Week 8 for most teams which means the cutoff for the playoffs. Lakeland, Pompton Lakes, Kinnelon, and West Milford are all still alive in the hunt to varying degrees. Their games this week can determine where they will be seeded as well, so here goes. Can’t believe the season is in its final weeks.
Lakeland plays DePaul Friday night in Wanaque. Last week the Spartans were demolished by Delbarton by 30 points, a team which the Lancers beat. Not that that means a whole lot, but the fact is Lakeland is playing so well on both sides of the ball, they have the strength and the speed to take away what DePaul does best. The Lancers currently are in third place with 47 points. A win here will give them at least 12 more and should be enough to keep them in that spot. Should they win and West Orange knock off Wayne Valley, the Lancers could vault into second place; a good spot to be because then you would not have to face 4-time reigning champion and presumed top seed Wayne Hills until the final. A loss, and wins by Pascack Valley, Sparta, and Fair Lawn could drop them to seventh place, so this game is huge. The pick is Lakeland.
West Milford versus Millburn should be a relatively easy win for the Highlanders, but last week’s loss to West Orange has put them in peril. Yes, with 37 points they are currently in seventh place but Ramapo has thirty and plays Demarest and Northern Highlands, two imminently winnable games that would allow them to pass. Paramus also has 30 points and two games, one easier than the other game. Should they win both however, including over Bloomfield, a Group 4 team that may have five wins, they too can shoot past West Milford. The Highlanders take this one then sit back and hope that the Rubik’s cube of playoff permutations falls in their favor.
Pompton Lakes has earned their spot so their game against Glen Rock is for seeding. A win and the Cardinals could be the third seed in all likelihood unless Westwood or Hasbrouck Heights stumbles which could move them up. Mountain Lakes has many points still on the board for the taking as they face Glen Ridge and Cedar Grove. If they sweep those, Pompton would be the fourth seed. A loss and Pompton could drop behind Park Ridge as well into sixth place. The Panthers will be the toughest game for them this side of Paterson Catholic but in 2005, they got past Glen Rock en route to the title. That was a playoff game; this one will only seem like one. It’s at Glen Rock but I have a hunch that when pressed, the team will respond with what some will consider an upset.
Kinnelon plays Newark Academy and they will get the win. Then they face Boonton and will need to win that game in order to qualify. There are so many combinations but suffice to say, if the Colts win both games they will earn around 7 more points, giving them 27. Emerson with 19 points can get as many as 11 power points if they win over winless Ridgefield and Pascack Hills, 3-4. Both are Group 2 schools. If that happens, the Colts, currently in eighth place, could be 7-1 and miss the playoffs. That would be an unpleasant way to end the season and sort of spells out some of the flaws in the power point system. Kinnelon will win, but they need help, especially from Pascack Hills on November 7.
Butler and Pequannock face off and the only good thing to say about this game is that one of these teams will win the first game. Two proud but struggling programs will each be out there giving it their all trying to avoid remaining winless. I’ve seen both teams and this will be an evenly matched contest but Pequannock should find a way to win. Sorry Bulldogs but you still have Montville and Caldwell after this one so perhaps you can get the win out of one of those.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Week 7 picks
Week seven and to borrow a phrase from the sport of kings, down the stretch they come. With the cutoff for playoff spots nearing, teams need to add precious power points in order to solidify their seeding.
Pequannock’s best chance for a win was last week against Madison and they fell, 24-0. This week Orange comes to play and they just lost to Lakeland 10-0. There could be many reasons for that, we’ll get into that in the Lakeland pick, but the thing the Tornadoes do have is speed. The Panthers will have to contend with that as well as the mounting pressure that comes with each loss. The questions as to when they are going to win can now be replaced by if they are going to win. I have been supporting them all season, and I still want to be there when they win. I just don’t think it’s this week, so the pick is Orange.
Butler travels to Madison to take on the Dodgers. After losses to DePaul and New Providence, the competition is more to their liking, but the Bulldogs, on the road, will probably not get this one. That means Halloween night, Butler and Pequannock will square off for what will be each team’s biggest game of the season.
Kinnelon has their biggest game of the year on Saturday at Verona. The Colts are unbeaten but in the playoff race, have 18 power points, putting them in seventh place. Problem is there are three teams with 17 points and with games against Newark Academy and Boonton, Group 1 schools with a combined 3-9 record, if they don’t get this one, Kinnelon can expect seven to eight addition points. That may get them in, but would put them at the seventh or eighth seed and that means Hasbrouck Heights or Glen Rock in the first round. This will be a close game but as long as the Hillbillies can’t do what everyone else has yet to do, stop Brian DeVeau, the Colts take this one but barely.
Lakeland plays Caldwell and with DePaul next week, the fear would be the Lancers might be looking ahead. But with the closer than expected score in the win over Orange, coach Tom McCormack has a great coaching point to use this week, that is, do not take anything for granted. Had they blown the Tornadoes out last week I would think of this game as a trap, not that they would lose, but play a bit off their norm. Last week’s game was that let down and I don’t see it happening two weeks in a row; they win this one, big.
