Football predictions: Simeon Pincus and Andy Mendlowitz’s BCC picks for Week 3

It might be time to take the car keys away from Simeon Pincus. In fact, I think he’s offering to turn them over.

After an embarrassing 19-12 opening week prognosticating the pigskin, and then a mortifying 21-11 Week 1 slate, we’ve about run out of adjectives to describe the latest heap of garbage he dumped on us in Week 2, going 20-10 picking a mostly divisional slate.

Time to put up or shut up, or next week’s picks column is going to be about field hockey.

Then again, it’s not like Andy Mendlowitz hit one out of the park, either, although he did nail the first final score of the season, correctly predicting Watchung Hills’ 28-7 topping of North Hunterdon. He also just missed the South Brunswick-Monroe final by just a point. But while the junior competitor of the Prophets Cup race might have extended his lead by two games, and now leads by seven games in the season standings, his 22-8 Week 2 mark isn’t exactly turning heads.

Plus, when we say he’s the “junior” competitor, that’s only in terms of years of experience, not in terms of age, where he’s got several months on his colleague – a fact the much younger Pincus brings up at every opportunity, and will continue to do so.

He might be bitter.

Mendlowitz is 67-26 for the young season, while Pincus trails at 60-33 and, rumor has it, has been checking out Siberian real estate on Zillow.

More: Football results: Big Central Conference and area roundup for Week 2

More: Football rankings: Big Central Conference top 15 through Week 2

Here are our picks for Week 3:

Thursday, Sept. 19

BELVIDERE (2-1) at DUNELLEN (0-3), 6 p.m.

The best BCC turnaround? Belvidere’s in the running after going 3-16 the last two seasons. A win here, and the County Seaters equal that win total. The veteran squad sure looked impressive in holding Manville to 85 yards of offense in the 21-0 win last week. Dunellen put up its biggest point total in a 35-20 loss to Bound Brook, so its offense may be getting going.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Belvidere 28-14

I’d say the County Seaters are back, and have certainly inserted themselves into the Freedom Silver Division race after blanking Manville 21-0 last week. This is not a vintage Dunellen team, so expect our friends from Warren County to enjoy their trip south Friday night.

PINCUS’ PICK: Belvidere 33-12

METUCHEN (3-0) at NEW PROVIDENCE (2-1), 6 p.m.

Second straight year New Providence has fallen to AL Johnson, and this one might have cost the Pioneers a shot at the Patriot Silver Division crown. That leaves this, basically, a must-win for New Prov. Metuchen is off to a surprisingly good start, with a couple of impressive one-score wins already in the bank. This could be a close one, but I really can’t see the Pioneers coming up short here.

PINCUS’ PICK: New Providence 23-13

Normally when Soothsayer Simeon says, “I really can’t see so and so losing” well, then, it’s a lock to pick the other team. (Eh, I’m just in my grumpy-old-man mode.) So, I’m going Metuchen. The Bulldogs are playing together, have younger guys stepping up and pulled out two close ones. New Providence is certainly dangerous, and won last season 35-7, albeit with a senior-led squad. I suggest, dear Simeon, you start researching field hockey teams in Northern Russia – and warm jackets. Now, get off my lawn.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Metuchen 28-21

Friday, Sept. 20

CRANFORD (1-1) at SOUTH PLAINFIELD (1-2), 6 p.m.

Both teams pitched shutouts for their first wins of the season last weekend. Call this the Upswing Bowl? Cranford held Carteret to 50 yards in the 21-0 win. South Plainfield’s running attack was on display with Dom Massaro, King Hills and Nick Irizarry having huge games. This seemingly can go either way. What’s that mantra, if in doubt, go with the visiting team?

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Cranford 24-14

I hate to take issue with my esteemed colleague, especially when he employs some of my favorite picking tools, but this, assuredly, cannot go either way. Aaaaaaand I might have just signed Cranford’s doom.

PINCUS’ PICK: Cranford 40-6

FRANKLIN (3-0) at No. 2 ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (2-1), 6 p.m.

That 0 up there looks great from the Franklin perspective -- the program’s first 3-0 start since 2007. More impressively, the Warriors are back after a few lean seasons with a high-scoring offense. They’re not quite the favorite here, just yet.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:St. Thomas 35-22

Would love to try and frame this into some hope for Franklin, but there’s a reason the Trojans are ranked second in the conference.

PINCUS’ PICK: St. Thomas 34-14

MONROE (1-2) at EAST BRUNSWICK (1-2), 6 p.m.

The opponents down Cranbury Road always seem to partake in close and entertaining games. Monroe got the 21-20 win last season and took it two years ago, 24-14, with 10 points in the second half. This should be another tight one, though, Monroe’s offense has been more prolific with 66 total points and the Bears got shutout twice.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Monroe 21-13

I miss the Cranberries. One of my favorite bands of all-time (RIP, Dolores!). I could make some sort of zombie reference, but I won’t.

PINCUS’ PICK: Monroe 33-14

No. 5 ST. JOSEPH (2-0) at ELIZABETH (2-1), 6 p.m.

Elizabeth’s a wildcard following former Scotch Plains-Fanwood head man Austin Holman taking over for John Fiore as head coach last week. Holman’s certainly an experienced skipper and football guy, still, it’s interesting to see how the Minutemen do going forward. They’re coming off a 37-21 loss to Westfield. St. Joseph, meanwhile, has shot up from our preseason No. 12 to a Top 5 BCC team. Beating Ridge 37-34 and Union 32-8 will do that.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:St. Joseph 30-20

My mind is still blown by the fact that in all my years of covering football, I’d never had a coach on the beat dismissed during the campaign until two years ago, and now it’s three straight seasons! Somerville let Ian Pace go two years ago, then Holman was replaced at SPF last year, and now, Fiore completes the hat trick. And the craziest part is Holman replaces Fiore! Isn’t it ironic? Don’t you think? (That’s two references to my favorites female-helmed 90s artists in back-to-back picks. I’ll see if I can work 10,000 Maniacs into the next one).

PINCUS’ PICK: St. Joseph 41-19

No. 12 OLD BRIDGE (1-2) at No. 8 SOUTH BRUNSWICK (3-0), 6:15 p.m.

I see some gray and cream colors and dark scratches. Why that’s me looking into my crystal ball. Not at all a clear view. It’s been that kind of season thus far. Yeah, just try predicting some of these games. South Brunswick has surpassed (outside) expectations with the undefeated start. A win here, and next week against Piscataway will likely decide the National Gold title. A couple better plays here and there, and Old Bridge could be undefeated. Yeah, it’s time to take out a quarter and flip it. South Brunswick won last season 44-38.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Old Bridge 28-27

The way things have been going, we should probably flip a coin for every game.

PINCUS’ PICK: Old Bridge 27-20

No. 11 PISCATAWAY (2-1) at RIDGEWOOD (3-0), 6:30 p.m.

Does Piscataway ever have any easy games? After three back-and-forth tussles, the Chiefs travel to Bergen County to meet state-ranked Ridgewood. But that’s the powerhouse Piscataway program that fans were used to before the pandemic. Maybe Piscataway isn’t totally back into the state rankings, but the Chiefs are a fun team that’s playing together and coming off a wild win over Old Bridge. While Ridgewood is the favorite here, nothing Piscataway does will surprise me.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Ridgewood 28-24

I was really hoping Andy might talk himself into picking Piscataway here. Oh well. Chiefs have looked great, but this is probably too big of an ask.

PINCUS’ PICK: Ridgewood 35-26

BOUND BROOK (1-1) at SOUTH HUNTERDON (1-1), 7 p.m.

Just when it looked like South Hunterdon might roll through the Freedom Silver, the Eagles fly into Middlesex and crash into the proverbial glass window. Blue Jays aren’t supposed to be able to beat Eagles, but that’s what happened in an 18-8 Middlesex win. Bound Brook rebounded from an overtime loss to J.P. Stevens in Week 1 with a tidy 35-20 topping of Dunellen last weekend, as John Archer scored on each side of the ball. This game should tell us a lot about both these teams – and, possibly, Middlesex.

PINCUS’ PICK: South Hunterdon 27-20

Of course, I picked Middlesex over South Hunterdon last week unlike my colleague, but South Hunterdon is certainly a playoff-level team. Improved Bound Brook can score points and could be undefeated if things broke right in that JP game. I also think these Eagles top the Crusaders.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:South Hunterdon 30-22

BREARLEY (0-2) at HIGHLAND PARK (2-0), 7 p.m.

So, that’s some Highland Park streak. (No, not that 51-game losing streak that ended in the finale last year, which I’m vowing to not mention any longer in our picks space.) Yeah, that three-game win streak beginning in last year’s finale. The Owls have outscored both their opponents this season, 60-13. Things are certainly clicking. As I took the details over the phone from last week’s 32-6 win against Dayton, I could hear music in the background and players seemed quite happy. Joyous team buses are always good. I need to experience this utopia myself, so I’m heading to this one. Kindly check in for updates and a post-game article at X/Twitter @andy_mendlowitz.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Highland Park 31-15

It’s Bizzaro world. Highland Park couldn’t get out of its own way for the better part of the past six years, while Brearley was collecting conference titles. No the Owls are a force and the Bears are about to be 0-3. Strange days have found us (after several 90s band references, it was time to take it back a few decades).

PINCUS’ PICK: Highland Park 20-16

No. 10 BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN (1-2) at HUNTERDON CENTRAL (2-1), 7 p.m.

While Phillipsburg, Hillsborough and Ridge have taken turns beating on each other for American Silver supremacy since the league was formed, this matchup has become the battle of the also-rans in the division, which usually makes for a good contest. But both these teams are trending upward and could give some of the big guns a run for their money this year -- though Central did get blown out by P’Burg last weekend after a 2-0 start. BR, meanwhile, has looked as good as it has in years, especially on offense, although last week’s 34-14 loss at state power Morris Knolls was humbling. Both Panthers losses have come to non-conference powers. There could be a lot of points scored in this game. And now that I’ve said that, expect 3-0.

PINCUS’ PICK: Bridgewater-Raritan 37-28

I’m going against my rule of thumb here and also tabbing Bridgewater-Raritan for the win. Seeing a team like state-ranked Morris Knolls can help, and kudos to the Panthers for facing such a difficult opponent when they didn’t have to. B-R, though, has given up a whopping 122 points this season – 41 points a game (granted, that includes four kickoff returns for touchdowns, so it’s not all on the defense). They can’t all be shootouts and I’m sensing a slightly lower-scoring outcome.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Bridgewater-Raritan 21-14

DAYTON (0-2) at ROSELLE PARK (0-2), 7 p.m.

I love games like this with two hungry teams eager for a win and ready to show off their improvement. Roselle Park won last year’s meeting 27-7.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Roselle Park 18-8

This is the kind of game I always get wrong.

PINCUS’ PICK: Roselle Park 14-12

HILLSIDE (1-2) at SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD (1-2), 7 p.m.

I still don’t quite know what to make of Hillside. After a Week Zero win over Snyder, the Comets have faced two of the top non-big school teams in the conference in Bernards and Summit, and lost handily each time. Scotch Plains-Fanwood got into the win column in dominant fashion last weekend, 42-0 over New Brunswick, but this is certainly a more manageable opponent for Hillside. The Raiders can score some points, so they might be in this one – and a win isn’t out of the realm of possibility – but it’s put-up-or-shut-up time for the Comets before their playoff chances fade away.

PINCUS’ PICK: Hillside 27-21

Wow, I guess it’s not too early to start thinking playoffs. Hillside gets Somerville next, so a couple more losses and the Comets may have to win out for a postseason berth. They need to contain SPF’s point-producing ability here.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Hillside 32-23

J.P. STEVENS (1-1) at DELAWARE VALLEY (1-1), 7 p.m.

When is a loss a win? Well, never. But a loss can be a victory, and that’s pretty much my take on Del Val’s 7-0 setback to rival Bernards last weekend. The Mountaineers might have lost a ton to graduation after winning a state sectional title last year, but they’ve proven they’re still quite the threat and are off to a 3-0 start. I guess that’s why Bernards has won seven or more games in 12 of the past 13 seasons. The Terriers also lost a lot to graduation, and after blanking South Plainfield 21-0 in their opener, put forth quite the performance last weekend, holding Bernards to just seven points. Offensively, of course, Delaware Valley struggled, but that might be more about the Mountaineers. Perhaps a running clock here will make coach Ben Ibach and his charges feel better.

PINCUS’ PICK: Delaware Valley41-6

I think the gist is Delaware Valley got a moral victory by holding high-scoring Bernards to a touchdown, despite getting shutout. I accept that. Moral victories are often signs of things to come. A harbinger. The Terriers have played great defense all season and now they’re looking for a complete game here against improved J.P. Stevens.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Delaware Valley 29-7

LINDEN (1-2) at WATCHUNG HILLS (2-1), 7 p.m.

I can give you reasons why I think each of these teams will win this game. Linden fell to No. 7 Colonia 21-14 last week, with its other loss coming to Elizabeth by a touchdown. Two “good” losses. The Warriors were topped 13-10 by No 4 Woodbridge two weeks ago – also a good loss – and then beat winless North Hunterdon 28-7 last weekend. Winner here, likely, cracks next week’s ranking. A great game might get them both in.

