Football predictions: Simeon Pincus and Andy Mendlowitz’s BCC picks for Week 6

Down the stretch they come – not only in the Big Central Conference divisional races and playoff pushes, but in a Prophet’s Cup race that gets tighter each week.

After a brutal start, our fearless forecasters have found their groove, especially Simeon Pincus, who has closed the gap to three games in the 2024 title chase, a deficit that was once seven contests.

Pincus went 27-4 last weekend, while Andy Mendlowitz posted a 24-7 week. And the three games the junior/senior member of the staff lost Friday night that he had differently from his senior/junior colleague were each one-point affairs, including an overtime tilt.

Still three regular-season weeks remain to for this race to get even tighter. Mendlowitz is 142-41 for the season, while Pincus trails at 139-44.

Here are our picks for Week 6:

More: Football results: Big Central Conference and area roundup for Week 5

More: Football rankings: Big Central Conference Top 15, through Week 5

THURSDAY, OCT. 10

NORTH BRUNSWICK (1-5) at WESTFIELD (2-3), 4 P.M.

This is a fascinating game that should directly impact each team’s quest for a playoff berth. North Brunswick hasn’t had a losing season since 2016 and hasn’t won fewer than eight game in a full campaign since 2017. Westfield has handled the weaker teams on its schedule, while getting beaten handily by the ranked teams -- until last weekend’s 19-13 setback to Hillsborough in a game that could have gone either way. I like Westfield here, which seems poised to take a big step forward, but don’t sleep on North Brunswick, regardless of its record.

PINCUS’ PICK: Westfield 26-20

These are two quality programs fighting for wins and this has the signs of a good one. North Brunswick could easily have been 3-3 or 4-2 if things broke right, while Westfield looks to break a two-game slide.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Westfield 21-20

NEW PROVIDENCE (5-1) at VERONA (5-1), 6 P.M.

I’m torn between a Romeo and Juliet-themed pick and one centered around a high school in Essex County, New Jersey being called the “Hillbillies.” Fair Verona has had a nice season, although, outside of a 31-20 victory over Newark Central two weeks ago, the Hillbillies’ four other victories have come against teams with just one win apiece. New Providence is coming off a great win over a local Group 1 power in Middlesex, to run its winning streak to three straight, and now face another Group 1 that’s had a nice year. I picked the Pioneers to beat the Blue Jays last weekend and I’m confident T.J. Munn and friends will keep it rolling.

PINCUS’ PICK: New Providence 27-21

How about something a little more lowbrow than Shakespeare, as in The Beverly Hillbillies (fans of MeTV and 1960s shows know what I’m talking about). I also picked New Providence last week but the Verona Romeo Hillbillies should provide a tough test. Connor DeMasi has thrown for 2,000 yards with 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, so the Pioneers pass defense has to be ready.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: New Providence 35-28

NORTH PLAINFIELD (1-4) at J.F. KENNEDY (2-4), 6 P.M.

J.F. Kennedy controls its destiny in the United Silver (2-0 in division) with the key 28-27 win over Governor Livingston in Week 2. The Mustangs must go through both North and South Plainfield before getting the notch on the banner. Richie Trotman, Fiheem Howell Jr. and company look to rebound after a pair of non-division losses. North Plainfield (1-2 division) is hanging around in the race and this has the signs of a good game.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: J.F. Kennedy 32-18

JFK beat Governor Livingston. GL blew out North Plainfield. #Analysis

PINCUS’ PICK: J.F. Kennedy 30-21

No. 7 PISCATAWAY (4-2) at EAST BRUNSWICK (1-5), 6 P.M.

Piscataway displayed another dimension in last week’s 42-13 win over Sayreville. Sophomore quarterback Landon Pernell had a breakout performance with 262 passing yards, the third most in school history, with three touchdowns and added an 18-yard rushing score. A throwing attack will make them that more dangerous for the stretch run along with the tight defense. Last week, Josh Stephens (LB) was in on 17 tackles, including a forced fumble in the second quarter.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Piscataway 28-7

Piscataway is a program that got through some hard times and are most of the way back to a championship level. I’m hoping for the same from the Bears very soon.

PINCUS’ PICK: Piscataway 41-8

UNION (0-6) at SOUTH BRUNSWICK (3-3), 6:30 P.M.

