The Sideline Swami from sidelinechatter.com, still smarting from a mediocre week where he was completely out-done in picks by The Coach from MCHSS.net, tries to mount a comeback in what is an exceptional week to try and choose winners, what with the West Essex at Morris Hills and Seton Hall Prep-East Orange Campus contests among the top games of what should be a sensational scholastic football weekend.
The Coach: Last Week: 5-1 -- Season: 13-5
The Swami: Last Week: 3-3 -- Season: 15-3
Comments from “The Coach” -- “The Coach” knows not to brag. “The Coach” knows never to dwell on the last game or the last week. But, I really am curious if there was anyone outside of Denville/Rockaway Twp that picked Morris Knolls? Chalk one up for the Public schools!
The Swami’s Comments – “The Swami,” owner of a usually trusty, crystal ball, has to relinquish top honors this past week to The Coach, who stuck to his instincts and convictions in picking Knolls to knock off the Prep. We both underrated Livingston against Randolph. This week, I see a couple of intriguing differences between the two soothsayers of pigskin picks, scholastic style, so let’s get to it!
DePaul at Montville:
The Coach: D ePaul gave Delbarton all they could handle. DePaul lost to Lakeland 34-14, and may not be at full strength; Dennis Silversey went out last week. Montville is on a two-game winning streak and should only get stronger as the year progresses. Dan McClure, Eric Toporoff and Jim DelGrosso, will give the DePaul defense a bit to worry about. Montville 21-14
The Swami: DePaul showed me a great deal when it took Delbarton to the limit in a narrow loss a couple of weeks back. The Spartans are still smarting from a one-sided loss to Lakleland and in the injury to Dennis Silversey, their talented quarterback, who separated his left, non-throwing shoulder. But, even with Silversey out, I like the adjustments with a week of practice for sophomore QB Dan Farley and with trusty runners like Nick Palmieri and a strong line, I still like DePaul in this spot. DePaul 27-21.
Livingston at West Morris:
The Coach: I was very impressed with West Morris coming back to tie the game at 14 against Mt. Olive. Michael Burton only got stronger as the game progressed and the 1-2 punch of Burton and Saum may be able to penetrate the Lancer defense a bit more than Randolph’s offense did last week. Tyler Bernstein can launch it. A balance attack by West Morris should really give the Lancers’ defense some fits. Livingston really took it to Randolph, so you know this team can play, but I have a feeling that this is the week for the Pack. West Morris 28-24
The Swami: People in the Iron Hills, Iron better not overlook Livingston any more. It’s a different looking approach with the versatile, running-oriented QB Mike Genovese taking over for the graduated three-year starter Tommy Fischer, who had a big arm; but the mix of the team might be better this time around for Coach Bill Tracy and company. Plus, with standouts like center-defensive end John Hartwick and other two-way linemen John Alston and George Reinhardt, the Lancers are very physical at the point of attack and will not back down to anyone in the trenches. Livingston 17-13
Whippany Park at Glen Ridge:
The Coach: There’s no secret that Mike Bizzarro will get as many touches as possible. Looking at Glen Ridge, you see two expected results. Coach Bronico has built a respectable football program and Bizzarro is now known as a top football player in Morris. This may be a seesaw battle that could go either way, and may come down to who ever has the ball last. I’m staying with my county here: Whippany Park 35-33
The Swami: Realize that Glen Ridge played neck and neck with Cedar Grove for a half and that the Ridgers are much improved with a bevy of veteran players, led by standout running back Nick DePhillips, who could be one of the most underrated, big-time runners in the Colonial Hills Conference. Whippany Park has had its own terrific rise in the ranks so far in this early season and veteran RB Bizzaro is getting plenty of print. As improved as the Wildcats are, I still like Duke Mendez’s Ridgers at home in a very important game for both teams. Glen Ridge 28-14
"Rivalry Central"
Roxbury at Randolph:
The Coach: A Morris-only game, but maybe the most well-known and bitter rivalry in Morris County. Randolph has taken two of the last three, but Roxbury owns bragging rights … shutting out the Rams 23-0 last year. Randolph needs to rebound now, avoiding a 1-3 start with Morristown, Seton Hall, East Orange and Morris Knolls waiting in the wings. Roxbury, much like Randolph, desperately needs a win here to avoid a 1-3 start. The Gaels were stymied last week at Morristown and may be ready for an offensive explosion. Hope all the lights are working on that scoreboard at Bauer Field … Randolph 38-35.
