Football predictions: Simeon Pincus and Andy Mendlowitz’s BCC picks for Week 5

We’ve reached the regular season’s midway point, and your pigskin prophets have found their groove.

After an early struggle, both Simeon Pincus and Andy Mendlowitz posted a second good week, each going 24-5, with the latter maintaining his six-game lead in the race for the 2024 Prophets Cup.

Still, plenty of time to close the gap. Mendlowitz is 118-34 for the season, while Pincus trails at 112-40.

More: Football results: Big Central Conference and area roundup for Week 4

More: Football rankings: Big Central Conference Top 15, through Week 4

Here are our picks for Week 5:

FRIDAY, OCT. 4

No. 11 BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN (2-3) at ELIZABETH (2-3), 6 P.M.

Elizabeth’s wacky season took a scary turn last Friday night when St. Thomas Aquinas star back Chase Young collapsed on the field between plays and was taken to the hospital via ambulance. While the news on Young’s recovery has been extremely positive , the news for the Minutemen was not, as the game, which was suspended in the third quarter with the Trojans up 25-8, was declared final, sending Elizabeth under .500. Now, the Minutemen take on Bridgewater-Raritan, which had its proverbial head handed to it by third-ranked Ridge, 47-10 on Friday night -- though that result might say more about the Red Devils than it does about the Panthers. Now, BR matches up with an Elizabeth squad that has proven it can roll with the best – as evidence by a one-point loss to second-ranked St. Joe two weeks ago. Bridgewater-Raritan has given up a ton of points this year, but the Panthers have also scored a ton, and that should be the case this weekend. The only question is whether Elizabeth can limit the BR attack enough to keep it close enough to score a win. I’m skeptical, but certainly not ruling it out. I can see this game going a myriad of ways.

PINCUS’ PICK: Bridgewater-Raritan 33-28

Take away last week’s loss for BR – yes, credit Ridge – and the Panthers have been an extremely entertaining team able to hang with all. So has Elizabeth (and credit STA last week). So, I expect a thriller this week.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Bridgewater-Raritan 28-22

No. 12 PLAINFIELD (2-2) at FRANKLIN (3-2), 6 P.M.

The Cardinals are coming off an increasingly rare mid-season bye week and get a Franklin team that’s cooled off after a 3-0 start, including last weekend’s 27-13 setback to Edison. Plainfield is rolling, and until the Cards are challenged by a team they should beat – they’ve outscored their opponent a combined 89-0 in their wins -- I’m going to keep picking them, although this one should be a lot more competitive than their 48-0 blasting of New Brunswick or their 41-0 blanking of Perth Amboy their last time out.

PINCUS’ PICK: Plainfield 30-20

Wow, a mid-season bye week. What is this – two decades ago? I’m old enough to remember when teams didn’t start until after Labor Day and the regular season extended past Halloween. I also had to walk five miles through snow to find a coffee shop to pick up Wi-Fi. Tough times. Modern day, I like these Cardinals but also wouldn’t count out Franklin.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Plainfield 35-25

SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD (1-4) at J.F. KENNEDY (2-3), 6 P.M.

How’s this for improvement: J.F. Kennedy scored 117 points thus far. In 2023, the Mustangs scored 58 points for the whole season with a mostly young team. They met the eye test for me in last week’s 20-13 loss to Monroe. Richie Trotman deftly ran the show and Dylan Driz, Jayden France and Jamir Campbell piled up double-digit tackles. Scotch Plains-Fanwood lost to Monroe a month ago, 31-30, so this should be a good game.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: JF Kennedy 29-21

There’s no way I would have even considered picking against SPF in this game a week ago. But after the Raiders 37-7 loss to Carteret, all bets are off and I’m officially concerned about Scotch Plains-Fanwood’s chances here. JFK has played its best football in years, highlighted by a super-impressive victory over Governor Livingston a few weeks ago. SPF blanked winless New Brunswick 42-0 in Week 2, but have been beaten handily in each of its losses, outside of the 31-30 opening-day setback to Monroe. Perhaps last weekend can serve as a wakeup call? I hope so. And maybe I’d pick differently if this was an SPF home game, but it isn’t.

PINCUS’ PICK: JF Kennedy 28-19

SOUTH HUNTERDON (2-2) at BREARLEY (0-4), 6 P.M.

A very disappointing loss for the Eagles on Friday night, 21-14 to Manville, a setback that took South Hunterdon out of the Freedom Silver Division race. Our friends from Lambertville need a bounce-back win and a winless opponent shouldn’t put up much resistance.

PINCUS’ PICK: South Hunterdon 37-12

One of us, can’t remember who, picked Brearley in last week’s 24-6 loss to Roselle Park. (I’m thinking it might have been me.) Yeah, so I think Brearley has talent but now must go with South Hunterdon and its more explosive offense.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: South Hunterdon 30-14

No. 6 WOODBRIDGE (5-0) at PERTH AMBOY (1-4), 6 P.M.

Kudos to Perth Amboy, who surprised some with its close 27-20 loss to No. 7 Colonia. In fact, the Panthers were up 20-13 in the third quarter. While they’re certainly not celebrating a moral victory, it shows they’re a pesky squad with dual-threat quarterback Lavion Balthazar. Now, can they hang with Woodbridge? A team that has scored 125 points the last three weeks?

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Woodbridge 30-16

Certainly, an impressive showing by the Panthers against Colonia. Bad news is they’ve now lost the element of surprise and, likely, any shot at pulling off what would be a massive upset against the Liberty Gold champs.

PINCUS’ PICK: Woodbridge 38-14

CARTERET (2-3) at NEW BRUNSWICK (0-5), 7 P.M.

Keep those phones out when Jakir Thomas has the ball. He can seemingly bust out a video-worthy play at any time. Last week he scored on a 90-yard kickoff return, and runs of 15, 60 and 68 yards, with 225 rushing yards. For New Brunswick, meanwhile, it’s about going forward and small victories in its rebuild, like last week, when the Zebras scored their first points of the season against North Plainfield.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Carteret 38-13

Small victories are nice. Actual victories are nicer. Won’t happen here for our Zebras.

PINCUS’ PICK: Carteret 40-12

No. 7 COLONIA (4-1) at EDISON (2-3), 7 P.M.

Colonia’s just one of those teams prone to exciting games with all but one decided by a touchdown or less. I don’t see why this Middlesex County meeting shouldn’t be tight down the stretch. Nykier Eato is coming off a 237-yard rushing performance in a 27-13 win over Franklin .

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Colonia 18-14

I’ve given up trying to figure out Edison. I’m picking Colonia, but I expect to regret it.

PINCUS’ PICK: Colonia 23-16

CRANFORD (2-2) at RAHWAY (4-1), 7 P.M.

Dead even? That’s my initial take on this Union County tussle. One unscientific gauge – they both lost to Somerville by nearly the same score. Cranford also had a tough one against No. 13 Summit. Other than that, both teams have excelled. Each one also received consideration for our BCC Top 15, so this may be a rankings play-in game. More importantly, key playoff power points are at stake. I’ll be heading to Rahway River Park so kindly check in for updates on X/Twitter @andy_mendlowitz.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Rahway 28-21

I watched most of last Saturday’s Cranford-Summit game on the YouTubes, a 7-7 contest at halftime before Summit pulled away. The Cougars suffered their only losing season since 2009 last year, and this would be a huge step toward turning the page. Rahway has looked fantastic, with its only loss coming in a well-played game against powerhouse Somerville. But the Indians haven’t really been challenged, otherwise. They certainly will Friday night. A coinflip game, but I’m going Cranford.

PINCUS’ PICK: Cranford 28-23

J.P. STEVENS (1-3) at MANVILLE (3-2), 7 P.M.

Huge win for Manville last weekend, 21-14 over South Hunterdon, pulling the Mustangs’ season out of the fire. Big game here, as Josh D’Ambrosio and friends look to keep it rolling and solidify a playoff spot.

PINCUS’ PICK: Manville 27-20

This screams like a spot to pick J.P. Stevens. I hear it, but that Manville win last week was too impressive to go against the Mustangs here.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Manville 28-22

MIDDLESEX (4-1) at NEW PROVIDENCE (4-1), 7 P.M.

