BY MARK J. CZERWINSKI
STAFF WRITER | THE RECORD
Much of the preseason high school football hoopla in these parts centers around the big Non-Public powers and their preparations for the national part of their schedules.
There’s talk of scholarships earned and those yet to come, and high-profile games in high-profile places. That’s news, folks, and it is hard to put on the backburner.
But there’s still a lot cooking on the small public school side of the ledger, including an interesting announcement last week by the NJIC detailing its new playoff concept.
Remember, the NJIC made the wise move of not joining the newly created super conference, opting instead to revel in all the old rivalries that make small school football in these parts so interesting. This promises to be a lot of fun.
Here’s a quick primer. The conference still has four league divisions – Colonial, Liberty, Meadowlands and Patriot – and teams will compete for a league title in Weeks 1 through 7.
On Week 8 (Oct 28 and 29) there will be Divisional bowl games. The Colonial Division champion plays the Liberty Division winner for the North championship while the Meadowlands and Patriot Division winners compete for the South crown.
On Week 9 (Nov. 4 and 5), the North and South winners play in the Championship Bowl game. What a great way to celebrate small-school football in North Jersey, and get teams ready for the state playoffs.
On Week 8 (Oct 28 and 29) there will be Divisional bowl games. The Colonial Division champion plays the Liberty Division winner for the North championship while the Meadowlands and Patriot Division winners compete for the South crown.
On Week 9 (Nov. 4 and 5), the North and South winners play in the Championship Bowl game. What a great way to celebrate small-school football in North Jersey, and get teams ready for the state playoffs.
