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.