FOOTBALL PICKS: Simeon Pincus’ Week 8 Mid-State 37 predictions

We’re getting down to crunch time as some teams enter their final weekends of action that will count toward playoff seeding, adding extra weight to several of the games that are on tap for Friday and Saturday. I had another satisfying week picking game, going 15-2, with Watchung Hills’ shocker over Linden and Hillside’s romp over Delaware Valley my only incorrect picks.

Couple of huge games leadoff this weekend’s slate, as a pair of undefeated clubs meet in Phillipsburg with the top seed in North 2 Group IV on the line, while two squads each needing a victory to qualify for the playoffs get together in Warren.

I’m 96-26 for the season. Here are my picks for Week 8:

FRIDAY, OCT. 27

North Hunterdon (7-0) at Phillipsburg (6-0), 7 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES: Phillipsburg 17-2; LAST YEAR: P’burg 24-17; CURRENT STREAK: P’burg 15.

Hard to argue with people calling this the ‘game of the year’ in the Mid-State 37 Conference, as undefeated Raritan Division champ North Hunterdon visits the undefeated Delaware Division champion Stateliners, not only battling for bragging rights and their quests to finish the regular season with a perfect record, but the winner here also wraps up the No. 1 seed in North 2 Group IV.

It’s been 20 years since North Hunterdon last beat Phillipsburg, a 15-game stretch dating back to 1997 when the Lions scored a 14-12 victory, one of only two times in their history North has beaten P’burg – the other was in 1980. This year’s Lions team is absolutely capable of beating the Stateliners, but it’s going to be their toughest task to date, which is saying something, considering the quality of teams they’ve already beaten.

Fact is, P’burg had very little trouble against the same powerhouses North Hunterdon needed last-minute heroics to sneak past -- namely Bridgewater-Raritan and Hillsborough -- while P’burg thumped them each by three-plus touchdowns, so that alone certainly makes the Stateliners the favorite. Another challenge for North is that no team has scored more than two touchdowns against Phillipsburg this year, and despite the Lions’ prolific offensive attack, led by quarterback Matt Busher, whose uncle, Dennis Haughey, was the head coach the last time they beat P’Burg, the Stateliners defense provides a bigger challenge than North has faced this year. The one silver lining is North Hunterdon’s performance against Bridgewater-Raritan and its vaunted defense, so it’s certainly in the realm of possibility the Lions can find a way. But that’s going to require a top-level defensive effort from a unit that’s led by Eric Dehkes and Kyle Hensler, and that’s certainly a possibility, although North will miss linebacker/receiver Luke Ingenito, who will miss the game on suspension after being ejected from last Friday night’s game for unsportsmanlike conduct.

I’m a little less on the fence about this one than I was about North’s game with Hillsborough last weekend. And while I ultimately opted to go with the Lions, and was proven right, I can’t really see my way toward picking North in this one. And maybe that’s a good thing. After all, North Hunterdon has twice proven me wrong in games I picked against it, and the glee on the faces of the Lions players and the North Jungle students when I saw them after the game wasn’t quite as wide when they proved me right as when they proved me wrong. So perhaps it’s a good thing I don’t quite believe. But I’ll be more than happy to have my mind changed Friday night. I’ll be making the trip to Maloney Stadium hoping for good things from the green and gold (follow me on Twitter for live updates @SimeonPincus). After all, a Lions victory would make for a much better story, and that’s always my chief rooting interest.

PINCUS’ PICK: Phillipsburg 23-17

READ: North Hunterdon’s Matt Busher named CN/Mid-State 37 Football Player of the Week

Hunterdon Central (3-4) at Watchung Hills (2-5), 7 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES: Hunterdon Central 26-6; LAST YEAR: Central 28-14; CURRENT STREAK: Central 2

Suddenly, this is a huge game. A week ago, this one would have hardly rated a second glance, as I’d have all-but-guaranteed a Hunterdon Central victory and moved on with my day. But after Watchung Hills’ stunning triumph over Linden last Friday night, led by a standout defensive effort from Adam Claxton, the entire aura of this contest has changed, not to mention its playoff implications.

It’s been four years since Watchung Hills has finished without a losing record or made the playoffs. And while the Warriors would have to sweep their remaining regular-season schedule and then win two postseason games, making the sectional final, to finish at or above .500 – and that would be a bonafide miracle of biblical proportions – their first playoff berth since 2013 is a very real possibility. But that would start with a victory over Hunterdon Central here, and that’s a tall task.

But let’s say the Warriors do find a way to defeat the Red Devils on Friday night, and considering Central was almost toppled by Warren Hills, and the way these teams matchup, neither boasting a powerhouse offense, but both capable of strong defensive efforts, and I certainly give Watchung Hills a legitimate shot. If Watchung Hills wins, it would also need some help to get in, but not that much. Essentially, with a victory, the Warriors are in, provided ONE of the following three things also happens: Ridge loses to Elizabeth; Dickinson loses to Teaneck; East Orange loses BOTH its remaining games.

The one caveat is that if Union beats Bridgewater-Raritan on Friday night (unlikely), and the Farmers then beat Hunterdon Central next weekend, Watchung Hills would need a win this weekend and TWO of the above things to take place in order for it to sneak in.

As for Hunterdon Central, which enters the weekend No. 8 in Central Group V, a victory here should be enough to earn the Red Devils a playoff berth, barring something crazy from the GMC teams behind the Red Devils in the standings. A playoff trip is still possible with a Central loss, but a longshot, pending the outcome of a bunch of other games.

In any case, no matter what happens Friday night, at least Watchung Hills and head coach and former New York Giants lineman Rich Seubert can take solace in one thing: No matter what, when this weekend is over, the Warriors will have more wins than their coach’s former club.

Harry Frezza will have live updates and coverage of this one. Follow him on Twitter @TheFrez.

PINCUS’ PICK: Hunterdon Central 27-20

READ: Week 7 Mid-State 37 football roundup and game-story links

READ: Football rankings! The latest Courier News/Mid-State 37 Top 10

STANDINGS: Latest Mid-State 37 football standings

A.L. Johnson (5-1) at North Plainfield (0-6), 7 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES: AL Johnson 15-6; LAST YEAR: ALJ 28-14; CURRENT STREAK: ALJ 4.

Nice offensive effort for North Plainfield against Summit last weekend, despite a 55-30 loss. The Canucks defense, however, well. That’s a different story.

PINCUS’ PICK: A.L. Johnson 27-21

Bernards (1-7) at Belvidere (5-2), 7 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES: Belvidere 5-4; LAST MEETING: Bernards 27-0 (2013); CURRENT STREAK: Bernards 3.

Bernards plays its regular-season finale in this one, after playing week zero, and the end probably couldn’t come soon enough, the consolation game in two weeks not withstanding. Could the Mountaineers surprise and finish on a high note? Possibly. Do I expect that to happen? Doubtful.

PINCUS’ PICK: Belvidere 23-14

Brearley (3-4) at New Providence (0-6), 7 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES: New Providence 17-13-1; LAST YEAR: Brearley 27-13; CURRENT STREAK: Brearley 2

Brearley’s coming off an inspired effort against Bound Brook last weekend, falling short in a key Union Division game, and will play up against a Valley Division team this weekend. The Bears should solidify its spot in the North 2 Group I playoffs with a win here.

PINCUS’ PICK: Brearley 26-14

Dayton (1-6) at Bound Brook (6-1), 7 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES: Bound Brook 15-13-1; LAST YEAR: Bound Brook 34-7; CURRENT STREAK: Bound Brook 2.

It was 20 years ago this weekend that I covered my first-ever event as a paid professional sportswriter, Bound Brook at Dayton football at Meisel Field in Springfield on assignment as a freelancer for the Home News Tribune (which still covered Bound Brook at that time). It ended in a 13-12 Crusaders victory, secured on a Tom Rivenbark interception in the end zone on the game’s final play. I can’t say I wrote a very good story that day, but I’d like to think my skills have improved since, which is more than I can say for my paycheck.

In any case, perhaps fittingly, these teams get together again this weekend, albeit at Lamont Field, with Bound Brook needing a victory to clinch the Mid-State 37 Union Division crown. I see no reason that won’t happen, much to the chagrin of our friends from Manville, who would control its own destiny for a division crown should the Bulldogs pull off the stunner. But there’s probably a better chance of me getting a significant raise anytime soon.

PINCUS’ PICK: Bound Brook 40-19

Franklin (2-4) at Hillsborough (4-3), 7 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES: Franklin 21-16; LAST YEAR: Hillsborough 43-10; CURRENT STREAK: Boro 1.

Don’t let Franklin’s record fool you; the Warriors have proven to be a very dangerous opponent, although one that enters the weekend 11th in Central Group IV, a super longshot to claim its first playoff berth since 2012, even with a win here. Franklin would not only need to pull off a stunner here – let’s face it, Hillsborough is a decided cut above the teams the Warriors have beaten – but would also need a ton of help it isn’t likely to get. Hillsborough, meanwhile, is comfortably entrenched in a playoff spot, so this one is really about the Raiders securing a home game.

PINCUS’ PICK: Hillsborough 34-16

Governor Livingston (1-5) at Delaware Valley (3-4), 7 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES: Governor Livingston 4-2; LAST YEAR: Gov. Livingston 10-7; CURRENT STREAK: GL 1

Neither of these teams are making the playoffs, but considering how well they matchup, this could be a very good game. I’m going to give Del Val the nod, mostly because it is the home team, but don’t be shocked to see the Highlanders find a way.

PINCUS’ PICK: Delaware Valley 17-10

Hillside (5-2) at Cranford (4-3), 7 p.m.

LAST YEAR: Cranford 49-13

I was super impressed by what I saw from Hillside last Saturday. But the 49-8 hurting the Comets put on Delaware Valley probably gave that away. But Cranford is a far cry from the Terriers, and the Cougars badly need the 23 power points they could earn from this one to get into the playoffs, as they enter the weekend in ninth place in North 2 Group III, on the outside looking in. Hillside, meanwhile, has all but locked up its first playoff berth since 2005, but that doesn’t mean the Comets won’t be supremely focused on avenging last year’s setback to Cranford. I can see Hillside making a run here, but, ultimately, I think the Cougars are going to be too much to overcome.

PINCUS’ PICK: Cranford 31-21

Immaculata (4-3) at Montgomery (1-6), 7 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES: Immaculata 9-2; LAST YEAR: Immaculata 22-21; CURRENT STREAK: Immaculata 2

The Spartans needed to beat Montgomery in their meeting last year to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time since 1996, and eked out a one-point victory. This year, there’s no threat of Immaculata not getting in, so this is really all about a potential home game for the Spartans, while Montgomery is all but eliminated. Last year’s game was close, but I don’t expect this one to be.

PINCUS’ PICK: Immaculata 30-17

Ridge (3-4) at Elizabeth (4-3), 7 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES: Ridge 2-0; LAST YEAR: Ridge 26-14; CURRENT STREAK: Ridge 2.

This is actually a huge game for the Red Devils, needing a win to sneak into the North 2 Group V playoffs, as they enter the weekend in eighth place, needing a victory to secure their spot. But while I would normally give Ridge a good chance, the fact quarterback Brandon Radice won’t play again this year after sustaining a hip injury in the Red Devils’ overtime victory over Union last Friday night, makes this a much tougher task.

PINCUS’ PICK: Elizabeth 33-24

Summit (5-2) at Rahway (4-2), 7 p.m.

LAST YEAR: Summit 35-20.

These North 2 Group III contenders are both likely in the playoffs regardless of the outcome here, so it’s really just seeding they’re playing for. Or maybe there is more. Both of these clubs have passionate fan bases, as I’ve learned via social media, and they aren’t shy about letting me know when they feel slighted by my picks or the quantity of my coverage. But remember, neither team is, technically, in my coverage area, so if I give, say, a Somerset or Hunterdon county team more love, it’s not a slight against you, Hilltoppers and Indians fans, merely an edict from above my pay grade, one I kind of thumb by giving these clubs any ink. But that’s just the kind of guy I am.

As for the game, Summit certainly plays the tougher schedule and has more wins, although Rahway has the biggest quality triumph to its credit, a lambasting of Somerville a few weeks ago. Still, although I can certainly see this going either way and I never like to pick the road team in a tight game, I have to go with the Hilltoppers.

PINCUS’ PICK: Summit 34-27

Sussex Tech (2-5) at Manville (6-1), 7 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES: Manville 2-0; LAST MEETING: Manville 13-7 in 2011; CURRENT STREAK: Manville 2

So here’s the lowdown on Manville’s ever-changing world. First, it turns out, the Mustangs’ scheduled game against People’s Prep last weekend will not be counted as a forfeit, since that club never played a game this year. Coach Pat Gorbatuk was informed of that fact Monday after double-checking. That means Manville’s week 9 meeting with Roselle Park now counts toward playoff seeding. Truth is, should the Mustangs win that game, it would turn out to be a much greater haul of power points as Manville eyes a top-2 seed, and, personally, I fully expect that to happen. But we’ll get to that next week.

As for the Mid-State 37 Union Division race, Manville’s focus will be on the happenings at Bound Brook (the Mustangs need Dayton to win to have a chance at winning the division title). And it’s a good thing, since Manville should only need half its focus to be on Sussex Tech.

