AMERICAN DIVISION

Morris Knolls (3-5) @ Montville (3-5)
Will Harrigan: Having seen Knolls play in person, and having watched film of Montville. They both are similar in size and speed. I like Montville to win this one at home on Senior Night, but watch out for Martin Henes to bust at least one TD. Pick: 27-19 Montville
George Muha: You know, there’s been something on my mind. A few weeks back, when Montville was still making a run at the playoffs, a meager 60 fans were in the stands in the game against Mendham. There were more people on the Montville sideline than rooting for them in the stands. Not for nothing, but the Mustangs deserve a little more support than that. I hope the Mustangs come out in bigger numbers on their home turf. They’ll get to witness Bill Regan’s Veer Offense in person. Look for Connor Rush to finish his high school career with a 12 tackle performance. PICK: Knolls by 10

Vernon (1-7) vs. High Point (3-5)
Will Harrigan: I tell ya Vernon has better talent than that of a 1-7 team. I was impressed with QB Matt Soltes when I saw him play a few weeks back. But unfortunately, I think the 'Cats are a bit better even though I still haven't given up on Vernon yet, even without Jackie Jernick playing. Pick: 28-13 High Point
George Muha: Unfortunately the Wildcats are not playing at home in this one. When High Point plays on their home field they seem to turn into the New England Patriots. Vernon’s Matty Soltes has gotten a lot of attention from around the conference. He’s shown he can be a real gamer. I am picking Vernon to end on a high point! PICK: Vernon by 8

Delbarton (5-3) @ Pope John (8-0)
Will Harrigan: Ah yeah, a good old-fashioned parochial school match-up. The best players on the field for each team will be the quarterbacks, Delby's E.J. Schneider and Pope John's Sean Kenney. Both teams have explosive offenses so I see a shoot-out coming Saturday. As much I love Delbarton's line, I just can't pick against Matt Pepe's Lions at home in this one. Pick: 38-34 PJ
George Muha: It was an honor to watch Coach Paternostro become the winningest coach in New Jersey against Mendham last week. I didn’t realize he left the game until I read about it in the papers the next day. Well, his good health is in the thoughts of all the staff of NJAC Sports Center and we wish him the speediest of recoveries. Speaking of prayers, the Brothers of Delbarton are hopefully doubling up because the Green Wave is going to need all of them. The running game of Mike “Peppy” Pepe, Cory “for whom the” Bell “tolls” and Feel The Wrath McGrath are about to open up a can of…well lets just say, they are going to be fired up for this inter-Catholic contest. My X-Factor of this game is guard Dan McCormick “& Schmicks”. There is nothing fishy about the way he lead blocks for his running game. Perhaps Coach Paternostro will give McCormick a bone and let him take one to the big house one time. PICK: Da Pope by 20

Morristown (5-3) vs. Par Hills (4-4)
Will Harrigan: I've watched Greg DePugh play quite a bit. The 6'3 senior can throw the ball around, which will give Lilton Mitchell a test at corner. But, I think Kurt Davis, Rafe Shupe and the crew on offense can outrun Par Hills. Not to mention its senior day in Motown, where the Colonials haven't lost since back in '06. Pick: 20-6 Motown
George Muha: Motown took a big hit when Gaskins went down with an injury a few weeks back. Since then, the Colonials have just not been themselves. About that same time, quarterback Greg DePugh and the Par Hills Vikings started to find their mojo and made a nice run to successfully get into the playoffs. This is a great match-up but I see Rafe Shupe and the Colonials getting back on track in front of their home crowd. PICK: Motown by 8
Mt. Olive (0-8) @ Jefferson (3-5)
Will Harrigan: Mount Olive is enduring a rough season. Jefferson is by far the best 3-5 team in New Jersey in my opinion. I also think Gavin McCarney is the one of the best quarterbacks in Morris County, along with Roxbury's Gordon & Lakes' McWilliams. Although Mike Warshany's Marauders will come ready to play, I think the reigning State Champions aren't losing this game. Pick: 27-6 Jefferson
George Muha: I hate seeing O’fer teams. I know how hard these guys work and not getting any wins just stinks for everyone involved. But I give Tommy Portesy and the Marauders a big hand of applause for going down fighting! This is their chance to end on a positive note. However, Jefferson’s Gavin McCarney is one of the best in the business and I don’t see him losing on his home turf for the last game of the season. PICK: Jefferson by 6

