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

Another season means another fresh set of bold predictions, courageous prognostications, and making excuses when we’re totally wrong.

It’s Big Central Conference football time again, so here is the season’s first predictions column. All season, MyCentralJersey.com football writers Simeon Pincus and Andy Mendlowitz will bring you their predictions for games involving BCC teams.

We’ll be wrong a lot. But we’ll be right a lot more. So, when you’re heckling us at games, sending snarky Tweets, or firing off angry emails, just remember, it’s always someone else’s fault.

Unless we’re right. Then we’re totally geniuses!

Pincus took the 2023 Prophet’s Cup, tallying a 262-62-1 mark (.809), while Mendlowitz tumbled back to Earth after taking the 2022 title, going 256-68-1 last year (.790) -- a 10-game slide from the previous campaign.

More: High school football in Central Jersey: Links to our preview coverage for 2024 season

More: Football rankings: Big Central Conference preseason Top 15

Here are our picks for Week Zero.

Thursday, Aug. 29

No. 3 HILLSBOROUGH at No. 5 SOMERVILLE, 7 p.m.

Greetings, friends. It’s nice to be back. It’s year 28 covering Central Jersey sports for yours truly, and my ninth year on the fulltime football beat, and we begin the 2024 campaign with this tasty Somerset County matchup, as a pair of Top 5 teams get together for a Week zero showdown.

These squads began a series two years ago, with Somerville winning at home in 2022 – in its first game under coach Matt Bloom, who replaced Ian Pace midseason that year – and Hillsborough took last year’s meeting, 14-7 at Noonan Field. Now, Boro head coach Kevin Carty Jr., once a star quarterback at the Ville, leads the Raiders into his old haunts looking to get the season off to a good start – and secure his first-ever win as a visitor at Brooke Field. The Pioneers seek to do the same. Both teams have high hopes for 2024, with each bringing back a ton of proven talent, which should make for a fascinating matchup.

This one could go either way, and will certainly give us a very good indication of what to expect from these teams. Somerville is more proven on paper – the Pioneers count three-year starting QB Brenden Pacheco among its returners – but the Raiders have been more successful of late, and in Group 5. I’ll take heat for this pick either way – especially in the Somerville pressbox, where I’ll have the live coverage Thursday night-- but I’m going to make the safe pick. Largely because Week zero is nearly impossible to correctly predict. After all, as I’m sure players (and sportswriters) across the state are tired of hearing: I’m focused on only controlling the controllable, I’m taking it one game at a time, and I’m just trying to stay healthy.

I’ll have live updates on Twitter/X @SimeonPincus.

PINCUS’ PICK: Hillsborough 23-20

Wow, Year 28, congrats! It seems like just yesterday it was Year 24. First, I wish all players a healthy and safe season. I’m merely trying to avoid any paper cuts or rotator cuff injuries from taking notes too fast. This is a tasty opener with a contrast of strengths. The high-flying Somerville offense meets the tough, tough Hillsborough defense. What’s that old saying, defense wins August games?

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Hillsborough 21-15

MIDDLESEX at METUCHEN, 4 p.m.

Drum roll please, I’m making the first sure-fire prediction for the 2024 gridiron campaign – this game will have the first points of the season. (Hello, 0-0 tie?) Metuchen gets the honor of hosting the opening kickoff in the Big Central and both squads are certainly eager to get going. Middlesex returns a strong nucleus led by three-year starting QB Dom Parenti under new head coach Bob Swercheck. For Metuchen, the return of Evan Toth (RB/LB) from a knee injury boosts the Bulldogs, which brings back a haul of starters. A quality BCC crossover. Key stat: Middlesex allowed an average of eight points a game in the regular season in 2023.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK : Middlesex 21-14

In a weekend full of wacky non-conference matchups, it’s nice to see a few neighborhood tilts like this one.

PINCUS’ PICK: Middlesex 26-21

BERNARDS at MONMOUTH, 6 p.m.

The reigning North 2 Group 2 champion Mountaineers have certainly enjoyed life the past few years, no more so than last season when they secured the program’s first state sectional crown. But the cruel hand of graduation has had its way with our friends in Bernards, and it’s going to take quite the quick turnaround if this club is to continue its streak of six consecutive eight-win seasons. These teams have played one other time – in 2020, a game Bernards won 43-20. Monmouth got things turned around last year, getting back over .500 after winning just two games in 2022. I really don’t know what to make of the Mountaineers. Hard to replace that much graduated talent, especially under center where last year’s Skyland-area Player of the Year Connor Laverty assaulted the Bernards record book. My motto this season is “Prove it.” Prove it’s next man up for the Mountaineers, who do get some good talent back. Prove I’m underestimating this powerhouse program. Until then, I’m going home team.

PINCUS’ PICK: Monmouth 28-23

The cruel hand of graduation sounds like a great beginning for a country song. I also wonder what kind of lyrics the Mountaineers are going to pen this season. However, they’re not totally depleted with a handful of solid returners. There’s also something about hungry guys biding their time, soaking up knowledge from stars and then are ready when called upon. I don’t know how they’ll look, but the program proved a lot last season, so I’ll give them this win.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Bernards 21-12

PERTH AMBOY at J.F. KENNEDY, 6 p.m.

Both teams are looking for bounce-backs after combining for three wins in 2023. I like the direction each program is trending in, making this an ideal tone-setter. Perth Amboy won last year 35-7 and QB Lavion Balthazar (1,300 yards from scrimmage) returns.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Perth Amboy 28-16

It’s been three years since Perth Amboy won its opener, and I think that will happen here. And that’s good, because the schedule gets a lot tougher after this one.

PINCUS’ PICK: Perth Amboy 26-21

VOORHEES at RAHWAY, 6 p.m.

Hmm, an interesting meeting. These teams were Mid-State 38 division members as recent as 2019 when both were Group 3 schools. Now, Rahway is a Group 4 and Voorhees is Group 2 and they haven’t played in five years. Voorhees must replace 20 seniors and Rahway has a good amount of varsity experience back, led by Andrew Avent (744 rushing yards, 82 tackles).

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Rahway 21-12

Voorhees looks a lot different this year after heavy graduation losses and with a new head coach, as former Immaculata and Morris Catholic mentor John Hack takes the reins from Ricky Kurtz. The Vikes should be competitive in their division, but this is a tough opening-day task.

PINCUS’ PICK: Rahway 29-13

GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON at LAKELAND, 6:30 p.m.

Lakeland is coming off a memorable season, going 8-4 and ending Caldwell’s state-best 37-game winning streak in the North 2 Group 2 semifinals, before being edged by Bernards in overtime in the final. The Lancers bring back a nice group of experience, which puts Governor Livingston firmly behind the 8-ball in this opener. The Highlanders made great strides last year, making the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and finishing with a winning record for the first time in three seasons. GL should be solid, but this is quite the unenviable task to open the campaign.

PINCUS’ PICK: Lakeland 31-13

Well, it’s always good to face tough competition early. It’s a see-what-we-have game before the huge rivalry meeting against New Providence.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Lakeland 28-10

SOUTH PLAINFIELD at NEW PROVIDENCE, 6:30 p.m.

These schools are only separated by about 10 miles, but this will mark the first time they’ve ever met on the gridiron. Harry Frezza’s house in Bound Brook is 18 miles from New Providence High School, but it won’t stop the veteran reporter from making the trip up to Lieder Field to bring you live coverage of this one. He’s on Twitter/X @TheFrez56.

PINCUS’ PICK: New Providence 24-21

New Providence looks to have a good season but I like South Plainfield to have a nice bounce-back campaign. The Tigers feature a bunch of returners such as AJ Perales and Dylan Oller (nearly 200 combined tackles) and playmakers like Dominic Massaro and Ryan Balent. I’ll go with the Group 3 school in the opener.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: South Plainfield 28-15

COLONIA at No. 10 SAYREVILLE, 7 p.m.

A graduated superstar – check. Solid staples back – check. Fledging stars who got a taste last season – check. You get the sense that both teams are in similar situations to begin the year. Colonia graduated Jaeden Jones (QB) and Sayreville lost RB Zaimer Wright (RB), among others. Now, newcomers are emerging that will fill All-Area lists. This is a good kickoff for both teams to assess where they’re at.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Sayreville 29-20

If both teams are in a similar situation, then I guess I’ll pick this like it was last year.

PINCUS’ PICK: Sayreville 34-14

EAST BRUNSWICK at EDISON, 7 p.m.

