The Coach has the Swami Sweating!
It’s Time For Immortal Swami & CoachTo Match Their Wits In Playoff Semis
The Coach’s Comments: Finally, I closed the gap, I scratched, I clawed … and YES!! I am finally even with the ultimate Swami. All tied up at 50-12, that's about 81% for all you non-math majors! But, I know not to count my chickens … or in this case, footballs … making picks this week is a little trying, and tons of research has gone into this analysis. Unfortunately, as most of you know, I do teach at Hanover Park and actually teach many football players, so to avoid hometown cooking (or souring), I have asked the great Swami to yield away from this IHC rematch. Now off to my picks …
The Swami: The secret is out! The venerable and erstwhile Coach, once hidden in some back room closet during lunch hour to hide his identity to the main student populace at Hanover Park-most of whom by the way read this weekly attempt at scholastic pigskin prognostication-is now a known entity at a particular Morris County high school. Tomorrow he’ll be signing autographs during home room. But, not so fast, the immortal Sideline Swami, with freshly glazed crystal ball, sewn turban in place, magic carpet dry cleaned and ready for takeoff, is set to soar back in the lead with his picks as the playoff semis take center stage this weekend. The Coach may be known to some now, but he’s simply an intrusive opposite number in the forecasting game where everyone knows “The Swami Rules!”
Friday night:
North 1, Group 4 -- Morris Knolls at East Orange (rematch #1)
The Coach: I was all over the Eagles two weeks ago when I was sure that Knolls would take down the Easterners of Orange, but alas, our 17-point halftime time was squashed. The campus rolled off 26 straight points en route to a stunning victory over the veer-y-perfect Eagles. The good news for East Orange is that they were able to face the “live” veer for 48 minutes, just two weeks ago. The bad news is that one of the best coaches in the state walks the Eagles sidelines and the Eagles will be ready to win this one! Morris Knolls advances 24-15
The Swami: We don’t believe a single coach has ever defeated a Bill Regan team twice in a season. It seems improbable indeed, but one of the several rematches that are part of this year’s semifinals include a second EO-Knolls encounter in Robeson Stadium. After a stopover at one of the nearby eateries, the Swami will land on the sidelines for this titanic match-up. The fleet-footed and opportunistic Jaguars would seem to be at a disadvantage in facing the immortal Regan for a Round 2, but somehow, we see Marion Bell’s squad doing just enough to make this one a memorable night for the home crowd in Robeson. I can see a Quadir Pendleton to Akeem Cunningham completed pass down the sidelines right now. It will be enough. East Orange 27-21
North 2, Group 1: Verona at Cedar Grove (The Rivalry Game! Round 1)
The Coach: The Hillbillies rolled off 7-staright victories since their sole loss to Mountain Lakes. Things look good in Verona with 21 or more points in each of those wins. Unfortunately, all seven of those games were not against a defense as solid as that of the Panthers. How can you argue with the stunning victory over Hoboken and not expect a state final in the Grovers’ future … Cedar Grove 21-7
The Swami: This is the start of six days of the neighborhood arguments over who is the better football team where some Hillbillies’ backyards actually border Panther territory. Verona showed us a great deal with its ultra-impressive road win at Brearley in the playoff opener, and Coach Lou Racioppe and his staff have regrouped with gusto after an early-season lopsided loss to Lakes. Carlo Calabrese and company will try and will Verona to victory. (BTW, can it get any more exciting than this in public school football circles?) Carlo could have gone to Bergen or Bosco but stayed home to be part of a game like this. He’s a player, and his teammates combine to form a dangerous road team, but, this is Grove. The Panthers’ skill-position people are varied in their abilities and they’re more experienced as a group. Plus, the swarming defense that Ed Sadloch’s crew presents is perhaps even underrated. With all that being said, this could be a classic in the best sense of the word with the home team holding a slight edge. Cedar Grove 24-21
Saturday:
North 2, Group 3: West Side at Morristown
The Coach: The Roughriders snapped a two-game losing streak with their 26-6 victory over Union Hill. Morristown knocked off the defending champions, New Brunswick. Again, you all know how I feel about Morristown’s triple threat of Bass, Carter and Colvin. West Side has the power to match up with Morristown, score for score … but I think Mo-town’s stingy defense will be enough to get them to the final. Morristown 28-14
The Swami: I had the fortune to see Morristown in a tremendous football game earlier this season in the one game it has lost this year. What impressed me beyond the fact that the team is physical and persistent on defense is the fact it can potentially beat you with Michael Colvin’s passing to Jerry Carter, and it can blaze past you with the running of George Bass. West Side has done a splendid job, led by the dynamic quarterback Anthony Baskerville and backs Jonathan Quallis and Carlos Cox, but I don’t think the Roughriders are ready for the lock-down defense of the Colonials. Morristown 20-13
North 1, Group 2: River Dell at Lenape Valley
The Coach: The Super-Schwam really threw a wrench in The Coach’s tricycle here. The Golden Hawks have it all … an explosive offense and a defense that just does not give up points. The Jefferson Falcons learned that the hard way … and you know that give the Dell a ton more confidence going into this game against another SCIL team. Matt Connolly, Dan Chiarello and Blake Crouch can get the Hawks to the end zone quickly and often. Lenape Valley beat Jefferson 34-7 earlier in the year. Trevor Stempert and Mike Moschella have been key players for Lenape. Who will prevail, the Patriots’ rocket charged offense or River Dell’s airtight defense? I will always go with “DEFENSE” this time of year. The Lenape Valley following got a little free game time last week and may get more this week – you get a OT here too. River Dell 21-14 in OT!