The Swami: I still believe talented QB Mike Suk is due for a breakout night and what better time for him to excel than at home, under the lights, against the arch rival and with a season on the line. This is a must win for both teams, Cablevision, (Channel 78) will be there with its cameras and the pressure is on both teams to come through with an absolutely essential victory. The Rams will establish Frank Beltre, who is a powerful runner with breakaway speed, and Suk’s favorite target, wide out Brian Leone, will have another huge night. Jonathan Carroll remains a dangerous runner for the Gaels, but in this spot, we like the Rams. Randolph 28-20.
"Marquee Match-Ups"
Seton Hall Prep at East Orange:
The Coach: The Pirates must move on from their stunning loss and East Orange must be thinking that the Pirates are vulnerable and ready for a losing streak. I still feel that Morristown has the best defense in the Iron Division and may have the only team that will hold East Orange Campus under three TD’s. The question is … will the Seton Hall offense have enough fire power to keep up with the explosive Jaguars? I say … yes. East Orange 28-17
The Swami: I am not going to suggest anything about the coach and his heavy consumption of that great Hazelnut coffee in home room back at school. In fact, I’m going to enjoy a little extra java myself before heading out this weekend for what is a terrific week 4 of high school gridiron action. And, one of the best match-ups is Seton Hall Prep at East Orange in Paul Robeson Stadium with the CN8 Comcast Network cameras also on hand. I know the Pirates can be a bit pedestrian at times in their ground-oriented, Wing T approach, but there is still too much talent here. and I do not, for a moment, see another flat outing like the one against Knolls. I look for both Rob Paxson and John Merklinger to churn out large chunks of yardage behind t
hat strong offensive line. EO’s soph QB Quadir Pendleton is a dangerous passer and athletes such as Akeem Cunningham can break loose at any time, but we see too much SHP. Seton Hall Prep 28-18.
West Essex at Morris Hills:
The Coach: This Morris county Marquee has much to be desired. First off, I realized that the Swami tried to get the “The Coach” but calling Coach Sabo early in the week and grabbing as much info as possible. You know that sneaky Swami has Droz’s cell on speed dial! But I have my scouts too … do not know of anyone else who was more surprised by West Essex’s win over Montville last year. Not only the win, but also the way they won … on a two-point attempt by lineman Tom Grossi so late in the game. That just tells you this: Droz knows his stuff, he believes in his team and in their strengths. West Essex will be in a position to win this game in the fourth quarter, either with a 1-touchdown lead, or down by a TD. Either way, the West Essex defense is just too strong.
Morris Hills executed a game plan to perfection at Par Hills last week. Coach Sabo and his crew had an answer to every play, every situation and acted on its opportunities. But think back … how did Morris Hills beat West Essex last season? They threw the ball and went up early. West Essex is a ground control, pound-it-at-you, smash-mouth team. They’re not built for come from behind victories when down by 14. When your defense is that strong, why would you be? Morris Hills needs to jump out to a lead then play the ball control game. I am going with the Scarlet Knights in a close one … I crack myself up … Morris Hills 20-14 (that’s two field goals for the record)
The Swami: Rarely do I pick against the Knights of Wessex, and even though I might go with Coach Droz and company on a neutral field in December if these two teams do meet again in a North 2, Group 2 playoff final. But, I have to go with Morris Hills in this spot. The Dan Kellners and Doug Dudeks of the world of Scarlet Knights have been there and done that, and they even own that victory over Wessex last year. With that being said, by no means will it come easy for Coach Sabo’s crew, which has to slow down Wessex’s irrepressible fullback Anthony Hayek, who can open up the entire Knights’ offense if he gets on full track early on. Morris Hills has its own potent ground game with Justin Doniloski and company behind a very good offensive line, headed by guard Nick Lusardi and tackle Tim Drake. This pick could change the second time around, but for this regular-season showdown: Morris Hills 21-14.
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