Randolph (2-6) vs. Mendham (3-5)
Will Harrigan: I like Randolph in this matchup. Matt Crimmins has had a great year replacing Colin Schemerhorn, but injuries forced them to have struggles this year. I like Kevin "DJ" Farrell to win on senior night in Randolph. Pick: Randolph 21-20George Muha: No defense has more passion than this Rams defense! They might not have the size and speed of some of the other teams, but I’d take their heart in two seconds. They’ll put up a great fight this Friday night when they host the Minutemen under the lights. However, Sean “Todd Heap” Lucke and Brad “Sticky Hands” Jones have turned into one of the best receiving tandems in the division. Look for both teams to put on an aerial display with the Minutemen bringing home the victory. PICK: Mendham by 6

Roxbury (8-0) @ Sparta (7-1)
Will Harrigan: To me, it is an incredible thing that Roxbury has played 384 minutes of football this year and have yet to trail for a second. That is because guys who simply don't get enough press time like Nick Kaijala at left guard and linebacker, Sean Moore at RG and DT, and Shaun O'Donnell at safety are all having career years that are going by unnoticed. Ol' Wallace and Angelo Mangiro, who had 20 tackles and a sack vs. West Morris last week, are keeping the defense averaging 6 points allowed per game. Parker Gordon is catching fire at the right time, making the Gaels tough to stop. Pick: 20-10 Roxbury
George Muha: Sam Hansen and Jeremy Medina have been pushing people around all year up front for the Spartans. These lineman have at times buried respectable defensive line’s like they were Pop Warner teams. But this week is a different story. This week, they finally will meet their match. Roxbury’s Angelo Mangiro impacts every game in a way that is hard to quantify. Sure last week, he was credited with 20 tackles and a sack. But you could say that every week. The Spartans will have a tough time with Mangiro, not because of his size but because of how fast he is. He demands the attention of a whole line. He has the ability to make opposing QB’s and RB’s very jittery. One hit from Mangiro and ball carriers run away from him like he is the plague. PICK: Roxbury by 17

West Morris (6-2) vs. Morris Hills (3-5)
Will Harrigan: As cool a name as Azem Koliq is, I am going with West Morris in this one. Pick: West Morris
George Muha: West Morris is producing a movie called Cabarle & Me. In it, Big Bad Michael Burton and Shane Thompson adopt a Labrador retriever and they name it Cabarle and they train it out to play football. However, this movie doesn’t have a sad ending. Well, not for Cabarle and the Wolfpack at least. PICK: Da Pack by 10 (whoof!)

INDEPENDENCE DIVISION
(NOTE: Dennis Jones is taking the week off from predictions. He and his wife are expecting their third child this Friday! Please keep mom and child’s health in your thoughts. DJ will be in full swing for the post season!)

Mt. Lakes (8-0) @ Kinnelon (1-7)
George Muha: Can you say upset? You know that Kinnelon would love to surprise the Herd in front of their home crowd. Hey, ya never know. Mt. Lakes is already thinking about the post season. This is why they play the game folks! I still say Mt. Lakes wins, but they’ll have to keep their starters in longer than they would like. PICK: Da Herd by 17

Hopatcong (5-3) @ Butler (7-1)
George Muha: Butler’s high flying offense has been nothing less than lights out this season. Andrew Turzilli has lived up to his reputation as the best receiver in the whole NJAC Conference. Look for Peter Brand to get A.T. a few more TD’s for the record book as the Bulldogs roll into the post season. However, don’t think it is going to get it out of hand. Hopatcong’s defense has been very solid all season and they’ll keep the score in check. PICK: Bulldogs by 8

Morris Catholic (5-3) @ Boonton (4-4)
George Muha: Ryan “R-Rod” Rodriguez and Rich “3 Sacks” Vazzano are the main reason this Crusader team is heading to the post season. Boonton’s Andrew “Fireball” Regan game-changing ability has made Boonton a contender this season. Look for this to be a low scoring battle as the home team prevails under the lights. PICK: Boonton by 3

