AMERICAN DIVISION

Morristown (4-3) @ Morris Knolls (3-4)
Will Harrigan: Knolls came upset minded into Roxbury last week; all-around playmaker Martin Henes had a fantastic game for the Eagles. Morristown is coming off a heart-breaking loss to Delbarton at home. This combination spells bad news for Knolls. I like Motown's chances in this one. Pick: 26-13 Morristown
George Muha: Morris Knolls is twelfth on the North 1, Group 3 Power Point rankings and still have a shot at the post season. Remember, they need to have at least 4 wins and be in the top eight in the Power Point rankings at the eight game cut off to get in. They’d need a little help from some other teams in their section, but a win here could propel Knolls into the playoffs. If Dylan “Ed Reed” Rimsky and Connor Rush play defense like they did in the first half of last weeks’ game against Roxbury, they could pull it off. But P.J. “Todd Heap” Jennings and the Colonials are in a “win and in” situation. Look for Motown to roll into the post season behind Jarrett Neely and the Colonial defense. PICK: Motown by 10

Mt. Olive (0-7) @ Delbarton (4-3)
Will Harrigan: You have to feel for Mount Olive, already losing to Knolls, Randolph, and Vernon, and now they are stuck with Delbarton. I don't believe for a second the Marauder's have thrown in the towel and I do believe they will crack the win column. But they will not get it vs. a Delbarton team fighting to make the State Tournament. Pick: 28-6 Delbarton
George Muha: You got to love the position that Mt. Olive is in. Look for Tommy “Freddy Krueger” Portesy and the rest of the Marauders to go zombie on the Green Wave in an effort to keep them out of the playoffs. Delby will show they are not going to buy into Mt. Olive’s tricks or treats and will be all business on the way to the post season. PICK: Delby by 17

Randolph (1-6) @ Vernon (1-6)
Will Harrigan: I love Randolph and their good defense in this game. That solid D led by Mike Mastrangelo should give Vernon QB Matt Soltes trouble all night. He will need to rely on Jackie Jernick to take some of the load off of him. But I like Kevin Farrell to bring home Randolph's second win. Pick: Randolph 19-6
George Muha: There is venom spewing out of Vernon as they try to fang it out with a ravenous Rams team that would love to build on something positive for next season. Look for Randolph’s Chris Westenhiser to shake it up while Vernon attacks back with the Matt Soltes to Matt Sheeran and Matt Fuzzio campaign. PICK: Vernon by 3

Roxbury (7-0) @ West Morris (6-1)
Will Harrigan: REVENGE. That is the definition of this game. Pure and simple. Whether Roxbury gets it or not falls squarely on the right arm of West Morris quarterback Mark Rosenbaum. Roxbury's run defense has been excellent, so I feel Burton will be contained by the Roxbury D. If Rosembaum plays well, this will be one heck of a battle. But I see Robert Wallace, Parker Gordon, and all of the seniors making 21-14 a forgotten score Friday night setting off a celebration in Roxbury. LETS GO GAELS!!! Pick: 13-6 RoxburyGeorge Muha: Both playoff bound teams are playing for one thing on this Ole’ Hollow’s Eve, the Division Title! To me this is a defensive battle between West Morris’ Count Burtonulla and Roxbury’s Frankenwallace. But I think the difference will be Angelo “The Mummy” Mangiro. PICK: Roxbury by 7

INDEPENDENCE DIVISION

Pequannock (5-2) @ Kinnelon (1-6)
Dennis Jones: Expect the Golden Panthers to come in ready to play in this one. Joe Ruggiero, tied for fourth in Morris County in points scored this year with 78, gets it done on the ground in a big way. My Pick: Pequannock by 13
George Muha: Pequannock’s Joe Ruggiero and Joe Heck only two losses are to teams that are still undefeated. This is a good football team that has the moving parts to do something special this year. Kinnelon’s Sean “Sling Blade” Robbins and Tom “The Goul” Goulian will make sure this game is a little more like The Nightmare on Elm Street rather than It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. PICK: Pequannock by 6

Mo-Beard (1-6) @ Whippany Park (0-7)
Dennis Jones: Crimson freshman Malik Valentine is a monster mash at kick return. He puts fear in the mortals that try to contain him. Although it was not pretty against Morris Catholic last week as they gave up 400+ yards on the ground. Mo-Beard will get the win and keep Whippany Park searching for that elusive first victory. My Pick: Mo-Beard by 7
George Muha: My Sixth Sense tells me Whippany Park is due for something good! Drew Julliet has been deadly in the return game for the Crimson but the Wildcats have so much pent up aggression they are about to go Godzilla on somebody. Whippany has endured enough, this Holloween is their day! PICK: Whippany by 3