Two teams both enjoying standout seasons meet in an interdivisional contest with a haul of power points on the line. New Providence’s Patriot Silver Division hopes were dashed by A.L. Johnson three weeks ago, so the green and gold turn their attention to securing a playoff spot. A win here would go a long way toward that end. Josh Rosenfeld has the coverage. He’s on Twitter/X @JoshPRosenfeld.

PINCUS’ PICK: New Providence 26-14

I’m quite tempted to go Middlesex here, but New Providence nearly knocked off undefeated A.L. Johnson in a 28-24 loss. The Pioneers’ resume would look much better with that victory on it (and it was a measly four points).

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: New Providence 18-14

MONROE (3-2) at NORTH HUNTERDON (1-4), 7 P.M.

A winnable game for the Lions, who haven’t played may of those the past two years. Monroe is definitely the favorite, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see North Hunterdon grab a home win here. I expect my esteemed colleague to go with the Falcons, so I’m going to take a shot with my good friends in Clinton Township, who have rarely let me down in years past. All North’s losses have come to teams ranked or ranking-adjacent. A victory here would certainly be a huge boost to the rebuilding program.

PINCUS’ PICK: North Hunterdon 27-23

Yup, I’m picking Monroe, but it’s not because I’m being a Middlesex-County homer. Or I don’t think North Hunterdon will pose a stern challenge. Just, I saw Monroe edge J.F. Kennedy 20-13 last week. It wasn’t a perfect game for the Falcons but quarterback Brandon Macaluso and mates had that “it” factor.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Monroe 28-21

More: Monroe football rallies past JF Kennedy behind savvy veteran QB, timely turnover

NORTH BRUNSWICK (1-4) at No. 2 ST. JOSEPH (4-0), 7 P.M.

St. Joseph deserves the spotlight for their hot start – literally, too. The Falcons are bringing in portable lights for their lone Friday night game this season. They certainly shined in last week’s 35-16 win over Westfield, which wasn’t as close as the score indicated. North Brunswick led Sayreville 23-20 in the fourth quarter last week before losing 40-29. I’d certainly give the Raiders a chance for the upset.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: St. Joseph 35-24

If Andy ever grows weary of this sportswriting thing, I’m pretty sure there’s a PR job waiting for him at North Brunswick City Hall.

PINCUS’ PICK: St. Joseph 37-7

More: 'That fueled us': Picked last by some, St. Joseph football wins BCC American Gold title

No. 8 PISCATAWAY (3-2) at SAYREVILLE (2-3), 7 P.M.

One team is coming off an impressive shutout. Another team is coming off an eye-popping offensive performance. Something’s got to give. This was THE game for many years in Middlesex County and it once again has juice. Piscataway topped South Brunswick 25-0 last week . Sayreville’s Shaun Jackson broke out with 287 rushing yards (14 YPC) and six touchdowns in the 40-29 comeback over North Brunswick. What force is going to prevail?

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Piscataway 31-21

I’m all-in on the Chiefs. Then again, I was all-in with the nuts last night and some clown yanked a one-outer on the river. Sorry. I like to throw in poker references now and then to keep my esteemed colleague on his toes and scrambling for Google.

PINCUS’ PICK: Piscataway 36-23

ROSELLE PARK (2-2) at DUNELLEN (0-5), 7 P.M.

Just when you thought Roselle Park might be struggling … the Panthers put together two excellent performances, including last week’s 24-6 win over Brearley. Alfris Garcia and Anthony Cianfrocca are heating up on the ground.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Roselle Park 28-12

Roselle Park has proven itself the past two weeks with wins over Dayton and Brearley, and Dunellen seems to be behind those teams – certainly behind Dayton, which beat South River last week. I “took a shot” with Roselle Park the past two weeks and was rewarded. This is far less of a sweat.

PINCUS’ PICK: Roselle Park 30-7

SOUTH PLAINFIELD (1-4) at No. 15 BERNARDS (5-0), 7 P.M.