Whippany Park (1-7) @ Dover (2-6)
George Muha: I actually played with our against both head coaches in this one. Whippany Park head coach was my quarterback during my HP days and we played against Mike White when he was a stud D-back for Dover. I still say to this day, I have never seen a runningback like Dover’s Jessie Williams (Class of ’93). He glided like a ballerina and hit like a freight train. Just a super talented kid!  Ask Rowe and White about him...they remember! PICK: Dover by 6

Pequannock (6-2) @ Mo-Beard (1-7)
George Muha: Every once in a while, there is a team that gets totally decimated by injuries. Starting in summer workouts, the injury bug nailed the Crimson. I am already calling that next year, Coach Fell’s Mo-Beard team will be circled on everyone’s schedule. Pequannock on the other hand, is looking VERY good for the playoffs. Between Jumpin’ Joe Heck and Joltin’ Joe Ruggiero, the Golden Panthers have everything in line to make a Giants Stadium run! PICK: Pequannock by 14

FREEDOM DIVISION

Chatham (5-3) @ Kittatinny (5-3)
BRIAN KENNEY: I didn't think this game would be as good as it's going to be a few weeks ago, but Kittatinny has come on strong and Chatham has lost a few tough close games. This is the game of the week as far as I'm concerned. I think the Cougars will barely escape a great one. PICK: Chatham by 6
George Muha: Chatham looks like they made it to the post season. However, it looks like despite the 5-3 record that Kittatinny still does not have enough Power Points. Believe me, Stew Quinn and the gang have a little bit of frustration to burn off. Kittatinny will show why they belong in the playoffs when they get their high flying offense into full swing in front of their home stands. PICK: Kittatinny by 10

Madison (5-2) @ Newton (2-6)
BRIAN KENNEY: The Dodgers lost a tough one to Lenape Valley last week and are looking to rebound against Newton, who is looking forward to rebuilding next year. It's not going to be close. PICK: Dodgers by a lot
George Muha: Jimmy Nance will try to put the Dodgers in a trance on their home field. But the Madison D, will show Newton why they are heading to the post season. PICK: Dodgers by 11

Lenape Valley (8-0) @ Hanover Park (4-4)
BRIAN KENNEY: How far the Hornets have fallen. In my profession, I see plenty of hard-working and talented individuals make mistakes. Thankfully for Hanover Park, the only thing they are doing is losing games. It is what it is. It is going to be tough beating Jimmy Ring (last week's POW) and his crew this week, even though they are at home. This game is a tune up for the playoffs for Lenape, and look for LaBell to score another 2 TD’s in this one. PICK: The Valley by 14
George Muha: Dear HP football team, I know your post season hopes are gone. But listen, this is your State Playoff Game! This is Giants Stadium! Lenape Valley has rolled over everyone they faced. But no one comes into our house and pushes us around. I am picking Lenape to win this one but it is only to get you guys fired up. Make us former HP players proud. PICK: Lenape Valley 40-0 (you fired up yet?)

Hackettstown (3-5) vs Warren Hills (4-4)
BRIAN KENNEY:  Well, the Hills lost three in a row at one point in the season before bouncing back and winning their last two, and HTown is coming off a loss to Kitt, so Warren Hills is coming in on a high. I don't know if HTown can end their season with a win at the Hills, and I think the lack of home field advantage could make the difference here. PICK: Hills by 2
George Muha: I am totally going with the NJAC team in this one. Auxence Wogou is going to represent us well in this one as he and the Tigers show Warren Hills that the NJAC is where its at! PICK: Hackettstown by 9

Parsippany (0-8) @ Wallkill Valley (3-5)
BRIAN KENNEY: Looks like it's going to be another 0-fer for the Redhawks this year. The Valley destroyed Sussex Tech while scoring 63 points and pitching a shutout last week. PICK: Valley by a lot
George Muha: This is the last time I am going to be able to call Abe Sanchez, Abe Sanchize. Both of these teams are out of playoff contention and are only playing for pride. Look for the Redhawks to bring a winning attitude in a close game. PICK: Wallkill by 3

