rancocas Valley

A starter since he was a freshman, Finelli enters his third season under center already having shown maturity and the ability to throw the deep ball. He is fresh off a solid performance at FBU Top Gun in Williamsburg, Va.

Game to Watch: 10/9. Rancocas Valley @ West Windsor-Plainsboro North

Notre Dame figures to take home the division, but this matchup could determine second-place. Rancocas Valley wants to show that last season’s 2-8 finish was an aberration, and a victory here could go a long way in accomplishing that feat.

CLASSIC DIVISION

Favorite: Pennsville

Not much competition here. Over the last two years, the Eagles have won 13 games; in the same time period, their four division rivals have won a combined 15.

Dark Horse: Pitman

Maybe we’re getting a bit ahead of ourselves, but Pitman showed promise towards the end of 2009. In their final three games, the Panthers went 2-1 and averaged 27.7 points per game.

Top Player: Ken Emmons, QB, Pennsville

Emmons was the quintessential double-threat last season, passing for 1,744 yards and 20 scores while rushing for 1,146 and 12. He should be even better against a very sub-par division in 2010.

Game to Watch: 11/25, Clayton @ Pitman

In a division that seems destined to be owned by Pennsville, it seems the best matchup may be a good old Thanksgiving Day rivalry. The Clippers and Panthers have split the last four on Turkey Day.

COLONIAL DIVISION

Favorite: Princeton

Getting blown out by Monroe in the playoffs didn’t take away from the strides the Little Tigers made last season. The challenge for Princeton will be to avoid slipping back into mediocrity after a coaching change.

Dark Horse: Pemberton

The Hornets beat just about everyone they were supposed to last season, and only lost to high-quality competition. Junior RB Myles Coley could be a key in determining if they can make the jump to the next level.

Top Player: Myles Coley, RB, Pemberton

Despite being a bit undersized, Coley demonstrated good speed and surprising power during his sophomore season. By season’s end, everyone should know his name.

Game to Watch: 10/16, Princeton @ Pemberton

Both squads should be off to strong starts, and this could be the de facto division title game. If things are going as they figure to, the winner may also make themselves playoff eligible.
CONSTITUTION DIVISION

Favorite: Paul VI

The Eagles have talent all over the field, but are especially loaded at the offensive skill positions. RB/LB James Kenner is one of the better two-way stars in the Garden State.

Dark Horse: Cherry Hill West

The Lions won three of four and four of six to close out 2009. It won’t be easy, but if they can pull off an upset over at least one of their parochial division counterparts, anything is possible.

Top Player: Chris Hutton, WR/DB, Paul VI

A Division 1 prospect, Hutton has the speed, height and route-running skill to make any catch look easy. Even the best DBs on Paul VI’s schedule will have their hands full covering him.

Game to Watch: 11/24, Camden Catholic @ Paul VI

This game won’t mean anything to the playoff race, but both teams are star-studded and could easily be playing in their respective state title games the next week. Hutton and Irish receiver Al-Tariq Knox on the same field will be a lot of fun to watch.
DIAMOND DIVISION

Favorite: Glassboro

The Bulldogs will be a team possessed after having their two-year championship run snapped by Paulsboro. This is one of the WJFL’s more competitive divisions, but this program is a well-oiled machine.

Dark Horse: Schalick

The Cougars proved they belonged last year after going 7-3 and coming within a score of the sectional semis. DT Shawn Hoover and OL Robert Stefankiewicz give them top-flight players anchoring each side of the line.

Top Player: P.J. James, RB, Glassboro

James was an absolute beast last season, rushing for 21 scores and 1,730 yards. He is unquestionably one of the top five backs in the state.

Game to Watch: 9/10, Penns Grove @ Glassboro

The Red Devils ended the Bulldogs’ 30-game winning streak last October, and you can be sure Glassboro hasn’t forgotten. This game might be the highlight of opening weekend in the entire state.

FREEDOM DIVISION

Favorite: Palmyra

In a relatively weak division, the Panthers look to be the class of the bunch. They beat each of their four 2010 division rivals last season.

Dark Horse: Maple Shade

The Wildcats had so many opportunities to make last season a .500 year. Despite falling short at 4-6, Maple Shade demonstrated that they can play good defense as well as score points. Now they just need to establish some consistency.

Top Player: Jamel Smith, DB, New Egypt

Ultra-athletic and a contributor since his freshman year, Smith can be effective defensively, offensively or in the return game. If New Egypt finds a way to get into contention, he’ll be a big reason why.

Game to Watch: 9/10, New Egypt @ Maple Shade

Both teams will be looking to show early on that they are for real. The loser might find its season already in trouble in Week 1.

INDEPENDENCE DIVISION

Favorite: Gloucester Catholic

The Rams had a good run before falling to St. Joseph (Hamm.) in last year’s postseason. They’re the only truly consistent team in the Independence Division.