Pompton Lakes faces an uncharacteristically struggling Hawthorne team at home on Saturday. The Cardinal defense pitched its third shut out of the year last week against Garfield. The passing game exploded and the running game was solid as well. PL will win this game, raise their record to 6-1 and secure a playoff spot. The next game, they go to Glen Rock where a win would give the Cardinals a top seed, but that’s for next week. This week they beat the Bears and make the playoffs.
West Milford had a tough loss, in OT, to Montville. This week West Orange is the opponent. The Mountaineers lost to PCT last week, a team which the Highlanders beat 14-0. History has been on their side winning four of the last five. A win here will be worth many power points and could vault the Highlanders into second or third place. They are quietly having a pretty good season and I think it continues this week.
Pequannock’s best chance for a win was last week against Madison and they fell, 24-0. This week Orange comes to play and they just lost to Lakeland 10-0. There could be many reasons for that, we’ll get into that in the Lakeland pick, but the thing the Tornadoes do have is speed. The Panthers will have to contend with that as well as the mounting pressure that comes with each loss. The questions as to when they are going to win can now be replaced by if they are going to win. I have been supporting them all season, and I still want to be there when they win. I just don’t think it’s this week, so the pick is Orange.
Butler travels to Madison to take on the Dodgers. After losses to DePaul and New Providence, the competition is more to their liking, but the Bulldogs, on the road, will probably not get this one. That means Halloween night, Butler and Pequannock will square off for what will be each team’s biggest game of the season.
Kinnelon has their biggest game of the year on Saturday at Verona. The Colts are unbeaten but in the playoff race, have 18 power points, putting them in seventh place. Problem is there are three teams with 17 points and with games against Newark Academy and Boonton, Group 1 schools with a combined 3-9 record, if they don’t get this one, Kinnelon can expect seven to eight addition points. That may get them in, but would put them at the seventh or eighth seed and that means Hasbrouck Heights or Glen Rock in the first round. This will be a close game but as long as the Hillbillies can’t do what everyone else has yet to do, stop Brian DeVeau, the Colts take this one but barely.
Lakeland plays Caldwell and with DePaul next week, the fear would be the Lancers might be looking ahead. But with the closer than expected score in the win over Orange, coach Tom McCormack has a great coaching point to use this week, that is, do not take anything for granted. Had they blown the Tornadoes out last week I would think of this game as a trap, not that they would lose, but play a bit off their norm. Last week’s game was that let down and I don’t see it happening two weeks in a row; they win this one, big.
Pompton Lakes faces an uncharacteristically struggling Hawthorne team at home on Saturday. The Cardinal defense pitched its third shut out of the year last week against Garfield. The passing game exploded and the running game was solid as well. PL will win this game, raise their record to 6-1 and secure a playoff spot. The next game, they go to Glen Rock where a win would give the Cardinals a top seed, but that’s for next week. This week they beat the Bears and make the playoffs.
West Milford had a tough loss, in OT, to Montville. This week West Orange is the opponent. The Mountaineers lost to PCT last week, a team which the Highlanders beat 14-0. History has been on their side winning four of the last five. A win here will be worth many power points and could vault the Highlanders into second or third place. They are quietly having a pretty good season and I think it continues this week.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Lakeland Volleyball
The Lancers moved to the semi-finals of the county volleyball tournament with a two-game victory over number nine seed Hawthorne. Lakeland, the top seed will play the winner of Thursday night's match between Clifton and Passaic Valley. That round will be played at Clifton so it won't be easy if the Mustangs perform true to the seedings and get to the next round. The championship game will be played at Lakeland and Head Coach Russ Kniewel and his team would love to play the inhospitable host on 11/1.
The Lancers have won 5 county titles previously but none since 2003. It would be a great achievement for this team to get another title after a couple of down years. They are basically a young team with 3 senior starters and one junior. Kniewel rotates in a bunch of sophomores that have really helped made this a dangerous team. No one can just focus on one of their hitters as anyone can step up at anytime. Still, the tournament is open and any of the teams still alive could take it all.
The Lancers have won 5 county titles previously but none since 2003. It would be a great achievement for this team to get another title after a couple of down years. They are basically a young team with 3 senior starters and one junior. Kniewel rotates in a bunch of sophomores that have really helped made this a dangerous team. No one can just focus on one of their hitters as anyone can step up at anytime. Still, the tournament is open and any of the teams still alive could take it all.
Championship Saturday
This Saturday two County Titles will be up for grabs as Lakeland goes for the championship in girls’ soccer and Pompton Lakes looks to repeat in field hockey. They will face the Waynes, Valley and Hills respectfully, two of the counties bigger sisters. And, to make things a bit more complicated, the games will be played at the site of the lower seeded team. These county tournaments are planned in advance and the site picked will always be the home field of one of the teams, but is it too much to have the games played at the home of the higher ranked seed?
