In a series once dominated by Summit, the arrival of the Jeff Vanderbeek/Dallas Whitaker era in Somerville has brought more intense matchups, albeit mostly won by the Pioneers.
But Somerville head coach Dallas Whitaker admits the Hilltoppers have given his team fits over the years, and he expects tonight to be no different when the two teams square off at Brooks Field for the first time since 2016.
No. 1 Somerville (6-2) and Summit (5-3) will play in the final game of the regular season tonight at 7 pm, in the Big Central Game of the Week driven by Mark Montenero and his team at the world-famous Autoland. Mike Pavlichko and Justin Sontupe will call all the action, beginning with the pregame show at 6:45.
Click here to listen live to all the play-by-play on cjsportsradio.com.
Summit leads the all-time series 7-4, but Somerville was won four of the last five, including a 55-42 decision last season, the most combined points (97) scored in the all-time series between the schools.
Summit also is one of just three teams to beat Somerville in the regular season in the Jeff Vanderbeek/Dallas Whitaker era. The others are Rahway, and Northern Highlands.
While Somerville is likely to be a top eight team in the South 3 supersection – meaning at least a first-round home game – there’s much at stake for he Hilltoppers. A loss could bounce them from the North Group 3 playoffs if things don’t break right with the teams below them. But if they win, they’re in.
Click below to hear both coaches talk about tonight’s matchup: