GMC FOOTBALL: Greg Tufaro's Week 2 Pigskin Picks

Friday (all games 7 p.m.)

No. 1 Piscataway (1-0) at No. 6 Monroe (1-0): Playing without MaxPreps.com sophomore preseason All-American Elijah Barnwell (RB/LB), the Chiefs steamrolled their way to a 48-0 drubbing of East Brunswick last weekend. The shutout was the 97th in school history and Piscataway's first since blanking Bridgewater-Raritan in the 2012 NJSIAA playoffs. The Chiefs recorded 18 hits behind the line of scrimmage. Linebackers Aiden Rosa (5 tackles) and Sellis Roberthson (4 tackles) led the defense, along with hard-charging end Elorn Lumor, who had a sack and two tipped passes. East Brunswick was limited to two first downs and 33 yards from scrimmage. Elijah Pierson led all rushers with 128 yards on eight carries. With Barnwell returning from a minor injury to the backfield, look for Piscataway's running game to be more impressive. Piscataway won last year's meeting between the schools 35-19 as the Falcons played their first game without starting quarterback Stephen Karoly, who endured a season-ending broken wrist the previous week in a loss to Old Bridge that snapped Monroe's five-game winning streak. Karoly completed his first 12 passes and finished 14 of 18 for 240 yards in last weekend's 35-14 victory over Edison. With the exception of four holding penalties, Monroe's offensive line performed admirably, but preseason All-Area running back Akeer Franklin was limited to 71 yards on 22 carries (3.2 per attempt). Monroe's receiving corps was stellar. The Falcons must get their running game on track to take some heat off Karoly, while sophomore quarterback Danny Haus must be effective for the Chiefs to keep the defense honest. Piscataway's athletic secondary and depth in the trenches could be the difference. Piscataway 21-20.

J.F. Kennedy (1-0) at No. 5 Colonia (1-0): The Mustangs squandered a three-touchdown halftime lead and needed a 33-yard field goal from rookie kicker Matt Scalia with 10 seconds remaining to secure a 24-21 win over New Brunswick. Quarterback Andrew Roberts connected with Terrence Young on a 32-yard scoring strike to give the Mustangs a 7-0 lead. Ari King, who plays running back and defensive back, accounted for J.F. Kennedy's two other touchdowns. He scored on a 4-yard run and returned a fumble 54 yards to pay dirt. Roberts completed 5 of 9 passes for 119 yards, while Young caught two passes for 55 yards and ran eight times for 92 yards. Stepp Oziegbe also had two catches for 55 yards. Colonia rolled to a 35-14 victory over Bishop Ahr. Sam Pero rushed 26 times for 195 yards and one touchdown. Quarterback Tenny Adewusi, who has received scholarship offers from Delaware and Fordham, completed 7 of 14 passes for 113 yards and three scores. He also rushed 14 times for 90 yards. Linebacker Raul Cardona, who has a chance to break the legendary Eric LeGrand's school record for tackles, had eight solo hits and four assists. Solomon Manning, who has drawn interest from Boston College, and Joshua Joseph each recorded a sack, while Tyler Santos had an interception. Colonia, which amassed 405 yards from scrimmage last week, simply has too much offensive firepower and its line, featuring Jim Becker, is too strong. Colonia 26-15.

No. 10 Edison (0-1) at No. 4 Old Bridge (1-0): Behind freshman quarterback Haaziq Daniels, the younger brother of former Edison star Aqeel, the Eagles struggled early with some exchanges and had an interception returned for a touchdown while falling behind 21-0 midway through the first quarter of last weekend's 35-14 loss to Monroe. Edison finished with 113 rushing yards on 28 carries, most of which went between the tackles, but never really got its ground game on track. Daniels maintained his composure and turned in a solid second half, as did the Edison defense, suggesting the team's play after intermission is more indicative of its capability. Joe Kim scored both of Edison's touchdowns on runs of 4 and 2 yards. Despite being outgained 262-240 in yards from scrimmage, Old Bridge managed a 28-0 victory over North Brunswick, largely due to the defense making three red-zone stops, recording five sacks and forcing a turnover that led to a score. Linebacker Chidera Udeh (7 tackles) led the defense. The Knights were efficient on offense, scoring three times from inside the red zone and not turning the ball over (Old Bridge did, however, commit nine penalties for 75 yards). Quarterback Mike Gargano was an efficient 5 of 9 for 78 yards in his debut, while Myles Williams led all rushers with 105 yards on six carries. Kicker Ed Mish booted four touchbacks and averaged 36.7 yards per punt. Edison has not fared well against Old Bridge's option, allowing an average of 39 points per defeat in the last four meetings. Old Bridge 28-13.