Both fields in Wayne have artificial turf and while Valley doesn’t normally play their games on that particular field, it has more experience on it than do the Lancers. DePaul, which plays on the fake stuff, gave them all they could handle in the semi-final, losing on PK’s, because they were able to neutralize Lakeland’s greatest asset, namely, speed. Having played on it will help but Valley is another quick and talented team that can give the Lancers fits. I think Lakeland wins the game but it will be a tough game. Valley is the defending co-champion and they have been playing up to their reputation. They dominated West Milford Saturday in the other semi-final. Fresh off their upset win over Clifton the Highlanders played hard but could not keep up with the Indians speed.
Pompton Lakes is and has been a field hockey power. Hills has been a good team and a win for them would restore them to a time when they were the dominate force in Passaic County field hockey. Between the two schools, they have won 23 of the 33 county tournaments.
Pompton Lakes plays great defense and has an attacking style of offense. Signature wins against over Northern Highlands and Montclair shows that they can stand up to the powers in both Bergen and Essex counties, now they have the chance to confirm they are the best in Passaic County-again.
Both fields in Wayne have artificial turf and while Valley doesn’t normally play their games on that particular field, it has more experience on it than do the Lancers. DePaul, which plays on the fake stuff, gave them all they could handle in the semi-final, losing on PK’s, because they were able to neutralize Lakeland’s greatest asset, namely, speed. Having played on it will help but Valley is another quick and talented team that can give the Lancers fits. I think Lakeland wins the game but it will be a tough game. Valley is the defending co-champion and they have been playing up to their reputation. They dominated West Milford Saturday in the other semi-final. Fresh off their upset win over Clifton the Highlanders played hard but could not keep up with the Indians speed.
Pompton Lakes is and has been a field hockey power. Hills has been a good team and a win for them would restore them to a time when they were the dominate force in Passaic County field hockey. Between the two schools, they have won 23 of the 33 county tournaments.
Pompton Lakes plays great defense and has an attacking style of offense. Signature wins against over Northern Highlands and Montclair shows that they can stand up to the powers in both Bergen and Essex counties, now they have the chance to confirm they are the best in Passaic County-again.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Busy Saturday
Saturday was one of those days that sports fans truly love. Local high school supporters had their choice of sports and games that they could go watch. In the Suburban Trends coverage area alone there were two Passaic County Girls Soccer Semifinal games, two Passaic County Field Hockey Semifinal games, a Passaic County Boys Soccer Semifinal game, a Morris County Volleyball quarterfinal game and two regular season football games.
Here is a quick look at what happened on a very busy October 18. For a complete recap of the games make sure to pick up the Wednesday, October 22 edition of the Suburban Trends.
Passaic County Field Hockey Tournament
The jinx that Wayne Hills has over West Milford in the semifinals of the Passaic County Field Hockey Tournament continued on Saturday afternoon as the Patriots knocked off the Highlanders 3-1. It is the fourth straight year that Wayne Hills kept the Highlanders from reaching the championship game.
In the second game of the double header Danielle Allan scored early in the first half and late in the second half to lead Pompton Lakes to a 3-0 win over Wayne Valley. The top seeded Cardinals will now play the second seeded Patriots next Saturday in the tournament’s championship game.
Passaic County Girls Soccer Tournament
One week after upsetting the top seeded Lady Mustangs of Clifton the West Milford girls soccer team saw their run in the Passaic County Tournament come to an end on Saturday when they lost to Wayne Valley 2-0. The Indians scored single goals in each half as they dominated play to pick up the win.
The second semifinal game between second seeded Lakeland and third seeded DePaul was a game that no one will forget anytime soon. It was also a game that no one wanted to see come to an end and for a while it didn’t. After 100 minutes of scoreless play and a round of penalty kicks a winner had yet to be determined. Then in the second round of PK’s the Lady Lancers pulled out the victory outscoring the Spartans 3-2 to get the well earned victory.
Passaic County Boys Soccer Tournament
At halftime of their Passaic County semifinal game against top seeded Clifton the fourth seeded Cardinals of Pompton Lakes must have felt that they were on top of the world. Through the teams first 13 games the Cardinals were a perfect 13-0 and had allowed only two goals all season. At the break of Saturday’s game the Cardinals had a 4-0 lead over the Mustangs with just 40 minutes of play keeping them from picking up a monumental upset. The dream came to a sudden end though as Clifton fired in four second half goals, then another one in overtime to pick up the stunning 5-4 victory.
Morris County Girls Volleyball Tournament
The seventh seeded Lady Colts of Kinnelon proved to be no match for the Chatham Cougars. The second seeded team beat Kinnelon 25-11 and 25-18.
Regular Season Football
Saturday afternoon the Kinnelon football team took another step towards securing a playoff berth when they beat Morristown-Beard 26-0. The win helps Kinnelon improve to 5-0 on the season heading into next week’s huge contest with Verona who is 5-1 after yesterday’s 30-0 win over Pingry.
In the last game of the busy afternoon and evening, the Lakeland football team took the field in what promised to be a fast-paced high scoring game with the Orange Tornadoes. By the time the game ended, all the promises had been broken as it was the Lancers defense that stole the show limiting the powerful Orange offense. With the 10-0 win the Lancers improved to 6-0 on the season going into next Saturday’s contest at Caldwell.
