Elizabeth runs out the clock on a 35-28 season-opening home win over Linden on August 30, 2024. The Minutemen are No. 1 in Marcus Borden’s preseason Union County rankings. (Photo: Marcus Borden)
These past two weeks of the Big Central Camp Caravan have been exciting and eye -opening for those who follow high school football.
It has been my pleasure to witness six schools during the first week of official practice which included Perth Amboy, Montgomery, Old Bridge, St. Thomas Aquinas, Hunterdon Central and Bernards.
I am extremely grateful to all the coaches who welcomed me and afforded me the opportunity to interview their players and themselves. I met many outstanding leaders who shared their team’s philosophy and vision for the upcoming season.
Scrimmage week was just what I expected with high energy, team bravado and a much needed opportunity to hit someone in a different color jersey.
The Monday quad scrimmage at Colonia H.S. with Rahway, Carteret and North Brunswick was fast and furious, even though the temperatures were only in the seventies.
Tuesday’s quad scrimmage at Metuchen also featured Manville, Spotswood and Point Pleasant Beach. Small school football is just as intense with the number of players on each roster a tad bit smaller.
Thursday at Union saw the Eagles of Edison and the host Farmers simulate game conditions. Both teams showed potential and looked to find the guys who could be quality backups at all positions.
Friday the Caravan traveled to North Plainfield as the Canucks hosted neighboring Dunellen in similar game-like conditions. The Destroyers looked to have about 40 players on their roster which is nearly double what they had last season. Both teams showed big play capability and intensity.
The last stop of the 2025 preseason Camp Caravan was at Hillsborough, where the Raiders played two full quarters of game conditions with Elizabeth. Both teams have several returning starters, which was evident with their quality of play.
So, now you will ask me, “Why isn’t my school in your Week Zero Top 10?”
Well as the football analyst for Central Jersey Sports Radio, I have had the honor to see all 59 teams during my stint as a sideline reporter/videographer.
It is not an exact science, nevertheless, I can say their are some teams who are perennially in the mix for the playoffs and post-season championships.
If I may, just let me remind you of this, it is not where you start the season, it is where you finish it!
Good luck to all 59 Big Central Conference football programs in 2025. Keep working hard!
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