No. 3 South Brunswick (1-0) at J.P. Stevens (0-1): The Vikings defeated a quality Middletown South team last weekend as Syracuse commit Dontae Strickland rushed for 149 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. Strickland finished with 224 total yards including a 46-yard pass completion and a 29-yard reception. He even returned a fumble 34 yards. Quarterback Amir Johnson was an efficient 4 of 8 passing for 67 yards and also rushed for 77 yards. The Vikings, who amassed 292 yards on the ground, spread the wealth between six backs. Four receivers each caught a pass. Linebacker Chris-Jon Summers anchored the defense with six tackles, while Matt Golden and Phil Campbell had five tackles apiece. The Hawks were limited to 142 yards from scrimmage in a 42-7 loss to Sayreville. Chris Chukwuneke posted a team-high 40 rushing yards on 12 carries and Karleek Sutton caught three passes for 43 yards. Alex Zilli and Quazir Reddick made five tackles apiece, while teammate Javon Scott recovered a fumble. The Hawks allowed Penn State commit Myles Hartsfield to rush for 257 yards and five touchdowns in Coach Bryan Holt's debut. Things won't get much easier for J.P. Stevens, which endured a 42-7 loss to South Brunswick a year ago. South Brunswick 29-12.

North Brunswick (0-1) at No. 2 Sayreville (1-0): Quarterback Kevin Poindexter completed 12 of 16 passes for 133 yards but was unable to find pay dirt on three red-zone possessions as the Raiders opened the year with a 28-0 loss to Old Bridge. North Brunswick outgained the Knights 262-240 in total yards from scrimmage. Poindexter was also the team's leading rusher with 49 yards on 12 carries. He connected with seven receivers. The offensive line, which lost two starters to injury, allowed five sacks. Penn State commit Myles Hartsfield rushed for 257 yards and five touchdowns while leading Sayreville to a 42-7 drubbing of J.P. Stevens. The Bombers mustered just 39 yards through the air in rookie quarterback Jayson DeMild's debut, but they didn't need to throw the ball. Sayreville amassed 409 yards on the ground including 107 from Linwood Crump, who also scored a touchdown. A total of 25 Bombers made at least one tackle with Ben Werb recording a team-high 6 solos. Michael Porcaro recovered a fumble. Sayreville 28-6.

Woodbridge (0-1) at Bishop Ahr (1-0): Quarterback David Holder (3 of 4 for 17), who was knocked out of last week's 35-14 loss to Colonia early with a pinched nerve in his neck, returns. In his stead, backup Tommy Galante went 4 of 14 for 68 yards. James Robinson scored Bishop Ahr's touchdowns on a 72-yard run and a 35-yard catch. The Barrons dropped a 14-7 decision to Carteret in a penalty-filled opener. Woodbridge was limited to 144 yards from scrimmage. Quarterback Tracy Fudge completed 10 of 22 passes for 74 yards but was intercepted twice. Running back Zahneer Shuler left the game after making just three carries with an injury and did not return. Quaasim Glover caught 6 passes for 46 yards. Keshaun Henry had 134 all-purpose yards. Nathan Lanier led Woodbridge with 35 rushing yards on seven carries. Percy Martin (12 tackles) and Donovan Brown (11 tackles) anchored the defense. Brown had an interception and Ryan Alcott recovered a fumble. A healthy Shuler could negate a healthy Holder. The difference in this evenly-matched contest could be Woodbridge's defense, Henry's play on special teams and Fudge's athleticism. Woodbridge 15-14.