Dover (2-5) @ Morris Catholic (4-3)
Dennis Jones: The Crusaders racked up 431 rushing yards on the ground attack behind the strong running of sophomore fullback Mike Jones. Who? Mike Jones. Who? Mike Jones!!!!! The win makes the Crusaders eligible for the Non-Public Group II playoffs. My Pick: Morris Catholic by 19
George Muha: When Cody Spellmon goes to work it is like Jason in Friday the 13th, he just slices through the competition. Morris Catholic looks like they are doing fine on Power Points but they still won’t let this get out of their grip. Look for Mike “Freakshow” Jones to make the most of his carries. PICK: Crusaders by 7

Boonton (4-3) @ Hopatcong (4-3)
Dennis Jones: Hopatcong ran wild over Dover last week behind Ryan Carroll and Brian Schneider. It was a total team effort in a mud filled game. This match-up between two good running teams should be interesting. Can Boonton get Andrew Regan going enough to hold off the charging Chiefs? My Pick: Hopatcong by 2

George Muha: Boonton’s junior Andrew Regan is one of the most fun guys to watch in the conference. But Hopatcong’s got a sophomore who likes to run for 50+ yard touchdowns in Nick Esposito. Both teams are battling it out for a playoff spot and a win for either team likely gets them in. I am going with the hot team at home. PICK: Hopatcong by 6

Butler (7-0) @ Mt. Lakes (7-0)
Dennis Jones: This is my choice for Game of the Week. Much will be decided after this game including the Independence Division Champion. For Butler, eliminating turnovers will be the key. They run a very efficient spread offense, and QB Peter Brand has a rocket arm. Last week, he was 10-22 for 304 yards and two 70+ yard TD passes. They will score on the Lakers but they cannot give the ball away. The Lakers are too good to give second chances. Everything begins with QB Scott McWilliams. His ability to run and pass keeps defenses off balance. RB's Jack Nagle and Kevin Ryan will get the bulk of the carries and that is not good news for Butler. Kevin Ryan will be a problem for Butler. My Pick: Mountain Lakes by 10George Muha: If you think this game is big, you aren’t paying attention. Oh yeah, this game is big, no doubt. But don’t think it ends here. These two will be facing each other again in the post season. This is the beginning of a beautiful rivalry! Oh yeah, and take the over for sure in this one. PICK: Mt. Lakes by 1

FREEDOM DIVISION

Chatham (4-3) @ Hanover Park (4-3)
BRIAN KENNEY: Wow, there is a lot at stake in this week's game between the Hornets and the Cougars. I didn't think that they would both come into this game at 4-3 a month ago, but victories in the Freedom Division aren't free. These two teams battle on Devil's Night. Speaking of devils, Chatham's ghouls Frickle and Black are looking to sacrifice some Hornet running backs in this game. The two had a stellar defensive game last week in a win against Newton and will need to keep up the pace or the Cougars will lose a close one. Look for the Cougar's Nick "Why So Serious" Guida to score the deciding TD in this one. PICK: Cougars by 6
George Muha: This is a “do or die” game for both of these teams. Whoever loses is out of the playoffs and whoever wins, is in. So this is going to be painful for me, but I think I am going to have to go with Chatham. I just covered my 1990 Hornet State Championship ring when I wrote that. Chatham has been in this spot for the last bunch of years and I don’t see them letting this one slip by. Defense wins championships and Sean Black and Jeff Fricke lead one of the stingiest one in the division. PICK: Chatham by 6

Madison (5-1) @ Lenape Valley (7-0)
BRIAN KENNEY: Madison comes to the Valley looking to trick (not treat) them into a victory this Halloween. It is the game of the week by far. Lenape dispatched a decent Somerville team by 26 points last week and had a few standouts while doing so (T "Rex" Ress scored 3 TDs; Leo "Nightmare" Culleny was killer on defense and blocked a punt which he picked up and scored a TD on; and Joe "Captain Spaulding" Moschella caught two passes on offense for TDs and one on defense in a stellar defensive effort). PICK: The Valley by 4
George Muha: Wow, now this is a game! It’s normal when guys like Travis Ressa and Jim LaBell and receiver Joe Moschella get into the endzone. But when big man defensive lineman Leo Culleny starts scoring, you know your team has something going for it. Madison will bring it and make it interesting, but Lenape Valley in front of their home fans are the best in the business. PICK: Patriots by 10

Wallkill Valley (2-5) @ Sussex Tech (0-7)
BRIAN KENNEY: The Valley is going to show Sussex Tech how they put the "Kill" in Wallkill Valley this Halloween. It is going to be like the remake of "Dawn of the Dead" and the Valley's defense is going to be like the Zombies and the Sussex Tech's offense is going to be like all those unsuspecting people (the main character girl's neighbors) in the beginning of that movie. You know what I mean. PICK: Kill by 10
George Muha: Kaje Cowans and the Wallkill Valley football team are now building for tomorrow. The shifty Chris Kelly will make it interesting for Sussex Tech. PICK: Wallkill Valley by 10