The Swami: During his past life as one of the architects of the Glen Rock run-and-shoot offense, River Dell Head Coach D.J. Nimphius proved to be a dynamic coordinator. In his four years with the Golden Hawks his teams have kept taking a step up. My contacts in Bergen County indicate that now, they are ready to soar right toward Giants Stadium in two weeks. Lenape Valley survived in two overtimes against Mahwah. The SCIL did not have a terrific year outside of Kittatinny’s incredible campaign. The best of the BCSL gets the better of Sussex in this one. River Dell 28-14
North 2, Group 2: Chatham at Morris Hills (rematch)
The Coach: I heard that even John Garzone is going to be this game and that Coach Sabo has asked the 1989 MH Football alum to make the pregame speech - not only that ... Sabo has also called on Ralph Natoli to sing the national anthem in his home town of Rockaway Boro!! That rascal that vandalizes the NJO forum may be be leading the alumni section in the house that Verdun built! Let me tell you, they know how to treat Press there at MoHills. Preferred parking, plenty of booth space and Mr. Lusardi passing along rosters to all who walk near that great snack booth that is only second to one at West Essex! (thanks for the chicken sandwich!!) But I know you really care about the game. Chatham was close to knocking off Hills earlier this year, but the Scarlet Knights’ defense came up big near the goal. Chatham looked great against Caldwell and really played perfect ball while dominating the Chiefs. Chatham can pound the ball at you and reminds me of the old-school Bill Parcells’ NY Giants that controlled the ball and punched it in. Chatham has cut down on their red zone mistakes and this should come up big against a Morris Hills’ that was just flat out sloppy in the 1 st half against Bernards. I did love the air-Sabo attack of Morris Hills last week and that may be the difference in this game. If Hills gets a 2 TD lead at any point, consider this one over. Morris Hills will be going to the show for the 1 st time since 1989 – no way I can pick against my flesh and blood here! Morris Hills 28-14
The Swami: One of the most enjoyable times this scholastic sports pundit has had in the last decade was jumping on the bandwagon of Chatham in 2005 during a memorable playoff run that included classic-like road wins at Caldwell and Orange before running into a bigger and stronger team in Lodi in the North 2, Group 2 final at Giants Stadium. It’s tough to compare teams. Don Dayon’s latest edition is a ground-oriented machine in the making with an occasional breakaway Cam Wood kick or punt return thrown in. Morris Hills, on the other hand, has shown a resiliency in picking up the pieces after a lopsided loss to West Essex earlier this season to play impressive football over the past month. Justin Doniloski, a very important two-way player for the Scarlet Knights, is healthy again, and his presence at halfback and linebacker is huge. Plus, the Ken Kellner to Doug Dudek pass-catch combo is ever present. Chatham is on the rise, but the feeling is the home team is Meadowlands-bound. Morris Hills 21-13.
