By William Hathaway, Jr.
The New Jersey high school football landscape has changed, as two Essex County teams took home state titles. A few weeks ago, the City of East Orange celebrated its 13-0 champions. Now, it’s Irvington turn, as the 11-2 Blue Knights will be honored this coming weekend with an event at Irvington High School on Saturday at 11 am, hosted by the Irvington school distinct.
In a couple of college football national semifinal New Year’s Eve contests, top ranked Alabama rolled all over Cincinnati in the Cotton Bowl by the final score of 27-6. Meanwhile, Georgia won the Orange Bowl in a 34-11 mauling of Michigan. Both SEC teams will now play in the National Championship game next week, their second meeting of the season.
In pro football, the Giants went on the road and got pounced by the Bears 29-3, while the Jets once again blew a lead and lost to a Florida team. This time, Tom Brady led Tampa Bay back to win 28-24 at MetLife Stadium. Of course, the comeback and everything else was upstaged by now-former Bucs WR Antonio Brown, who left in the field in a fit around the start of the second half.
While the upcoming weekend is not worth much to the two NFL locals – other than draft position – there is one playoff game of sorts. The Chargers and Raiders will play in a winner take all game, where the winner makes the playoffs, and the loser is out. There is one crazy scenario that exists; if the Colts lose their game, and if the game between the two AFC West teams ends in a tie, then both teams will make the playoffs at 9-7-1.