The Mountaineers have their eye on Summit, which they visit next weekend. Still, I have no doubt coach Jon Simoneau will have his charges laser focused on the Tigers on Friday night.

PINCUS’ PICK: Bernards 41-7

This could be a classic trap game for Bernards. South Plainfield hasn’t really put it together with a challenging schedule, but have talent that could push the Mountaineers.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Bernards 28-16

SOUTH RIVER (1-4) at DELAWARE VALLEY (3-1), 7 P.M.

Aaaaaand, Del Val just scored again. It’s amazing what a 57-6 win against a division rival can do for one’s offensive confidence. We already knew the Terriers boast a stellar defense. Now we see a young offense, led by first-year QB Kelton Ibach, getting better each time out. That is bad news for South River.

PINCUS’ PICK: Delaware Valley 41-6

That scoring outburst seemingly came out of nowhere for the Terriers. South River has had a couple tough games but did put up 45 against Roselle Park.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Delaware Valley 28-7

SPOTSWOOD (4-1) at BOUND BROOK (1-3), 7 P.M.

Bound Brook fights hard.

PINCUS’ PICK: Spotswood 32-7

Hey, that’s my line – they do fight hard! So does Spotswood, which allowed 12 points over the last three weeks with a pair of shutouts.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Spotswood 30-14

No.  ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (4-1) at PARAMUS CATHOLIC (2-2), 7 P.M.

Those North Jersey private school powers, with some from the South, have ruled the Non-Public gridiron universe for years. St. Thomas Aquinas gained respect in last year’s 13-10 playoff loss to DePaul. Now, they’re ranked higher than Paramus Catholic in the state and this has all the makings of a great game. The Paramus Catholic Paladins (note to self: Google ‘what is a Paladin’), have loses to state-ranked St. Joseph-Montvale and DePaul, and have a haul of stars like Penn State-bound offensive tackle Malachi Goodman. I do like that STA played a pair of out-of-state private powers, so they know that level. I’ll go with the BCC team well aware this is a tough one on the road. Oh, for the record, I’m on Paramus Catholic’s website and it says a Paladin is “one of Charlemagne’s twelve peers. The meaning has been expanded to a knight of distinctive virtue … and inspires courage, a person of outstanding qualities who pursued ideals, corrected social injustices, and remained firm in loyalty to faith and country.” OK, cool nickname.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: St. Thomas 21-20

A knight of distinctive virtue? So, like, Breanne of Toth? (another Google moment for my esteemed colleague).

PINCUS’ PICK: Paramus Catholic 28-14

No. 13 SUMMIT (4-0) at No. 5 SOMERVILLE (5-0), 7 P.M.

Somerville is not only undefeated, the Pioneers have done it against a pretty challenging schedule, with a 22-0 blanking of Hillside last weekend the Ville’s most recent conquest. This is another brutally tough opponent, one rolling in its own right, which should make for a stellar outing at Brooks Field on Friday night. I could certainly see the Hilltoppers pushing Somerville to the brink – as it has before – but I’m expecting the home team to prevail here. Harry Frezza has the live coverage on Twitter/X @TheFrez56.

PINCUS’ PICK: Somerville 29-22

Considering Somerville is known for having a high-powered offense, Summit can also produce points. It’s interesting to see how this develops, whether into a slugfest or a grind-them-out tussle.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Somerville 21-16

VOORHEES (2-3) at NORTH PLAINFIELD (1-3), 7 P.M.

The Voorhees’ high-flying offense was slowed the past two weeks against Del Val and Bernards (a combined 8-1). This seems like a good week for the Vikings to get going again. North Plainfield’s Aaron Potts is coming off a huge game, in which he rushed for 182 yards and two scores in the win over New Brunswick.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Voorhees 28-14

My cherish pal is dead on; Voorhees is about to unleash two weeks of offensive frustration all over the unsuspecting Canucks. Well, they might expect it. I know I do.

PINCUS’ PICK: Voorhees 41-6

WESTFIELD (2-2) at No. 10 HILLSBOROUGH (2-3), 7 P.M.

