AMERICAN DIVISION

Morris Knolls (3-3) @ Roxbury (6-0)
Will Harrigan: Roxbury can win a piece of the first NJAC American Division title with a win over Knolls in this one. Roxbury’s offense hasn't been great the last two weeks but the defense is downright nasty. I can see Cody Greenhagen's Eagles making it interesting. But, Rob Wallace's swarming defense is so good I am about to do something unprecedented to NJAC Sports Center. You guessed it, I am calling the SHUTOUT!!! Let's Go Gaels! Pick: Roxbury 20-0
George Muha: This is a funny season for the Golden Eagles where they are just hanging onto post season hopes by the skin of their teeth. They are 3-3 right now and still have a fighting chance of getting into the playoffs. The problem is, this week they face the mighty 6-0 Gaels of Roxbury and next week they face a very good Morristown team. But if Justin Masino keeps picking off balls the way he does and speedster Martin Henes keeps doing his thang, Knolls could get enough Power Points with one win in the next two weeks. However, I don’t see their win coming this week. The Gaels are turning me into a believer. The sure sign of a State contender is when you start noticing a lot of different players making an impact. This past week it was Chris Biank who busted out for 181 yards and two TD’s. He also had a bone crushing 4th down tackle to turn the ball over for Morristown. PICK: Roxbury by 17 and you can take that to the Biank!

Vernon (0-6) @ Mt. Olive (0-6)
Will Harrigan: I like Mount Olive's speed to be the decisive factor in this game. Tommy Portesy should do a good enough job to get the Marauders by Jackie Jernick's Vikings. However, Look for Soltes to play well at QB for Vernon. Pick: Mount Olive 20-19
George Muha: Vernon quarterback Matt Soltes is turning a lot of heads. Despite the poor record, his talent is not going unnoticed. Mt. Olive’s quarterback Tommy Portesy is no slouch himself. Both teams have talent and this week one of them will finally turn that talent into a win for one of them. PICK: Vernon by 3

Delbarton (3-3) @ Morristown (4-2)
Will Harrigan: Two teams that have hit skids meet for the first time in Morristown. I was very impressed with Motown back Jarrett Neely last week against Roxbury. He is a tough, physical runner who is not easy to take down. Delbarton wideout Peter Calvanelli is one of the better receivers I have seen all year long, particularly in the slot. The X-factor in this game is Rafe Shupe, whose play will determine the outcome in a close one on Saturday. Pick: Delbarton 27-20
George Muha: Delbarton’s quarterback EJ Schneider tossed for an amazing 244 yards while runningback Joe Petrucci dashed for 100 yards two scores last week against West Morris Central. The problem for the Green Wave is they lost in that effort. But last week’s loss could also be a problem for Morristown because the Green Wave is that much hungrier for a valuable conference win. But don’t think Motown is about to lie down. The Colonials have been waiting for this game since the conference re-alignment was put into ink. Look for the Colonials to show which football team owns the County Capitol when they face their cross town rival in front of a pack house. PICK: Motown by 6

West Morris (5-1) @ Randolph (1-5)
Will Harrigan: This (believe it or not) was the hardest game for me to pick. I have a crazy hunch that Randolph, a team with a pretty good defense, can possibly pull off the first major upset of 2009 in this game. I know they have Michael Burton, but I really do think West Morris is on upset alert here as the Rams' run defense is especially good. All of Roxbury (myself included) will be behind Kevin Farrell's Rams to pull this one off, and make the showdown in the Valley with Roxbury next weekend much less important. Pick: West Morris 13-10
George Muha: “It's easy to have faith in yourself and have discipline when you're a winner, when you're number one. What you got to have is faith and discipline when you're not a winner.” - Vince Lombardi I think Randolph is living up to this quote. Although they are 1-5, they still have a very effective defense which is really doing a great job. All they need the D to continue to step up this Friday night to stop Caburtson (Caburtson is the robot that is formed when Wolfpack runningbacks Cabarle, Burton and Thompson join forces a la Vultron) and they could win this one and spoil all the fun the Wolfpack is having. However, I am still leaning towards WMC. PICK: Wolfpack by 14

INDEPENDENCE DIVISION

Kinnelon (1-5) @ Butler (6-0)
Dennis Jones: Butler continues to roll despite not playing a single home game this year. Peter Brand was especially effective again last week against Boonton, going 14-27 for 205 yards passing with one touchdown. He also ran for another TD. Kinnelon was able to notch their first win of the season last week but have their hands full trying to contain Bulldog wideout’s Turzilli and Demarchi. My Pick: Butler by 20
George Muha: Overlooking Kinnelon could hurt Butler. They’ll buckle down and focus on Butler football in preparation for what could be a battle of the unbeatens when they travel down to Mt. Lakes. PICK: Butler by 14

Mt. Lakes (6-0) @ Boonton (4-2)
Dennis Jones: After a tough loss to Butler last week, Boonton tries to rebound against another one of the NJAC's elite teams. Good news for Boonton is Dan Drugac rushed 20 times for 144 yards and a touchdown. Andrew Regan is a TD scoring machine for Boonton. But the Bomber's will have to contain a consistent rushing attack led by Kevin Ryan who with 14 TD's shares a tie with Morristown's Kevin Gaskins for most in Morris County. Mt Lakes rarely, if ever, beats themselves and since I am a betting man, I'll take a team like that any day. They remain undefeated this week. My pick: Mt. Lakes by 14
George Muha: If any team could shock the mighty Herd and their two year win streak it’s the Bombers. Andrew Regan and the rest of the Boonton football team are young but full of vinegar. I think Kevin Ryan and the gang will continue their winning ways but not after the Bombers make it interesting. PICK: Herd by 3

Hopatcong (3-3) @ Dover (2-4)
Dennis Jones: Hopatcong is still alive and will need to keep it going for a chance at the postseason. Dover played well last week against division leading Mt Lakes. The score in that one really did not indicate how hard Dover played. With playoff hopes on the line I like Coach White and his Tigers to rally at home. If they don't turn the ball over, they have a shot at a win here. Pablo Rodriguez, Cody Spellman and the big Tiger front get it done this week at home. My Pick Dover by 6
George Muha: The Hopats are proving to be a very solid club. But Mike White’s Tigers have been most comfortable on their home stadium this year. Look for Pablo “P-Rod” Rodriquez and the rest of Tigers of Dover to prove that they want to get their sophomore coach into the post season. PICK: Tigers by 6

Morris Catholic (3-3) @ Mo-Beard (1-5)
Dennis Jones: Calling this the "Mo-Bowl" wouldn't be that original would it? I'm sure somebody thought of that first but in case they didn't.... Welcome to the "Mo-Bowl"! Alright, a bit corny I admit but nevertheless Craig Kimbrough and the Crusaders will roll to victory to keep the Denville school in the hunt. My pick: Morris Catholic by 12
George Muha: Mo-Catholic’s quarterback Mike Rastiello is getting it done in the air, on the ground and through the water. Okay, maybe not through the water but you get the idea. Look for Rastiello to lead his Crusaders in this Battle of the Privates. PICK: Mo-Catholic by 8

Whippany Park (0-6) @ Pequannock (4-2)
Dennis Jones: Pequannock's Joe Ruggiero was a one man wrecking crew last week. The NJAC Player of the Week had 216 yards and three touchdowns against Morris Catholic. With Whippany Park struggling this year, look for Joe Heck and company to rack up another one for the win column. My Pick: Golden Panthers by 17George Muha: Could this be the day that Whippany turns it around? Hey, its football. You never know. But to me, the Golden Panthers have a secret weapon they call Joe, Joe and Joe. Joe Heck, Joe Ruggerio and Joe Diffin are a lethal concoction of speed and power. You mix in a little Ryan & Ryan and forgetaboutit! Ryan Griffen and Ryan “Money” Afflito are just another testament of how talented this team is. PICK: Pequannock by 10

FREEDOM DIVISION

Lenape Valley (6-0) @ Somerville (4-2)
BRIAN KENNEY: Lenape Valley faces its' toughest foe of the season in Somerville. That being said, I don't see anyone stopping the L-Train as LaBell rushes for 3 TD’s and leads them to its' seventh victory in as many games. PICK: L Valley by 10George Muha: Okay Lenape, you are representing the entire NJAC in this one so here’s my pep talk: “We're gonna go inside, we're gonna go outside, inside and outside. We're gonna get 'em on the run boys and once we get 'em on the run we're gonna keep 'em on the run. And then we're gonna go go go go go go and we're not gonna stop til we get across that goalline. This is a team they say is... is good, well I think we're better than them. They can't lick us, so what do you say men?” Lets go Pats! PICK: Pats by 10