Edison had a dream season in 2022, winning its first state sectional title since 1991. Last year, many first-year starters got a taste of varsity and are back, looking again for a playoff run. The 6-foor-2, 230-pound Shaun Garland (HB/LB) was All-Division as a freshman. The Bears have a good spirit with a late coaching change and interim head coach Matt Pazinko is a lifelong East Brunswick guy. They're in good hands but graduated their three All-Division selections.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Edison 23-14

So many interesting Middlesex County matchups. Wish more Skyland teams would do it. There are only two this weekend. I learned a few years ago not to discount Edison, so I won’t start doing that yet.

PINCUS’ PICK: Edison 28-21

MONROE at SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD, 7 p.m.

The Raiders are on their third head coach in two seasons, so it remains to be seen what things are going to look like at Scotch Plains-Fanwood. Monroe is a battle-tested Group 5 program that made a move in the right direction last year, winning three straight contests to close out a 5-6 campaign and bring back a big group of now-seniors. This is a prove-it game for new-look SPF.

PINCUS’ PICK: Monroe 30-20

The Falcons did finish strong and have veterans that won’t get frazzled, like three-year QB starter Brandon Macaluso (1,528 yards passing yards). SPF won last year’s opener 25-0 but now the Monroe players have a year under their girdle with second-year coach Nick Isola and seem more seasoned.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Monroe 28-21

No. 7 WOODBRIDGE at No. 11 OLD BRIDGE, 7 p.m.

This is a whopper of an opener between two Top 15 BCC teams. Joe Goerge makes his Woodbridge head coaching debut with talented players keyed by Derek and Bryan Anderson. Old Bridge brings back 17 starters and won three of four to close last season. The Battle of the Bridges should be a good one and I’ll be on hand to chronicle it. Kindly check in for updates and a post-game article on X/Twitter @andy_mendlowitz.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Woodbridge 29-28

For me, the Battle of the Bridges is when my dad and I argue about the quickest way to get to CitiField from Union County during rush hour (the correct answer is Williamsburg).

PINCUS’ PICK: Woodbridge 34-20

Friday, Aug. 30

HILLSIDE at SNYDER @WEST ORANGE, 3:30 p.m.

The Comets keep getting bounced around, playing as a Group 3 program for the first time last year, though in a Group 3 division, and have now been dropped back to Group 2, but moved up to the Group 3-4 United Gold Division. That’s what happens when you’ve enjoyed as much success as Hillside. Now, coach Barris Grant will lead his charges against a Tigers team that won 4-of-5 to close out last year and are looking to start strong. Hillside has a lot back and I’m projecting it’s enough for a Comets win.

PINCUS’ PICK: Hillside 27-19

No matter where they play, Hillside always has a good team, and a good season as of late. The last losing campaign was in 2016 and that victory streak should continue. Snyder, though, should pose a test and has Rutgers-commit DJ McClary at linebacker.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Hillside 30-21

BELVIDERE at BOONTON, 4:30 p.m.

I’m bullish on Belvidere (say that three times fast), as the County Seaters return most of the talent that saw the team make great strides last year, going from 0-9 to 3-7. Still, one of those losses came in lopsided fashion to the Bombers, and while this game should be more competitive, it’s hard to go against Boonton at home.

PINCUS’ PICK: Boonton 28-14

I’m bullish on Belvidere. I’m bullish on Belvidere. I’m … nuts, I got tripped up on the third one – almost! Good to see Belvidere on the upswing, but I’ll also go with the home team.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Boonton 21-8

KEYPORT at MANVILLE, 5:30 p.m.

The Red Raiders have been one of the top small-school programs in the Shore Conference, winners of two straight divisional titles and coming off an 8-2 year, one that included a 41-6 drubbing of Manville. The Mustangs return a ton, and should be in for a much-improved campaign, but this is going to be a rough way to start the year.

PINCUS’ PICK: Keyport 34-19

Good for Manville for playing up in the opener, something that shouldn’t hurt much going forward.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK : Keyport 27-14

MONTCLAIR KIMBERLY at DUNELLEN, 5:30 p.m.