Non-Public, Group IV: St. Peter's Prep-Bergen Catholic
The Coach: The Swam is also at a big advantage here, as I really do not brush up on these teams and … well … he knows everything. So I am not going to tell you anything that you do not already know. Bergen Catholic’s only loss came to Don Bosco. St. Pete’s averages almost 50 points a game. The skill goes deep on both squads, but I watched St. Peter’s just reload as the heat set at Giants Stadium. I am sure that the Crusaders have the same loaded arsenal in the wings – Bergen Cath. Man-handled Red Bank Catholic. All I know is that this should be great football when you can build All-Star teams of this magnitude: Bergen Catholic: 35-28
The Swami: Give Fred Stengel and company credit. A lot of folks were bidding him adieu even before the season started after last year’s less than satisfactory campaign. But, B.C. has bounced way back this fall, behind a strong offensive line and a wealth of competent defenders. It is not an explosive team, nor is it as athletic as St. Peter’s Prep, which, of course, boasts the state’s No. 1 player in Florida-bound Will “The Thrill” Hill. The Thrill has taken over enough games in the past two years. He’s certainly capable of doing it one more time before having to face No. 1 Bosco. St. Peter’s Prep 31-24
Friday night:
North 1, Group 4 -- Morris Knolls at East Orange (rematch #1)
The Coach: I was all over the Eagles two weeks ago when I was sure that Knolls would take down the Easterners of Orange, but alas, our 17-point halftime time was squashed. The campus rolled off 26 straight points en route to a stunning victory over the veer-y-perfect Eagles. The good news for East Orange is that they were able to face the “live” veer for 48 minutes, just two weeks ago. The bad news is that one of the best coaches in the state walks the Eagles sidelines and the Eagles will be ready to win this one! Morris Knolls advances 24-15The Swami: We don’t believe a single coach has ever defeated a Bill Regan team twice in a season. It seems improbable indeed, but one of the several rematches that are part of this year’s semifinals include a second EO-Knolls encounter in Robeson Stadium. After a stopover at one of the nearby eateries, the Swami will land on the sidelines for this titanic match-up. The fleet-footed and opportunistic Jaguars would seem to be at a disadvantage in facing the immortal Regan for a Round 2, but somehow, we see Marion Bell’s squad doing just enough to make this one a memorable night for the home crowd in Robeson. I can see a Quadir Pendleton to Akeem Cunningham completed pass down the sidelines right now. It will be enough. East Orange 27-21
North 2, Group 1: Verona at Cedar Grove (The Rivalry Game! Round 1)
The Coach: The Hillbillies rolled off 7-staright victories since their sole loss to Mountain Lakes. Things look good in Verona with 21 or more points in each of those wins. Unfortunately, all seven of those games were not against a defense as solid as that of the Panthers. How can you argue with the stunning victory over Hoboken and not expect a state final in the Grovers’ future … Cedar Grove 21-7
The Swami: This is the start of six days of the neighborhood arguments over who is the better football team where some Hillbillies’ backyards actually border Panther territory. Verona showed us a great deal with its ultra-impressive road win at Brearley in the playoff opener, and Coach Lou Racioppe and his staff have regrouped with gusto after an early-season lopsided loss to Lakes. Carlo Calabrese and company will try and will Verona to victory. (BTW, can it get any more exciting than this in public school football circles?) Carlo could have gone to Bergen or Bosco but stayed home to be part of a game like this. He’s a player, and his teammates combine to form a dangerous road team, but, this is Grove. The Panthers’ skill-position people are varied in their abilities and they’re more experienced as a group. Plus, the swarming defense that Ed Sadloch’s crew presents is perhaps even underrated. With all that being said, this could be a classic in the best sense of the word with the home team holding a slight edge. Cedar Grove 24-21
Saturday:
North 2, Group 3: West Side at Morristown
The Coach: The Roughriders snapped a two-game losing streak with their 26-6 victory over Union Hill. Morristown knocked off the defending champions, New Brunswick. Again, you all know how I feel about Morristown’s triple threat of Bass, Carter and Colvin. West Side has the power to match up with Morristown, score for score … but I think Mo-town’s stingy defense will be enough to get them to the final. Morristown 28-14The Swami: I had the fortune to see Morristown in a tremendous football game earlier this season in the one game it has lost this year. What impressed me beyond the fact that the team is physical and persistent on defense is the fact it can potentially beat you with Michael Colvin’s passing to Jerry Carter, and it can blaze past you with the running of George Bass. West Side has done a splendid job, led by the dynamic quarterback Anthony Baskerville and backs Jonathan Quallis and Carlos Cox, but I don’t think the Roughriders are ready for the lock-down defense of the Colonials. Morristown 20-13
North 1, Group 2: River Dell at Lenape Valley
The Coach: The Super-Schwam really threw a wrench in The Coach’s tricycle here. The Golden Hawks have it all … an explosive offense and a defense that just does not give up points. The Jefferson Falcons learned that the hard way … and you know that give the Dell a ton more confidence going into this game against another SCIL team. Matt Connolly, Dan Chiarello and Blake Crouch can get the Hawks to the end zone quickly and often. Lenape Valley beat Jefferson 34-7 earlier in the year. Trevor Stempert and Mike Moschella have been key players for Lenape. Who will prevail, the Patriots’ rocket charged offense or River Dell’s airtight defense? I will always go with “DEFENSE” this time of year. The Lenape Valley following got a little free game time last week and may get more this week – you get a OT here too. River Dell 21-14 in OT!