NATIONAL DIVISION

Mendham (3-5) @ Randolph (2-6)
Rocky Walifer and Sherm Reale: There’s a bit of a buzz out there, a whiff in the air if you will, that these Week 9 games mean nothing, to which we’ll collectively echo the biblical scholar, Ralph Kramden, and reply “Har, Har, Hardy, Har, Har!” To the contrary, this may be one of the best weeks of football, precisely because many of these games are about nothing more than pride; and this match-up portrays our postulate perfectly. Look for Mendham quarterback Matty Crimmins to hoist some tasty Sour Blue Bottle tosses to Brad Jones and Sean Lucke, when Johnny Kuhn isn’t marching home. Additionally, we’d both agree that Adam Agree, James Palazzi, Anthony Desiderio, Ryan Harrington, Timmy Valario, Max St. John, and Joe “the CPA” Nisovoccia have all made a nice accounting of themselves throughout the season. When Randolph has the ball, watch quarterbacks Kevin Farrell and Chris Westenhiser, running backs Jake Ronchi, Mike Mastrangelo, and Mike Santamaria, as well as receiver Tyler Healey. We’ve been hearing good things about the Ram defense all year from our American Division brethren; especially the young stripling Will "Hall of Fame" Harrigan, who if you’ll ignore the mixed metaphor, has predicting numbers that belong in Cooperstown. For that reason alone, we’d be as blind as Ann Frank if we didn’t conclude that this one is almost too close to call. However, although Budda trod the middle path, we can’t. PICK: Minutes by 2
George Muha: No defense has more passion than this Rams defense! They might not have the size and speed of some of the other teams, but I’d take their heart in two seconds. They’ll put up a great fight this Friday night when they host the Minutemen under the lights. However, Sean “Todd Heap” Lucke and Brad “Sticky Hands” Jones have turned into one of the best receiving tandems in the division. Look for both teams to put on an aerial display with the Minutemen bringing home the victory. PICK: Mendham by 6

Montville (3-5) vs. Morris Knolls (3-5)
Rokawaylifer and Sherm Reale: Try telling Gerry Gallagher and Bill Regan and their collective forces that this 9th Week game means nothing! The Mustangs come into this contest having just been corralled by the reawakened Jefferson Falcons and are looking to regain some bronk and buck. The ‘Stangs have talent aplenty and feature junior quarterback Jordan Gajdos, tantalizing running backs Matt Chierici, Joey Colella, Pat Byrnes and Mike Malanga, wide receiver Matt Kelly, and the sure and steady foot of Rich Novotny. On defense, the snappy Slade "The Sledgehammer" Eigenmann (who we won't neglect to say is also a workhorse running back), "Cheech" Chierici, Jeff Szcesniak, and Mr. Byrnes keep the Monties’ reactor revved. As much as we love Coach Gallagher for always giving us a (very) nice discount on Converse Chuck Taylor’s at Center Sports in downtown Rockaway in the early 1970s, could anybody who survived disco be heartless enough to pick against their old almus materis? As The Kid From Brooklyn says … “Think about it.” Truth be told, these Eagles just came through the gauntlet of Roxbury and Morristown with their pride intact and seem to be improving every week . Soph. running back Cody Greenhagen can flat-out flatten people and Martin Henes can fly. Dylan Rimsky, who along with Kevin Weis, has a nose for the football, is likely to garner a pick and Connor Rush, when he’s not lugging the leather, loves to hit and has multiple games this year where he’s registered double-digit unassisted tackles. MK’s Justin Masino can play multiple roles, Mark Spano is tough, and the Eagle’s offensive line of Connor Mariani, Tyler Wirth, Mattie Trivigno (having a monster season BTW and brother of one of Rocky’s all-time faves, Frankie), Kyle Smith, Jordan Beffert, George Murden, and C.J. (aka “The Telemark Tornado”) Abrahamsen have developed into a cohesive unit. It’s an open secret that Sherm, whose brain has a mind of its own, likes Montville. However, like the Siamese twins who moved to England so the other one could drive, it’s Rocky's turn at the wheel now. PICK: Eagle Pride by 9
George Muha: You know, there’s been something on my mind. A few weeks back, when Montville was still making a run at the playoffs, a meager 60 fans were in the stands in the game against Mendham. There were more people on the Montville sideline than rooting for them in the stands. Not for nothing, but the Mustangs deserve a little more support than that. I hope the Mustangs come out in bigger numbers on their home turf. They’ll get to witness Bill Regan’s Veer Offense in person. Look for Connor Rush to finish his high school career with a 12 tackle performance. PICK: Knolls by 10

