2015 Mid-State 38 #1 Ranked Westfield Blue Devils
Mid-State 38 Top 10 Pre-Season
With the first full week of Mid-State 38 football play on its way this weekend, Plainfield Area Local Sports (PALS) looked back at last season to see what’s ahead for this year.
Westfield had a mystical season dominating all of their opponents until they met Bridgewater-Raritan in the Championship round. Bridgewater-Raritan was having a mystical season of their own with big wins over Ridge, East Orange, Elizabeth and the 2014 Mid-State 38 #1 team – Phillipsburg. Westfield and Bridgewater-Raritan faced off in the championship round with a combine record of 22-0. Westfield was at a disadvantage as super star running back Jack Curry (broke Butch Woolfolk’s 1977 school rushing record) entered the game injured and gave a gutsy effort for the first half. Curry could not continue in the 2nd half but Westfield relied on their defense to pull out a thriller in the Meadowlands 10-7.
Both teams may have a repeat match-up for the 2016 season in the championship round. Bridgewater-Raritan lost an excellent quarterback in 6’5” 245 lb Eric Nickel (Kutztown University) but return one of the best wide outs in New Jersey in 6’3” 215 lb Ricky Tate. Ricky also doubles as an outstanding linebacker on a very good returning defense for Bridgewater-Raritan. Bridgewater-Raritan will have an advantage this season with their special teams led by potentially one of the best high school place kickers in the nation with Justin Davidovicz. Davidovicz has field goal range from near 60-yards!
Westfield returns the flame throwing Philip Martini. Combined with arguably the best public school team in the trenches led by All-State candidate 6’4” 270 lb junior center Jack McCauley (maybe Middletown South will have an argument about that) and the speedy 5’11 200lb running back Matt Varano, Westfield is in the running for its 2nd consecutive Group 5 Section 2 title.
Other teams that may challenge for the #1 ranking of the Mid-State 38 Conference:
Can’t count out Ridge as they return many from the team that lost in the semi-finals to Bridgewater-Raritan in an overtime classic.
Phillipsburg – Football is a religion in the town on the banks of the Delaware River.
Cranford had a super talented core that graduated. There is still talent there and with their exceptional coaching staff Cranford should see post season again.
Immaculata football tradition took a hit over the last couple of years but a semi-final appearance in the State Playoffs along with a strong returning defense will make the school in Somerville a tough team to beat.
Elizabeth has one of the highest recruited player in the state in Jahim Muse. If Elizabeth’s starting quarterback did not go down with a season ending injury in the opening game, Elizabeth may have been the team claiming last years #1 ranking. Elizabeth should be tough this season but will a coaching change help or hurt.
Linden is now entering 2 seasons removed from earning their first large school state championship. Linden is a highly competitive team. The only problem is the highly competitive Mid-State 38 conference has won the last 4 Group 5 North 2 state championships and Linden may not have enough to overcome the top conference teams.
The Union Farmers is back to their tradition of huge players with 7 players over 6’0” and 250 lbs. Union’s Mike Tverdov is a walking specimen standing 6’5” 240lbs and running a near 4.5 40. Tverdov is arguably one of the best defensive end in NJ and Rutgers is fighting for his talents.
Hillsborough was young last year and was a competitive team. They are looking for post-season action this year.
After a down season, Hunterdon Central should be back in the mix.
Last Years Final Rankings
Week 10 Mid-State 38 Top 10 {2015 final rankings}
Westfield {12-0} – Group 5 North 2 State Champions
Bridgewater-Raritan {11-1} – Group 5 North 2 runner-up
Phillipsburg {9-3} – Group 4 North 2 runner-up
Cranford {12-0} – Group 3 North 2 State Champions
Immaculata {8-3} – Non Public Group 2 semi-finalist
Ridge {6-5} Group 5 North 2 semi-finalist
Elizabeth {7-3} Group 5 North 2 quarter-finalist
Linden {5-5}
Union {5-6} – Group 5 North 2 semi-finalist
Hillsborough {4-6}
(Outside looking in: Montgomery, Delaware Valley, Hunterdon Central, Watchung Hills and Brearley)
Week 1 Games of the Week
#1 Westfield @ #8 Linden Friday 7:00 p.m. 9/9/16 – Westfield came off their best season since 1977 and return a solid team from a solid program. Linden lost some talent but has plenty to fill the shoes of those that were lost to graduation. Westfield is more experience.
Prediction
Westfield – 26
Linden – 17
#10 Hillsborough @ #7 Elizabeth Friday 7:00 p.m. 9/9/16 – Can Elizabeth overcome the controversial departure of arguably one of the best coaches in New Jersey, John Quinn. 6’3” 200 lb utility player, Jahim Muse, is a threat at any position on the field. Muse has gained recruiting interest and/or offers from Boston College, Iowa, Maryland, Temple, Connecticut, Kansas, Michigan, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers and Virginia Tech. 1styear head coach Jamil Jackson has a long time connection with the community. Will the players connect? Hillsborough returns many players with game time experience. Hillsborough has one of the top receivers in Somerset County in 6’4” Junior Jackson Parham. Jackson is the son of Plainfield’s former 2004 Sectional State Champion Coach Lenny Parham. With a Student population of +5,000 Elizabeth has the talent but will they come out to play.
Prediction
Hillsborough – 20
Elizabeth – 25
If you are just a high school football fanatic and looking for good games to attend, here are some of PALS recommendations:
Barn Burner Games to attend:
Hillside @ Rahway Saturday 9/10/16
Games Worth the Price of Admission:
#3 Phillipsburg @ Franklin Friday 9/9/16
Montgomery @ #6 Ridge Friday 9/9/16
Watchung Hills @ #9 Union Friday 9/9/16
Delaware Valley @ North Plainfield Friday 9/9/16
Summit @ North Hunterdon Friday 9/9/16
Johnson @ New Providence Saturday 9/10/16
Warren Hills @ Scotch Plains-Fanwood Saturday 9/10/16
Governor Livingston @ Voorhees Friday 9/9/16
Roselle Park @ South Hunterdon Friday 9/9/16
Note: check with home team school to verify date and start time.
Bold team denotes PALS pick