Hackettstown (3-4) @ Kittatinny (4-3)
BRIAN KENNEY: The Kittatinny Zombies battle the Hackettstown Werewolves on Halloween this year. As we all know, zombies don't usually stand a chance against werewolves. However, this game is being played during the day - advantage zombies! And Kitt's zombies are fast ones, like in 28 Days Later, not slow ones like in Night of the Living Dead (the original). So basically, H-Town is going to have a tough battle on their hands. That being said, Auxence "Ax Murderer" Wogou will be running like zombies really are chasing him, as he did last week when he ran for over 170 yards and 2 TD’s in an H-Town victory. It's going to be a good one. PICK: Kitt by 3
George Muha: A win for either team could get them into the playoffs. However, I see Joe Hogh and Nick Molteni rushing their way for a victory for Kittatinny. PICK: Kittatinny by 8

Parsippany (0-7) @ Newton (1-6)
BRIAN KENNEY: Man oh man. I want to root for the Parsippany RedDevils to beat Newton's Children of the Corn but I just do see enough of a RedDevil offense to predict a victory. Parsippany has let up over 280 points this year while only scoring 26. Newton has fared a little better, giving up about 220 but scoring 122. The lack of offense by the RedDevils is disturbing. It's like, 2 kids go out trick or treating and they go to the same neighborhoods. One kid is dressed up like Alf and he gets 26 pieces of candy. The other kid is dressed up like Jiggsaw or the Joker are gets almost 100 more pieces. Something is wrong with Alf, it's not working out and it's time to go back to the drawing board. Parsippany has some more time to tinker with their offensive plan this year, and some talent, so hopefully they make a little run at the end of the year and score some points. That being said, the creepy Children of the Corn will win out on this one. PICK: Newton by over a dozen.
George Muha: Parsippany is ruining my prediction percentage but I don’t care. I am going to stay behind them. I know they will do me right sometime this year and I think its going to be on this day. Abe Sanchize will rush for a century while guiding Parsippany to their first win in 19 years (at least it feels like that). PICK: Parsippany by 1

NATIONAL DIVISION

Pope John (7-0) @ Mendham (3-4)
Rocky Walifer and Sherm Reale: Be afraid…Be very afraid. The Johnnies’ tailback Matt Pepe is baaackkk. Last weekend “The Don” scored three touchdowns to help coach Vic Paternostro tie the legendary Warren "Were" Wolf of Brick High for first place atop New Jersey’s all-time victories list. PJ wideout Dalton Petit, who stepped out of the shadows last weekend, became the latest member of the Lions’ pride to cause opposing defenses to shriek and scream “Welcome To My Nightmare.” In addition, fullback Kyle “The Wrath” McGrath continues to inflict mayhem throughout the National Division and kicker Ryan “Freddy” Krueger’s eerily long and accurate foot can cause recurring nightmares. However, the Minutes are ticking like Lechter …tick tock, tick tock … and no doubt planning a pre-game meal of liver and some fava beans, followed perhaps by an old friend for dinner. After his heart-stopping witch’s brew of three touchdowns and two successful conversion carries last weekend against Morris Hills, look for junior tailback Johnny “The Bludgeon” Kuhn, running behind center Roy “Chainsaw” Ginsberg,” to attempt to demonize the Pope’s defense. Mendham field general Matt Crimmins will offer up some tasty tricks and treats of his own and possesses a brain that has corridors surpassing spectral space. Beware the moon Minutemen, and keep clear of the moors, but keep dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before. PICK: Johnnies by 10
George Muha: Pope John Kyle McGrath gets all the press because he’s the every down back that grinds out all the tough yardage. The Dr. Jekyll to McGrath’s Hyde is speedback Cory Bell. Bell is just a lightning bolt of a runner that runs like he’s on fire. Mendham has the “win and in” playoff scenario going for them this week. Adam Agree and Joe Nisivoccia have the strength to tame the Lions but I think the Johnnies have other ideas. PICK: Da Pope by 21

