GMC FOOTBALL: Week 7 Notebook and new Top 10 rankings

The Colonia High School football team, with a win over New Brunswick on Friday, will clinch the Greater Middlesex Conference White Division championship and could secure the top seed for the North 2 Group IV playoffs.

The Patriots, who own a 7-0 record, have regular-season games left against the Zebras and South Plainfield.

"We are trying to get the undefeated regular season, especially since no Colonia team has ever been able to do that before," Colonia running back Sam Pero, the division's leading rusher, said.

The Patriots, who won't allow themselves to become overconfident, can use recent history to help guide them.

Colonia, the No. 3 seed in the section last year, was shocked by No. 6 seed Mendham, 47-26, to end its season in the opening round of the playoffs.

"We think about that Mendham game all the time," Pero said. "We remember how we felt when we lost to them but we're going to do better this year."

Tyree to focus on hoops

Junior Breein Tyree, who will focus his energies on basketball, where he is a major Division I recruit, is no longer part of the St. Joseph football program, according to St. Joseph Athletics Director Jerry Smith.

Tyree was moved from quarterback to wide receiver this season to allow the Falcons to maximize their athleticism.

Javon Hicks, who replaced Tyree at quarterback, injured his knee in Friday night's loss at Colonia. Hicks was carted off the field.

Brian Steigler, one of seven sophomores to see action for St. Joseph in the game, replaced Hicks.

Tyree, a guard, led St. Joseph to the Tournament of Champions title on the hardwood.

NJ Advance Media recruiting analyst Todderick Hunt has previously reported that Michigan State, Michigan, Miami, N.C. State, Old Dominion and Syracuse were among the colleges who sent coaches to St. Joseph to inquire about Tyree as a football prospect.

Vikings' Johnson questionable

South Brunswick quarterback Amir Johnson, who injured his ankle in an Oct. 17 win over Monroe, may not be ready to play in Friday's Home News Tribune Game of the Week against Piscataway.

"He's definitely not done (for the season)," said South Brunswick coach Joe Goerge. "He'll definitely be back for the playoffs. It's probably a little bit of a longshot for next Friday. It's a day-by-day thing.

"He saw the orthopedic (on Oct. 24) and the guy said it's getting better. I'm just being realistic. And then we have a bye week, it will be another extra week for him. We have to be smart with that. I know it's killing (Johnson) not to be out here. But he's a tough kid, he hangs in there, and we'll go on."

Falcon becomes a Falcon

Former St. Joseph wide receiver/defensive back Matt Van de Sande, who played in the team's season opener against South Plainfield before transferring to his native Monroe, made his debut for his new team on Friday night.

Both schools, ironically, are nicknamed the Falcons.

Van de Sande, who sat 30 days under NJSIAA transfer rules before taking the field, recorded five tackles and broke up a pass in Monroe's win over Howell. He carried the ball once for 34 yards and caught a 5-yard pass.

"He's a good player," Monroe coach Chris Beagan said. "He's very versatile, very coachable. He certainly adds to our versatility and depth. He's certainly a great addition to our team."

Van de Sande's older brother, Jeff, a senior, also plays for Monroe. Their younger brother, Russ, is a member of the freshman team.

Backup duty

A week after backup signal callers for South Brunswick and Carteret led their respective teams to victory following injuries to starters, Middlesex's Michael Cresitello found himself in a similar spot on Saturday.

Cresitello led all Middlesex rushers with 71 yards on 11 carries and completed 3 of 5 passes for 89 yards while guiding the Blue Jays to a 26-0 victory over Keansburg.

GMC TOP 10

(Marcus Borden and Greg Tufaro)

1. Piscataway 6-0

2. South Brunswick 7-0

3. Colonia 7-0

4. Monroe 5-2

5. Old Bridge 4-2

6. Carteret 5-2

7. J.F. Kennedy 5-2

8. Woodbridge 4-3

9. Dunellen 6-1

10. Spotswood 4-3

Contributing: Todd Cohen, Ken Weingartner