Friday, December 6, 2013

Group 5 Section 2 State Championship Prediction Ridge vs Union


Ridge vs. Union – Group 5 State Championship

Plainfield faced both teams and the outcome was not very good as both teams took my Cardinals to the woodshed and did a number on them. 

According to my computer geek next-door neighbor, Jimmy Neutron, both teams were expected to make it this far.  Jimmy said that he is a perfect 6-0 with his predictions so far and this game will be the only one he predicts that can go either way. 

Jimmy is telling me that Union has thrown a funny bone into his computer program.  The Cardinal Fanatic responded by saying you must be talking about Jamauri Bogan rushing prowess.  Jimmy tells me NEGATIVE. Jimmy explains the surge of outstanding linebacker Jabree Robertson has caught teams off guard.  The Cardinal fanatic already knew that Robertson was a talent on the defensive side of the ball but Jimmy explained that Robertson has exploded on the offensive side of the ball in the latter part of the season.  Especially against Plainfield when Bogan went down with an injury.  The old cliché of Thunder and Lightning is back.  The 200lb Robertson is strong and is the perfect compliment to the speedy Bogan.  By the way Robertson is equally as fast as strong.  Jimmy said that this new revelation has caused his computer program to crash.

Jimmy further explains to further complicate his prediction; Ridge is running like well tune Mercedes 600.  Powerful but smooth, strong but fast, cruising but punishing.  All this equals a dominant team but Jimmy did notice a few flaws in the armor of the Red Devils.  An excellent team with excellent skill players and very good offensive line but the teams that gave Ridge a battle (Linden and Westfield) both had very good interior linemen.  Union’s interior line of Kameren Stowe, Moses Jean-Louis, Uchenna Egwuonwu and Mike Seraquaize have not only caused havoc on the suspension of the buses they travel on but the combine weight of over ½ ton linemen have been a force.  Ridge will counter with arguably the best quarterback in Somerset County and Mid-State Conference in Connor Hughes. Hughes can win this game with his arm, legs or feet.  Not only is Hughes the best quarterback he may also be the best kicker in the conference.  With this game seemingly so tight on paper, it may come down to the legs of Hughes.  Jimmy also explains the skill players for Ridge execute well.  They are all above average athletes that execute better than any other team in the conference.

Ridge’s co-captain Nick Franzese is a threat through the air.  Excellent hands and has been proven to be a lethal weapon through the air for Hughes.  Chris Mueller is a force on defense and will surprise teams on the offensive side of the ball.  At 6’5” 220”, Chris will be a load to handle.  The backfield of Matthew Soulas and Liam Derkasch will be looking to counter Bogan and Robertson. AJ Peterpaul will be the leader of the front line and has the tall task of nullifying the strong front line of Union.

With that all said Jimmy reluctantly explained that Union can pull this game out based on their strong play down the stretch of the season.  Jimmy feels Robertson will be key for Union to win.

But Jimmy feels that Ridge is the favorite.  Hughes and Franzese will be key.  Look for Hughes to win this game with his arms, legs and ultimately his feet.

Jimmy Neutron prediction
Union – 20
Ridge - 24

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