Football: Essex County 8 rankings tighten up after Week 5
After the first full month of the regular season, what do we know about the teams across Essex County?
We know that Seton Hall Prep is one of the best teams in New Jersey. We know that the state's first undisputed champions in Groups 1 and 2 need to include multiple contenders from Essex County.
We also know that some of last season's champions will have to overcome setbacks in order to repeat as champions. Defending North Group 4 regional champion Irvington has lost two games in a row, and defending North Group 5 regional cham East Orange began the season with three straight losses.
September has taught us plenty and the month of October will bring us to the start of the playoffs, meaning there will be a great deal to discover over the next few weeks, starting with a big regional rivalry this week. For the first time in October, here are the Essex County 8 rankings:
8. Newark West Side (5-0)
The formula for the Roughriders is quite simple thus far. Newark West Side scores at least 28 points in every game and stifles the opponent's offense. That was the case yet again this week as West Side rolled to a 32-0 win over Newark Central. Nasir Smith threw for 175 yards and three touchdowns.
Next game: Saturday vs Bayonne (2-4)
7. Weequahic (5-0)
Who can beat Weequahic right now? More importantly, who can get within 40 points of them? For the third straight week, the Indians scored more than 50 points and allowed only six points, this time in Friday's 56-6 win at Hoboken. Rashawn Marshall excelled on both ends of the field with 118 yards and two rushing touchdowns while also hauling in an interception.
Next game: Friday vs Boonton (2-3)
6. East Orange (2-3)
Irijah Wright rushed 13 times for 116 yards and a touchdown in a gritty 20-7 win over Montclair on Saturday. In order to get back to a .500 record this weekend, East Orange will have to beat rival West Orange in a game that will likely decide the SFC Freedom Red division.
Next game: Friday at West Orange (4-1)
5. West Orange (4-1)
The Mountaineers appear ready for the challenge East Orange presents after dispatching with Bayonne this week, 35-0. Saboor Karriem caught 10 passes for 161 yards and three touchdowns in the victory. Elijah Pean had seven tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery for the West Orange defense, which has held every opponent to 14 points or less.
Next game: Friday vs East Orange (2-3)
4. Cedar Grove (5-1)
Stephen Paradiso's three touchdown passes guided the Panthers to a 36-0 shutout win over Newark Collegiate on Saturday. Cedar Grove has won five straight since dropping the season opener to Salem and has won 12 of its last 13 games dating back to this time last season.
Next game: Friday vs Verona (1-5)
3. Caldwell (5-0)
Joey Marinello rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown as the Chiefs beat Hanover Park, 35-7 on Friday night. The win extended the longest active winning streak in New Jersey to 20 in a row. Harry Boland added 76 rushing yards and two touchdowns for Caldwell.
Next game: Friday vs Madison (4-1)
2. Irvington (4-2)
A fourth-quarter comeback came up short for the Blue Knights, who were upset at Union City on Friday, 19-15. Famah Toure returned a kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown in the fourth while his brother Vaboue Toure recovered a fumble in the end zone later in the quarter. It’s the first time Irvington lost consecutive games since September 2018.
Next game: Saturday vs Montclair (2-3)
1. Seton Hall Prep (4-1)
Liam Londergan threw for 133 yards and a touchdown to Andrew Daly as the Pirates blanked Red Bank Catholic, 17-0 on Friday night. Darren Burton II got Seton Hall Prep on the board with an 8-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
Next game: Saturday vs Paramus Catholic (1-4)
Also considered (listed alphabetically): Barringer (3-2), Nutley (2-3), West Essex (3-2)
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ football: Essex County 8 rankings tighten up after Week 5