Next weekend should be just as busy for the local sports fans (and writers) as the Lakeland girls soccer team and the Pompton Lakes field hockey squads will be battling for county crowns. The Butler, Kinnelon, Lakeland, Pompton Lakes and West Milford football teams will also be in action.
Make sure to come back to the Suburban Trends sports blog and we will keep you informed on what is going on.
Here is a quick look at what happened on a very busy October 18. For a complete recap of the games make sure to pick up the Wednesday, October 22 edition of the Suburban Trends.
Passaic County Field Hockey Tournament
The jinx that Wayne Hills has over West Milford in the semifinals of the Passaic County Field Hockey Tournament continued on Saturday afternoon as the Patriots knocked off the Highlanders 3-1. It is the fourth straight year that Wayne Hills kept the Highlanders from reaching the championship game.
In the second game of the double header Danielle Allan scored early in the first half and late in the second half to lead Pompton Lakes to a 3-0 win over Wayne Valley. The top seeded Cardinals will now play the second seeded Patriots next Saturday in the tournament’s championship game.
Passaic County Girls Soccer Tournament
One week after upsetting the top seeded Lady Mustangs of Clifton the West Milford girls soccer team saw their run in the Passaic County Tournament come to an end on Saturday when they lost to Wayne Valley 2-0. The Indians scored single goals in each half as they dominated play to pick up the win.
The second semifinal game between second seeded Lakeland and third seeded DePaul was a game that no one will forget anytime soon. It was also a game that no one wanted to see come to an end and for a while it didn’t. After 100 minutes of scoreless play and a round of penalty kicks a winner had yet to be determined. Then in the second round of PK’s the Lady Lancers pulled out the victory outscoring the Spartans 3-2 to get the well earned victory.
Passaic County Boys Soccer Tournament
At halftime of their Passaic County semifinal game against top seeded Clifton the fourth seeded Cardinals of Pompton Lakes must have felt that they were on top of the world. Through the teams first 13 games the Cardinals were a perfect 13-0 and had allowed only two goals all season. At the break of Saturday’s game the Cardinals had a 4-0 lead over the Mustangs with just 40 minutes of play keeping them from picking up a monumental upset. The dream came to a sudden end though as Clifton fired in four second half goals, then another one in overtime to pick up the stunning 5-4 victory.
Morris County Girls Volleyball Tournament
The seventh seeded Lady Colts of Kinnelon proved to be no match for the Chatham Cougars. The second seeded team beat Kinnelon 25-11 and 25-18.
Regular Season Football
Saturday afternoon the Kinnelon football team took another step towards securing a playoff berth when they beat Morristown-Beard 26-0. The win helps Kinnelon improve to 5-0 on the season heading into next week’s huge contest with Verona who is 5-1 after yesterday’s 30-0 win over Pingry.
In the last game of the busy afternoon and evening, the Lakeland football team took the field in what promised to be a fast-paced high scoring game with the Orange Tornadoes. By the time the game ended, all the promises had been broken as it was the Lancers defense that stole the show limiting the powerful Orange offense. With the 10-0 win the Lancers improved to 6-0 on the season going into next Saturday’s contest at Caldwell.
Next weekend should be just as busy for the local sports fans (and writers) as the Lakeland girls soccer team and the Pompton Lakes field hockey squads will be battling for county crowns. The Butler, Kinnelon, Lakeland, Pompton Lakes and West Milford football teams will also be in action.
Make sure to come back to the Suburban Trends sports blog and we will keep you informed on what is going on.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Week 6 picks
Week 6 and the record stands now at 20-6 and five-for-five on best bets. This week are some interesting games and I will begin with the most intriguing, Pequannock at Madison.
This is the week that the Panthers put one on the right side of the ledger. They have been playing better against solid competition like Delbarton, Lakeland, and DePaul. Now they get a chance against another struggling team, a squad that if they play the way they did versus DePaul and Lakeland, they should prevail. They deserve this one and I think it will be close, but the Panthers will end their streak.
Pompton Lakes is looking to rebound after their loss to Paterson Catholic. If they took anything from that game, it should be that their defense could stop anyone in their league. They held PC to half their points-per-game average and made key stops when they had to, they also showed opposing teams that they could spread the offense, go no huddle, and move the ball through the air. I don’t think they’ll continue calling the plays at the line, but I’m sure they will mix in some of the wide-open formations they unveiled last week. Look for a big game from Mike Ward running and catching the ball.
West Milford travels to Montville and it will be interesting which team will be waiting for them, the one that ran all over Pequannock on opening night, the team that dropped three straight, or the one that knocked off Passaic Valley 20-13 last week. West Milford is 4-1 and has been doing it with defense. They have recorded two shutouts already this season, one less than they have had in the past four seasons. In fact, you’d have to go back to the 2003 season when they had four shutouts in that playoff season. The offense seems to be getting better but needs to find consistency. Still, they have more than enough to hold off Montville to go 5-1. The danger is if the Highlanders are looking past them to West Orange next week.