PINCUS’ PICK: Watchung Hills 23-20

This may well be a play-in game for our super prestigious, highly sought after Top 15 BCC rankings. Linden put together some nice drives last week fueled by dual-threat quarterback Tyrone Hinton but had a red zone fumble and gave up key pass plays in the Colonia loss. Watchung Hills can certainly win this game, but if my colleague is picking the Warriors…

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Linden 23-20

MANVILLE (2-1) at MIDDLESEX (2-1), 7 p.m.

Dee-fence. The unit was Middlesex’s strength last year, and it’s shining again. The Blue Jays have allowed 30 points this season and beat tough South Hunterdon last week, 18-8. Manville, which outscored opponents 61-7 in its first two wins, couldn’t get going against another pesky defense in Belvidere last week.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Middlesex 20-8

Last weekend’s result might say more about Belvidere’s turnaround than Manville’s fortunes. The Blue Jays raised a few eyebrows with a Week Zero loss to Metuchen, but I’ve lowered it back down after Middlesex beat South Hunterdon last weekend. A win here would all but wrap up the Freedom Silver title for the Blue Jays. I think this game could either way, but I’m going home squad.

PINCUS’ PICK: Middlesex 23-14

MONTGOMERY (0-3) at NORTH HUNTERDON (0-3), 7 p.m.

Montgomery was a force last year, enjoying one of the most successful seasons in program history. North won a state sectional title two years ago. Now, both are in full rebuilding mode. When in doubt, go with the home team.

PINCUS’ PICK: North Hunterdon 21-14

A rebuilding squad against three unbeaten teams – not a good starting recipe. The Cougars’ newcomers were thrown into varsity action against opponents who are a combined 8-0. North Hunterdon hasn’t been that bad, making Colonia and Watchung Hills work for their wins.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:North Hunterdon 24-14

NEW BRUNSWICK (0-3) at J.F. KENNEDY (1-2), 7 p.m.

J.F. Kennedy just might have become the United Silver favorites after its 28-27 win over Governor Livingston last week. The Mustangs don’t play the other frontrunner, South Plainfield, until the season finale on Oct. 26 (talk about drama!), so it’s about continuing to improve, like in this division matchup. JFK scored 55 points the last two weeks, rallying against GL with 15 fourth-quarter points via a pair of Fiheem Howell Jr. touchdown runs.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:JFK 28-10

I can’t pick New Brunswick, but I will boldly predict the Zebras will get their first points of the season in this one.

PINCUS’ PICK: JFK 27-7

NORTH BRUNSWICK (0-3) at EDISON (1-2), 7 p.m.

You look up and say, “Wow, North Brunswick is winless!” Yeah, last week was tough against No. 2 St. Thomas Aquinas, but the Raiders dropped near-victorious games against Jackson Memorial and South Brunswick and it just feels like they’re a better team. But the record is the record. I do think North Brunswick is a good squad, and the Raiders look to get going against their Middlesex County opponent. Edison also had an unhappy loss to Sayreville last week, but they have quality players so this could be a fun matchup. They’ve had three games in the last two seasons, a playoff meeting included, that were decided by a combined 12 points.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:North Brunswick 28-20

No matter what I might think of North Brunswick’s winless squad, you can’t be losing 40-0 to anyone and expect me to create reasons why you might win here.

PINCUS’ PICK: North Brunswick 28-12

NORTH PLAINFIELD (0-2) at GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON (0-3), 7 p.m.

The Highlanders’ 28-27 loss to JFK last weekend was one of the more surprising results of Week 2. GL’s second straight one-point loss, after succumbing to rival New Providence 13-12 in Week 1. Also surprised by how handily North Plainfield has dropped its first two games – 35-14 at Belvidere and 35-0 last week to South Plainfield. This is Governor Livingston’s chance to get things headed back in the right direction. Things only get tougher after this one.

PINCUS’ PICK: Governor Livingston 33-19

Governor Livingston is another example of a competitive team on the verge. A pair of one-point losses – ay yi yi. However, remember last season when North Plainfield lost its first two games by large margins and then lost 2-0 to GL?

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Governor Livingston 14-12

PERTH AMBOY (1-2) at No. 13 PLAINFIELD (1-2), 7 p.m.