Forget the records, I think me and my picking partner can agree these are overall decent teams that just haven’t tasted many victories. I mean, 0-6 is 0-6 but there are degrees of being 0-6 (if that makes any sense). Union had three winnable games that just didn’t work out. South Brunswick is on a three-game slide, but trailed 13-0 at halftime and didn’t look all that bad in last week’s 33-0 loss to surging Watchung Hills. The Farmers likely have to win one of these days.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Union 21-20

I agree with my esteemed colleague – especially about Union being a far better team than its record. The law of averages dictate the Farmers are going to come out on the right side of one of these tight games at some point, and after playing an absolutely loaded early season schedule, this is a bit of a break – although the Vikings are also a very good club. I’ve been wavering on this one. When in doubt, go home team, I guess, though the fact my cherished pal went the other way makes this even riskier. YOLO.

PINCUS’ PICK: South Brunswick 20-13

BELVIDERE (5-1) at SOUTH HUNTERDON (3-2), 7 P.M.

Few teams in the league have had a starker turnaround than Belvidere, which went winless two seasons ago and won just three times last year. Now, Kyle Blew and friends are in the driver’s seat to win the Freedom Silver championship, and this is a must-win if they’re going to get that done. South Hunterdon has been solid, but barely got by winless Brearley last weekend, escaping with a 16-8 win. Maybe the Eagles were looking past the Bears to this game, or maybe the inexperience is starting to catch up with them. Either way, Belvidere has won five straight, including last weekend’s 35-7 drubbing of Dayton, and the smart money is on the Seaters to keep rolling.

PINCUS’ PICK: Belvidere 21-12

Even I’m not dumb enough to argue with the smart money.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Belvidere 30-16

CRANFORD (3-2) at SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD (2-4), 7 P.M.

One of the bigger surprises of last weekend was Scotch Plains-Fanwood’s 30-7 whacking of J.F. Kennedy. I’m not at all surprised the Raiders won that game, but considering both myself and my esteemed colleague picked JFK, and SPF winning in lopsided fashion was pretty unexpected. Hopefully that bodes well for Scotch Plains-Fanwood the rest of the way, although the Raiders play some very tough teams, including Cranford, which is coming off a nice 14-13 victory over Rahway . The Cougars should win this one handily, but perhaps SPF can keep it more competitive than I would have thought had I been making this pick a week ago.

PINCUS’ PICK: Cranford 28-13

It was a nice win for Scotch Plains-Fanwood last week, but I was impressed watching Cranford top a good Rahway team. The Cougars put together sustained drives mostly on the ground, but snuck in the well-placed pass with clutch defensive stops. They could be about peaking for the stretch run.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Cranford 21-10

ELIZABETH (2-4) at MORRISTOWN (3-3), 7 P.M.

We got a read on Morristown in its 14-7 edging of Old Bridge last Saturday. Always productive to have a non-conference team play a conference team in a previous week so we can get some comparison for picking purposes. Not that it always means much. While the Colonials look like the pick on paper, Elizabeth has proven dangerous, including in last weekend’s one-point loss to Bridgewater-Raritan, so I wouldn’t put it past the Minutemen to come up with a win here. Still, gotta go with Mo’town at home.

PINCUS’ PICK: Morristown 21-16

Have to give it to Mo’town for slowing down Old Bridge’s offense. The Knights had scored at least 21 points in every game before last week’s loss. Elizabeth lost to No. 1 St. Joseph by a point three weeks ago, so the Minutemen have been playing quality ball. However, sorry my senior colleague, I won't be picking against you in this one.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Morristown 14-7

GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON (2-4) at VOORHEES (3-3), 7 P.M.

My esteemed colleague and I both expected Governor Livingston to deal A.L. Johnson its first loss of the season last week, and then the Crusaders go out and win via blowout. Didn’t see that coming. Voorhees has scored 40 points per games in its wins. This should be one of those. Don’t think GL has the firepower to keep up.

PINCUS’ PICK: Voorhees 40-23

Don’t fret, picking partner, maybe A.L. Johnson is just that good. Voorhees got stifled against top defenses in Bernards, Delaware Valley and Rahway but have been crazy prolific, otherwise. Not saying GL is a pushover, but the Vikings are the favorite here.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Voorhees 31-20

No. 8 HILLSBOROUGH (3-3) at No. 9 BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN (3-3), 7 P.M.