Butler has another tough game when they host DePaul Friday night. Following their great performance against Lakeland, they lost a tough game to Orange then were blown out by New Providence. Having seen DePaul against Pequannock I think they will be able to move the ball against them but they will need to stop the high-powered balanced attack that the Spartans throw at you. Butler may keep it close early, but I can see DePaul pulling away in the second half, controlling the clock and tiring out the Bulldog defense.
Kinnelon travels to Morristown Beard and has a chance to go 5-0 for the first time in school history. The Colts are playing very well but because of their schedule, while unbeaten, sit tied for seventh place in the power point standings. They cannot afford to lose one game and while Mo Beard was in the state finals a year ago, remember that the Non-Public Group 1 playoff bracket consisted of three teams. They are 2-3 with their wins coming at the expense of Immaculate Conception of Montclair and Newark Academy. Kinnelon has Verona next week and can’t look ahead too far. At 4-0 with 13 power points, Kinnelon’s remaining games are against Group 1 schools with a combined record of 8-12. They will win this game rather easily.
Lakeland travels to Orange to take on a 2-2 Tornado team. Everything is going right for the Lancers as they are playing well on both sides of the ball. There was no let up following their big win of Delbarton as they beat Pequannock 31-14. This week they face a team that lost to Delbarton and DePaul while barely beating Butler and Madison. They need this win in order to secure power points. Their big game is still 2 weeks away when DePaul comes to Lakeland but until then, they keep their streak going and up the record to 5-0.
This is the week that the Panthers put one on the right side of the ledger. They have been playing better against solid competition like Delbarton, Lakeland, and DePaul. Now they get a chance against another struggling team, a squad that if they play the way they did versus DePaul and Lakeland, they should prevail. They deserve this one and I think it will be close, but the Panthers will end their streak.
Pompton Lakes is looking to rebound after their loss to Paterson Catholic. If they took anything from that game, it should be that their defense could stop anyone in their league. They held PC to half their points-per-game average and made key stops when they had to, they also showed opposing teams that they could spread the offense, go no huddle, and move the ball through the air. I don’t think they’ll continue calling the plays at the line, but I’m sure they will mix in some of the wide-open formations they unveiled last week. Look for a big game from Mike Ward running and catching the ball.
West Milford travels to Montville and it will be interesting which team will be waiting for them, the one that ran all over Pequannock on opening night, the team that dropped three straight, or the one that knocked off Passaic Valley 20-13 last week. West Milford is 4-1 and has been doing it with defense. They have recorded two shutouts already this season, one less than they have had in the past four seasons. In fact, you’d have to go back to the 2003 season when they had four shutouts in that playoff season. The offense seems to be getting better but needs to find consistency. Still, they have more than enough to hold off Montville to go 5-1. The danger is if the Highlanders are looking past them to West Orange next week.
Butler has another tough game when they host DePaul Friday night. Following their great performance against Lakeland, they lost a tough game to Orange then were blown out by New Providence. Having seen DePaul against Pequannock I think they will be able to move the ball against them but they will need to stop the high-powered balanced attack that the Spartans throw at you. Butler may keep it close early, but I can see DePaul pulling away in the second half, controlling the clock and tiring out the Bulldog defense.
Kinnelon travels to Morristown Beard and has a chance to go 5-0 for the first time in school history. The Colts are playing very well but because of their schedule, while unbeaten, sit tied for seventh place in the power point standings. They cannot afford to lose one game and while Mo Beard was in the state finals a year ago, remember that the Non-Public Group 1 playoff bracket consisted of three teams. They are 2-3 with their wins coming at the expense of Immaculate Conception of Montclair and Newark Academy. Kinnelon has Verona next week and can’t look ahead too far. At 4-0 with 13 power points, Kinnelon’s remaining games are against Group 1 schools with a combined record of 8-12. They will win this game rather easily.
Lakeland travels to Orange to take on a 2-2 Tornado team. Everything is going right for the Lancers as they are playing well on both sides of the ball. There was no let up following their big win of Delbarton as they beat Pequannock 31-14. This week they face a team that lost to Delbarton and DePaul while barely beating Butler and Madison. They need this win in order to secure power points. Their big game is still 2 weeks away when DePaul comes to Lakeland but until then, they keep their streak going and up the record to 5-0.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Week 5 Picks
Week 5 and three of the Suburban Trends area teams are still undefeated. I wish I could say the same for my record in making picks, but the key to being successful is to keep trying so I will. Year to date record is 16-5 and 4-0 on best bets compared to the stock market, 76% isn’t that bad.
Kinnelon plays Whippany Park and they should come out with their 4th straight win. Right now, the Colts are playing very well and they have beaten the Wildcats the past four seasons. It’s a big game for them in the sense that last year, they opened 3-0 then went on to lose four of their last seven. Opening with four wins would be a great psychological boost for the team, the program, and the school. Plus with the way Brian DeVeau is playing, very few defenses will be able to control him. I can see this game being wide open, but playing at home should be more than enough for Kinnelon to take it.
