SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ–The big week of action continues in the second week of the 2010 GMC Gridiron season. Action begins this afternoon around the GMC. There are only three games on tap on Friday afternoon and evening. Two of them involve teams in the new GMC Blue Division while the other involve teams from the old GMC Blue. So, let’s take a look at the matchups on Friday.
Here is a brief breakdown of the Friday matchups:
Metuchen (0-1) at Dunellen (0-0)–The Bulldogs opened the season again with a lopsided loss to Keyport/Henry Hudson. Dunellen got a bye. Last season, MHS had the same thing happen to them, but Middlesex had a bye. The Bulldogs edged the Blue Jays at MHS in a Friday afternoon matinee. This time, Metuchen is on the road at Dunellen. The Destroyers have key players back this season including Rontik Sadler, Jeff Puckett, Vinnie Grausso. Metuchen lost QB Steve Deinzer among others while basketball standout, Elijah Sellers didn’t come out to focus more on hoops. The Destroyers should win at home, but if last night’s game between Highland Park and South River is any indication of how the GMC Blue will be this year, this game will be a nailbiter. Prediction: Dunellen wins, 21-20..
Spotswood (0-1) at Middlesex (1-0)–Both of these teams played at Middlesex last year with the Blue Jays knocking the Chargers from the ranks of the unbeaten. This time, the two square off after Spotswood lost to South River in its opener (18-7) and Middlesex won its opener over Mater Dei (14-7). The jays have a new head coach, and a new offensive system while the Chargers are without Shawn Weeks, who decided to put more attention into baseball. A win here for Middlesex or Spotswood, would be a huge boost. The Chargers don’t want to start the season at 0-2 while the Jays would be a surprising 2-0. Middlesex plays tough at home, and that should give them a slight edge. Prediction: Middlesex wins, 16-13.
South Plainfield (0-1) at Bishop Ahr (0-1)–The Tigers and Trojans renew their neighborhood rivalry despite moving up divisions. The Trojans are coming off a sound beating at the hands of Neptune (62-0) from the Shore Conference while the Tigers fell to another Shore foe in Manchester Township (14-13). BGA lost quite a bit to graduation last year including running back Steve Dumchus, quarterback Robbie Meade, and lineman Brandon Vitabile. Ahr did get a break when Dillon Salva transferred in from North Brunswick, and he will run the spread offense. Kenny Virden will also help at wideout. The Tigers are led by running back Troy McNair along with Anthony Torchia, receiver Jeff Praul, and quarterback Brendan Wilson. SPHS will make this a tough affair for the rebuilding Trojans, but Ahr should win at home. Prediction: Bishop Ahr wins 21-12.
Thursday’s record 6-1
Last week’s record 16-1
Last year’s record 102-32