It’s like Dunellen put out a ‘help wanted’ sign with “Needed: rushing yards. Tackles, too.” Chiekezie Ogbuewu (1,644 yards, 21 TDs, 64 tackles) and Aiden Sangiray (646 yards, 64 tackles) both graduated as the next generation of Destroyers must emerge. Dunellen does have returning QB Mark Stein and Luke Pettersen (DT/OG, 65 tackles) to set the tone. This is an ideal opponent to see what’s what before getting into BCC play.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK : Dunellen 28-17

I think I covered a softball game at Montclair Kimberly once.

PINCUS’ PICK: Dunellen 33-7

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN at NOTRE DAME, 6 p.m.

The Irish ran the regular-season table last year, before losing a slugfest to Paul VI in their playoff opener, and should continue to be a force. Bridgewater-Raritan is still looking to regain its footing after some lean years and got hit pretty hard by graduation. A win here would be a major injection of confidence for BR, but it’s a longshot.

PINCUS’ PICK: Notre Dame 31-13

Well, AJ Surace is at Rutgers now, so Bridgewater-Raritan at least won’t have to worry about the prolific quarterback. Still, I’ll borrow the ‘prove it’ line, as I’m intrigued to see how the Panthers newcomers look. One game note: former South Brunswick running back Jeylon Billups, who rushed for 752 yards on 124 carries and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore last year for the Vikings, transferred to Notre Dame.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Notre Dame 21-7

CARTERET at ST. JOHN VIANNEY, 6 p.m.

Carteret opens against a private school team for the second-straight season after beating St. Joseph Academy (Hammonton) in 2023. The Ramblers are coming off their first division title in 11 years and return some firepower, along with graduation-created questions. St. John Vianney has a new head coach and a bunch of starters back on defense.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Carteret 14-7

The sheer randomness of some of these matchups just crack me up.

PINCUS’ PICK: Carteret 21-19

DELRAN at ROSELLE, 6 p.m.

Most coaches are either an offensive guy or a defensive guy. Rarely both. Roselle’s first-year skipper Tyrone Taylor, though, was Plainfield’s defensive coordinator last season and served as Weequahic’s offensive coordinator for the 2016 undefeated team. That 360-degree football knowledge will serve the Rams well. Second-team All-Division QB Brandon Puryear is back, but the Burlington County school returns 15 starters.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Delran 28-20

Don’t know why, but Delran always makes me think of that A Flock of Seagulls song, “And Del-raaaaan. Del-ran so far away….” If you were around during the 80s, I bet that’s in your head now. Or maybe it’s just me.

PINCUS’ PICK: Delran 29-18

FREEHOLD BORO at NEW BRUNSWICK, 6 p.m.

You have to like second-year head coach Steve Gluchowski’s recruiting efforts as the Zebras doubled their roster from the end of last season. That depth will go a long way as the program works back from a couple lean years. The Shore Conference team lost key seniors but that 2-7 record in 2023 is misleading with several close losses.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Freehold Boro 17-7

New Brunswick’s doubling its numbers is very good news, and this should be a good game to get the Zebras rolling into the season. I have a feeling about this game, but lack the courage to pull the trigger on an upset.

PINCUS’ PICK: Freehold Boro 29-19

LINDEN at ELIZABETH, 6 p.m.

This Union County donnybrook of an opener is one of the more intriguing games for me. Elizabeth had to be the best 3-8 team, well, maybe in the country, with all eight defeats by a touchdown or less. They return a haul of starters, including sophomore QB Arique Flemming (1,663 passing yards). Oh karma, will you turn the Minutemen’s way? Linden lost stars TeQuan Thomas (QB) and Myles Hamilton (LB) but is another team that always seems to be in games.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Elizabeth 28-26

I thought this might finally be a game my esteemed colleague and I didn’t agree on, but, alas, we are on the same page. Josh Rosenfeld has live coverage of this one. He’s on Twitter/X @JoshPRosenfeld.

PINCUS’ PICK: Elizabeth 23-13

MANALAPAN at No. 9 PISCATAWAY, 6 p.m.

Party like it’s 2016? Eight years ago, the teams had two memorable games at Rutgers with Manalapan rallying to win the regular-season meeting. A month later, the Chiefs toppled undefeated Manalapan in the Central Group 5 final. Now, the Braves are a senior-led team that the Asbury Park Press ranked as the No. 10 Shore Conference squad entering the preseason. Piscataway is also seeking a breakthrough and I like their upswing. I’ll be on hand, so kindly check in for updates and a post-game article on X/Twitter @andy_mendlowitz.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Piscataway 18-14

The Chiefs played very well down the stretch last season, winning 4-of-5 and word out of Piscataway is this could be the year they get back over the hump and return to a championship level. This will be a good opening-week test. A game they could win, for sure, but I’d like to see the Chiefs prove it.