I was not at all surprised to see Westfield fall to St. Joseph last weekend, but I was stunned to see such a lopsided result in the Falcons’ 35-16 win in a game that was 35-3 entering the fourth quarter. Boro, meanwhile, nearly toppled Phillipsburg, falling 42-35, as the Raiders’ new-look offense continues to improve, with back-to-back five-touchdown performances. This could go so many different ways. I wouldn’t be shocked to see a shootout, I wouldn’t be shocked to see a low-scoring tight game, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see one team blow out the other. A crossroads for both squads at Noonan Field on Friday night. I’m going home team.

PINCUS’ PICK: Hillsborough 28-24

Nothing surprises me these days, both in life and in Big Central football. Westfield actually led St. Joseph 3-0 after the first quarter last week with an interception. Things happen in games, though, and blowouts can develop fast. I still think Westfield is a quality team and the Blue Devils make it tough on the road here. Both squads are on the cusp of the playoffs and this is a key game for power points.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Hillsborough 31-24

UNION (0-5) at No. 3 RIDGE (3-1), 7:30 P.M.

Man, another hard-luck loss for Union, this one 10-7 to Hunterdon Central on Friday night. That’s three losses by a touchdown or less for the Farmers this year. Hopefully they start coming out on the other side of some of these close games. This, however, won’t be a close game.

PINCUS’ PICK: Ridge 37-13

It seems that Union might be this year’s Elizabeth, a quality squad piling up those close defeats. Again, nothing surprises me, so I think this will be a close one down the stretch.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Ridge 24-14

No. 4 PHILLIPSBURG (3-1) at WEST ORANGE (4-1), 8 P.M.

The Stateliners’ schedule maker has zero chill. I think I used that right. I’ve recently accepted that I’m old. But I like to stay immersed in the lingo. Like, this game should be good AF (that means “and fun,” right?). In any case, another brutally tough opponent for P’Burg here, which ventures quite a distance for this one. I’m going Mountaineers, because I rarely get a chance to pick against the Stateliners and I enjoy hate mail.

PINCUS’ PICK: West Orange 34-27

I’m the wrong person to ask about fashionable slang and hip terms (is hip the right word?) West Orange is a quality opponent with its only loss to state-ranked Passaic Tech by a touchdown. Still, I’m going with Phillipsburg. Not for avoiding the hate mail aspect, but simply the Stateliners have had the tougher schedule and that loss to Ridge isn’t bad at all.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Phillipsburg 28-27

SATURDAY, OCT. 5

BELVIDERE (4-1) at DAYTON (1-3), 1 P.M.

I’ll defer to my esteemed colleague to report on the driving distance between Belvidere and Springfield.

PINCUS’ PICK: Belvidere 34-13

Thanks, it’s always fun playing GPS and checking out miles. Oh, about an hour, not bad at all. Give it up for Dayton, snagging its first win last week in an upset over South River. Belvidere has pitched three straight shutouts.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Belvidere 21-0

MONTGOMERY (0-5) at LINDEN (1-4), 1 P.M.

Linden looks to regroup after losing to Woodbridge 42-14, a game we both thought would be closer. Three interceptions returned for touchdowns didn’t help. Linden does have an impressive shutout over Sayreville and a pair of losses by a touchdown each.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Linden 21-7

The Tigers is one of those teams whose record least reflects how good they are. Linden has faced a very tough schedule, and it might be starting to take its toll with two straight lopsided losses. This is probably exactly what the Tiges need to get back on track, facing a winless opponent deep in a rebuild. Montgomery played a surprisingly competitive game with Watchung Hills last weekend, so perhaps they’re moving int eh right direction, but I’m not expecting an upset here.

PINCUS’ PICK: Linden 32-13

ROSELLE (0-5) at HILLSIDE (2-3), 1 P.M.

This is a great spot for Hillside to return to the win column after falling to Somerville 22-0. Roselle struggled the past two weeks against good teams but put up points earlier in the season.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Hillside 24-7

The league moved Hillside up to get away from games like this. The Comets have taken some lumps against a beefed-up schedule, but the Rams aren’t likely to pose much of a threat.

PINCUS’ PICK: Hillside 34-6

A.L. JOHNSON (4-0) at GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON (2-3), 2 P.M.