West Milford plays Passaic County Tech. Both teams are 3-1 and split the last four games with the Highlanders winning in the even numbered years and PCT in the odd numbered years. Perhaps that has more to do with home field so since the game is being played at West Milford, they are the pick. That along with the fact that the defense has been playing better and the offense exploded last week. This is a big game for the Highlanders to take. PCT is a g Group 4 school with a winning record, which means a possible bushel basket of power points would be added to their total.
Butler goes to play New Providence, a Group 1 powerhouse winning 42 of their last 58 games and have been in the playoffs in six of the last seven seasons. Butler had a tough loss last week to Orange following their give-it-their-all effort in the Lakeland game on Monday. Te Bulldogs are tough and can move the ball, but asking them to go on the road to play a team that they really don’t know is too much to ask. They’ll play hard but New Providence should win this one.
Pompton Lakes gets to show what they have when Paterson Catholic comes to call. Last year the blew the Cardinals out and there is some bad blood between the two teams which stems from the Cougars running trick plays late in the 41-0 contest. After talking to players and Head Coach Scott Mahoney following last week’s win over Saddle Brook, they seem to be pointing towards this game as a means to show how good they truly are. The last time this team was overlooked was 2005 and we all know how that season ended. I also learned never to underestimate what they can do. If the defense can slow down their running game, and the offense avoids mistakes, I think they can pull this one out.
Lakeland, fresh off their first ever win over Delbarton takes on Pequannock. There may be a let down for the Lancers but they should be able to handle the Panthers who have been improving each week. With Madison, Orange, and Butler slated for the following three weeks, they will have a better chance to getting their first win. Lakeland is just too tough and playing at a very high level on both sides. This one, sad to say, is the best bet of the week.
Kinnelon plays Whippany Park and they should come out with their 4th straight win. Right now, the Colts are playing very well and they have beaten the Wildcats the past four seasons. It’s a big game for them in the sense that last year, they opened 3-0 then went on to lose four of their last seven. Opening with four wins would be a great psychological boost for the team, the program, and the school. Plus with the way Brian DeVeau is playing, very few defenses will be able to control him. I can see this game being wide open, but playing at home should be more than enough for Kinnelon to take it.
West Milford plays Passaic County Tech. Both teams are 3-1 and split the last four games with the Highlanders winning in the even numbered years and PCT in the odd numbered years. Perhaps that has more to do with home field so since the game is being played at West Milford, they are the pick. That along with the fact that the defense has been playing better and the offense exploded last week. This is a big game for the Highlanders to take. PCT is a g Group 4 school with a winning record, which means a possible bushel basket of power points would be added to their total.
Butler goes to play New Providence, a Group 1 powerhouse winning 42 of their last 58 games and have been in the playoffs in six of the last seven seasons. Butler had a tough loss last week to Orange following their give-it-their-all effort in the Lakeland game on Monday. Te Bulldogs are tough and can move the ball, but asking them to go on the road to play a team that they really don’t know is too much to ask. They’ll play hard but New Providence should win this one.
Pompton Lakes gets to show what they have when Paterson Catholic comes to call. Last year the blew the Cardinals out and there is some bad blood between the two teams which stems from the Cougars running trick plays late in the 41-0 contest. After talking to players and Head Coach Scott Mahoney following last week’s win over Saddle Brook, they seem to be pointing towards this game as a means to show how good they truly are. The last time this team was overlooked was 2005 and we all know how that season ended. I also learned never to underestimate what they can do. If the defense can slow down their running game, and the offense avoids mistakes, I think they can pull this one out.
Lakeland, fresh off their first ever win over Delbarton takes on Pequannock. There may be a let down for the Lancers but they should be able to handle the Panthers who have been improving each week. With Madison, Orange, and Butler slated for the following three weeks, they will have a better chance to getting their first win. Lakeland is just too tough and playing at a very high level on both sides. This one, sad to say, is the best bet of the week.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Now comes the real test for Pompton Lakes
Pompton Lakes dealt their second straight shut out Saturday afternoon with a 49-0 triumph over Saddle Brook. They scored early and often on the Falcons who this year are not your typical Saddle Brook team. Still Pompton did what they needed to do and for their efforts, they get to play Paterson Catholic next Saturday at home. Not that playing at home matters because last year PC dropped a 41-0 drubbing on them in a game where the Cougars were calling trick plays in the game’s last minute.
Though no one will say it for the record, you know this proud group of Pompton Lakes football players would like to avenge that loss and the way it happened. No one on this current team has ever beaten Paterson Catholic; even in the championship year of 2005, they were the only blemish on their record.