PINCUS’ PICK: Manville 34-7

Union (2-4) at Bridgewater-Raritan (5-2), 7 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES: Union 8-6; LAST YEAR: BR 24-14; CURRENT STREAK: BR 4

The post-hype Panthers might no longer be basking in the glory of two straight perfect regular seasons, but there’s every reason to consider Bridgewater-Raritan still among the top contenders to return to the North 2 Group V final for the third straight season. A win over Union on Friday night would go a long way in that regard, as it would help BR in its quest to earn a Top 2 seed and two rounds of home games – pending the fortunes of Westfield and Piscataway over the next couple of weekends. I’ve never spent time in the Panthers student section, but to paraphrase a familiar chant, I believe that they will win.

PINCUS’ PICK: Bridgewater-Raritan 30-16

Voorhees (6-1) at Warren Hills (3-4), 7 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES: Warren Hills 19-13; LAST YEAR: Voorhees 24-13; CURRENT STREAK: Voorhees 3.

Warren Hills, which would need a win and a ton of help to make the playoffs, was pretty much a pushover last season, finishing 3-7 and rarely showing much fight. That has certainly not been the case this year. Sure, the Blue Streaks’ record isn’t anything to write home about, but our friends from Washington Township have played very well in most of their outings, even earning a couple of surprising upsets, and nearly toppled Group V power Hunterdon Central last weekend.

But that doesn’t mean I give Warren Hills much of a shot to win this game. Voorhees has proven itself one of the conference’s most prolific squads, and I don’t expect the Vikings, who are already in the playoff and are just playing for seeding at this point, to have a lot of trouble here.

PINCUS’ PICK: Voorhees 29-14

SATURDAY, OCT. 28

Linden (3-3) at Plainfield (0-7), 1 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES: Linden 32-21; LAST YEAR: Linden 41-12; CURRENT STREAK: Linden 8

Linden is licking its wounds after being surprised at Watchung Hills on Friday night, and the status of standout quarterback Zion Marshall, who missed the Warriors game after getting hurt against Bridgewater-Raritan two weeks ago, is still in doubt. But the good news for the Tigers is their playoff spot is still well in hand, and that should be solidified as they shouldn’t have much trouble with the improving, but still struggling Cardinals, no matter who’s under center. Could I see a Plainfield surprise? Sure. But that’s a long shot.

Harry Frezza has coverage of this one. Follow him on Twitter @TheFrez

PINCUS’ PICK: Linden 28-13

South Hunterdon (1-6) at South River (7-0), 1 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES: South River 3-0; LAST MEETING: South River 20-6 (2003 playoffs); CURRENT STREAK: South River 3

I was hoping South Hunterdon’s move to play a small GMC school might give the Eagles a chance at adding to their win column, but undefeated South River is clearly not your run-of-the-mill small GMC club like, say, Highland Park, which gave Dayton its first win, and by nearly 30 points. So I’m thinking this one’s gonna end the same way most of the Eagles’ other games have gone. These teams have not met since the 2003 playoffs, with the Rams holding a 3-0 all-time advantage over South Hunterdon. Josh Rosenfled has the coverage, follow him on Twitter @JoshPRosenfeld

PINCUS’ PICK: South River 34-21

Somerville (6-1) at Scotch Plains-Fanwood (0-7), 2 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES: Somerville 9-2; LAST YEAR: Somerville 63-7; CURRENT STREAK: Somerville 3.

I have yet to see Scotch Plains-Fanwood this season, and haven’t seen Somerville since week 1, so, on an otherwise quiet day in the Mid-State 37, I’ll be making the short trip to SPFHS for this one (I live in Scotch Plains, so I look forward to getting a little more sleep Saturday morning).

I don’t expect to see a lot of defense being played between these offensive powerhouses. Both teams are capable of lighting up the scoreboard, as Somerville’s averaging 36 points per game, while the Raiders are scoring 27 per contest. And though the Pioneers are capable of a standout defensive effort, I don’t see it against Scotch Plains-Fanwood’s high-powered attack. Somerville should be able to outscore the Raiders and play enough defense to keep Cooper Heisey and friends from getting too far out of control, so the winner of this game is less in doubt than the final score.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood would need a ton of help to sneak into the playoffs in the unlikely event it wins this game. Somerville can cement its hold on the top seed in Central Group III with a victory here. Follow me on Twitter @SimeonPincus for updates and coverage.

PINCUS’ PICK: Somerville 49-33

Simeon Pincus can be reached at SPincus@GannettNJ.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SimeonPincusCN