Circle Your Calendars: Cutoff Weekend's Top Friday Games Part I

Week 8 is the cutoff for the NJSIAA playoff race. With several teams still vying to get in and even more jockeying for position, here are a few interesting matchups to key in on this weekend.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Big Central Conference</h2>   <ul> <li>Woodbridge (6-2) at Sayreville (6-2)</li> </ul>   An throwback GMC matchup features North IV's #11 Sayreville against #13 Woodbridge. With both teams all but officially "in," positioning is at stake in what could could be a playoff preview down the line. For the host bombers lineman [player_tooltip player_id='378669' first='Connor' last='Walsh'] is the man who sets the tone on both sides of the trenches. A fast and vicious puller for the Bombers' Wing-T, Walsh is also a load to handle on defense. His quick get off and hustle has allowed him to make 43 tackles (20 solos), 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 2 forced fumbles during his senior season. Backing Walsh is linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1054137' first='Bryce' last='Bouchard']. A junior, Bouchard also plays offensive line but is undoubtedly a clean-up type linebacker at the second level. During his varsity debut season Bouchard has made 26 tackles, forced 3 fumbles while recovering 2. Bouchard also has a pick-six to his credit as well.   For the visiting Barrons their roster is a nice blend of seniors and underclassmen who all contribute in all phases of the game. Offensively the Barrons drop bombs off the arm of junior [player_tooltip player_id='354983' first='Derek' last='Anderson']. The team's quarterback is having an outstanding season during his first as a starter. Thus far Anderson is 83/145 for 1359 yards and 17 touchdowns to 1 interception. Also a threat on the ground, he has slashed 37.264/6 on the ground. Although I am unsure if they are related, [player_tooltip player_id='354982' first='Bryan' last='Anderson'] is Woodbridge's second-leading receiver behind [player_tooltip player_id='220086' first='Alexander' last='Bosch'] (who much as been written about). Anderson might be a four-year lettermen candidate as he has seen significant burn at varsity since his freshman year. The junior is having his best season yet as he has slashed 23/380/4 as a receiver. To frame it differently, Anderson's yards per reception have increased from 9.5 to 16.5. Also a key component to their secondary, Anderson has made 49 stops, 4 tackles for loss, forced a fumble, intercepted 2 passes, had a pick-six, and had a scoop-and-score. The Barrons' leading rusher is named [player_tooltip player_id='1054126' first='Jamir' last='Beal']. Also a junior getting his first taste of varsity, Beal has rushed 75 times for 574 yards and 6 scores; Beal has also forced a fumble and returned a kickoff for a touchdown. One of the youngest Barrons to contribute on varsity, [player_tooltip player_id='1054150' first='Ian' last='Roberts'] makes the most of his opportunities as as a defender. He has made 44 tackles (28 solos), 4.5 tackles for loss, 1 safety, as well as forcing and recovering two different fumbles.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Super Football Conference</h2>   <ul> <li>Passaic Valley (4-2) at Millburn (4-3)</li> </ul>   For North IV's #21 Millburn to have any shot at making the playoffs, they must upset North III's #10 Passaic Valley - who with a win is looking for a home playoff game. In this matchup the visiting Hornets will look to sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1054149' first='Dante' last='Benvenuti'] to make plays in a big way. Also a wrestler, the young 'backer has been credited with 22 tackles this season He does, however, have a penchant for big plays as he has 1 tackle for loss, 1 fumble recovery, and blocked one kick. Benvenuti has also caught a touchdown pass and, as the team's kicker, made 19/21 PATs and made his only field goal attempt of the season - a 28 yarder. Teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1054134' first='Kenny' last='Van Winkle'] will undoubtedly have Benvenuti's back in this contest. The junor standout has made 23 tackles on the season including 4 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.   The Millers' have a pair of defenders of their own who fail to be denied. First is linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1054148' first='Jack' last='Gukassey']. Gukassey, a sophomore, is having an outstanding debut season as he has made 38 tackles (16 solo), 2 tackles for loss, and recovered one fumble. Two-way lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1054136' first='Alejandro' last='Martin'] has been a reliable force for Millburn as he looks to continue to control the trenches. As a defensive lineman, the junior has made 34 tackle (18 solos), 7 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and recovered 1 fumble.   <ul> <li>Sussex Tech (6-2) at Vernon (7-1)</li> </ul>   The Mustangs will be taking their fight on the road as they travel to take on the Vikings. A game that will only help either team's playoff stature, Sussex Tech looks to climb from North II #11 with an outside shot at a home game while #7 Vernon will look to climb and have an outside shot at having two North III home games.   