How do you assess their chances? Each team played and beat Lodi; Pompton did it in the season opener 10-7 while PC beat the Rams this Saturday 34-27. From a style of play, the Cardinals are similar to Lodi. Run the ball and go after it on defense, a blue-collar approach that works well against most teams in the BPSL. Problem is Paterson Catholic has outstanding speed in addition to size and strength so it makes for tough match ups. Glen Rock was able to deal PC their first league loss in 50-odd games last month because they were able to match them in the speed department. Can the Cardinals do that? Probably not, their roster has some speed but not up and down the lines of scrimmage. So they will have to figure out a way to use their power and aggressiveness to control the point of attack on both sides of the ball. They will need and expect big games from Tommy Duncan and Alan Ren in the middle of the defensive line while the linebackers need to be ready to step up and make the plays when needed. They also will have to be able to control PC’s passing game that is also capable of producing big plays. On offense they will need to run the ball and control the clock, keeping the Cougar offense on the sideline. They will also need to avoid making mistakes, as PC doesn’t need any help.
One thing going for Pompton Lakes is that PC now knows it can be beaten in a league game; the bubble of invincibility has been burst. Another is the game PC just played against Lodi. The Cardinals were able to stop the Lodi offense, holding them to just seven points whereas they scored 27 in their loss to the Cougars. That could be a coaching mechanism to help instill some confidence into them, though they hardly need it. They want that game, the challenge that comes with it, and are ready to prove that they can play and compete with them. It’s not a back-breaker if they drop the game but if they pull it off it will be a season defining win making a loud statement to all the other contenders for the North 1 Group 1 title.
Though no one will say it for the record, you know this proud group of Pompton Lakes football players would like to avenge that loss and the way it happened. No one on this current team has ever beaten Paterson Catholic; even in the championship year of 2005, they were the only blemish on their record.
How do you assess their chances? Each team played and beat Lodi; Pompton did it in the season opener 10-7 while PC beat the Rams this Saturday 34-27. From a style of play, the Cardinals are similar to Lodi. Run the ball and go after it on defense, a blue-collar approach that works well against most teams in the BPSL. Problem is Paterson Catholic has outstanding speed in addition to size and strength so it makes for tough match ups. Glen Rock was able to deal PC their first league loss in 50-odd games last month because they were able to match them in the speed department. Can the Cardinals do that? Probably not, their roster has some speed but not up and down the lines of scrimmage. So they will have to figure out a way to use their power and aggressiveness to control the point of attack on both sides of the ball. They will need and expect big games from Tommy Duncan and Alan Ren in the middle of the defensive line while the linebackers need to be ready to step up and make the plays when needed. They also will have to be able to control PC’s passing game that is also capable of producing big plays. On offense they will need to run the ball and control the clock, keeping the Cougar offense on the sideline. They will also need to avoid making mistakes, as PC doesn’t need any help.
One thing going for Pompton Lakes is that PC now knows it can be beaten in a league game; the bubble of invincibility has been burst. Another is the game PC just played against Lodi. The Cardinals were able to stop the Lodi offense, holding them to just seven points whereas they scored 27 in their loss to the Cougars. That could be a coaching mechanism to help instill some confidence into them, though they hardly need it. They want that game, the challenge that comes with it, and are ready to prove that they can play and compete with them. It’s not a back-breaker if they drop the game but if they pull it off it will be a season defining win making a loud statement to all the other contenders for the North 1 Group 1 title.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Dominating Delbarton
In two months, a few days after the calendar changes from November to December, 20 high school football teams from around New Jersey will celebrate winning a state title.
Earlier tonight, a few days after the calendar changed from September to October, the Lakeland Lancers celebrated as if they had just won a state title. No the playoffs did not start early this year but on a chilly Saturday night Lakeland knocked off Delbarton 17-9. The win was the first in school history for Lakeland over Delbarton.
Facing one of the top parochial schools in the state the Lancers took every hard hit in stride more then willing to exchange hard hits with the Green Wave.
Not only did the Lancers beat Delbarton today but they were also the team in control for most of the game.
When the Lancers took an early 7-0 lead the Delbarton bench and fans barely seemed to take notice. When the lead expanded to 10-2 and then 17-2 it was very apparent that the Delbarton bench started to tense up.
Instead of the Lancers being in awe of Delbarton it was the Green Wave that was in awe that someone was actually taking their best shot and repeatedly getting right back up.
If a call or play did not go the way of the Lancers no player or coach got to upset, they just readied themselves for the next snap.
And with each snap the Lancers found themselves closer and closer to victory.
Four season’s ago I was on the field at Giants Stadium when the Lancers completed the perfect season by winning a state championship. While the crowd and the setting was a bit smaller tonight even for a reporter on the sideline the impact of the win was just the same.
Earlier tonight, a few days after the calendar changed from September to October, the Lakeland Lancers celebrated as if they had just won a state title. No the playoffs did not start early this year but on a chilly Saturday night Lakeland knocked off Delbarton 17-9. The win was the first in school history for Lakeland over Delbarton.
Facing one of the top parochial schools in the state the Lancers took every hard hit in stride more then willing to exchange hard hits with the Green Wave.
Not only did the Lancers beat Delbarton today but they were also the team in control for most of the game.
When the Lancers took an early 7-0 lead the Delbarton bench and fans barely seemed to take notice. When the lead expanded to 10-2 and then 17-2 it was very apparent that the Delbarton bench started to tense up.