It’s always a rivalry game when these longtime Somerset County opponents get together, and in pretty much every sport. We wouldn’t have expected this game to be of much interest if we were picking it a month ago. But between Hillsborough’s inconsistency at times and Bridgewater-Raritan’s emergent offensive prowess and suddenly this is one of the best games of the week in the BCC – and the one and only Harry Frezza will be there to document it (live updates on Twitter/X @TheFrez56). BR is coming off another dramatic win, 28-27 over Elizabeth, while Hillsborough escaped Westfield 19-13. This is a game that could make or break each of these teams’ seasons, and I could totally see this going either way. I’m going to pick the Raiders because of their experienced defense that should be better poised at holding off a late Panthers rally more than BR’s previous victims. Plus, for all its offensive firepower, Bridgewater-Raritan does give up points, and Boro QB Andrew Seamon and friends have shown an ability to find the end zone pretty consistently. Hillsborough has won six straight against BR, and lead the all-time series 19-13-1.

PINCUS’ PICK: Hillsborough 30-26

Here’s one game where we’ll have differing picks. I agree it’s totally a tossup and Hillsborough’s defense has come up big at times. The Panthers’ defense, too, has tightened in their last two wins over Hunterdon Central and Elizabeth. What fun would it be if we agreed on everything?

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Bridgewater-Raritan 28-21

METUCHEN (4-2) at J.P. STEVENS (1-4), 7 P.M.

That was quite a rebound for Metuchen, coming back after two defeats to shutout Highland Park in the rivalry game. J.P. Stevens can certainly put up a fight here but the Bulldogs are looking good in their playoff push.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Metuchen 21-8

Did you know, Sir Paul McCartney’s current wife is a J.P. Stevens alum? And the couple was spotted at a restaurant in Metuchen a couple years ago? #TheMoreYouKnow

PINCUS’ PICK: Metuchen 27-14

NORTH HUNTERDON (2-4) at No. 5 SOMERVILLE (6-0), 7 P.M.

Quite a performance by North in last weekend’s dramatic 22-21 topping of Monroe, as Nick Ramici and Antonio Sauchelli went to work on the Falcons’ secondary, while the Lions defense came up huge when it counted. North Hunterdon has shown some positive signs with two wins in three weeks, and while I would love to see a continuation, the schedule gods have other plans. Somerville has been blasting through its slate, so far, and this should be another lopsided Pioneers win.

PINCUS’ PICK: Somerville 37-14

Maybe if Somerville had tough ones against Summit and Hillside the last two weeks – instead of winning by a combined 63-0 – I’d say what the heck, North Hunterdon can take this one. But I can’t ignore that 63-0. Just can’t.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Somerville 31-15

No. 10 OLD BRIDGE (3-3) at MONROE (3-3), 7 P.M.

These teams have developed a nice rivalry with Old Bridge winning the last two meetings by a touchdown each time. The Knights are again the favorite, but Monroe has hung with everyone and I sense this close down the stretch. Heck, Monroe’s three losses were by an average of eight points a game, and Old Bridge’s defeats were by three points a game. They’re just pesky squads whose offenses keep coming with defensive-hold ability.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Old Bridge 28-20

Sometimes, I wish we were picking against a spread.

PINCUS’ PICK: Old Bridge 34-13

No. 2 RIDGE (4-1) at HUNTERDON CENTRAL (4-2), 7 P.M.

Win some big wins and competitive play even in its losses – Phillipsburg notwithstanding – and Central has graduated from feel-good turnaround story to established contender capable of giving anyone a game. And while I would love to weave a fantasy about Hunterdon Central shocking the conference by toppling Ridge, that club is just too hot to even think such madness. Aaaaaaand that’s the kiss of death.

PINCUS’ PICK: Ridge 34-14

I also might be tempted to play fantasy football and pick the upset, but it’s just that Ridge has looked so dominant since the Phillipsburg win. I mean, Bridgewater-Raritan and Union are decent teams and Ridge just ripped through them. Hunterdon Central’s got to play a near-perfect game here. The Red Devils are in the playoff mix but they have a tough finish with Ridge, Old Bridge and Hillsborough.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Ridge 31-20

No. 15 SUMMIT (4-1) at No. 14 BERNARDS (6-0), 7 P.M.

This is just the test Bernards needs with the playoffs less than a month away. The Mountaineers have played a fairly benign schedule the past three weeks, and the scores have shown it, including last weekend’s 28-0 blanking of South Plainfield. But while Summit is not only one of the top Group 3 programs in the area, the Hilltoppers are coming off an embarrassing blowout loss at Somerville last weekend, so it’s safe to say they’re not going to be in much of a mood for pleasantries, which will make this one even more challenging for the reigning North 2 Group 2 state champs as it looks to keep its perfect record intact. Still, after some early-season skepticism about the Mountaineers’ new-look roster, I am back on the bandwagon, and I’m riding it until I’m pushed off.