Vernon's offensive assault revolves around [player_tooltip player_id='1021644' first='Logan' last='Pych']. One of the state's most productive backs this year, Pych is going out in style his senior season - hoping it culminates in a ring. Thus far Pych has 188 carries for 1412 yards and 14 touchdowns while also grabbing 1 touchdown pass. This is an utter explosion from his 42/306/5 stat line as a junior. Pych is a key defender too, as he has made 50 tackles (24 solo). Big play-wise, he has made 7 tackles behind the line, 1 sack, and intercepted 2 passes. Joining Pych on defense are [player_tooltip player_id='1027664' first='Syrus' last='Castanaga'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1054135' first='Jake' last='Del Rosario']. Both juniors, they lead a defensive that looks to continue their domination this year and next. Del Rosario has made 24 tackles/13 solos this year to go along with his 3 interceptions and 1 tackle for loss; whereas Castanaga is amongst the team leaders in tackles with 58 (36 solos). Further, Castanaga has 2 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, while forcing and recovering a fumble a piece.   Vernon's defenders ought to buckle up because the 'Stangs have a backfield duo who find ways to routinely gallop into the end zone. [player_tooltip player_id='811607' first='Brian' last='Gruber'] is their dual-threat quarterback. A junior, in a run-first offense, he is 12/37 for 163 yards with a 2:5 touchdown to interception ratio; however, on the ground it is a different story. Gruber is just about 110 yards shy of the team rushing lead with 901 yards and 11 scores on 131 carries. Also playing defense, Gruber has 26 tackles and 1 pick-six; whereas the team's place kicker he is 25 of 28 on PATs. Who does Gruber trail for the team lead in rushing yardage? Tailback [player_tooltip player_id='220067' first='Andrew' last='Baker']. Busting loose for 253 yards in a week 0 victory, that game set the tone for Baker's last prep season. Baker has rushed 138 times for 1011 yards and 15 scores. He has pitched in with 2 receiving touchdowns and stuck his nose in on defense with 34 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 4 interceptions.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Shore Conference</h2>   <ul> <li>Red Bank Catholic (6-1) at Toms River North (7-1)</li> </ul>   One thing I appreciate about South V's #2 seed Toms River North is that they scheduled as many challenging opponents as they could - including the Shore's premier parochial school in Red Bank Catholic. The Mariners have a legitimate shot at being the #1 seed as current #1 seed Cherokee will play host to Millville who is #2 in South IV at the start of the day.   For the Caseys to pull off the victory they will be looking for junior [player_tooltip player_id='521913' first='Frankie' last='Williams'] to link up with senior [player_tooltip player_id='380411' first='Emanuel' last='Ross'] as much as possible. Williams, the teams quarterback, has gone 66/107 for 1030 yards this season with an 11:2 touchdown to interception ratio. He keeps teams honest on the ground as well with 239 rushing yards and 2 scores. Ross is his favorite target and will be heading to Stanford before much longer. The team's leading receiver has hauled in 30 balls for 447 yards and 7 scores, while also scoring 1 rushing touchdown. A part-time contributor on defense, Ross has made 11 tackles/4 solo and had 2 interceptions (one went for a score). [player_tooltip player_id='1022241' first='Jamie' last='Gutridge'] is more than a supporting member to RBC's linebacking corps. A junior, Gutridge has made 63 tackles/30 solo on the season. His havoc play numbers are 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery.   As great of a year Toms River North had last year, we can sing the praises of their star-studded lineup for years to come; however, I am choosing to highlight a few glue-guys who will be the next frontline players for the Mariners. Before too long [player_tooltip player_id='380411' first='Emanuel' last='Ross'] will team up with [player_tooltip player_id='172516' first='Micah' last='Ford'] at Standford, but as Ford was subject to injury this season [player_tooltip player_id='1054133' first='TJ' last='Valerio'] filled in admirably at quarterback. A junior Valerio went undefeated in his four starts. In a run-first offense Valerio was 23 of 35 for 386 yards with 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions; as a rusher he went for 254 carries and 2 scores on 39 carries - including two, 100+ yard games. Another rusher to be aware of is is the older Ford's younger brother, [player_tooltip player_id='1054128' first='Mordecai' last='Ford']. Ford is explosive, averaging better than 10 yards a carry on 20 carries for 210 yards and 3 scores. He has also pitched in on defense with 8 tackles and a tackle for loss. Last but not least, another junior defender on the rise is [player_tooltip player_id='1054132' first='Eddie' last='Slosky']. Slosky has made 38 tackles to go along with 2 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 1 forced fumble. A tight end, Slosky has hauled in a 16-yard touchdown reception.   <ul> <li>Monmouth (5-3) at Pinelands (5-2)</li> </ul>   In a game that was moved to Thursday because of Friday's pending rain, the Monmouth Falcons went on the road to defeat the Pineland Wildcats 20-17. A few players I wanted to highlight entering this game for Pinelands were: [player_tooltip player_id='354975' first='Jaimin' last='Parkinson'], junior, running back: 122 rushes, 718 yards, 9 touchdowns [player_tooltip player_id='1054127' first='Ty' last='Kline'], junior, quarterback: 63 of 98, 877 yards, 8 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 2 rushing touchdowns   For Monmouth I was going to discuss:   [player_tooltip player_id='1054160' first='Jaden' last='Hall'], freshman, lineman: 27 tackles, 16 solos, 4 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble returned for a touchdown   [player_tooltip player_id='1054115' first='Nasir' last='Watson'], senior, running/defensive back: 63 rushes, 293 yards, 1 touchdown, 35 tackles, 12 solos, 4 tackles for loss, 1 interception.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">West Jersey Football League</h2>   <ul> <li>Kingsway (5-3) at Holy Spirit (6-1)</li> </ul>   South V's #10 team the Kingsway Dragons will roll into Absecon to face the Holy Spirit Spartans. Because they are a parochial school a committee handles seeding for the non-public schools; however Kingsway has much to gain, since the Spartans are a multiplier, the Dragons could jump up considerably with a victory.   It appears that Kingsway's senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='971122' first='Tommy' last='Popoff'] has sustained an injury as he has not played since September 22 at Delsea. In his absence, the Dragons have turned to sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='501876' first='David' last='Oravetz'] to keep the team afloat. It appears that Oravetz was baptized by fire and thrown right into the mix. On the season Oravetz is 40/63 with 609 yards and 6 touchdowns to 5 interceptions. Despite being their third leading rusher, [player_tooltip player_id='1054153' first='Za'hir' last='Paynter'] is second on the team in carries. Also a sophomore, Paynter has slashed 59/255/2 on offense and spelled on defense with 8 tackles. It seems as if the future is now for the Dragons, as their younger players in key spots are competing at high levels.   For as exciting the youth movement is at Kingsway, the Spartans have their own set of sophomore triplets who are balling in key spots too. [player_tooltip player_id='1054154' first='Ty' last='Costabile'] is presently the quarterback and had a great year as he is 61/111 for 912 yards with 13 touchdowns and 6 interceptions; Costabile has also rushed for 1 score. Flanking Costabile in the backfield is [player_tooltip player_id='994277' first='Emir' last='Hicks']. After getting his feet wet on varsity as a freshman, Hicks has had a stelar season going 81/476/4 on the ground. Costabile has linked up with fellow sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1054152' first='Taylor' last='Cartwright'] a few times through the air, as Cartwright is 9/85/1 as a target; however, Cartwright has been an immediate play at linebacker. Cartwright has made 27.5 tackles (24 solos), 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception during a great debut season.   <ul> <li>Hopewell Valley (6-1) at Notre Dame (8-0)</li> </ul>   Hopewell Valley has high hopes as they take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish tonight. The Bulldogs currently sit #14 in the South III bracket and a win against an undefeated will unquestionably give them a big boost. As they have all season long, Valley will look to [player_tooltip player_id='1054139' first='Milan' last='Desai'] to continue his clutch play. On the year Desai has gone 78/129 for 1158 yards with 12 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Additionally, Desai has proven a threat near the goal line with 7 rushing scores this year. One of their junior quarterback's favorite targets has been Luke Caldwell. When his number has been called, Caldwell has been reliable as he has made 11 catches for 184 yards. Defensively Caldwell has frustrated opponents as he has made 27.5 tackles (16 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception.   A pair of junior defenders have impressed me for Notre Dame. First, [player_tooltip player_id='1054138' first='Will' last='Renda'] has done a great job in the trenches. Renda has made 51 tackles - 24 of which have been solos - to go along with 2 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 blocked kick. [player_tooltip player_id='819157' first='Cameron' last='Bailey'] has been of note too nearly matching Renda is his production. Bailey has made 52 tackles - 28 of which have been solos - with 1 tackle for loss and forcing 1 fumble. Although senior [player_tooltip player_id='1012884' first='Michael' last='Quinn'] gets it done on defense (17 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception), he primarily wrecks games as a receiver. Quinn has 21 receptions for 650 yards and 9 touchdowns this year. If you were curious, his yards per catch average is 29.95 YPC. Quinn has proven to be a true game breaker.

Week 8 is the cutoff for the NJSIAA playoff race. With several teams still vying to get in and even more jockeying for position, here are a few interesting matchups to key in on this weekend.