Hanover Park (4-2) @ Madison (4-1)
BRIAN KENNEY: This is clearly the “Game of the Week”. Not only are both of these teams having good seasons, but they have not played one another in I don't know how many years. The cross-town Florham Park/Madison rivalry always makes for a good story. Madison proved that it's the real deal in a shutout victory over a good Chatham team last week. Now the Dodgers face the Hornets, who got upset by H-Town last week. The Hornets are swarming mad but it may not be enough to beat Madison, who has won 4 in a row. The Dodgers will continue to roll. Oh, to contradict a point George Muha made last week, people in Madison and Florham Park get their Chinese food at Hunan Wok, (try the General Tso's white meat chicken), the Bean Curd is too fancy. PICK: Madison by 3.
George Muha: This is a very interesting match-up. The Hornets Hogs (their line) has been doing a good job opening holes for Rich Sodeke. However, Madison has a bunch of shifty guys up front that could trip up Hanover Park. I’ll always root for my alma mater but I have to go with the team with the most momentum this week. PICK: Madison by 8

Newton (1-5) @ Chatham (3-3)
BRIAN KENNEY: Chatham played a tough match against Madison last week but came up on the losing end. Although they lost their bragging rights in that rivalry, they will be able to brag in Newton if they ever venture out there. Newton's Winfield and Spencer will combine for over 10 catches and 150 yards, but it won't make much of a difference. PICK: Cougars by 13.George Muha: Newton’s receiving tandem of Brian Winfield and Malik Spencer have the ability to keep the Cougars on their heels. But nothing is stopping the Cougars from getting into the playoffs this year. Two more wins and they are likely in the post season. Look for Kyle “Muscles” McDonough to carry the Cougars down the stretch. PICK: Chatham by 14

Kittatinny (3-3) @ Parsippany (0-6)
BRIAN KENNEY: Kittatinny continues to impress after upsetting Hoboken last week and winning its' last two games. Parsippany limps into this one after last week’s defeat. However, they will put up a fight and it won't be easy for Kitt. PICK: Kitt by 4
George Muha: I really need to get my prediction percentage up. But sometimes you just have to go with your gut. Parsippany is young. But they also have heart. Danny Loboda and Abe Sanchize will bring pride to Redhawks nation with a big upset in front of their home fans. PICK: Parsippany by 3

Wallkill Valley (2-4) @ Hackettstown (2-4)
BRIAN KENNEY: Both these teams are coming off impressive victories and it's going to be a great game. The Ax-Man ran for almost 200 yards last week, and I'd be shocked if H-Town doesn't go to that well early and often. That being said, Wall Valley rushed for well over 300 yards with Cowans, Cook and Sanfilippo and rumor has it they all want to do it again. The weather won't be an issue in this one, as it is going to be smash-mouth football all game long. The difference in this one could be the Valleys' Freddy Krugar Bolio, who had 4 sacks last week. He is going to be doing his best to stop HTown's rushing attack. PICK: HTown by 2
George Muha: No doubt Auxence Wogou is the man in Hackettstown. The Ax-Man sliced is way for an impressive 182 yards last weekend. However, Vinnie Sanfilippo, Kaje Cowans and Kevin Cook each ran for over a hundred last week themselves (and totaled 346 yards). I think this will be a shootout with one team having their playoff hopes dashed. The difference in this game will be Valley’s sack master Freddy Bolio. PICK: Wallkill Valley by 3

