Opening weekend is a bit of a mystery to the coaches, players, and fans.
And especially to the guy making predictions.
Here goes anyway:
Lenape at Cherokee. The Indians have a new coach, Tim McAneney, and seem to have a serious uptick in spirit. They have a solid line led by Bobby Isopi and Doug Gilbert, and a talented quarterback in converted wide receiver Cory Jett.
Cherokee is rebuilding a bit after winning back-to-back South Jersey Group 4 titles. The Chiefs' front lines are led by Quinn Mehigan and Tyler Hartman, and they have strong running backs in Nick Follet and Zaire Williams. They are the champions until somebody knocks them off the throne. Pick: Cherokee, 21-7.
Eastern at Williamstown. The Vikings have a talented young quarterback in Tom Flacco, a future Division I cornerback in Eli Woodard, and a solid two-way player in Anthony Gallo. They should improve from last year's 1-9 record.
Williamstown might be a year away from WJFL American Division and South Jersey Group 4 contention with lots of young talented players such as two-way sophomore back Marquis Little. But the Braves might have too much overall speed and depth for the Vikings. Pick: Williamstown, 24-10.
Holy Spirit at Oakcrest. The Falcons will win a lot of games this season with Villanova-bound cornerback/wide receiver Mark Clements, and talented junior linebacker/fullback Brandon Bell. But this isn't one of them.
The Spartans are stacked, with a massive offensive line led by Villanova-bound Nico D'Angelo, two top running backs in Donta Pollock and Nigel Jones, and a defense led by North Carolina-bound linebacker Dan Mastromatteo. Pick: Holy Spirit, 35-14.
Moorestown at Paul VI. The Quakers spread the field in their no-hurry attack led by quarterback Andrew Lisa as well as skill-position standouts Zac Frantz, Delaney Wallace, Anthony Bonnet, and Sidney Ruffin. They will be tough to stop.
Paul VI is a little more run-oriented this season, with a top backfield combination in speedster Johnel Anderson and blocking back Matt Barnett. The Eagles' edge in this game is up front, with the likes of Temple-bound Shabaz Ahmed. Pick: Paul VI, 27-21.
Camden at Bishop Eustace. The Panthers went 4-0 in the WJFL Independence last season but lost 26 seniors. Running back Thomas Johnson is a top returner.