No. 7 South Plainfield (1-0) at New Brunswick (0-1): After rallying from a 21-0 deficit only to endure a heartbreaking 24-21 defeat on a 33-yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining, New Brunswick wants to prove its season-opening performance was no fluke. Running back Maurice Ffrench rushed for more than 100 yards in the defeat, but the Zebras need more offensive balance to compete. South Plainfield opened the year with an impressive 36-14 victory over defending White Division champion St. Joseph. The Tigers appear to have found a successor for bruising running back Roemello Monroe as Zaire Cone rushed for 152 yards on 23 carries. They also appear to have found a successor to first-team All-Area quarterback Kyle Moroney as Kyle Dickerson completed all six of his passes for 84 yards and rushed 16 times for 70 yards. Johnny Chillemi caught four passes – two for touchdowns including a brilliant leaping grab over two defenders – for 54 yards. South Plainfield amassed 338 yards from scrimmage. Dillon Harris anchored the defense with nine tackles, while Dickerson and Chillemi made eight tackles apiece. Yahmir Cabbell recovered a fumble and Xavier Wilson recorded a sack. South Plainfield has proved it can contend with Colonia for the White Division championship. South Plainfield 25-8.

Mater Dei (1-0) at Dunellen (0-1): The Destroyers opened the year with a 28-14 loss at Spotswood. Rob Young led all Dunellen rushers with 103 yards on 13 carries, while teammates Nassan Anderson and David Johnson combined for 119 more yards on the ground. Dunellen's double-wing gave the resurgent Seraphs some trouble last season but was not enough in a 49-35 loss. The Seraphs opened the season with a 43-6 drubbing of Keansburg. Quarterback Christian Palmer, a four-year starter, led Mater Dei to its first winning season and first playoff victory since 1999 a year ago. He runs a multiple spread offense that returns receivers Tysaun White and Eddie Lewis. White finished last season with 450 rushing yards, 121 receiving yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns. He is a dangerous return specialist. Mater Dei's abundant skill position players could be the difference. Mater Dei 35-31.

Spotswood (1-0) at Shore (1-0): The Blue Devils defeated Keyport 21-6, while Spotswood looked impressive in a 28-14 win over Dunellen. The Chargers, taking the field for their first game since former teammate Jeff Szatkowski died along with his girlfriend Nicole Surace, a former cheerleading captain, in a tragic Dec. 1 car accident, played inspired football. Running back Chase Fee, a best friend of Szatkowski, rushed for 166 yards and three touchdowns in the emotional victory. Quarterback Ryan Smolin shined in his debut, completing 5 of 10 passes for 121 yards and a score to keep the defense honest. Spotswood is operating now out of a spread wing-T. Shore rushed for 238 yards in its opener, evenly distributing the wealth among five running backs including Devin McLaughlin, who amassed a team-high 79 yards and two touchdowns. Jake Montiero (sack) and Josh Campi (interception) keyed the defense. Shore committed three turnovers against Keyport. Spotswood's play in the trenches will be key. Spotswood 21-19.

Metuchen (1-0) at Asbury Park (1-0): The Bulldogs rode the spectacular defensive play of Rob Gilman (safety) and Devin Miller (sack) to a 9-0 win over South River. Metuchen allowed just 62 yards from scrimmage, 54 of which came on the Rams' lone sustained drive. Metuchen finished with 169 yards from scrimmage, 65 of which came through the air as quarterback Jake Lebovits completed 5 of 11 passes. Receivers Evan Collier and Tyler Valovcin each made a brilliant catch. Running back Danny Briggs, a converted wideout, scored the team's lone touchdown on a 34-yard run. Asbury Park opened the season with a 15-12 loss to Point Pleasant Beach. The Blue Bishops allowed eight sacks as they squandered a 12-point lead. Charles Sanders and Sal Swain each had a rushing touchdown for Asbury Park. Asbury Park 13-12.

St. Joseph (0-1) at Red Bank Catholic (2-0): The defending GMC White Division champions endured a 36-14 season-opening loss at South Plainfield. St. Joseph clearly missed 2013 Home News Tribune Offensive Player of the Year Matt Olivo, who rushed for 1,821 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. The Falcons still feature one of the state's most versatile athletes in junior quarterback Breen Tyree, a member of the school's reigning Tournament of Champions-winning basketball squad. Two-way tackle Nick Krimin has received scholarship offers from Rutgers, Syracuse and Old Dominion. St. Joseph, playing in just its fourth varsity season, will be undermanned against the perennial power Caseys, who defeated Wall (55-6) and Long Branch (42-7). Red Bank Catholic is averaging 252 yards on the ground and 104 through the air. Eddie Hahn, who has completed 12 of 17 passes for 208 yards and three scores, has a 127 quarterback rating. Running backs Tommy Spernal and Mike Cardova have rushed for 190 and 158 yards, respectively. Jamie Gordinier, who has committed to Miami, is one of the state's best linebackers. Ranked No. 1 in the Shore Conference by the Asbury Park Press, the Caseys have won 35 consecutive league games. Their only losses over the last three years are to Delbarton and St. Joseph (Montvale) twice. Red Bank Catholic 29-8.

