The NJAC still has seven teams alive and well in the state playoffs. The competition within the conferences, in combination with the progressive cross conference play and aggressive open date scheduling appear to be paying dividends. The road to a championship will end this week for some. The rest will move on and get the opportunity of a lifetime, the chance to play in a "BIG HOUSE". Giants Stadium and Kean University appear to be much, much bigger when you are standing on the field. The sights are larger and much farther away. The sounds are louder and the colors are brighter. The coaches are saying the same things they told you when you were a bag holding sophomore, but now, suddenly, all these words mean so much more. The players will warm up better than they ever have before. Each step will have new meaning. The players will question their footwork, the turf conditions and the tightness of a spiral. Paralysis might begin to set in for a few. Nonetheless, the cream will still rise to the top in each bracket. Breathe it all in deep young men. Enjoy your chance, enjoy your friends, stop and take some pictures with the family, create a memory that will last a life time. Play loose and fast. Play like there is no tomorrow. Finally, win or lose, walk away with your head held high knowing you did the best you could do. No regrets!

This week we have added a special category feature to the rankings described as State Rank Average. We have taken the state ranks from three different scouting services and averaged them. Each rating service has their own "quirks" that result in variations of 10 to 30 state positioning / power ranking slots. As you can see, the NJAC has three teams ranked in the top 20 teams in the state as ranked by these services. Not bad for a first year conference.

The entire NJAC Football staff wishes all participants health and good luck this weekend.

Featured 5

#1 - Sparta - Record: 9W - 1L
NJAC Power Points: 301.6
Playoff Power Points: 129
State Rank Average: 12
State Playoff Hunt: #4 - N1-G3
Best Wins: Roxbury, Lakeland - state playoffs
Next Key Game: Wayne Hills - 11/20/09
Fun Facts: Spartans were convincing in win over Lakeland. Next up State Rank average #15 Wayne Hills

#2 - Pope John - Record: 9W - 1L
NJAC Power Points: 342.7
Playoff Power Points: 166
State Playoff Hunt: #1 - NP-3
State Rank Average: 13
Best Wins: Sparta, Delbarton - state playoffs
Next Key Game: Immaculata - 11/21/09
Fun Facts: Pope John avenged their only loss last week with a win over Delbarton. Next up State Rank average #22 Immaculata

#3 - Roxbury - Record: 9W - 1L
NJAC Power Points: 314.2
Playoff Power Points: 148
State Playoff Hunt: #1 - N1-G4
State Rank Average: 17
Best Wins: West Morris, North Bergen- state playoffs
Next Key Game: Fairlawn 11/20/09
Fun Facts: Gaels have the clearest path to a title. Took care of business last week against North Bergen.

#4 - Mountain Lakes- Record: 10W - 0L - UNDEFEATED REGULAR SEASON!!!!!
NJAC Power Points: 278.7
Playoff Power Points: 152
State Playoff Hunt: #1 - N1-G1
State Rank Average: 52
Best Wins: Butler, Wallington - state playoffs
Next Key Game: Bogota 11/21/09
Fun Facts: Improved their NJAC leading scoring average last week with win over Wallington. Will need a big defensive effort against Bogota.

#5 - West Morris - Record: 8W - 2L
NJAC Power Points: 261.5
Playoff Power Points: 109
State Playoff Hunt: #3 - N2-G3
State Rank Average: 27
Best Wins: Delbarton, Morristown state playoffs
Next Key Game: Nutley 11/21/09
Fun Facts: The offense looked healthy hanging 50 on Morristown last weekend.
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Almost There

#6- Butler - Record: 9W - 1L
NJAC Power Points: 223.8
Playoff Power Points: 119
State Playoff Hunt: #3 - N1-G1
State Rank Average: 85
Best Wins: Pequannock, Emerson - state playoffs
Next Key Game: Hasbrouck Heights 11/20/09
Fun Facts: Bulldogs high flying offense might need to fly higher in this weeks match up with equally offensively minded Aviators.


#7- Delbarton - Record: 6W - 4L
NJAC Power Points: 232.9
Playoff Power Points: 98
State Playoff Hunt; Out
State Rank Average: 33
Best Win: Pope John
Next Key Game: Season Complete
Fun Facts: A talented team that got bitten by the injury bug at the wrong time. Might be the best team in the state with 4 losses.

#8 - Madison - Record: 7W - 2L
NJAC Power Points: 210.3
Playoff Power Points: 114
State Playoff Hunt: #4 N2-G2
State Rank Average: 107
Best Wins: Kittatiny, Gov. Livingston - state playoffs
Next Key Game: Summit 11/21/09
Fun Facts: The Dodgers are playing a meaningful game this weekend. Second round of state play puts you in the NJAC Top 10.

#9 - Lenape Valley - Record: 9W - 1L - UNDEFEATED REGULAR SEASON!!!!!
NJAC Power Points: 259.7
Playoff Power Points: 149
State Playoff Hunt: Out
State Average Rank: 93
Best Win: Somerville
Next Key Game: Season Complete
Fun Facts: Another fine season complete. Nice work Patriots!

#10 - Parsippany Hills - Record: 6W - 4L
NJAC Power Points: 210.4
Playoff Power Points: 80
State Playoff Hunt: Did Not Qualify
State Rank Average: 56
Best Win: Morristown
Next Key Game: Season Complete
Fun Facts: Vikings first appearance in NJAC Top 10. Scored 75 points while giving up only 14 in final two games.

Others Considered

Pequannock, Chatham, Kittatiny, Morris Catholic, Hopatcong, High Point, Jefferson, Montville, Morristown