EAST BRUNSWICK
A generation ago, the East Brunswick High School vs. J.P. Stevens High School football game was the Greater Middlesex Conference Red Division’s game of the year.
That’s no longer the case. The most recent encounter was Oct. 16 when the visiting Bears spoiled the Hawks’ homecoming to the tune of 41-6. East Brunswick (2-3 division and overall) is too far behind the leaders to challenge for the division title; however, the victory renewed hopes it can gain a spot in the NJSIAA sectional playoffs. As for the Hawks, the once-dominant Middlesex County team added another defeat to its winless record (0-6) and has no hope of making the playoffs.
To chronicle what once was, the winner of this once heated rivalry during the 1980s and 1990s had a clear road to the Middlesex County Athletic Conference (MCAC) — the league’s name back then. In addition, both teams sent players to the college ranks on an annual basis.
But that’s ancient history. The last time the Hawks finished with a winning record was 2003 (6-4), and they have not been playoff eligible since 2006. East Brunswick is trying to emerge from a dry spell that began at the turn of the century and has resulted in only two noteworthy seasons, 2004 and 2009, when the Bears won two Central Jersey, Group IV titles.
As for which program is making the most progress, East Brunswick’s margin of victory over J.P. Stevens answers that question. Following the game, Bears head coach Bob Molarz provided an assessment of his team’s improvement, including its chances of gaining one of eight berths in Central Jersey, Group V.
“[The win against J.P. Stevens] could be a turning point,” he said. “We had difficulty against [Edison High School in a 28-26 triple-overtime loss] when we didn’t finish [them] off. But we had a good week of practice, were more focused than in the past and it showed.”
Asked to comment on the remaining teams on the schedule — Marlboro High School (0-6), Sayreville War Memorial High School (3-3) and Monroe Township High School (2-4), which could be characterized as less formidable opponents — Molarz would have none of it.
“I definitely wouldn’t call [them] light — far from it,” he said. “Each team is hungry, so we need to play like we did [against J.P. Stevens]. If we lose any of those games, there’s a good chance we’ll be eliminated from the sectional tournament, so we’re looking at each one as a playoff game in itself.”
SPOTSWOOD
That could also be the case for Spotswood High School, as the Chargers try to qualify for the Central Jersey Group II playoffs. Although they handily defeated South River High School (0-4 division, 0-6 overall), 44-7, Oct. 17, to remain undefeated in the Blue Division, the Chargers have garnered fewer points because the wins have been against Group I teams. Spotswood (3-0 division, 4- 2 overall) is 11th with 39 points with four teams above them in the standings owning poorer records.
The remaining playoff-qualifying games include a visit to Keyport High School (3-3) Oct. 24 and at home against Middlesex High School (2-1 division, 4-2 overall) Oct. 31. In addition, the regular-season finale also at home with Metuchen High School (3-0, 5-1 overall) will likely decide who wins the Blue Division title.
Following the eight-game cutoff, the playoff committee will calculate the power points earned by the best seven performances of all teams before it decides on who qualifies.
MONROE TOWNSHIP
Monroe Township High School (2-4 division and overall) continued its downward spiral with its worst loss of the season when it was ambushed by South Brunswick High School, 52-7, Oct. 16.
Interestingly, the Falcons have 35 power points in Central Jersey, Group V and are 11th in the standings; however, three teams above them have identical records and Edison High School is 2-3.
That means the Falcons could still secure one of the eight playoff spots if they can defeat Howell High School (2-4) of the Shore Conference Oct. 23 and division opponent Old Bridge High School (4-1 division 4-2 overall) Oct. 30.