The chill is in the air. That not only means October is winding down but scholastic championships and crucial games are being showcased around our local landscape.
So throw on that extra sweatshirt and sweater and head out to these events over the coming days.
The football schedule for this weekend is quite appealing.
Middletown South saw its 17-game winning streak come to a bitter end last week when it fell to Toms River North, 41-21, on Oct. 21, on a showdown of undefeated clubs.
The opposition does not get easier when Middletown South seeks to rebound from that loss.
On Friday, Oct. 28, the Eagles are playing as the host to another undefeated visitor when St. John Vianney comes to town with a 7-0 record and thoughts of pinning a second straight defeat on Middletown South, which awaits with a 5-1 record. The game will begin at 7 p.m.
Ironically, St. John Vianney is also coming off a 41-21 result from last Friday, Oct. 21. it was during that evening in Holmdel where the host school, St. John Vianney, knocked off its rival, a solid Red Bank Catholic squad.
Freehold Township had its undefeated season halted a week ago when Howell paid a call and walked away with a 22-13 decision.
Freehold Township will seek to recover from that loss and move its record to 7-1 when it travels on Friday, Oct. 28, to play a East Brunswick team that is just 1-5 but dangerous. The game will kick off at 7 p.m.
Spotswood is another quality team that is looking to rebound from a tough loss to a good foe. Spotswood fell on its home field last week, 46-30, to a 5-2 Bishop Ahr unit. Spotswood is also 5-2.
On Friday, Oct. 28, Spotswood will charge into Halzet and take on a 3-3 Raritan team. Game time is at 7 p.m.
Jackson Memorial has claimed the last two NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group IV state playoff titles.
In order for Jackson to pull off the hat trick, the Jaqs, who stand at 3-4, must hold off another team that is on track for a state playoff berth —Old Bridge.
Old Bridge, which is 4-1-1, makes the drive south from Middlesex County and will pay a call to Ocean County and square off with Jackson at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28.
Old Bridge must slow down Jackson’s workhorse running back, Mike Gawlik, who has rushed for over 4,000 yards during his fine career.
Freehold has rung up three straight victories after opening with four defeats.
That winning streak began when Ashante Worthy was placed at quarterback. Last week he erupted to score six touchdowns and rush for 35 yards while he also passed for a TD in a 48-32 triumph over Marlboro. That effort came two weeks after he clicked on seven TDs in a victory over Monroe.
Worthy and his mates will try to pick up its fourth straight victory when Freehold takes a visit to play at Edison, which is 2-3-1 but is fully capable of slowing down Freehold’s explosive QB.
The action shifts to a busy football Saturday, Oct. 29.
And one of the premiere games in the state will take place center stage at the State University on this day.
Manalapan has rolled to a 7-0 record behind a balanced offense and a rugged defense. The Braves will attempt to tackle a 5-1 Piscataway team at Rutgers Stadium in Piscataway. Game time is set for 11 a.m.
These two heavyweights could have another date in the coming weeks when the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group V state playoffs are held.
On a smaller school level on Saturday, but featuring its share of quality, will be the South River-Mater Dei Prep matchup in Middletown.
Mater Dei has compiled a 7-0 record and has its sights on remaining undefeated. South River comes to town at 2-5 but it has the ability to pull off the upset.
Soccer will be settling various championships over the coming days.
The Greater Middlesex Conference, weather permitting, will hold boys’ and girls’ soccer tournament semifinals on Thursday, Oct. 27.
In boys’ play at South Brunswick, both semifinals will start on the two turf fields at the school at 3 p.m. due to the rainy weather.
South Brunswick meets St. Joseph of Metuchen and North Brunswick plays South Plainfield. The games were originally scheduled at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., but were shifted up in time because of the weather.
The same holds true in the GMC girls’ tournament, Both the South Brunswick-Piscataway and East Brunswick-Spotswood games will start at 3 p.m.
The championships are tentatively slated for Saturday, Oct. 29, at Woodbridge.
The Shore Conference Tournament’s girls’ soccer final between Colts Neck and Freehold Township will be played on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 5 p.m. at Central Regional in Bayville. Colts Neck bids for its second straight SCT championship.
Moving over to field hockey….
The Shore Conference Tournament championship game between Rumson-Fair Haven and Shore Regional is scheduled for this Sunday, Oct. 30, at 11 a.m. at Monmouth University.