Par Hills (4-3) @ High Point (2-5)
Rocky Walifer and Sherm Reale: After his third consecutive frightfully-losing pick against the Vikings last week, Sherm has finally gotten his head out of his wood-chipper and admitted that we all go a little mad sometimes. When questioned about his dubious streak, Sherm was overheard Poe'scally repeating, "Nevermore, Nevermore." Although we’re a union of psychic twins that lacks common sense, there's nothing cryptic about the rising of PH quarterback Greg DePugh, who vamped up and completed 18 of 30 passes for 216 yards last weekend, jolting the electrodes of targets like Chris Brazicki, John Murphy and Ray Ramones. Furthermore, the Vikings have a virtual “Murderer’s Row” of beastly, spine-chilling talent that can terrorize victims on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Rocky, who claims that the tube at the center of a roll of paper towels is actually a musical instrument called the "der-der," had been impressed by the Wildcats in recent weeks. However, the Cats couldn’t get a claw on the Johnnies in last week’s gory loss and need to exorcise some demons, rise from the shadows and howl at the moon to make this contest a thriller. The Cats may have some lives left that afford them a ghost of a chance to creep up and surprise with a heart-pounder, but the Vikes should cast a spell and carve out another gourd-eous win. PICK: Vikes by 6
George Muha: If Par Hills wins, their ins…the playoffs that is. If quarterback Greg DePugh and wideout Chris Brazicki keep gelling like Magellan, they can break out the (non-alcoholic) champagne bottles. But not so fast, the Wildcats of High Point have beaten up a few good opponents on their home turf and they’d love to play the spoilers. PICK: Par Hills by 11

Jefferson (2-5) @ Montville (3-4)
Rocky Walifer and Sherm Reale: All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream, which makes us view this match-up as something of an inconceivable mystery. Although it’s been something of a spooky season for the Falcons, personnel like phantasmal linebackers Mike "The Phantom" Palazzolo and Frank "Enstein" Strumolo are the height of fright, can cut through meat and bone easily, and possess the chilling heartlessness to do the Monster Mash on opposing team’s running backs. Meanwhile, the Mustangs, who's strong start may have been a paranormal apparition, have lost some gallop, most recently coming off a haunting loss to a strong Par-Hills squad that appears to have been reincarnated as a play-off contender. Look for the Monties’ Jordan Gajdos, Joey Colella and Pat Byrnes, who all know how to perform the Transylvania Twist in an end zone, to brush away the cobwebs and cause the Mustangs' cauldron to boil and bubble. In a game reminiscent of "Night of the Living Dead," our Ouija board directs us to ... PICK: Montville by 8 George Muha: Surprisingly enough, Montville still has a chance to make it to the post season with a win here. While Jefferson is still scratching their head, trying to wonder how they got nipped out of the playoffs right after their State Championship title. This Jefferson is better than their record indicates and I like them in the spoiler role here. Look for Gavin McCarney and Bryan Vander Ploeg to solidify the Mustangs fate. PICK: Falcons by 10

Morris Hills (3-4) @ Sparta (6-1)
Rocky Walifer and Sherm Reale: Esteemed Sparta mentor Pat "Supernatural" Shea must be cloning great running backs in a dungeon somewhere up in Sussex County, since just about every weekend a different Spartan strangles opposing defenses by lugging the leather for at least a cent. Last week, in a 23-0 win over Jefferson, it was John Figarelli, accompanied by equally-strong performances by the steady Julian Farinola and reliable Steve “Las” Viegas, who all ground it out on the ground. However, the Sparts also have a lethal air attack, led by spellbinding quarterback Doug “Dracula” D’Angelo, that can draw blood from suffering defensive backs and leave them with struggling breath. The Scarlet Knights will attempt to crawl back from a wet and ghoulish loss to Mendham last weekend that featured an inconsistent performance from their offensive and defensive lines coupled with some poor tackling, which ultimately left the team trapped like a deer inside Anthony’s Pizzeria. Look for some heinously fine romps from Scarlet running backs Joe Casale and Albert Gambale, as well as some coffin-corner kicks from Corey Mundt that pin the Sparts deep in their own territory. MoHills' Coach Mike Sabo and his staff have worked the graveyard shift this week fashioning necklaces of garlic in preparation for the frightful Spartans' gauntlet, and challenging the Scarlets to reach deep in their souls. With bats in our belfries we ... PICK: Sparta by 10
George Muha: There is no doubt that the Spartans of Sparta are romping through the division. They are averaging 30 points per game against a division that hosts a lot of good defensive teams. But this is the type of game that Coach Sabo pulls a rabbit out of his hat and stuns everyone. This scrappy MoHills team seems to have the ability to play big in big games. Look for the Red Knights to make it interesting. But in the end, John Figarelli and the Spartans will role with the win. PICK: Spartans by 12

HOW WE’RE DOING

Will Harrigan: LAST WEEK: 3-1 TOTAL SO FAR: 28-4 (88%)
Dennis Jones: LAST WEEK: 4-1 TOTAL SO FAR: 24-6 (80%)
Brian Kenney: LAST WEEK: 5-0 TOTAL SO FAR: 24-10 (71%)
Rocky & Sherm: LAST WEEK: 3-1 TOTAL SO FAR: 24-9 (72%)
George Muha: LAST WEEK: 15-3 TOTAL SO FAR: 92-35 (72%)

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