SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ–It is that time of year, the holidays are approaching, and Thanksgiving Day is right around the corner. Time for this year’s installment of the GMC Gridiron Turkey Day Picks. On this twelfth week of the 2013 Greater Middlesex Conference football, there will be eight games on Thanksgiving. GMC Gridiron plans to be at The Pit in Carteret to take in the contest between the Ramblers and Perth Amboy, and if the situation allows, we may travel over to North Plainfield to see some of that game against South Plainfield. Below are capsules on the eight Turkey Day games:
Perth Amboy (1-8) @ Carteret (7-3)–The longest Thanksgiving Day rivalry in Middlesex County continues today with Perth Amboy traveling over to The Pit in Carteret to take on the Ramblers. The Panthers are looking to salvage what has been another difficult campaign. Meanwhile, the Ramblers are coming off a 40-0 loss to top seeded Lawrence in the Central Jersey Group III semifinals last weekend. Prior to that, Carteret had won six straight after a 1-2 start. The Ramblers ended a four game losing streak in this rivalry with a 41-0 win at Perth Amboy. The Ramblers, which eventually went on to win the Central Jersey Group II sectional title in 20012, were up 35-0 by halftime. Carteret has improved significantly on offense as the season has progressed with QB Nelson Baez, RB Terrell Merricks, and WR Brandon Gilder. The Ramblers also have a very stout defense.Prediction: Â Carteret wins, 31-6.
South Plainfield (6-3) @ North Plainfield (4-5)–SPHS is looking for its first win in this rivalry since it was renewed in 2002. The Tigers are coming off their best season since 2007, and their second straight playoff berth. North Plainfield, on the other hand, is looking to continue its dominance in this rivalry. The Canucks got off to a slow start in last year’s matchup, but were able to overcome it for the win at Jost Field. NPHS has played a tough schedule that includes the likes of undefeated Summit, and playoff teams such as Cranford, Delaware Valley, and Scotch Plains. The Tigers will need a solid game on both sides of the ball to have a shot at breaking this losing streak. QB Kyle Moroney, RB Roemello Monroe, and WRs John Chillemi, Kyle Dickerson, and Malik Cisson will need to make plays. Expect this game to be a wild one. Prediction: Â North Plainfield wins, 29-28.
Dunellen (5-4) @ Middlesex (2-7)–Since losing to Middlesex on Thanksgiving Day in 2008 (41-14), the Destroyers have won four straight in this rivalry, and are looking to make it five in a row. Dunellen missed out on the state playoffs for the first time since the 2009 season, but still have a chance to end up with a winning season. Middlesex, on the other hand, is looking to salvage a difficult campaign that was riddled with tough close losses. QB David Johnson and RBs Robert Young, Nassan Anderson, and Tim Francisco will be leading the way for Dunellen while Middlesex will be led by QB Brandon Bollin and RB Kayshawn Wilson. Prediction: Â Dunellen wins, 24-20.
Franklin (1-8) @ Piscataway (6-4)–Piscataway has dominated this rivalry recently, and has won 4 of its last 5 after a 2-3 start with the only loss coming to Union in the North Jersey Section 2 Group V semifinals last weekend. The Chiefs will not be playing in a sectional final for the first time in four seasons, and will be using that as motivation to go out on a positive note today. Franklin is looking to salvage a difficult season. P-Way is also at home, where it has yet to lose this season. The Chiefs will be led by QB Justin Strother, freshman RB Elijah Barnwell, bruising fullback Dajan Foat, and WR Ladi Isjola. Prediction: Â Piscataway wins, 35-17.
Old Bridge (6-3) @ East Brunswick (1-8)–Old Bridge has dominated this rivalry since its inception in the mid-1990s. East Brunswick has only won three times, and OB has won in each of the last two seasons. The Knights are also coming off a playoff loss to Hunterdon Central (24-0) in the opening round of the Central Jersey Group V State Tourney. Look for a big game from the OB offense led by QB Nick LaVecchia, RBs Marcus Lominy, Brandon Giles, Isaiah Trawick, and Cameron Hutchins, and WRs David Hopman and Dan Grillo. QB Kevin Hemmings and RB Jon Gerhartz lead EB.Prediction: Â Old Bridge wins, 35-13.
Highland Park (2-7) @ Metuchen (3-6)–For the first time in several years, the second longest running rivalry in Middlesex County will be renewed on Thanksgiving. Highland Park will be traveling to Metuchen as both teams will be looking to end their seasons on a positive note. The Owls have dominated this rivalry, especially in recent years, but are in the midst of rebuilding. Meanwhile, Metuchen is a squad that is much better than their 3-6 record indicates. Looking for the Bulldog offense to be firing on all pistons in this one led by QB James Nicolaisen and RBs Stephen Walsh, Evan Collier, and Andre Corvil. Highland Park will counter with Nasir Boykins and Dylan Boynton.Prediction: Â Metuchen wins, 38-12.
Edison (5-4) @ J.P. Stevens (4-5)–Last year, the Hawks ended the season on a solid note with a win at the Drawl over an Eagles squad that qualified for the state playoffs. This year, the Eagles will be looking to return the favor on Stevens home field after being eliminated in the North Jersey Section 2 Group V playoffs against Piscataway almost two weeks ago. With a win, Edison has a chance to secure a rare winning season while the Hawks could finish at .500 with a victory over EHS. Chewie Chukwuneke and his brother Chris will anchor the Stevens rushing attack while Ryan Schneider will be looking to throw at QB for JPS. Edison is led by QB James Waldron, RB Aqeel Daniels, and a host of WRs that includes Kyle Boyer Tucker, Nick Wales, Joe Kim, and Donnell Wright.Prediction: Â Edison wins, 28-27.
North Brunswick (1-8) @ South Brunswick (6-4)–South Brunswick has a bit of a sour taste in its mouth after a 42-7 loss last week at home vs. Hunterdon Central in the semifinals of the Central Jersey Group V state playoffs. So, this may not be a good time for North Brunswick to come a knocking on this Turkey Day. The Raiders are coming off a win over Freehold Township in a Group V consolation nearly two weeks ago. So, NBTHS has some momentum. However, the Vikings have too much firepower that includes the likes of QB Amir Johnson, RBs Dontate Strickland and Dahrae Ford, and WR Scott Dunleavy.Prediction: Â South Brunswick wins, 41-13.
GMC Gridiron plans to be at The Pit in Carteret to see the Ramblers in action against Perth Amboy in one of the longest running Thanksgiving Day rivalries in New Jersey. Then, if the situation permits, GMC Gridiron will travel over to Krausch Field to see the remainder of the contest between North Plainfield and South Plainfield.