Football picks, week 2

Following an OK 3-1 week, I will give this week's slate of games a shot.

Kinnelon plays their first game at home versus Pingry. This is the dawn of the Brian DeVeau era as his arm and legs will carry the team as far as he can take them. For this, the first week, the Colts should be able to handle Pingry. Yes, they have some questions on defense, but they should be able to work them out in the early games. I think they win this one convincingly and I made it my best bet of the week.

Lakeland square off against Madison and two things to take from the opening win, Dan Deighan can play quarterback and the defense, which was the team's strong suit a year ago, may even be better this year. Last year these two teams played in a double OT thriller, which Lakeland won 35-28. If the Lancers can take this game, they have a chance of being 3-0 before they get their bi-annual visit from Delbarton. First things first, but they should win this game.

The Pequannock Panthers will have the home opener Friday night as they host Caldwell. Last year the Chiefs took it to them winning 36-0 in their playoff season. They opened with a win against Millburn which Pequannock dropped their opener to Montville, 34-6. The Panthers put so much emphasis into the first game that getting the team up following the loss may be difficult. Caldwell should take this one, but if Pequannock can pick themselves off the mat, they should be able to make it a game.

West Milford, following their 14-0 over Teaneck, gets to host Wayne Valley. The Indians dropped their home opener12-7 to Clifton on their new artificial turf field. They will come out looking to make someone pay, but West Milford, who have lost the last three to the Indians, are coming off a big win that was spurred by the defense. If they can continue to play strong defense, when the offense comes around, it could make for an entertaining season. Pay back is the motivator for the Highlanders; they see a reeling Wayne Valley team and they will take advantage.

Butler opens the season Saturday afternoon at Delbarton. The Green Wave lost 52-14 to St. Anthony of NY. That's the kind of score by which Delbarton wins games. They surrendered just 160 points all last year, so they will not be in a very hospitable mood when the Bulldogs come calling. Tough way for the Bulldogs to open the year, but they get it out of the way.

Pompton Lakes will try to go to 2-0 when they travel to Elmwood Park to face the Crusaders. Last week the Cardinals were in an old fashioned bar room brawl with Lodi winning 10-7. The defense looks solid but they will need to generate more offense if they look to make the playoffs again this season. At times the running game looked good as did the passing game, but at other times, the Lodi defense, especially the line, took over the game. Look for the Cardinals to open things up a bit more, stay solid on defense, and come away with a second BPSL victory.