GMC Gridiron–Week Nine–Game Capsules–Friday Night

Brief Look At Week Nine Contests Around The GMC On Friday Night

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ–On Friday night, GMC Gridiron returns to make his picks after going undefeated in week eight. We’re hoping to repeat at least a lot of last week’s success this week, and the schedule is favorable to do so. 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 in action this season. There are 14 games on tap for this week. Nine are on Friday night, five are on Saturday afternoon. Let’s take a look at this week’s outlook for Friday night’s games:

#3 Woodbridge (5-2) at Edison (2-4)–The Barrons are coming off a solid win at home over Monroe (42-10), where it didn’t even play the starters in the second half. Edison’s coaches were at Priscoe Field last week to see Woodbridge in action. The Eagles also played Monroe earlier in the season, and won 12-0. EHS will be playing at home, and with the likes of QB Ken McGotty and Amir Brown, the Eagles should be more competitive. However, Woodbridge still has too many weapons for the school’s all time passer, Kyle Anderson to throw to. The Barrons scored on their first six possessions last week including five TD passes by Anderson.Prediction: Woodbridge wins 35-14.

Point Pleasant Beach (5-1) at #7 Dunellen (6-0)–This game could be one of the few gems of the week with the Garnet Gulls already 2-0 against competition from the GMC including a 20-6 victory over Middlesex two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Dunellen had some difficulties against a Point Beach foe in Keansburg last week (36-28). However, the Destroyers are playing in the friendly confines of Columbia Park, and are also undefeated against the Shore this season. Vinnie Grausso, Jeff Puckett, D.J. Ditter, and Sean Gibney lead a veteran squad that reached the CJ Group I title game last year. Dunellen’s offense will be key here. If it controls the clock like it did against Highland Park two weeks ago, DHS will be tough to beat. Prediction: Dunellen wins 27-20.

Perth Amboy (4-2) at Bishop Ahr (3-4)–This game will be the big matchup in the GMC this week. Once again, the Trojans have their backs against the wall, but are at home, and have momentum heading into this contest. Amboy, led by QB Faustino Saucedo leads an explosive offense along with Rashad Adams and Ray Arce. Both squads played North Brunswick with Ahr winning on the road over the Raiders while Amboy lost to NBTHS at home. Each contest was quite exciting and par for the course in a division that has been much more competitive this year. The Panthers could use a win here to try to qualify for the North Jersey Section 2 Group IV tourney, which will be a tough bracket. BGA is trying to qualify for the Non-Public state playoffs. Prediction: Bishop Ahr wins 24-20.

#1 South Brunswick (6-0) at J.P. Stevens (2-4)–It is tailgate night at J.P. Stevens, and that might be the only good thing going for Hawks fans tonight. South Brunswick continues to roll after a 45-14 victory over Old Bridge last week, and it doesn’t look like it will stop here. The Vikes may be looking at a Central Jersey Group IV playoff showdown with Sayreville, which has been playing much better than the first time the Vikes and Bombers met on opening night. SBHS is too talented, athletic, and quick with the likes of Jevon Tyree, T.J. Taylor, Darrell Harper, and Dion Hooper. Prediction: South Brunswick wins 42-7.

#2 Sayreville (6-1) at Old Bridge (2-4)–Slowly, but surely, and most importantly, very quietly, the Bombers are positioning themselves for not only next week’s regular season finale against traditional division rival Piscataway, but also for a CJ Group IV playoff push that may end up with a rematch against South Brunswick. Delon Stephenson, Alex Yanuzzelli, Isaiah Cureton, Ismail Herring, and QB Mike Carey are playing much better than when we first saw them on opening night. Old Bridge is looking to spark the upset with Vince Gargano and Aaron Ford, but the home cooking won’t be enough. Prediction: Sayreville wins 42-7.

#4 Piscataway (4-2) at East Brunswick (0-6)–After losing in back to back weeks to South Brunswick and Woodbridge, the Chiefs have not only won three straight, but also have won them all handily by a combined margin of 115-7. With talent led by QB Nadir Barnwell, RB Tevin Shaw, and WRs Tajae Sharpe and Kyle LaPorte, the Chiefs will be tough to stop. East Brunswick is playing at home, and is led by QB Mike Cia. As with J.P. Stevens and Old Bridge, the home cooking will be enough to stop P-Way. Predicition: Piscataway wins 35-0.

South Plainfield (2-4) at #5 Carteret (7-0)–The Tigers showed some promise earlier in the season with two wins in its first four games including a surprise win over pre-season division favorite Bishop Ahr. However, a disappointing loss on the road at Kennedy (41-14) followed by a blowout loss at home to Colonia and Greg Jones, has put SPHS back into familiar territory. It won’t get any easier for SPHS this week. A trip to The Pit to face the fifth ranked Carteret Ramblers. Jerod Johnson leads a solid ground attack, and Tyler Rodriguez can throw the football if necessary. Dan Valles and Kevin Van Dyke anchor a tough defense. Prediction: Carteret wins 39-12.

#6 Colonia (5-1) at New Brunswick (0-7)–The Patriots continue to be one of the pleasant surprises in the GMC this season. After losing its opener on the road at Carteret, the Patriots have won five straight including three shutouts, and victories over two ranked squads as well as a pre-season division favorite. Greg Jones, who is also not a bad basketball player, scored seven touchdowns in the victory at South Plainfield last week. Trent Barneys leads the offense at QB. Christian Thomas and C.J. Cimilluca are also contributors for the Pats. New Brunswick is still searching for its first win of the season. Prediction: Colonia wins 49-13.

J.F. Kennedy (2-5) at #9 North Brunswick (3-3)–The Mustangs of JFK have had some good moments this year. They led Perth Amboy in the third quarter before losing 20-12. Kennedy took an early lead against Bishop Ahr, and almost went up 14-0 before losing by several scores, and then the Woodbridge Township school pounded South Plainfield at home before defeating New Brunswick. Mike Tenpenny, Nick Hart, and Jay Farley lead the Mustangs while Tim Parsons, La Shawn Boyd, and Devin Clark lead a high powered North Brunswick attack. The Raiders may have some struggles here, but should come out on top at home. Prediction: North Brunswicck wins 31-14.

GMC Hoops will be posting the preview of Friday night’s game later on.