PINCUS’ PICK: Bernards 23-19

The Bernards bandwagon has produced a lot of wins the past few seasons, especially impressive this year with a mostly new lineup. Summit, meanwhile, just has to shake off last week’s tough loss and go back to its winning ways. A high playoff seed is possible and Summit has faced tougher squads than Bernards thus far. This is indeed a great pre-playoffs test for both teams.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Summit 14-7

FRIDAY, OCT. 11

EDISON (3-3) at No. 3 ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (4-2), 6 P.M.

At 1-3, Edison’s postseason chances didn’t look so hot. Two weeks later, the Eagles have played themselves into the playoff picture with two impressive wins over Franklin and Colonia, respectively. This is a tough spot for the Eagles in this intra-township game but they’re on the upswing. St. Thomas Aquinas dropped an overtime heartbreaker to Paramus Catholic, but give the Trojans credit as they rallied with 14 points in the fourth quarter to force the extra session and showed they’re in the conversation with the North Jersey powers.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: St. Thomas 28-14

Edison is officially my nemesis. Pick the Eagles, they lose. Pick against them, they win. I’m pretty sure I’ve got this one right.

PINCUS’ PICK: St. Thomas 34-13

LINDEN (2-4) at PERTH AMBOY (1-5), 6 P.M.

You see just the one win for Perth Amboy, but the Panthers haven’t played all that bad. They hung with Rahway (tied at halftime) and Carteret (down by seven at the half). In fact, both Perth Amboy and Linden lost to Colonia by seven points, making this a close one on paper.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Linden 18-12

Linden’s last three losses came to teams with a combined record of 15-3, before the Tigers beat Montgomery last weekend. And while I appreciate my esteemed colleague’s math, we don’t play games on paper.

PINCUS’ PICK: Linden 27-7

NEWARK COLLEGIATE ACADEMY (0-5) at ROSELLE (0-6), 6 P.M.

I’m not going to sit here and try and breakdown Newark Collegiate Academy. I can’t even tell you where it’s located (I’m guessing Newark), nor anything else other than the fact the Panthers are winless and haven’t gotten to within a touchdown of an opponent since opening day (Full disclosure: I just totally looked all that up, including the fact they’re the Panthers). Roselle has played a very tough schedule, playing teams with a combined record of 22-6, and coming off a loss to Hillside, a perennial power that has produced three of those losses against an elite schedule. The Rams are better than their record indicates and I expect it to start paying dividends here for quarterback Brandon Puryear and friends.

PINCUS’ PICK: Roselle 26-12

Newark Collegiate Academy is actually in Delaware and it’s the alma mater of Joe Biden. (Just seeing if you were paying attention. No, no, sorry, for the fake news. It is in Essex County.) I do know that Roselle lost to Spotswood and Metuchen (a combined nine wins) by a touchdown apiece. The Rams are due and could do it here.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Roselle 21-13

No. 11 PLAINFIELD (3-2) at No. 13 COLONIA (4-2), 6 P.M.

You know that hands-up-in-the-air emoji? That’s what I’m doing right now, as this can seemingly go either way. Colonia has played all close games minus a 35-7 win over North Hunterdon. That just may be how they’re wired. I’m not about to even compare the common opponents scores like Perth Amboy – Colonia won 27-20 and Plainfield won 41-0. Maybe Plainfield is a little fresher with a recent bye week? Josh Rosenfeld has coverage and updates at X/Twitter @JoshPRosenfeld.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Plainfield 21-14

Plainfield has lost very close games and won lopsided games. For the first time this year, I’m expecting the Cardinals to win a close one. Colonia has yet to post a quality win, and this would certainly be that. But you know how I feel about Plainfield.

PINCUS’ PICK: Plainfield 29-23

DAYTON (1-4) at SPOTSWOOD (5-1), 7 P.M.

Spotswood just keeps rolling. The Chargers faced questions, but have won five straight, as Se'mir Tolbert-Brimage has manned the quarterback spot with others stepping up.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Spotswood 28-12

Dayton should be the favorite the next two weeks, facing Dunellen and Brearley, but Spotswood would lock up the Freedom Gold Division title with a win here and a Roselle Park loss to Highland Park.

PINCUS’ PICK: Spotswood 33-14

DELAWARE VALLEY (4-1) at A.L. JOHNSON (5-0), 7 P.M.