Instead of the Lancers being in awe of Delbarton it was the Green Wave that was in awe that someone was actually taking their best shot and repeatedly getting right back up.
If a call or play did not go the way of the Lancers no player or coach got to upset, they just readied themselves for the next snap.
And with each snap the Lancers found themselves closer and closer to victory.
Four season’s ago I was on the field at Giants Stadium when the Lancers completed the perfect season by winning a state championship. While the crowd and the setting was a bit smaller tonight even for a reporter on the sideline the impact of the win was just the same.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Week 4 picks
Hard to believe, but for most schools, they have reached the midway point of the season. Pompton Lakes, Lakeland, and Kinnelon are unbeaten as they make their push for the postseason. West Milford is 2-1 while Butler and Pequannock are each looking for their first win of the season. My prognosticating efforts continue with these pearls of wisdom.
Just a hunch but after seeing Butler throw the ball on Lakeland Monday afternoon, a team that can play defense, makes me think that Orange could be in for a long night. Plus the Bulldogs played a decent game defensively despite allowing 35 points. They forced turnovers, made key third down stops, and could have won that game. The pick is Butler.
My prediction is that Pequannock will win one and perhaps two games this year but this week will not be one of them. After playing Delbarton, they get to face DePaul who is 3-0 in what seems to be a resurgent season after going 5-5 in 2006. The Panthers play tough and hard and for a brief amount of time actually led Delbarton 7-0. Granted they lost by 40 points but they do not quit. That work ethic will pay off for them, hopefully sooner than later. DePaul will win this game.
West Milford has a score to settle with Passaic Valley who has beaten them the past two seasons. The Highlanders could be 3-0 and they are doing it with defense. Once the offense gets in synch, they can make some noise in the playoff chase. PV’s only win was over winless Madison but they are still a formidable team. I think West Milford takes this one but I have picked their games incorrectly all season.
Kinnelon faces Morris Catholic, a team they have not beaten the past two years. This is a big game for the Colts; they are 2-0 but they have been played against teams with a history of struggling. Morris Catholic was a playoff team last year and while they are 1-2, their losses came against Mountain Lakes and Verona. They need this game, almost as much, if not more than the Colts. Plus they are home; I think they squeak out a close one.
Pompton Lakes, the North 1 Group 1 power points leader after three weeks, goes to Saddle Brook to face a rebuilding program that plays many sophomores. BPSL rivals, these two usually play close games, but the Cardinals are starting to get that feel about them and once they combine confidence with a tough work ethic, anything can happen. The Cardinals win this one decisively.
The weekend’s most interesting game pits unbeaten Lakeland versus Big, Bad Delbarton. Coming off a short week will put extra pressure on the Lancers. They were also playing without two key members of the team in fullback Ray Capo and linebacker Troy Bianchi. If they can get healthy, limit their mistakes, they have a shot. Look for Lakeland to get this statement victory in a close, hard fought contest.
Just a hunch but after seeing Butler throw the ball on Lakeland Monday afternoon, a team that can play defense, makes me think that Orange could be in for a long night. Plus the Bulldogs played a decent game defensively despite allowing 35 points. They forced turnovers, made key third down stops, and could have won that game. The pick is Butler.
My prediction is that Pequannock will win one and perhaps two games this year but this week will not be one of them. After playing Delbarton, they get to face DePaul who is 3-0 in what seems to be a resurgent season after going 5-5 in 2006. The Panthers play tough and hard and for a brief amount of time actually led Delbarton 7-0. Granted they lost by 40 points but they do not quit. That work ethic will pay off for them, hopefully sooner than later. DePaul will win this game.
West Milford has a score to settle with Passaic Valley who has beaten them the past two seasons. The Highlanders could be 3-0 and they are doing it with defense. Once the offense gets in synch, they can make some noise in the playoff chase. PV’s only win was over winless Madison but they are still a formidable team. I think West Milford takes this one but I have picked their games incorrectly all season.
Kinnelon faces Morris Catholic, a team they have not beaten the past two years. This is a big game for the Colts; they are 2-0 but they have been played against teams with a history of struggling. Morris Catholic was a playoff team last year and while they are 1-2, their losses came against Mountain Lakes and Verona. They need this game, almost as much, if not more than the Colts. Plus they are home; I think they squeak out a close one.
Pompton Lakes, the North 1 Group 1 power points leader after three weeks, goes to Saddle Brook to face a rebuilding program that plays many sophomores. BPSL rivals, these two usually play close games, but the Cardinals are starting to get that feel about them and once they combine confidence with a tough work ethic, anything can happen. The Cardinals win this one decisively.
The weekend’s most interesting game pits unbeaten Lakeland versus Big, Bad Delbarton. Coming off a short week will put extra pressure on the Lancers. They were also playing without two key members of the team in fullback Ray Capo and linebacker Troy Bianchi. If they can get healthy, limit their mistakes, they have a shot. Look for Lakeland to get this statement victory in a close, hard fought contest.
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