The Cardinals have made a habit of following up tough losses to good teams by unleashing their fury the following weekend against an unsuspecting opponent, like when Plainfield blasted New Brunswick 48-0 in Week 1 after falling to Newark East Side 8-6 in Week Zero. Now, the Cards are coming off a 41-26 setback to fourth-ranked Woodbridge, which probably doesn’t bode well for Perth Amboy.

PINCUS’ PICK: Plainfield 38-7

That Woodbridge game was a 13-12 deficit at halftime, so Plainfield played well at times. Perth Amboy’s opening win over J.F. Kennedy is looking better, but its offense stalled against stingy defenses in Rahway and Carteret.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Plainfield 28-14

No. 1 PHILLIPSBURG (2-0) at No. 6 RIDGE (1-1), 7 p.m.

Here’s where we find out whether Phillipsburg is going to run the American Silver Division table. The top-ranked Stateliners have hardly broken a sweat through two games, scoring lopsided wins over Westfield and Hunterdon Central. But Ridge is another story, and this game will tell us a lot about how far these teams are going to go this year. The Red Devils blasted Hillsborough 34-7 last weekend, despite my best efforts to be the mush, a week after a heartbreaking three-point loss at St. Joe. Ridge is clearly not skipping a beat, despite key graduation losses. This should be a fantastic game. Harry Frezza will be there with the coverage, on Twitter/X @TheFrez56.

PINCUS’ PICK: Phillipsburg 28-26

My colleague is dead on -- this is a litmus test for Phillipsburg. The Stateliners are good, but we get to see just how good. Ridge is never going to go down easy, making this a must-follow matchup.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Phillipsburg 23-15

RAHWAY (3-0) at No. 3 SOMERVILLE (3-0), 7 p.m.

Another fantastic game on tap this weekend. Rahway is undefeated, but have yet to play a frontline team. This is about as frontline as it gets. Somerville has looked like the team that went 57-7 from 2016-2021, and, unlike its opponents in this one, the Pioneers have been tested, with wins in their pockets over Hillsborough and Cranford. While I certainly give Rahway a puncher’s chance, especially with the way Andrew Avent has been playing, I don’t see Somerville losing this one on its home turf.

PINCUS’ PICK: Somerville 36-20

Rahway already matched its win total from last season and, really, couldn’t have looked much better. I like the puncher’s chance line here. Somerville, though, is playing like that skilled, move and duck, hard to touch boxer. It will be intriguing to see how it plays out.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Somerville 24-14

ROSELLE (0-3) at A.L. JOHNSON (2-0), 7 p.m.

Big, big win for ALJ over New Providence, 28-24 last Friday night, as the Crusaders showed they’re the team to beat in the Patriot Sliver Division. This division win shouldn’t be anywhere as close.

PINCUS’ PICK: A.L. Johnson 30-12

Roselle lost each of its last two games by a touchdown, so they’re giving teams pesky looks. ALJ has to be sharp but hard to pick against the Crusaders at home.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:AL Johnson 30-21

SAYREVILLE (1-2) at No. 9 HILLSBOROUGH (1-2), 7 p.m.

This is a fascinating matchup between two teams whose preseason expectations have not matched their in-season results. Sayreville fell to Colonia 14-13 in overtime in Week Zero and were then blanked by Linden 17-0. But the Bombers might have shaken off what’s ailing them with a 40-0 statement win over Edison last weekend. Hillsborough, meanwhile, also lost a heartbreaker in its opener, 21-20 to Somerville, and after a closer-than-expected 21-14 win over Union, got blasted by Ridge 34-7 last weekend – and that really got my attention. I’m going to go Hillsborough here because old habits die hard, plus the Raiders are the home team, plus, I’ve been told, I don’t respect Middlesex County.

PINCUS’ PICK: Hillsborough 23-21

Nah, I think you respect Middlesex County football (picking against Sayreville here notwithstanding). Throw out the counties, though, and this is just indeed an interesting matchup. Sayreville has a lot of fulltime varsity newcomers and a new coach, so maybe the players needed a few weeks to fully click. Hillsborough’s lopsided loss to Ridge was surprising, but the Raiders were so, so close to beating Somerville. I certainly respect Middlesex County ball, but will be going Boro here.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Hillsborough 18-15

VOORHEES (2-1) at BERNARDS (3-0), 7 p.m.

Graduating classes come and go, but there’s a reason Bernards has put together a decade-plus of dominance. Last weekend’s 7-0 win over Delaware Valley certainly wasn’t dominant, but the Mountaineers continue to step up every time they’re challenged, and it was Terrence Hanratty and the defense that stepped up last week. Unlike Del Val, Voorhees has been putting up some impressive point totals, including in a 33-0 win over J.P. Stevens last weekend, but the Vikes are going to find Bernards a bit tougher for running back Matteo Tramutola and friends to impose their will.