High Point (3-5) @ Vernon (1-7)
Rocky Walifer and Sherm Reale: Rocky, with a complexion the color of flounder, just loves the Point, despite the fact that they were caught sitting in the wrong pew against the Pope. However, the Pointers’ knocking off Par-Hills last weekend made up for just about everything, except perhaps their contribution toward lowering our picking percentage accuracy to the low(er?) single digits. The Wildcats’ Kevin Fasano, Joey Beltran, Austin Caldwell, Dylan Walsh, Jared Musilli, and Billy Smith have, can, and will inflict damage, Beau Scannovino and Matt Heyman are good for a few sacks on defense, and rumor has it that a certain Rockaway resident cast a write-in vote for Coach Jim Delaney as New Jersey governor. Sherm, who believes even a home game is away at Vernon, likes the way Vike's junior quarterback Matt Soltes softly and securely distributes the rock. After consulting with Madame Marie (who tells fortunes better than me), its unequivocal that there will be big-yardage connections to receivers such as Matt Sheeran and Matt Fuzzio in the near future. PS--Our girl down at the Boardwalk asked us to warn the Cats about an especially evil pass play the Vikes have cooked up for this contest called the “MattCubed.” PICK: Cats by 7
George Muha: Unfortunately the Wildcats are not playing at home in this one. When High Point plays on their home field they seem to turn into the New England Patriots. Vernon’s Matty Soltes has gotten a lot of attention from around the conference. He’s shown he can be a real gamer. I am picking Vernon to end on a high point! PICK: Vernon by 8

Pope John (8-0) vs. Delbarton (5-3)
Rocky Walifer and Sherm Reale: Speaking of great match-ups, this one could be a religious experience. The Green Wave’s 5-3 record is arguably deceiving, they’re battle-tested, and like all Delby teams in just about every sport, this squad appears to be carrying on the tradition of continuous improvement. This weekend, expect E. J.. Schneider, who could be the most talented quarterback the Johnnies will see in the regular season, along with running backs Joe Petrucci and Jamie White, receivers John Wujciak, Ken Nyamekye and Matt McGinn, and kicker Matt Iammatteo to lead the offensive charge. However, the Pope, besides featuring New Jersey’s all-time winningest coach in Vic Paternostro, has ample firepower on both sides of the ball themselves, with the recent return of running back Matt Pepe (17 carries for 198 yards and three touchdowns last weekend) adding an additional kick of rocket fuel to their already strong ground game featuring Kyle McGrath, who can take it either inside or outside. PJ’s passing game is also strong with quarterback Matt Kenney aiming at targets like Johnny Holden, Cole Farrand, Dalton Petit (especially dangerous on the Kathy Langdon Flea Flicker) and Sam "Nice" Weiss, who is also a lethal punt returner and garnered three interceptions last weekend. Rocky, who hasn't barked this loud or long since his carnival days, sees this clash as an even-money match-up. Sherman the Professor and his Wayback Machine conclude otherwise and spot the Johnnies as two touch favorites However, our trailer payment and pet insurance premiums are both due next week and since neither of us can afford to squabble, we'll split the difference. Since the Rock got to drive the car in England we'll ... PICK: Pope John by 8
George Muha: It was an honor to watch Coach Paternostro become the winningest coach in New Jersey against Mendham last week. I didn’t realize he left the game until I read about it in the papers the next day. Well, his good health is in the thoughts of all the staff of NJAC Sports Center and we wish him the speediest of recoveries. Speaking of prayers, the Brothers of Delbarton are hopefully doubling up because the Green Wave is going to need all of them. The running game of Mike “Peppy” Pepe, Cory “for whom the” Bell “tolls” and Feel The Wrath McGrath are about to open up a can of…well lets just say, they are going to be fired up for this inter-Catholic contest. My X-Factor of this game is guard Dan McCormick “& Schmicks”. There is nothing fishy about the way he lead blocks for his running game. Perhaps Coach Paternostro will give McCormick a bone and let him take one to the big house one time. PICK: Da Pope by 20

