Morris County football teams could be closing in on playoff berths
Six weeks have passed in the 2015 high school football season — for some, like Pope John, there have been seven — and the time has come for some local teams to make plans for the NJSIAA postseason party.
It’s also time for some teams to hope and pray that things fall in their favor over the next two weeks before the mandatory eight-game cutoff date in order for them to move up the respective brackets and earn a place to vie for a state championship.
Who’s in? Who’s out? Let’s take a closer look, courtesy of Jon Fass and the staff of www.gridironnewjersey.com.
NORTH 1 GROUP I: Boonton can make arrangements to host a first-round playoff game. The Bombers, led by do-everything quarterback Gage Cabalar, own a 5-1 record and 90 power points, which is good for first place in that bracket. The Bombers have clinched a berth in the playoffs and are now vying for the top seed.
Even though Butler rebounded to win four straight games after starting the season with two losses, the team is currently ninth in the bracket with 54 points, two points behind undefeated Verona. The Bulldogs host Hanover Park Friday night in what will become a playoff game within the regular season. Plain and simple, the Bulldogs win Friday and they’re in.
NORTH 1 GROUP II: In a section that used to house a host of Morris County teams, Pequannock is now the lone wolf. The Golden Panthers, led by lefty quarterback Tommy Crooks, have a 5-1 record and 63 power points, which places them fourth, just two points shy of Ramsey. Glen Rock (87) and Mahwah (75) occupy the top two slots, so it appears as if the Golden Panthers will be hoping to move up with games against Newton and Mountain Lakes.
NORTH 1 GROUP III: The only team worth noting is Jefferson, who currently sits ninth with 38 points, right behind West Milford with 39. But the Falcons were shut out by Madison in their game over the weekend, so that’s never a good sign. Morris Hills is 2-4 and sitting in 11th place with 33 points. The Scarlet Knights need a lot of help from others to get in.
NORTH 1 GROUP IV: This bracket is packed with Morris County hopefuls. Roxbury, the area’s top team, is sitting pretty with 102 points, just one shy of frontrunner Old Tappan. But Morris Knolls is in with its 5-1 record and third place in the standings with 78 points. West Morris is also in with 75 points, good for fourth. Randolph is still alive, sitting in eighth place with 44 points. The Rams could help themselves with a win over Mount Olive this weekend.
NORTH 2 GROUP II; Another busy section locally as four teams seem headed to the postseason barring mishaps over the last two weeks. Hanover Park (6-0) is currently second in the section and will not face any difficulty securing a home game. The Hornets have 83 power points, just three behind front runner Lenape Valley, who has already has a loss. Mountain Lakes, the two-time defending sectional champion, currently sits fourth with a 4-2 record and 65 points. Madison is 3-2 with 59 points. The Dodgers also have a game in hand. Dover is also in the hunt, currently in sixth place with a 3-3 record and 47 points.
NORTH 2 GROUP III: There are only two local teams in this section with playoff aspirations and they’re both far from home free. Chatham is eighth with 61 points and a 5-1 record, but those wins weren’t enough to lock up the elusive berth. The Cougars have games with powerful Pope John and Parsippany Hills left before the cutoff. A win either week would nail down a slot. Parsippany Hills is ninth 4-2 with 49 points. For the reigning sectional champs to secure a chance to defend their title, the Vikings will need victories over Sparta and Chatham the next two weeks. It looks like the Chatham-Parsippany Hills head-to-head matchup on Halloween is going to decide who goes and who stays home.
NON-PUBLIC GROUP III: Delbarton sits in fourth place with 68 points. The Green Wave is currently one point ahead of Camden Catholic, who is undefeated. St. John Vianney, Pope John and Red Bank Catholic are ahead of Delbarton. It’s safe to say that the Green Wave is shooting for the NJAC-National title against Roxbury Friday night as well as the chance to host a home game in the playoffs.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jayson Parisi, Morris Knolls, senior RB/DB
How could the honor go to anyone else? Parisi had the game of his life Saturday in the Golden Eagles’ 38-35 win over Randolph Saturday, rushing for 219 yards and three touchdowns, while collecting 10 tackles and the game-sealing interception on defense.