The Swami: During his past life as one of the architects of the Glen Rock run-and-shoot offense, River Dell Head Coach D.J. Nimphius proved to be a dynamic coordinator. In his four years with the Golden Hawks his teams have kept taking a step up. My contacts in Bergen County indicate that now, they are ready to soar right toward Giants Stadium in two weeks. Lenape Valley survived in two overtimes against Mahwah. The SCIL did not have a terrific year outside of Kittatinny’s incredible campaign. The best of the BCSL gets the better of Sussex in this one. River Dell 28-14
North 2, Group 2: Chatham at Morris Hills (rematch)
The Coach: I heard that even John Garzone is going to be this game and that Coach Sabo has asked the 1989 MH Football alum to make the pregame speech - not only that ... Sabo has also called on Ralph Natoli to sing the national anthem in his home town of Rockaway Boro!! That rascal that vandalizes the NJO forum may be be leading the alumni section in the house that Verdun built! Let me tell you, they know how to treat Press there at MoHills. Preferred parking, plenty of booth space and Mr. Lusardi passing along rosters to all who walk near that great snack booth that is only second to one at West Essex! (thanks for the chicken sandwich!!) But I know you really care about the game. Chatham was close to knocking off Hills earlier this year, but the Scarlet Knights’ defense came up big near the goal. Chatham looked great against Caldwell and really played perfect ball while dominating the Chiefs. Chatham can pound the ball at you and reminds me of the old-school Bill Parcells’ NY Giants that controlled the ball and punched it in. Chatham has cut down on their red zone mistakes and this should come up big against a Morris Hills’ that was just flat out sloppy in the 1 st half against Bernards. I did love the air-Sabo attack of Morris Hills last week and that may be the difference in this game. If Hills gets a 2 TD lead at any point, consider this one over. Morris Hills will be going to the show for the 1 st time since 1989 – no way I can pick against my flesh and blood here! Morris Hills 28-14The Swami: One of the most enjoyable times this scholastic sports pundit has had in the last decade was jumping on the bandwagon of Chatham in 2005 during a memorable playoff run that included classic-like road wins at Caldwell and Orange before running into a bigger and stronger team in Lodi in the North 2, Group 2 final at Giants Stadium. It’s tough to compare teams. Don Dayon’s latest edition is a ground-oriented machine in the making with an occasional breakaway Cam Wood kick or punt return thrown in. Morris Hills, on the other hand, has shown a resiliency in picking up the pieces after a lopsided loss to West Essex earlier this season to play impressive football over the past month. Justin Doniloski, a very important two-way player for the Scarlet Knights, is healthy again, and his presence at halfback and linebacker is huge. Plus, the Ken Kellner to Doug Dudek pass-catch combo is ever present. Chatham is on the rise, but the feeling is the home team is Meadowlands-bound. Morris Hills 21-13.
Non-Public, Group IV: St. Peter's Prep-Bergen Catholic
The Coach: The Swam is also at a big advantage here, as I really do not brush up on these teams and … well … he knows everything. So I am not going to tell you anything that you do not already know. Bergen Catholic’s only loss came to Don Bosco. St. Pete’s averages almost 50 points a game. The skill goes deep on both squads, but I watched St. Peter’s just reload as the heat set at Giants Stadium. I am sure that the Crusaders have the same loaded arsenal in the wings – Bergen Cath. Man-handled Red Bank Catholic. All I know is that this should be great football when you can build All-Star teams of this magnitude: Bergen Catholic: 35-28 The Swami: Give Fred Stengel and company credit. A lot of folks were bidding him adieu even before the season started after last year’s less than satisfactory campaign. But, B.C. has bounced way back this fall, behind a strong offensive line and a wealth of competent defenders. It is not an explosive team, nor is it as athletic as St. Peter’s Prep, which, of course, boasts the state’s No. 1 player in Florida-bound Will “The Thrill” Hill. The Thrill has taken over enough games in the past two years. He’s certainly capable of doing it one more time before having to face No. 1 Bosco. St. Peter’s Prep 31-24
2 comments:
Nice job Swammi picking EO. Coach, what the hell man?! Lets get with it.
How come no predictions on the HP Matchup?
I am picking Chatham for an upset today. I think they hvae the tools and skills to pull off this upset.
oh well, screw my Chatham pick. I am picking Wessex all the way vs. MoHills...sorry Coach. I think Wessex is just too good.
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