Par Hills (4-4) @ Morristown (5-3)
Rocky Walifer and Sherm Reale: To paraphrase the noted philosopher Ricky Riccardo, "These Vikes got some 'splainin' to do" following last week's loss to High Point. However, explanations aside, Par-Hills needs some major production on offense from quarterback Greg DePugh, running backs Ray Ramones and C.J. Royce, and receivers Chris Brazicki and Eric Krozser (who wins a prize for the most misspelled name this season), as well as a defensive effort to beat all if they are to have a fighting chance in this contest. The Colonials, who looked like a college team when we saw them manhandle West Morris early in the season, enter this skirmish at 5-3, but nonetheless remain as dangerous as a loaded shotgun. MoTown running backs Elijah Gadsen and Kurt Davis can move the ball on the ground, as can quarterback Rafe Shupe, who is incredibly accurate when he gets the chance to go to the air. Furthermore, P.J. Jennings is just one of those guys you always want on your team, whatever sport you're playing. We both admire the efforts of a well-drilled and disciplined band and the Marching Colonials have never disappointed our desire for half-time fanfare. So it is with 13-start flag, drum, bugle and fife raised that we ... PICK: MoTown by 14George Muha: Motown took a big hit when Gaskins went down with an injury a few weeks back. Since then, the Colonials have just not been themselves. About that same time, quarterback Greg DePugh and the Par Hills Vikings started to find their mojo and made a nice run to successfully get into the playoffs. This is a great match-up but I see Rafe Shupe and the Colonials getting back on track in front of their home crowd. PICK: Motown by 8

Jefferson (3-5) vs. Mt. Olive (0-8)
Rocky Walifer and Sherm Reale: In typical fashion, J-Town showed it wasn't going gently into that good night with a nice, somewhat unexpected but not altogether surprising, win over Montville last weekend. The Falcons possess impressive offensive firepower with personnel such as quarterback Gavin McCarney, running backs Frank Strumolo and Anthony Vasile (behind the likes of lineman Max Becker and Company), and receivers Devante Maloney and Brian VanderPloeg in the fold. The Marauders feature running back Aeron Gilson, likely the fastest human in Morris County, and quarterback Tommy Portesy, who throws the ball very well. Expect the Marauders to come out early seeking to maraud. However, we see the Falcons swooping down and having the home team clutched tightly in their talons by final whistle. PICK: J-Town by 13
George Muha: I hate seeing O’fer teams. I know how hard these guys work and not getting any wins just stinks for everyone involved. But I give Tommy Portesy and the Marauders a big hand of applause for going down fighting! This is their chance to end on a positive note. However, Jefferson’s Gavin McCarney is one of the best in the business and I don’t see him losing on his home turf for the last game of the season. PICK: Jefferson by 6

Morris Hills (3-5)@ West Morris (6-2)
Rocky Walifer and Sherm Reale: The Scarlet Knights need a first half, and more importantly, a second half, like the first half they had against Sparta, if they're to have a fighting chance for two halfs against West Morris. Now, if that last sentence doesn't have you reeling and you'll pardon the sidebar, it bears mention that this game is one reason why one of us (actually we both do) likes MH Coach Mike Sabo. Think about it. He could have chosen to play the St. Mary's School for the Blind in this last contest, but instead opted to venture into the den of the Wolfpack. We watch this team and get choked up, seeing them play with heart and pride, quite often above their heads, many weeks. And with that encomium out of the way, let's ring the bell for the pride of Dominic Drive, MoHills' wide receiver Azem Koliq, who smashed a school record (breaking the previous one by over 50 yards held by none other than Doug "The Dude" Dudek, now shining as a starting d-back at William Paterson) last weekend against powerhouse Sparta with 240 yards receiving yards, for nine receptions and two touchdowns (with another called back) all sent air-mail via Willie Rzucidlio (10 for 28 for two TDs and 258 yards) and only 12 yards short of the single game record set by Dan "The Man" Kellner in a 2005 contest against West Essex. And how 'bout a Rockaway shout-out to freshman Eric "Bake" Turner, who had three carries for 28 yards late in the game? However, the past, future, and long, Faulknerian sentences aside, Morris Hills has yet to see an athlete as talented as Mike Burton this year (the Rock is one of his biggest fans 'cuz Unruly told him he eats right and loves listening to Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys singing "Vegetables" on the "Smile" album!). Think about it. After standout quarterback Mark Rosenbaum went down against Roxbury, Burton steps into the pocket! Incredible. In addition, if Rosenbaum is recovered, look for him to throw to high-scoring Tom Cabarle. Lastly, a "certain someone" whose team suffered at his hands (but when he talks, we listen like E.F. Hutton) told us Shane Thompson "has a nose for the football." We're calling Valhalla tonight to find out if the pipe and the roof flashing is fixed out at West Morris and the water is safe to drink, but if we can't feast on the canapes (or is it the can of peas?) at the Wolfpack Snack Shack and Val leaves us hanging on the telephone Blondie-like and breaks our heart of glass, please look for a stinging message in a bottle that tells any and all that with every breath we take we ... PICK: The Wolfpack by 13
George Muha: West Morris is producing a movie called Cabarle & Me. In it, Big Bad Michael Burton and Shane Thompson adopt a Labrador retriever and they name it Cabarle and they train it out to play football. However, this movie doesn’t have a sad ending. Well, not for Cabarle and the Wolfpack at least. PICK: Da Pack by 10 (whoof!)

