Brief Look At The Five Week Nine Contests Around The GMC On Saturday
SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ–On Friday night, GMC Gridiron is looking to build off its undefeated week last week with more good picks for week nine. The site is hoping to get things rolling with the other action from the fall leagues this weekend. In the meantime, the site will be heading out to Edison High School to see the Eagles in action against the third ranked Woodbridge Barrons. It will be the second time that the site will be seeing both EHS and WHS. There are 14 games on tap for this week. Nine are on Friday night, and five are on Saturday. Let’s take a look at this week’s outlook for Saturday afternoon’s games:
Middlesex (5-1) at Metuchen (4-3)–This will be the toughest game in the GMC Blue this weekend. The Blue Jays are coming off a bye while Metuchen is coming off a solid win over South River and looking to put themselves in good position to get into the state playoffs. The Bulldogs have a solid ground game behind Dorian Miller, and RB Errol Lindo. Middlesex also has a solid ground game with Al-Tarik Rushing, Sean Gilbert, and Will Roach. Both teams played Highland Park with the Blue Jays shutting down the Owls at home by a score of 6-0. Metuchen fell prey to Nadre Hepburn in a loss to its long time rival. The only blemish on Middlesex’s record this season was a 20-6 loss two weeks ago to Point Pleasant Beach. Prediction: Middlesex wins 20-6.
Highland Park (3-4) at Cardinal McCarrick (1-6)–The Owls are looking to even up their record and qualify for the Central Jersey Group I state playoffs so they have more to play for here. The Eagles are young and lack depth, but continue to fight. Quawi Batchelor and Quatay Niesmith are two potent weapons in Highland Park’s ground game while Tyler Rios, Manny McClain, and others lead a solid defense. HPHS should win easily here. Prediction: Highland Park wins 40-6.
Keyport (2-5) at Spotswood (3-4)–This could be a tough matchup for the Chargers even though they have a solid QB in Dean Vitale along with basketball standout Corey Brown at wideout. The Red Raiders are 0-2 against the GMC so far this year while the Chargers are 1-0 against the Shore this season. Spotswood has had a lot of home cooking this year with the majority of its games at home. Keyport lost handily to both Metuchen and Carteret. The Chargers will have a tough fight on their hands, but should emerge victorious. Prediction: Spotswood wins 24-20.
Asbury Park (6-0) at South River (1-6)–At the beginning of the year, some might have thought that this would have been a CJ Group I playoff preview. However, the Rams have been hit hard by injuries, and not been able to live up to pre-season expectations. Meanwhile, Asbury Park continues to roll toward the playoffs. Both teams played Highland Park earlier this year with the Blue Bishops pounding the Owls in the season opener while the Rams were routed by Highland Park in week two. The Bishops should stay undefeated here. Predicition: Asbury Park wins 34-13.
Montclair Kimberley (6-1) at St. Joseph’s (3-4)–This is one pick where I’m going out on a limb. The Falcons have played some tough opponents this year including Cushing Academy of Massachusetts and Blair Academy. Of those two games, St. Joe’s gave Cushing a tougher fight at home. The Falcons should do the same this week against Montclair-Kimberley. With basketball standouts, Matt Olivo, Matt Greene, and Al Myers leading the way, the Green Birds will be looking to even its record, and perhaps a winning campaign in its inaugural season. Prediction: St. Joseph’s wins 22-21.
GMC Hoops will be posting the preview of Friday night’s game shortly.