One of several marquee games on the Big Central Conference schedule this weekend, this Patriot Division crossover features a team in the Terriers whose offense has caught up with its defense, to the tune of 94 points the past two weeks, against an ALJ squad that is undefeated, although against a less-impressive schedule. But here’s a true proving ground for the Crusaders, who have won pretty comfortably each time out, while Del Val will get a chance to see if it can continue to dominate against the best team it’s seen since a 7-0 Week 2 loss to undefeated ranked power Bernards. The Terriers have still yet to give up more than one touchdown in any game, so it will be interesting to see if ALJ and its 36-point-per-game offense can make a dent.

PINCUS’ PICK: Delaware Valley 27-7

Wow, not allowing more than one touchdown in a game – great stat there. ALJ should test that defense and showed a lot in its 41-13 win over Governor Livingston last week. Still, the Terriers Dee-Fence is hard to pick against.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Delaware Valley 21-14

FRANKLIN (3-3) at SAYREVILLE (2-4), 7 P.M.

Franklin looked great with a 3-0 start, but now must stop the bleeding of a three-game slide, including defeats against No. 3 St. Thomas Aquinas and No. 11 Plainfield. Sayreville has been on the win one, lose one pattern after an 0-2 start. The Bombers have huge wins over North Brunswick and Edison, 40-21, while Edison topped Franklin 27-13.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Sayreville 35-24

Franklin has faced a gauntlet since its 3-0 start, but there’s no doubt the Warriors are an improved ballclub. I could see Franklin scoring a win here, but I took a shot and picked the Warriors to beat Edison a few weeks ago and they failed me, and, frankly, I don’t think I can take any more picks-related heartbreak.

PINCUS’ PICK: Sayreville 27-22

HIGHLAND PARK (3-2) at ROSELLE PARK (3-2), 7 P.M.

After the first two weeks, Highland Park would have been the clear favorite. Now, this looks close to an even contest with Roselle Park reeling off three straight wins – against the three teams Highland Park beat (Brearley, Dayton, Dunellen). HP did win a tad more decisively and Markos Hantsoulis and company can put up points in the Battle of the Parks.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Highland Park 28-14

My esteemed colleague about sums it up. Great bounce-back for Roselle Park after lopsided losses to Middlesex and South River to start the year, making this a game that actually gives me pause. I agree with Andy about Hantsoulis and friends. The Owls seem to have more firepower, but I wouldn’t be stunned to see the Panthers make it four straight.

PINCUS’ PICK: Highland Park 26-19

HILLSIDE (3-3) at CARTERET (3-3), 7 P.M.

Not sure about the favorite here. Both have similar common opponents scores and both appear about even. Throw in the teams may be on the playoff bubble, and this is a key meeting. Jakir Thomas has been electric for Carteret and the Ramblers are at The Pit.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Carteret 25-22

Hillside’s losses have come to Somerville, Bernards and Summit – teams that are a combined 16-1. I know Somerville, Bernards and Summit. And, Senator, Carteret is no Somerville, Bernards and Summit.

PINCUS’ PICK: Hillside 34-20

MANVILLE (4-2) at DUNELLEN (0-6), 7 P.M.

If I had a lock of the week, this would be it. I apologize in advance.

PINCUS’ PICK: Manville 33-6

And who am I to not pick the lock?

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Manville 21-8

MIDDLESEX (4-2) at BOUND BROOK (1-4), 7 P.M.

I don’t know if I feel worse for the struggling Crusaders, who have been riddled with misfortune on and off the field, or superstar Bound Brook apologist Harry Frezza. It’s pretty close. I don’t expect this to be.

PINCUS’ PICK: Middlesex 28-7

Uh, no comment on that one. I will say Middlesex has played well and that 26-19 loss to New Providence last week was no shame. The Blue Jays were in third place in the South Group 1 power-point standings entering this week’s slate.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Middlesex 24-8

MONTGOMERY (0-6) at No. 6 WOODBRIDGE (6-0), 7 P.M.

How about Montgomery leading Linden in the fourth quarter before falling 13-10?! The Cougars have showed progress from the beginning of the season in their rebuild. Woodbridge, though, seems to be on another level this fall with different players producing each game.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Woodbridge 35-14

Rock bottom came three weeks ago, when Montgomery was blown out by then-winless North Hunterdon. The Cougars have definitely shown a ton of positive signs since, playing extremely competitively against Watchung Hills and Linden the past two weeks. The rest of the schedule remains challenging, and perhaps I’d give Monty a shot next week against Sayreville – maybe – but Woodbridge is probably out of reach.

