SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ–On Saturday and Sunday, three schools from the Greater Middlesex Conference will be attempting to win sectional championships. On Saturday night, GMC Hoops will try to slug it out against the elements to take in the game between Sayreville and Brick Memorial in the 2008 Central Jersey Group IV State Championship at Rutgers Stadium. Metuchen and Piscataway will also be facing off against tough opponents for state titles on Saturday morning, and Sunday evening respectively.
Here is a brief breakdown of the Championship Weekend matchups:
Metuchen (8-3) vs. Asbury Park (10-1) at Rutgers Stadium–Like South Plainfield did last year, the 2008 Metuchen Bulldogs became the Cinderella story of the season with their late season push into the playoffs, and two huge wins on the road over higher seeded opponents. The most recent victory, a 40-27 win over previously undefeated Bound Brook was impressive. Not just the offense, but the defense’s goal line stand in the second quarter proved to be pivotal. Phil Lewis is quite a receiver with big time catches while Ray Doherty is difficult to stop on the ground. Steve Denzier will try to not only efficiently and effectively run the offense, but also do his best to fire up the raucous Metuchen faithful. Bulldogs will have to keep the Bishops off the field, and protect the football. I’m a homer again this week. Can’t bet against MHS.Prediction: Metuchen wins 23-21..
Brick Memorial (8-3) vs. Sayreville (9-2) at Rutgers Stadium–This is a rematch of sorts last year’s opening round playoff matchup, where the Bombers won by a final score of 34-15 over Brick Township. However, Brick Memorial has played well especially against GMC competition by outscoring both North and South Brunswick by a combined total of 24-14 in two games. Sayreville is coming off a tremendous 40-7 win over second seeded West Winsdor-Plainsboro South, which defeated the Bombers in the state tourney last year. Although the Bombers have experienced some tough losses this season to South Brunswick (13-10) and Bishop Ahr (13-0), a win here will go a long way to forgetting all of that, and removing the disappointment of not winning the GMC Red outright.Prediction: Sayreville wins 17-13.
Hunterdon Central (9-2) vs. Piscataway (10-1) at Rutgers Stadium–A rematch of last year’s 23-13 upset by the Devils. The Chiefs have been on a roll since losing to Sayreville including a 52-0 defeat of Carteret, 38-0 defeat of Plainfield, a 27-3 win over Union, and a 43-21 rout of Franklin on Thanksgiving. The Chiefs are clicking on all pistons at the right time, but don’t underestimate Hunterdon Central, which has Piscataway’s number in these matchups. The Devils also handed third seeded Ridge a decisive loss in the semifiinals. For the Chiefs to win, they need to limit the penalties. In the victory earlier in the year over South Brunswick, many of the Chiefs big plays were wiped out due to the presence of a yellow flag.Prediction: Piscataway wins 22-21..
Record to date (14-9)