By Jimmy Allinder
St. Joseph
The importance of depth can never be underestimated, and that’s a major reason why the Saint Joseph High School of Metuchen football team is unbeaten (8-0).
The Falcons clinched the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) White Division title Oct. 29 by defeating Carteret High School, 14-7, highlighted by a yeoman rushing effort from Emmanuele (Manny) Resto. The junior rambled 38 times for 147 yards and scored both touchdowns, as he returned as workhorse back after being injured against Woodbridge High School.
“Before he [was injured], Manny had over 500 yards rushing,” Falcons coach Casey Ransone said. “So it’s not a surprise to the team that he picked up where he left off. Actually, we’ve had a different hero almost every week.”
Ransone pointed to defensive contributions by junior A.J. Murray, who has transitioned into an effective defensive back. Sophomore Jordan Davis has four interceptions from his defensive back position, and sophomore Jalen Murray has registered 42 tackles and three sacks at defensive end. Davis has also scored 10 touchdowns on offense. Equally important has been the performance of former wide receiver Mitchel Epstein, who has transitioned to starting quarterback since the third game after Paul Cocozziello went down with an injury.
“Mitchel started for three years at receiver and safety, so he had a lot of game experience and that helped him when he stepped in at quarterback,” Ransone said. “He has been in game situations and experienced the speed and mental part of playing varsity football, and that was a big plus.”
Following a regular-season ending game Nov. 5 against J.P. Stevens High School (1-6 division and overall), the Falcons set their sights on the first round of the NJSIAA powerhouse Non-Public, Group IV sectional.
Although St. Joe’s is unbeaten, it will likely receive the eighth and final seed in the bracket, which means a road date to play the first seed Nov. 11. Depending on which team is top-seeded, the Falcons will play either current leader Paramus Catholic High School (6-2) or second-seeded Bergen Catholic High School (5-3).
“It’s going to be business as usual,” Ransone said about preparing for the states. “Obviously, [the game] will be the biggest test we’ve faced, but no matter who we play, that opponent is going to have great players. But we do too.
“At the end of the day, this game will feature 16, 17 and 18-year-old kids. I believe the biggest obstacle is getting over the mystique of playing [teams like] the Bergen Catholics or Don Boscos. We are not going to beat ourselves before we get off the bus. Regardless of who we play, we’re going to give it our best shot.”
Bishop Ahr
Bishop George Ahr High School (5-0 White Division, 6-2 overall) already secured a playoff spot in Non-Public, Group III before it faced Asbury Park High School (4-3) Oct. 28, but a 20-7 victory against the Shore Conference team was a confidence booster.
The Trojans’ only two losses were to Point Pleasant Beach High School, 20-14, and Shore Regional High School, 14-7, which might lead to the conclusion Bishop Ahr would have difficulty when it ventured outside the GMC.
Except for Camden Catholic High School (7-0), every team in contention for the sectional playoffs has played the maximum eight games. The Trojans’ likely first-round opponent Nov. 11 will be DePaul Catholic High School, which is 4-4 but every loss has been to a Non-Public, Group IV team.
Edison
Edison High School (2-3-1 Red Division, 2-4-1 overall) can still qualify in Central Jersey, Group V but will need to upset Piscataway Township High School (5-1 Red Division, 5-2 overall) Nov. 6. Currently in 10th place, the Eagles could leap over ninth-place Marlboro High School (3-5) and eighth-place New Brunswick High School (3-5) and secure a spot in the first round.
The Eagles will play a state consolation game Nov. 11 or 12 and close out the season Thanksgiving Day by hosting J.P. Stevens.
Metuchen
Metuchen High School (2-2 Blue Division, 2-5 overall) edged winless Dunellen High School, 28-22, Oct. 29, but it’s unlikely the Bulldogs will gain a North Jersey, Section II, Group I playoff spot. If that remains the case, Metuchen will also play a state consolation game Nov. 11 or 12. But before that, the team will host Spotswood High School (4-1 Blue Division, 5-3 overall) Nov. 5.
Bishop Ahr has the best record in the Blue Division but because of a league rule that makes teams moving from another division ineligible for the title, the winner of the Metuchen vs. Spotswood game will have the upperhand on winning the Blue Division. If the Bulldogs defeat the Chargers and finish with a Thanksgiving Day victory against Highland Park High School (2-3 Blue Division, 4-4 overall), Metuchen and Spotswood would both be 4-2 and the title would be awarded to the Bulldogs because of their win over the Chargers.
J.P. Stevens
J.P. Stevens (1-6 Red Division and overall) has been officially eliminated from the North Jersey, Section II, Group V playoffs and following its meeting with St. Joe’s, the Hawks will play a state consolation game Nov. 11 or 12 and close out the season Thanksgiving Day against Edison.