NATIONAL DIVISION

Mendham (2-4) @ Morris Hills (3-3)
Rocky Walifer and Sherm Reale: Last weekend, Mendham went into warp One and opened up a huge can of shock and awe against a heretofore-strong Montville club, proving once again that you never can count out Coach Doug "James T." Kirk as long as he's at the helm of the Starship Minutemen. Receiver Brad "The Vulcan" Jones can boldly go where no Minuteman has gone before and quarterback Matt Crimmins, who can compute to the last digit the value of pi, put up some big numbers in beaming up six of 12 passes for 87 yards and one TD, running 16 times for 56 yards and one TD, and intercepting two passes on defense. Furthermore, running back Johnny Kuhn (20 carries, 109 yards last week) possesses a fully-activated phaser bank that can move the ball on earth, while Tyler Purdue, Ryan Harrington, and Brian Cutalo are all tough and tenacious defenders of the Mendham enterprise. Although decimated by injuries to many of their starting seniors, a promising galaxy of Morris Hills' underclassmen like Devin Sullivan, Tyron Riggs, Albert Gambale (who's been amazing all year), Antonio Castro, Mike Sternlicht, Michael Scholtz, Johnny Morrison, and others displayed admirable physical and mental toughness in last weekend's 25-0 loss to a defensively-stingy Pope John machine. Illustrative of the nature of last week's rugged, smash-mouth contest, and a likely preview of what we'll see again this weekend, was a collision that fused our molars and involved matter meeting anti-matter in the form of the Johnnie's stellar, battering-ram of a running-back Kyle "The Wrath" McGrath and Scarlet defensive-back Joe Casale, an equally-rugged customer powered by Gencarelli's mystic pizza. Additionally, the booming punts of kicker Corey Mundt, which were invaluable in making the Johnnies earn their touchdowns the old-fashioned way, should again assist the Scarlets in this clash, as could any precipitation. If the weather is clear, Sherm will have his hands full trying to keep Rocky in a fresh supply of Kleenex so he doesn't drown in his own tears. Although we fondly hope MoHills proves us wrong as rain and uses all measures available to out-hustle, out-hit, and out-heart the Minutes for 48 minutes, the forces of the cosmos may be on Mendham's side. PICK: Minutemen by 1
George Muha: Lil’ Joey Casale is making a big statement with the way he grinds out the yards between the tackles. However, despite his best efforts his Scarlet Knights have been on a three game skid after going 3-0 to start the season. With Sparta coming up next week, MoHills needs this win in a big way if they want to head to the post season. However, the Minutemen are breathing new life after last week’s upset against Montville. Sean Lucky and Brad Jones are nice big targets for quarterback Crimmins. The X-Factor for the game is Mendham linebacker/guard Adam Agree. Agree, who has on the IR since game 1, is back and the back bone of the team. It will be a battle to the end, but Agree and the gang will be victorious on the road. PICK: Minutemen by 3

Montville (3-3) @ Par Hills (3-3)
Rocky Walifer and Sherm Reale: After hitting the head on the nail and flaunting his ignorance in public with two consecutive weeks of losing picks against the Vikings, sources in Sussex say a somewhat churlish Sherm is talking about himself behind his back and regularly beating himself up shadowboxing. The Mustangs' Jordan Gadjos, Matt Cherici, Matt Kelly, Nick Vandertulip, and Slade Eigenmann are threats to score at any time and seek to regain some swagger following last week's shocking loss to Mendham. Monties' Jeff Szczesniak and Derek Margiotta are guaranteed to be around the football all afternoon and Rich Novotny's terrifying toe could break a tie. However, Par-Hills has a streak of sorts going here and comes off an impressive 34-6 defeathering of the Jefferson Falcons last weekend. Vikes' quarterback Greg DePugh, thanks in no small part to the gladiators on his offensive line, continues to shine and will seek to make multiple aerial connections with John Murphy, Chris Brazicki, Eric Krozser and others. Nonetheless, hope springs infernal and Sherm insists the Mustangs definitely possess the personnel and will to win, so we're all too pleased to offer him another opportunity to continue walking around with toilet paper on the heels of his reputation with another losing pick against the Vikes. PICK: Montville by 2
George Muha: The Vikings of Par Hills keep ruining my prediction percentage. But on that same note, so have the Mustangs of Montville. If I pick them to win, they lose and if I pick them to lose, they win. However, I have to go with momentum on this one. Par Hills is coming off a big win against Jefferson where they looked like they were hitting on all cylinders. While the Mustangs got upset on the road by Mendham. Look for CJ “Jazzy” Joyce and Greg “Prime Time” DePugh to show they’ve worked out all the bugs and now they are ready to head into the post season. PICK: Vikes by 14