Sparta (7-1) vs. Roxbury (8-0)
Rocky Walifer and Sherm Reale: This may sound like a Frank Sinatra song but ... it's late in the evening ... and we've got this pick for last. But come on already, snap outta' it you two, how can anyone comment intelligently about this? Okay then, we won't try. The Spartans are a fine football team, with just an amazing array of running backs, a terrific throwing, blocking and leading quarterback, and only two weaknesses that the current resident of Rockaway sees, but will not elaborate on. (Hi folks, this is Sherm writing now. I'm sorry ladies and gents, but Rocky has just checked out again. He cannot elaborate because he has forgotten what those weaknesses were. After all, he did see the Spartans play last week, and that is a long time ago. Life in the flea circus and traveling with gypsies have not been kind to him.) For some reason, we're looking for the Rox's Eric Guerci to make a difference in this game, but then again, so could any one of the stable of backs the Gaels have. However, since you're here for expert analysis, rather than self-analysis via mindless banter, we'll digress and note that we've been questioned in public and private, on blogs, in the funny papers, in internet threads, and even on Twitter about our recipe for our NJAC Top 10 concoction. As we are now moving from the regular season into state play-off mode, it's time for Sherm to share. Collectively, we have tracked every team in the NJAC all year and have a rating for every school. We believed, and hopefully you will agree, that this formula might be helpful when used to evaluate unknown state opponents. And while one of us is a convicted follower of the Borne Power Index, we subscribe to two other rating services, which we will call MRS and MPP, for the purpose of this discussion. All three of these services have their own inherent flaws and bias. That being said, we devised a spreadsheet that these three services into account. Additionally, week to week, we calculate strength of schedule and factor in coaching experiences. Lastly, state power points and record are combined and factored into the equation. We have developed a constant, inclusive of a margin for error, that when used to divide the sum of the difference, provides an analytical point spread As such, this week we have Roxbury rated at 312.5 playing Sparta rated at 292 for a difference of 20.5 NJAC rating points. When divided by the constant we get 3.7272727272....... Co-jointly, and since I will assume that Rocky has never seen 0.727272 points scored in a football game (although one never knows with that boy), we decided to ... PICK: Gaels by 3
George Muha: Sam Hansen and Jeremy Medina have been pushing people around all year up front for the Spartans. These lineman have at times buried respectable defensive line’s like they were Pop Warner teams. But this week is a different story. This week, they finally will meet their match. Roxbury’s Angelo Mangiro impacts every game in a way that is hard to quantify. Sure last week, he was credited with 20 tackles and a sack. But you could say that every week. The Spartans will have a tough time with Mangiro, not because of his size but because of how fast he is. He demands the attention of a whole line. He has the ability to make opposing QB’s and RB’s very jittery. One hit from Mangiro and ball carriers run away from him like he is the plague. PICK: Roxbury by 17

HOW WE’RE DOING

Will Harrigan: LAST WEEK: 4-0 TOTAL SO FAR: 32-4 (89%)
Dennis Jones: LAST WEEK: 4-1 TOTAL SO FAR: 28-7 (80%)
Brian Kenny: LAST WEEK: 5-0 TOTAL SO FAR: 29-10 (74%)
Rocky & Sherm: LAST WEEK: 3-1 TOTAL SO FAR: 27-10 (73%)
George Muha: LAST WEEK: 15-3 TOTAL SO FAR: 107-38 (74%)

POST SEASON AWARDS

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