PINCUS’ PICK: Manalapan 24-21

NO. 8 PLAINFIELD at NEWARK EAST SIDE, 6 p.m.

I have had a front seat on the Cardinals bandwagon the past couple years, and the fact I’m a sportswriter who isn’t supposed to root for any of the teams I cover might be the only thing keeping me from grabbing a whole bunch of Plainfield football gear and a season ticket at Hub Stine Field. I’m fired up about the Cardinals again, looking for more big things after last year’s historic turnaround. Division 1 lineman Josue Cordoba (Kent State) is a big graduation loss, and East Side is tough, but I’m all-in on Plainfield, which returns a huge group of proven talent.

PINCUS’ PICK: Plainfield 32-21

Beep, beep, here we go, another year, another Plainfield bandwagon blurb. But it’s great to see the program’s turnaround and the Cardinals do seem stacked.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Plainfield 42-31

TRENTON CENTRAL at FRANKLIN, 6 p.m.

Last season’s meeting, which was the season finale for Trenton, ended with a 14-7 Franklin win, and now these teams, with similar tracks the past two years, waste no time getting reacquainted. The Warriors rebounded from a winless 2022 by posting three wins last year. The Tornadoes are two years removed from an 0-10 campaign, and like Franklin, improved to 3-7 last year. I think this game will be a touch higher scoring, but with home field this time, it gives me ever more confidence in the Warriors securing a second-straight opening-day triumph.

PINCUS’ PICK: Franklin 23-16

This is a home-and-home series separated by almost exactly 10 months. In that span, many of the young Franklin players just kept learning and getting stronger and the more seasoned Warriors can snag an opening-day victory for the second year in a row (they beat East Brunswick in 2023).

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK : Franklin 14-7

No. 4 NORTH BRUNSWICK at JACKSON MEMORIAL, 6:30 p.m.

Remember those regular GMC/Shore Conference crossover games back in last decade? You’d often get intriguing matchups, and this is a throwback, a fun opener between two teams expecting to make playoff runs. Jackson Memorial, a Group 4 school, is ranked No. 8 in the Shore Conference by the APP. The Jaguars have graduation holes but return junior RB Jonah Glenn (1,454 yards) and veteran QB Dennis Caswell. North Brunswick has a balanced, experienced team with defensive stalwarts like Jahir Dawud, Abdul Kargbo and Tommy Koroma.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: North Brunswick 28-26

Those GMC-Shore matchups were great, as we really got to see how teams matched up against some of the similarly sized programs in the other league. North Brunswick should be able to use this as a measuring stick.

PINCUS’ PICK: North Brunswick 27-20

HOPEWELL VALLEY at MONTGOMERY, 7 p.m.

A tough task for Montgomery against the Bulldogs, who have gone 18-3 the past two years. The Cougars were gutted by graduation, a haul that included three-year starting QB Michael Schmelzer, and they’re likely looking at a rebuilding season. A competitive showing here would be a good start for the green and gold

PINCUS’ PICK: Hopewell Valley 30-14

That’s all you want, some good flashes here and there, things to build on as the season progresses into BCC play and the newcomers get used to varsity speed.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Hopewell Valley 30-18

SOUTH BRUNSWICK at ROBBINSVILLE, 7 p.m.

The Ibrahim Halsey era begins at South Brunswick with some mystery as the new skipper leads a mostly inexperienced squad looking to break out. Still, the Vikings were a division champ and playoff team in 2023 and that experience had to rub off on the youngsters. Robbinsville graduated 2,000-yard passer Luke Hanuscin and others, so this seems like a good spot for the Vikings to get started.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: South Brunswick 18-7

The Vikings need a strong start and this should provide them just that.

PINCUS’ PICK: South Brunswick 31-26

WATCHUNG HILLS at MOORESTOWN, 7 p.m.

