Here are projected SI values for Week 1 Out-of-State Opponents based on state formula
While the entire NJISAA UPR playoff formula is very complicated, with caveats seemingly at every turn, the actual calculation of a team’s Strength Index – which helps determine the OSI for playoff qualification – is actually very simple. You find the difference between the two teams’ ratings before the play, compare that to the difference…
“The Big Central in 2 Minutes” – Week 1
The 2026 season is underway for the vast majority of teams in New Jersey – including all but a handful in our coverage area – which means it’s time for Mike Pavlichko to take a closer look in this year’s debut of of “The Big Central in 2 Minutes!” On this week’s episode, Mike looks…
Top two hold, but others make some jumps in Big Central Power Rankings after opening weekend
Phillipsburg and Bridgewater-Raritan remain Nos. 1 and 2 in the Week 1 Big Central power rankings, but there was some movement behind them. With a season-opening home win over South Plainfield, Somerville vaulted from five to three, jumping New Providence and St. Joseph-Metuchen, though neither team opened their season last week and will kickoff 2026…
Summit’s Jackson Marx bookends season-opening win with two amazing plays to nab first Bellamy & Son Paving Player of the Week honor in 2026
There’s a proud tradition around the Summit football program, whether it’s one of their championship seasons or not. Coming off a North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 finals appearance in 2025, this year’s Hilltoppers – who will now be playing in Group 4 thanks to the recent NJSIAA reclassification – are looking to finish the…
Exclusive: Here’s a look at unofficial updated Strength Index numbers for all NJ Football teams following Week Zero play
With the shutdown of Gridiron New Jersey over the summer – and the job of calculating the NJSIAA’s complication playoff formula moving to NJ.com, Central Jersey Sports Radio will continue to run its own unofficial numbers all year, and that includes the Strength Index calculations, which are critical to figuring out a team’s OSI (Opponent…
Marcus Borden unveils Big Central Week 1 Top Ten, debuts Union, Middlesex and BCC West Rankings
Thursday’s opening slate of games had to be rescheduled as Mother Nature did not cooperate with severe thunderstorms ravaging the Garden State. This forced me to adjust my coverage plans which meant I would head west to Delaware Valley who was hosting neighboring North Hunterdon at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Unfortunately I would not be…
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