PINCUS’ PICK: Bernards 28-14

Tramutola has been a breakout star in the early going with nearly 650 rushing yards and six touchdowns in three games. The junior and his linemen friends will certainly have their toughest test. Not counting the Vikings out, but Bernards has to be feeling pretty good after shutting down Del Val.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Bernards 25-13

No. 15 WESTFIELD (1-1) at UNION (0-3), 7 p.m.

Big statement win for Westfield last Saturday, 37-21 win over Elizabeth in a game that was less close, even, than the final score indicates -- even if the Minutemen were dealing with the sudden firing of head coach John Fiore amidst alleged transfer violations. The Blue Devils were quite aware of the weapons they had at receiver, especially Enzo Ferrero, who had a big 2023 and is off to another fantastic start, catching three long touchdowns Saturday and even adding a field goal and four extra points. But the Elizabeth win also served as a coming-out party for first-year quarterback Cole Weidler, who has some big shoes to fill replacing Max Cho and taking his place among a long line of big-time quarterbacks Westfield has boasted in recent years. Union is still looking for its first win under first-year head coach Jason Scott after facing three top-level opponents so far. This is another tough task for the Farmers, and while it’s certainly winnable, it’s going to take quite the effort.

PINCUS’ PICK: Westfield 30-21

The Westfield quarterback pipeline is alive and flowing well. It’s good to see the upperclassmen biding their time and ready when they get called, aka the junior Weidler. The Farmers held St. Joseph’s passing attack under control in the 32-8 loss last week, so that bodes well for Union when trying to stop Westfield’s air attack.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Westfield 24-18

Saturday, Sept. 21

No. 4 WOODBRIDGE (3-0) at No. 7 COLONIA (3-0), 1 p.m.

This is always a mall bragging rights-type of game between the two Woodbridge Township schools, but throw in both are undefeated – and wow. I’ll be on hand and am expecting an electric atmosphere and quality football to the end, much like the one two years ago that Colonia took 14-13. I saw both teams this season and know there’s quality throughout the lineups. I’ve gone back to this pick several times, but with my deadline approaching, I’ll go Barrons, which just put up 41 points against Plainfield. The winner earns the “Bragging Rights” trophy and Colonia holds a 29-24-4 edge in the series that goes back to 1967. Kindly check in for updates and a post-game article at X/Twitter @andy_mendlowitz.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Woodbridge 22-21

What a matchup! Two township rivals, both undefeated, playing a Saturday game that will have the conference’s entire media attention focused on it. This is what high school football is all about. Hey, Andy. Can I borrow that quarter you were flipping earlier?

PINCUS’ PICK: Colonia 21-20

More: Woodbridge football RB hangs 3 of his 4 TDs on Plainfield in 4th quarter of runaway win

More: Football: Undefeated Colonia rallies to take thriller against Linden

CARTERET (1-2) at No. 14 SUMMIT (2-0), 1 p.m.

Summit’s high-powered offense has been on display, outscoring opponents 87-21, including that impressive win over Hillside to become the favorite in the United Gold. The Ramblers’ defense kept Cranford in check last week in the 21-0 loss and they have playmakers, despite getting shutout twice thus far.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Summit 21-12

Kudos to my esteemed colleague; after a Cranberries, Alanis Morrissette and Doors reference earlier in this column, he throws out a “21-12” and now, in my head, I’m listening to Rush.

PINCUS’ PICK: Summit 31-7

SOUTH RIVER (1-2) at SPOTSWOOD (2-1) @Sayreville, 1 p.m.

It’s like that the South River offense was just ready to erupt and the scoring flowed in last week’s 45-19 win over Roselle Park. Aiden Velez and Kah’mori Cotto had big games and the Rams were a point away from tying their point total from all of last season. Now they face Spotswood, a team with several new starters that have won two straight. Can South River’s playmakers keep it going in a compelling matchup that will affect the Freedom Gold race?

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK:Spotswood 31-27

I will answer no.

PINCUS’ PICK: Spotswood 20-6

Simeon Pincus has covered NJ sports since 1997. He can be reached at SPincus@GannettNJ.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus

Andy Mendlowitz can be reached at AMendlowitz@NJPressMedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Andy_Mendlowitz

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ Football predictions: Pincus and Mendlowitz’s BCC picks for Week 3