SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ–On Friday night, GMC Hoops will be out at LaMonte Field in Bound Brook to take in the Central Jersey Group I semifinal between seventh seeded Metuchen and third seeded Bound Brook. Both teams have connections to each other, and have played each other during the regular season in recent years with Metuchen winning in 2002, 2004, and 2005 while the Brook won in 1999. There are also four other matchups taking place this weekend.
Here is a brief breakdown of all the matchups:
Metuchen (7-3) at Bound Brook (9-0)–This is the featured matchup of the night for GMC Hoops, which is taking in a Metuchen for the first time ever. Bound Brook is looking to make history by reaching the sectional championship game for the first time in 30 years. Last week’s 36-26 victory over Florence was the biggest win at the school since the Crusaders defeated Somerville on Thanskgiving, and went undefeated at 9-0 in 1970. Metuchen pulled off a historic win as they upset second seeded Shore Regional by a low scoring count of just 12-10. Metuchen likes to go to the air with Quarterback Steve Deinzer, but also has two talented backs in Pete Strom and Ray Doherty. Bound Brook counters with former Somerville QB, Ryan Carty Jr. as coach, and the air attack of Quarterback Mike Romanella, and basketball standout and wide receiver, Jordan Hawkins. Metuchen will have to control the ball, and keep the score low like last week.Prediction: Metuchen wins 21-19.
Brick Memorial (7-2) at South Brunswick (8-1)–Much to the disappointment of this web site, Brick Memorial downed North Brunswick (10-7), and spoiled the Thanksgiving Night game preview between the Raiders and Vikings. Nevertheless, the GMC is still alive in this one, and again has home field. This should be a low scoring affair with the Vikings pulling out behind their tandem quarterbacks in Mike Muha and Tim Doehler. Justin McLendon will look for some of that magic from the Sayreville victory in which he caught the game winning touchdown. Brick Memorial counters with solid defense from linebackers Anthony Piezza and Glenn McGinnis.Prediction: South Brunswick wins 13-10.
Union (7-2) at Piscataway (8-1)–Both of these teams have been on a roll with Union winning six straight after starting the season 1-2 while Piscataway has outscored its opponents 191-13 in its past five games including a 52-0 shutout of Carteret two weeks ago, and a 38-0 blanking of Planfield in last week’s opening round of the North Jersey Section 2 Group IV State Tournament. The Chiefs have athleticism and quickness with Malcolm Griggs, Tristian Benjamin, Aaron Hush, Justin Blake, Kyle Polk, and Steve Miller while the Farmers have size, strength, and power with Everett Johnson and Javon Moore. Should be a nice rematch of the North 2 Group IV basketball sectional semifinal in February. Union is coming off two straight wins over Elizabeth including an opening round victory in the playoffs. Prediction: Piscataway wins 21-17.
Middlesex (8-1) at Asbury Park (9-0)–I think Middlesex can pull this one off believe it or not. But then, I’m going much like a homer would this week. In addition, I’m not as good at football as I am at basketball yet (5-4 in games last week). The Blue Jays could very well be 9-0 right now if it wasn’t for mistakes on special teams in the loss to Highland Park on Halloween. Despite that, they almost came back. In addition, Asbury Park only defeated eighth seeded, and .500 team New Egypt by a 14-0 score despite the home field advantage. Middlesex has smart kids that did a great job of adjusting for their second matchup against the Owls last week that resulted in a 16-14 win. The Bishops are defending sectional champions in CJ Group I, and will look for an up tempo high scoring game. Middlesex needs to take care of the football, and keep Asbury Park off the field. Prediction: Middlesex wins 17-16.
Sayreville (8-2) at West Windsor-Plainsboro (10-0)–The Bombers have a chance at redemption this week. Not only a win would avenge last year’s sectional semifinal loss at WWPS, but it would also make recent tough losses on the road at South Brunswick and Bishop Ahr distant memories. On the other hand, the Pirates are looking to go to the air with Quarterback Connor Farrell and wideout Jack Dennehy. The pair linked up for two touchdowns in WWPS opening round win in Central Jersey Group IV. Javon Hodges, LaVone Graham, Mike McLafferty, James DeMild, and Curtis Davison have their work cut out for them, but we believe! Prediction: Sayreville 24-23