First-ever meeting between these clubs. In fact, it’s the first time the Quakers have faced any area team. Watchung Hills got hit hard by graduation a year after the most successful season the program has had in nearly half century. Warriors notched an 8-3 slate last year and earned a playoff win for the first time since 1978 – and just the second in team history. But it’s rebuilding time for Watchung Hills, which has shown an ability to bounce back quickly after heavy turnover since Rich Seubert took over as head coach nine years ago. The Warriors are going to need that to happen again. I’m going to go Moorestown, mostly on home field. A Watchung Hills win here would be a fantastic sign.

PINCUS’ PICK: Moorestown 26-20

Wow, I’m surprised Simeon didn’t pull out the old Google Maps for this one. That’s nearly a 70-mile, one-way trip down to South Jersey. You do want openers to have a special feel to it. Moorestown seems to have a bunch of returning seniors so this is a good test for the new-look Warriors, which have won 15 games the last two seasons.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Moorestown 27-16

Saturday, Aug. 31

POINT PLEASANT BEACH at SOUTH RIVER, noon

Forget all those fancy formations, and just play football. Veteran coach Rich Marchesi said he’ll keep things simple this season for South River, which has a chunk of returners. Tailback Komori Coto looked good as a freshman down the stretch. Point Beach won last season 41-8 in the season finale between these teams and brings back Liam Brosnan (1,081 rushing yards).

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Point Beach 35-27

South River gets some much-needed schedule relief moving down from the Patriot Gold to the Group 1-stocked Freedom Gold. Point Beach is similarly sized, so this will be a good test for the Rams, who will be able to track their progress after last year’s result.

PINCUS’ PICK: Point Beach 30-20

No. 13 UNION at SETON HALL PREP, 1 p.m.

The Pirates roll with the big boys up in North Jersey, where the non-public powers roam, and with Union featuring a first-year head coach in Jason Scott and some key graduation and transfer losses, the Farmers are going to need to prove it. Still, this is a ridiculously tough opening-day assignment. I can’t pick Union. I can only hope I’m proven wrong.

PINCUS’ PICK: Seton Hall 35-13

Those non-public powers seem to roam on a different playing field sometimes. I saw Seton Hall Prep beat a good St. Joseph-Metuchen team 61-20 in the playoffs last season. The Pirates do have a young team, but I can’t pick against them here. Though, again, it’s good to see a BCC team challenging themselves when it doesn’t have to.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK : Seton Hall 42-21

No. 2 ST. THOMAS AQUINAS vs. MOUNT ST. JOSEPH (MD) @WILMINGTON, DE, 4 p.m.

This is the type of game where I start Googling Mount St. Joseph to find anything about the school. First, I do know about St. Thomas Aquinas and the talent it has back. This is a great setting to work on chemistry and timing. OK, the Gaels are from Baltimore. They lost their opener 45-14 last week against Bishop McDevitt (Pa). (Now, if I start researching Bishop McDevitt, I’ll be here all night. It will be more time-consuming than wasting time on YouTube and clicking random videos like holiday commercials from 1985.) Mark Teixeira is an alum. That’s all I got. Oh, this game is called the fancy Mid-Atlantic Pigskin Classic and is at Salesianum School. I’ll go with what I know.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: St. Thomas 30-21

I am not going to be breaking down Maryland football. Sorry. I’ll go with the Trojans and hope for the best.

PINCUS’ PICK: St. Thomas 21-14

NORTH HUNTERDON at HUNTERDON CENTRAL, 5 p.m.

These rivals get together in what’s becoming a Week zero tradition. Central was one of the feel-good stories in the league last year, posting its first winning season since 2018. But graduation was not kind to the Red Devils and they’re going to need to find some emerging standouts – especially on offense -- if they’re going to have a successful year. North won a state sectional championship two years ago, but slid to 0-9 last year after most of the title squad graduated. Now, the Lions are hoping last year’s lumps paid dividends. Hunterdon Central won 44-7 when these teams played last year, and lead the all-time series 47-27. This will be a telling game for both clubs, but I expect Central to notch another win.

PINCUS’ PICK: Hunterdon Central 29-19

A rebuild often leads to a rebound. North Hunterdon should show improvements this season and success isn’t always measured in wins. Hunterdon Central, meanwhile, always had good, competitive games in its losing stretch before last year’s breakthrough, and that should continue despite the new faces.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Hunterdon Central 24-14

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