Week 3 picks

Week three offers some interesting games, so I will take out the old dartboard once again and try to improve upon my 8-2 record. The weather could make a shambles out of the schedule, but let’s hope not too badly.

Lakeland is playing extremely well on both sides of the ball. They are 2-0, scoring almost 30 points a game, more than enough for their defense to hold. Still, with Delbarton on tap next week, the Lancers need to make sure that this is not a trap game for them against a Butler team that lost to the Green Wave last week. With their pride hurting, the Bulldogs will do all they can to show everyone that they are an improved team, but even then, and on a sloppy track, I think Lakeland wins this game.

Kinnelon beat Pingry in their opener but Kevin White was not pleased with his team’s effort offensively. Again, rain will not help, but they should be able to hold off MKA. Look for QB Brian DeVeau to have another big game while the Colt defense should be able to control the Cougars who have scored just one touchdown in two games while surrendering 86 points.

West Milford has their third straight tough game to open the season this time, its Newark West Side, the defending North 2 Group 3 champions. The Highlanders could have easily won last week against Wayne Valley and should be 2-0, but the Roughriders are an explosive and dangerous team. The weather could help slow down both teams, so if all things are equal, Newark has a slight edge. For the record, I have been wrong in choosing both West Milford games so before any complaints are hurled my way I thought I’d mention that.

Pequannock led for most of last week’s game before Caldwell came back with a 1-point victory. Coming back as they did after the Montville loss shows at least to me that this team has something going for it. Unfortunately, they have to go the Delbarton this week and they just don’t match up very well. They will play as hard and as tough as the Green Wave, but winning this game will be tough. Then again, someone probably said the same thing about Oregon State when they were to face USC last night.

Pompton Lakes has the look of a team that wants to make some noise. After two tough league wins on the road, the Cardinals get to play at home and should be to be unpleasant hosts to Waldwick that lost to Lodi last week 26-0. The Cardinals are playing typical Pompton Lakes football, a lot of heart, maximum effort, and with a chip on their shoulder. No team uses that “Us against the world” mentality better than Pompton Lakes. They are not going to lose their home opener.