PINCUS’ PICK: Woodbridge 28-7

NEW BRUNSWICK (0-6) at SOUTH PLAINFIELD (1-5), 7 P.M.

South Plainfield couldn’t get going against undefeated Bernards last week. The good? The Tigers gave up just three points in the second half in the 28-0 loss. They have a chance to go 3-0 to close the regular season and approach a winning record with consolation games. New Brunswick’s eight points last week matched its highest output in the last two seasons in its rebuild – a positive step. Chase Maurrasse and Jabril Bright led the way on the ground.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: South Plainfield 28-9

On the bright side, the Zebras remain among the coolest team names in the conference.

PINCUS’ PICK: South Plainfield 27-7

No. 1 ST. JOSEPH (5-0) at No. 4 PHILLIPSBURG (4-1), 7 P.M.

This is the Game of the Week right here. Both teams spread the ball around with balanced offensive attacks, play dominant defense, and have a steady quarterback. What’s not to like? While Phillipsburg got a 21-14 quality road win last week, West Orange outgained the Stateliners in total yards, 281-170. Kudos to Pburg for finding a way with touchdowns off a blocked punt return and an interception return, as well as another interception that set up a score. St. Joseph has also been opportunistic and the Falcons scored 75 points the last two weeks. This is a good one that can go either way. Does St. Joseph have enough to win at Maloney? Harry Frezza will be on hand with updates on X/Twitter @thefrez56.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: St. Joseph 21-20

This is really coming down to home field for me. No other way to really handicap this battle of the titans.  Pburg’s lone loss came to Ridge, a team St. Joe beat by three points in Week 1. Both close games, but Ridge was in a better flow with its largely new cast when the Liners saw the Red Devils then when the Falcons did. Phillipsburg impressed me winning on the road last weekend. St. Joe hasn’t really been tested since opening day. Plus, a Phillipsburg win would really shake up our rankings, and the universe really does seem to enjoy making our difficult in that regard.

PINCUS’ PICK: Phillipsburg 27-24

SATURDAY, OCT. 12

BREARLEY (0-5) at SOUTH RIVER (1-5), 1 P.M.

Bears usually slaughter rams, right? Deciding a game based on the mascot is as good a coin flip as anything. Alas, I’m going with the South River Rams. Remember, they produced a 45-19 win over Roselle Park in Week 2, and Roselle Park topped Brearley 24-6. We’ve discovered these common opponents scores don’t really mean much, but I’m guessing South River has another big performance in them to avoid a Silence of the Rams outing.

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: South River 28-17

Years ago, when we had a big staff and did a picks pool, we had a colleague who, literally, made their picks based on which mascot would win in a fight. And they actually led the pool for the first 5-6 weeks of the season before things came crashing down. I don’t want anything to come crashing down. At least not as long as the Mets remain alive in the MLB playoffs.

PINCUS’ PICK: South River 27-14

RAHWAY (4-2) at No. 12 WATCHUNG HILLS (5-1), 7 P.M.

I am very fired up, not only to get out to a game for the first time since Week Zero, but also to see Watchung Hills in person against a solid opponent (someone’s gotta handle the Friday night madness on our desk, so my live-game consumption has been mostly limited to watching 6-7 games at once on live streams). The Warriors have gone from occasional contender to perennial power after a second straight season of far-surpassing expectations. At least outside expectations. And it’s been a total team effort, which is why my esteemed colleague and I struggle every week to get a Watchung Hills guy on our Player of the Week ballot. There’s never one dominant performance. And that’s just the way coach Rich Seubert and his charges like it, he said. “We play a team sport.” Rahway is a team that could give the Warriors a run. Andrew Avent is having a monster season, and the Indians have looked great every time out, even in a one-point loss to Cranford last weekend. I’m picking Watchung Hills, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see this be a battle, and I certainly don’t anticipate the Warriors’ three-game shutout streak continuing.

PINCUS’ PICK: Watchung Hills 23-13

If Simeon is fired up, I’m fired up too! This is an excellent matchup against two teams I covered last week. Rahway came close to topping Cranford, while Watchung Hills is just playing so cohesively with so many players contributing – yes, it is always hard for just one Player of the Week candidate. I would love to pick against my friends at Watchung just to provide ample locker room material, but ahem, I’ll be going with the Warriors (sans another shutout).

MENDLOWITZ’S PICK: Watchung Hills 21-14

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 6