High Point (2-4) @ Pope John (6-0)
Rocky Walifer and Sherm Reale: Sherm may consider it heretical blasphemy, but one of us will confess to experiencing an epiphany that there's a chance the Cats could prove to be the anointed ones in this contest. High Point, coming off a narrow loss to a strong Sparta squad last weekend, improves every week and sources confirm Billy Smith, Kevin "Krafty" Fasano, Austin Caldwell, Joe Beltran, and Jared Musilli have faith, as well as a sacred covenant, that they'll lead their pride to the promised land. Rocky, who if he had more hair would be Sherm, notes that the Cat's left-pawed quarterback Fasano has shown he is quite capable of completing option passes and is dangerous on the run. Should the Wildcat line block to purrfection, the Lions may need to match them score for score; although the Pointers must be mindful not to put too many in the litter box or PJ quarterback Sean Kenney and an improved passing game will go over the top. Entering this contest, the Johnnies are the clear favorites to move one step closer to hoisting the National Division chalice toward the heavens, led by the likes of the hammering, headache-inducing Kyle McGrath and Cole Farrand. Additionally, snappy Sammy Weiss is capable of running every punt back to paradise and Joel Chapparo and a litany of other Johnnies are demons on defense. We'll confess that in this battle of two big cats, the Wildcats seem predestined to serve as the Pope's prey and the Lions appear to be preordained to remain king of the National Division jungle. However, Born Again Rocky, a recent convert who is now a true believer, counsels Sherm to avoid rash judgement and remain mindful of miracles. PICK: 'da Pope by 3
George Muha: You cannot help to really like the personality of this High Point team. Billy Smith and the Wildcats may be only 2-4 but the record doesn’t show how tough they’ve been battling teams. They’ll need to bring that tough neck attitude this weekend as they face the best team in the conference. Look for north-south runner Kyle McGrath to grind out a win for the Johnnies. PICK: Da Pope by 7

Sparta (5-1) @ Jefferson (2-4)
Rocky Walifer and Sherm Reale: Spartan running back Mike Radeloff proved he is wise beyond his years when he observed, following a close game against the High Point Wildcats last weekend, "Any team can win on any day." Moreover, the Sparts have a 'tude that we like, with the early-season loss to Pope John no doubt still sticking in their craws, along with big-play, two-way threats Julian Farinola and Zach Passerelle and a stable of other backs who remain hungry and can get the job done. Sparta quarterback Doug "D'Arm" D'Angelo, who last week threw at least three passes that traveled 55+ yards in the air, also has a passel of receivers to aim at such as Zach Greiner and Mike Spekhardt. The Jeffs' Gavin McCarney to Brian VanderPloeg air connection is always a threat and Frank Strumolo is always tough on the turf, but there's no escaping the fact that all the Falcons need to soar in order to win this one. We think the Spartans' tenacious trench toilers should prove to be the difference in this tussle. PICK: Sparta by 12George Muha: The Falcons have it all on the line in this one. With a loss last year’s State Champs are going to be sent home without a playoff birth. With a win, and their playoff hopes are re-energized. This won’t be easy for the Falcons as he Spartans bring one of the best teams in the conference led by Zach “Attack” Passerelle. If Jefferson wants to have a chance in this one, I think they’ll need to score at least 30 points. The McCarney to VanderPloeg connection will need to be on fire. Whatever happens, Jefferson beat writer Todd Evans will be on the sidelines covering the game and providing his energetic game report following the game. Last week, you could actually feel the rain misting and wind blowing with his descriptive report. PICK: Spartans by 10

HOW WE’RE DOING

Will Harrigan: LAST WEEK: 3-1 TOTAL SO FAR: 25-3 (89%)
Dennis Jones: LAST WEEK: 5-0 TOTAL SO FAR: 20-5 (80%)
Brian Kenney LAST WEEK: 1-4 TOTAL SO FAR: 19-10 (65%)
Rocky & Sherm: LAST WEEK: 2-2 TOTAL SO FAR: 21-8 (72%)
George Muha: LAST WEEK: 11-7 TOTAL SO FAR: 77-32 (71%)

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