Coach Rob Gogerty’s Panthers have not really lost a beat since losing their original starting QB, sophomore Dan Lastella, to a fractured ankle vs. Hoboken back on Sept. 25, as junior Andrew Loftus has successfully transitioned from being a wide receiver to the team’s main signal caller, with occasional snaps also taken by senior WR Jack Velonas, who is best known as one of the team’s top pass catchers.  

This Week’s Sideline Chatter Essex County Top 10:
1-West Orange (8-1)- Mountaineers defense has been lockdown unit
2-Shabazz (8-1)- Veteran QB Kariem Costan remains top field general
3-Seton Hall Prep (5-4)- Pirates have week off before Non-Public A playoffs
4-Cedar Grove (8-1)- Panthers remain prohibitive favorite in N2G1
5-West Essex (9-1) – Knights face perhaps a stronger Montville
6-Caldwell (8-1)- Chiefs had impressive second half vs. High Point
7-East Orange Campus (7-2)- Jaguars survived scare vs. Union City
8-Irvington (6-4) – Blue Knights could be a tough out for Ramapo
9-Weequahic (4-4)- Indians came close to upsetting West Essex
10-Livingston (6-4)- Lancers conclude another winning season

This Week’s Picks Involving Essex Teams. Pick To Win In Boldface:
Sectional Semifinals, Friday, Nov. 6:
North 2, Group 1:  
Wood-Ridge at Cedar Grove, 7

North 2, Group 3:
Montville at West Essex, 6:30

North 1, Group 2:
(3) Rutherford at (2) Caldwell, 7

North 1, Group 3:
Shabazz at Cranford, 7

North 1, Group 5:
(4) Irvington at (1) Ramapo, 7
(3) Piscataway at (2) West Orange, 7

Saturday, Nov. 7:
North 2, Group 5:
(3) Phillipsburg at (2) East Orange Campus, 1

Record on picks last week: 13-3
For the season: 110-31 (79%)  

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