Dark Horse: Woodrow Wilson

This group has improved a great deal in Chris Crowley’s two seasons as head coach. WR Tyriq DeShields gives the Tigers a big-time playmaker in the passing game.

Top Player: Zaire Pollard, C/DT, Woodrow Wilson

Pollard is big and athletic, and is especially effective in the screen game. He is a superb blocker downfield and also a fantastic pass blocker.

Game to Watch: 9/18, Bishop Eustace @ Gloucester Catholic

Bishop Eustace broke out last year with an 8-2 campaign, and have some talent coming back. This game will demonstrate whether or not they can hang with their new division rivals.

LIBERTY DIVISION

Favorite: Florence

The Flashes aren’t the powerhouse they used to be, but they’re still a winning program. They aren’t likely to succumb to the three other teams in this division.

Dark Horse: Robbinsville

Can’t say this with much confidence, but the Ravens showed last year they could play with the teams in this division. After all, they lost to Florence by a score of just 6-0, and to Ewing, 21-20. Could they be a team on the rise?

Top Player: Bob Braun, DT, Florence

At just 245 pounds, he isn’t the house you might expect from a lineman that was a First Team All-League player as a junior. He’s a threat on both sides of the ball, and gives the Flashes stability in the trenches.

Game to Watch: 10/1, Robbinsville @ Ewing

Robbinsville’s gamble to go for a game-winning two-point conversion cost them this battle last year. These two are evenly matched enough to think it’ll be down to the wire again.
NATIONAL DIVISION

Favorite: Winslow

Shawnee would figure to be the favorite, but this team just has too much talent. It’s hard to believe this group didn’t win more than four games last season.

Dark Horse: Pennsauken

The Indians were better than their 5-5 record indicated last year. They lost quite a few close games that they probably could have won.

Top Player: Bill Belton, QB, Winslow

The Pittsburgh commit did it all as a junior rushing for 700 yards and throwing for 2,200 (not to mention scoring 29 touchdowns). He is intelligent and elusive, and can dominate on defense, as well.

Game to Watch: 9/16, Winslow @ Shawnee

The upstart Eagles and the perennially-successful Renegades. Something’s got to give when all this talent meets on the gridiron.

PATRIOT DIVISION

Favorite: Holy Cross

The Lancers may have underperformed a bit last year, but they’re liking their chances to take home the Patriot Division title. Running backs Myles Pressey and DaiShon Munger make a heck of a one-two punch.

Dark Horse: Willingboro

The Chimeras won six of their final eight games last year, and showed that they are a team on the rise. Reggie Lawrence has an abundance of talent to work with.

Top Player: Kevin Miller, DE, Holy Cross

Miller has the size and speed to be an effective pass rusher, as proven by his ten sacks last season. He has already committed to play college ball at Central Florida, but will be looking to nab a state title before he leaves the Lancers.

Game to Watch: 9/24, Holy Cross @ Burlington Township

Burlington Township has been in the thick of the postseason chase for the last several years, and will want to use the Lancers as a way of showing they are the top dogs in this division. Holy Cross, on the other hand, can make a big early season statement with a win here.
ROYAL DIVISION

Favorite: Timber Creek

Last season was a landmark year for the Chargers, who were within a touchdown of a state title. This year, they’ll want to get the job done—and they’ve got the talent to do it.

Dark Horse: Kingsway

The Dragons finished 2009 strong by winning two straight. QB Kyle Heggs is a special athlete that has the ability to help them elevate from their .500 finish a year ago.

Top Player: Damiere Byrd, WR, Timber Creek

One of the state’s top players, Byrd is a game-changing presence who is one of the fastest players in the country. If you thought he was an impact player last season, keep your eyes on him this year.

Game to Watch: 9/17, Timber Creek @ Delsea

Last season’s South, Group 2 champs against last season’s South, Group 3 runners-up. Delsea is always good, but can they stop Byrd from flying high in this game?
VALLEY DIVISION

Favorite: Lawrence

The Cardinals have had trouble in the playoffs, but always seem to roll through the regular season. They may not have the household names, but they’ve got the winning tradition.

Dark Horse: Hamilton

A late season skid cost the Hornets a winning season last year. They’re stocked with talent and could challenge the Cards for the Valley title.

Top Player: Jamie Williams, RB/CB, Hamilton

Williams averaged nearly nine yards per carry last season and scored seven times on the ground. His talents are being coveted by a slew of Division 1 schools, including two (New Mexico and Youngstown State) that have already presented him with scholarship offers.

Game to Watch: 9/16, Lawrence @ Hamilton

With the rest of the division at least a year away, the division could be decided in September when these two collide.

Tom Szieber can be reached by emailing tom@gridironnewjersey.com.

====================================

It’s TIGER BALL TIME!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlXDo5WhQXI