Saturday (all games 1 p.m.)

Point Pleasant Beach (1-0) at Middlesex (0-1): The Gulls rallied from a 12-point deficit for a 15-12 win over Asbury Park. Jake Delorenzo recorded nine tackles, a sack and an interception. Teammate Matt Zuhowski had two sacks for Point Pleasant Beach, which recorded eight sacks on the night. Joe Wegrzyniak (6 tackles) and Tanner Smith (10 tackles) fueled the defensive effort. Wegrzyniak and Jake Fioretti each had rushing touchdowns for Point Pleasant Beach. Middlesex unveiled its new triple-option under rookie head coach P.J. Jankowicz as Matt Hode and Kayshawn Wilson each rushed for more than 100 yards in a 27-12 win over Highland Park. Wilson scored on a 33-yard run, while teammates Carran Marks, A.J. Abate and Dennis Brodnax also had touchdowns. Middlesex is vastly improved from a year ago but the Gulls may simply be too solid on defense. Point Pleasant Beach 21-18.

Carteret (1-0) at Long Branch (0-1): The Ramblers lost starting tailback back RaKeem Bennett to an injury early in the second half and also had to overcome 19 penalties for 120 yards in a season-opening 14-7 win over Woodbridge. Da'Avian Ellington, a sophomore tailback making his varsity debut, raced 32 yards at the beginning of the fourth quarter to snap a 7-7 deadlock. Ellington finished with 101 yards on 16 carries. Bennett scored on a 63-yard run in the first quarter. Carteret's defense had a goal-line stand early in the first quarter and stopped Woodbridge in its own territory five times in the second half. Carteret, was led defensively by preseason All-Area safety Brandon Gilder, who recorded an interception and a fumble recovery. A run-oriented ream, Long Branch lost 42-7 to Red Bank Catholic last weekend. Dahmiere Willis rushed for 132 yards in the defeat. Outside linebacker Hunter Baillie is a Division I recruit. This game is a rematch of last year's first-round Central Group II playoff game, which Carteret won 13-3. Carteret 15-14.

Keyport (0-1) at South River (0-1): With star running back Doug Ryan (broken leg) out for the year, South River struggled to move the ball in its season opener, gaining just 62 yards from scrimmage, 54 of which came late in the third quarter on the team's only sustained drive in a 9-0 loss at Metuchen. South River never got its running game on track and had horrible field position all day, starting eight drives on average at its own 17 yard line. The defense, however, was spectacular. With the exception of a 34-yard touchdown run, the Rams pitched a shutout (Metuchen's other points were on a safety). Keyport forced three turnovers but failed to capitalize in a 21-6 loss to Shore. The Red Raiders played their first game since 1978 without Mike Ciccotelli, who retired as coach last season. Keyport has replaced gifted quarterback Alex Thompson, who is now at Wagner, with Desmond Underwood. He is complemented by Ky'Sun Pryor, a slashing tailback, and freshman fullback Jay Hansen. Chase Bright, a 6-foot-2 senior who has received interest from Temple and Wagner, is Underwood's primary target. If South River wins the coin toss, it should choose defense and win the field position battle. Punter Richie LeoGrande, who booted a 75-yarder last weekend, is a key. South River 10-9.

Highland Park (0-1) at Keansburg (0-1): Highland Park fell 41-9 to Keansburg last season, but the Owls are improved. Dylan Boynton rushed 14 times for 127 yards and a score in a 27-12 loss to Middlesex. Boyton scored on a 59-yard run and quarterback Ryan O'Shea hit Justin Sims with a 33-yard scoring strike. Keep an eye on 280-pound two-way tackle Jason Griggs of Highland Park, who recruiting expert Dennis McCarthy rates among the state's 20 best seniors. Keansburg dropped a 43-6 decision to Mater Dei. Ian Terry finished with 59 passing yards and accounted for his team's lone score, connecting with Joseph Schacht on a 19-yard touchdown. Keansburg mustered just 37 yards in the second half. Highland Park 20-19.