The Crusaders have rolled through their schedule, picking up the Patriot Silver Division title along the way, but now play a crossover against a team from an upper division and shouldn’t be in for quite the challenge. Governor Livingston has won two straight, including last weekend’s 28-14 victory over South Plainfield. Could certainly see ALJ grabbing the road win here, but I’m going to go home team in the latest in a series the Crusaders lead 34-19-1 all time.

PINCUS’ PICK: Governor Livingston 27-21

This seems like a quality tossup and Governor Livingston will be quite hungry at home, especially with the Highlanders needing playoff power points. ALJ can certainly win with its quality running attack but GL seems to have the more diverse offense with Lucciano Santamaria and Jack Dally leading the way.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Governor Livingston 18-12

EAST BRUNSWICK (1-4) at HUNTERDON CENTRAL (3-2), 2 P.M.

Central scored a big win last week, 10-7 on the road at Union. It’s important for the Red Devils to take advantage of any break in a schedule that features so many elite teams. This is certainly one of those breaks.

PINCUS’ PICK: Hunterdon Central 34-7

Hunterdon Central can gain some momentum with a tough slate coming up. East Brunswick has dropped three straight, but Sean Christie threw for 164 yards last week and a touchdown pass to Felix Munoz (4-86).

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Hunterdon Central 21-7

HIGHLAND PARK (3-1) at METUCHEN (3-2), 2 P.M.

This could be their closest game since the 2011 meeting won by Highland Park, 28-21. Metuchen is coming off two losses to winning teams, while Highland Park pushed Spotswood last week in a 23-12 loss. My colleague doesn’t like me bringing up former Thanksgiving Day games with bad memories of having to wake up early, but the former holiday rivals first played in 1937 and Highland Park leads 64-22-1.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Metuchen 25-21

Wow. I can certainly make a case for either team here. But while Highland Park has come a massively long way this year, Metuchen has also improved, and proven it can handle the best Group 1 squads the BCC has to offer. Than again, I can certainly envision a Highland Park win. I’m gonna play it safe and go Bulldogs, but this might be another one that will fill my Saturday night with dread.

PINCUS’ PICK: Metuchen 26-19

No. 9 OLD BRIDGE (3-2) at MORRISTOWN (2-3), 2:30 P.M.

Morristown probably has plenty “George Washington slept here” signs. As history buffs know, the general and the Continental Army set up shop there in Dec. 1779 to June 1780. By 6 p.m. Saturday, will there be “Brody Nugent played football here” signs? Morristown presents a test for the Knights and the do-it-all quarterback. The Colonials (quite an appropriate nickname) lost to state-ranked Mount Olive, 49-35, and West Morris, 23-0, and to Randolph, 23-22 (OT). I’ll stick with the BCC team, which lost both games by a combined three points. No word if the Knights will be checking out any Revolutionary War sights before leaving town.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Old Bridge 28-26

I’m pretty sure I’ve spent more nights in Morristown than General Washington ever did. My parents’ best friends lived there when I was a kid (they still do), and I spent many a weekend there. And summers. I also attended preschool there and slept over there a lot. How come I don’t get a sign?

PINCUS’ PICK: Morristown 31-23

No. 14 WATCHUNG HILLS (4-1) at SOUTH BRUNSWICK (3-2), 3 P.M.

How good is the Watchung Hills defense? Well, I can actually figure out the number of total points given up without a calculator – always impressive with my limited math skills. The answer: 27. Make it 20 points that the defense allowed (Moorestown scored on a kickoff return). The Warriors even pitched two straight shutouts. South Brunswick has scored six points in the last two weeks but averaged 39 points a game in its three wins. I’ll be covering this one so kindly check in for updates on X/Twitter @andy_mendlowitz.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Watchung Hills 19-7

The Warriors returned to the Top 15 this week, ironically, knocking South Brunswick out with their ascent. First time they’ve taken on an upper-division team. Should be a good test and a nice bunch of power points with a win.

PINCUS’ PICK: Watchung Hills 23-14

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

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

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Football predictions: Simeon Pincus and Andy Mendlowitz’s BCC picks for Week 5