SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ–It’s week eight of the GMC football season, and GMC Gridiron is looking to follow up on another strong showing last week. So, with time a wasting, here are some quick picks for Week #8. GMC Gridiron hopes to have more detailed outlooks on games next week. Unfortunately, I’ve been doing things by the seat of my pants this year, and recently I’ve been focused on the huge storm that is expected to affect the area early next week.
GMC Gridiron–Week Eight–Quick Picks
- Carteret at Colonia–This is the place to be if you are a GMC football fan on this Friday night unless you are a Sayreville or South Brunswick fan. Both the Ramblers and Colonia enter this game undefeated and ranked in the GMC Gridiron Top Five. The Patriots are playing under the lights for the first time ever this season, and are looking for their first undefeated season in school history while Carteret is looking for its first undefeated season since 1992 when Dennis Burney roamed the halls of CHS. The Ramblers rolled past Ahr last week, and are averaging nearly 40 points per game. Colonia’s defense will slow them down a bit, but not enough to win. Prediction: –Carteret wins 24-14.
- Sayreville at South Brunswick–The last time that these two teams met on the Vikings field during the regular season, SBHS came away with a monumental upset. Last year, the Bombers defeated the Vikings in the CJ Group IV semifinals to avenge a loss on opening night in Sayreville. The Vikings use the option, but also have solid threats on the outside with T.J. Taylor and a solid passer in T.J. Perkowski. The Bombers counter with a disciplined running game anchored by QB Isaiah Cureton, and the three headed monster of Zeke Perkinson, Deon Miller, and Myles Hartsfield. This game should be a dandy, but Sayreville is disciplined enough on offense, and solid enough on defense to win this one on the road. Prediction: –Sayreville wins 21-10.
- Woodbridge at Bishop Ahr–This was originally the GMC Gridiron Game of the Week, but due to the significance of the showdown between Carteret and Colonia, there was a change of plans. Nevertheless, this should be an interesting contest. The Barrons got off to a solid start with three wins in its first four games, but came down to earth with losses to Colonia and Carteret before rebounding last week against neighborhood rival, Kennedy. Bishop Ahr comes in with the same record as Woodbridge after losing to Carteret last week. Both teams have talent, but Woodbridge has more experienced players with Duquan Bailey and Mika Graham on offense.Prediction: –Woodbridge wins 20-17.
- J.P. Stevens at Monroe–The Falcons and Hawks have both played Piscataway with the Hawks soundly beaten by the Chiefs while the Falcons played P-Way quite well in a 15-0 loss last week. Monroe also soundly beat an East Brunswick team that upset Stevens last week at JPS. The Purple Birds are playing at home, and still have a chance for its first winning season since joining the GMC Red. Prediction: –Monroe wins 27-13.
- Edison at East Brunswick–The Bears will be riding the momentum of its second road win of the season into this matchup while Edison is licking its wounds a bit since losing 53-28 at home last week to Old Bridge. The Eagles still are playing much better though with a win over a Monroe team that defeated EB on the road earlier this season. EHS should prevail here.Prediction: –Edison wins 24-21.
- North Brunswick at Piscataway–The Chiefs offense has slowed up some with only three scores in the past two weeks. Both of these teams have played Sayreville and Old Bridge with P-Way losing both games by narrow margins while NBTHS was outmatched by both the Knights and Bombers. Piscataway is also playing at home. Chiefs should win easily here. Prediction:Â Piscataway wins 35-13.
- South Plainfield at J.F. Kennedy–The Tigers are coming off a solid win last week over a St. Joseph’s team that had been playing well. SPHS has also played tough in losses to Carteret, Woodbridge, Colonia, and Bishop Ahr. The Mustangs have been much improved with the addition of St. Anthony’s transfer Anthony Roberts. Should be a good game under the lights at JFK. Tigers get a slight edge. Â Prediction:Â South Plainfield wins, 21-17.
- Cardinal McCarrick at Highland Park–The Owls are still yet to win their first game after losing to Point Pleasant Beach last week at home. Despite its struggles, Highland Park is still capable of making the big play with Nadre Hepburn, Quatay Nesmith, and David Webb. McCarrick has Jahmal Pryce at QB, who can make plays from anywhere on the field while Armand Arnaldy is a tough back and Tavian Chukwuani can make a big play at wideout. The Owls are at home and should break into the win column. Prediction: Highland Park wins, 27-23.
- New Brunswick at St. Joseph’s–The Zebras are coming off their first win in almost three years when it defeated Perth Amboy at home last week. St. Joe’s suffered a tough loss on the road at South Plainfield, and will not be in any mood to congratulate NBHS on its first win. The Falcons are also at home. Prediction: St. Joseph’s wins 28-6.
- Spotswood at South River–The Rams got back on the winning track last Saturday with a blowout win at McCarrick while the Chargers lost a heartbreaking game at home to Dunellen. The Rams defeated Metuchen at home earlier this year while Spotswood lost to the Bulldogs on the road. Both South River and Spotswood have potent offense capable of putting up big numbers. The Rams also lost a tough one at home to Dunellen a few weeks ago, but are playing at home, and should have an edge over the Chargers. Good neighborhood rivalry game though. Predicition: South River wins 28-26.
- Metuchen at Mater Dei–The Bulldogs have a chance at a winning season with wins in their last two regular season games and the consolation. Mater Dei can put points on the board as they proved against McCarrick in week two, but they can also give up a lot of points as well. Metuchen is more stout on defense with Dorian Miller, the younger brother of basketball and football standout, Dejuan Miller. Bulldogs should win easily here. Predicition: Metuchen wins 35-17.
- Middlesex at Asbury Park–The Blue Jays appeared to be one of the favorites in the GMC Blue this year, but they have not lived up to expectations. Middlesex also lost to a Metuchen team that was soundly defeated by Asbury Park despite numerous turnovers by the Blue Bishops. Asbury Park is also playing at home, and one of the more dominant teams in the Shore and CJ Group I. Predicition: Asbury Park wins 38-13.
- Perth Amboy at Marlboro–The Panthers are still winless after falling to a New Brunswick team last week that hadn’t won a game in almost three seasons. Amboy has won two straight years over the Mustangs, but this is a much different Panthers team. Marlboro is also playing at home. Prediction: Marlboro wins 21-9.