2012 New Jersey NJSIAA high school football playoff bracket breakdowns

The New Jersey high school football playoff brackets get underway this weekend, kicking off tournaments that will crown 24 section champions.

MaxPreps looks ahead and examines each NJSIAA playoff bracket, providing analysis on each.

Bracket: North I Group 1
Favorite: Pompton Lakes
Sleeper: Verona
Best Opening Round Game: Cresskill vs. Saddle Brook
Player to Watch: Robbie Meyers, Pompton Lakes
Analysis: Though Pompton Lakes is probably the favorite, Cedar Grove and Verona are two Essex County small-school powers capable of making a deep run. Saddle Brook is led by Leo Ciappina, one of the top young coaches in the state.

Bracket: North I Group 2
Favorite: New Milford
Sleeper: Westwood (Washington Township)
Best Opening Round Game: Waldwick/Midland Park (Waldwick) vs. Hawthorne
Player to Watch: Dante Tobler, New Milford
Analysis: Westwood is the definition of a sleeper, as three of its four losses came by one touchdown or less. Ironically, New Milford, the No. 1 seed, has two losses this season, both against teams in the North 1 Group 1 bracket (Saddle Brook and Pompton Lakes). In a bracket dominated by Bergen County teams, North Warren Regional (Blairstown) could be a West Jersey darkhorse.

Bracket: North I Group 3
Favorite: Ramapo (Franklin Lakes)
Sleeper: Lakeland Regional (Wanaque)
Best Opening Round Game: West Essex (North Caldwell) vs. Lakeland Regional
Player to Watch: Daniel Brown, Jefferson Township (Oak Ridge)
Analysis: River Dell (Oradell), the No. 1 seed, is the only unbeaten team in the bracket. With a new-look spread offense this season, Ramapo has looked outstanding, with its only two losses coming against St. Joseph Regional (Montvale) and Pascack Valley (Hillsdale). For Jefferson Township, Brown catches passes from Jerry Reese Jr., son of New York Giants General Manager Jerry Reese. The eight teams in the bracket combined to lose only 11 games this season.

Bracket: North I Group 4
Favorite: Pascack Valley (Hillsdale)
Sleeper: Wayne Hills (Wayne)
Best Opening Round Game: Northern Valley (Old Tappan) vs. Paramus
Player to Watch: Kyle Schneider, Pascack Valley
Analysis: Wayne Hills is a very dangerous No. 4 seed, especially if quarterback Kevin Olsen is back to 100 percent health. The fact that Old Tappan is the No. 3 seed one year after losing do-everything dynamo Devin Fuller is a testament to the program that Brian Dunn has built. Schneider is a State Player of the Year candidate. In its 100th season of football, Roxbury (Succasunna) is vying for its first section title since 2009.

Bracket: North I Group 5
Favorite: Montclair
Sleeper: Union City
Best Opening Round Game: Union City vs. North Bergen
Player to Watch: Kamani Odrick
Analysis: The Hudson County showdown between Union City and North Bergen is a rematch of a September game that Union City won 33-27. Last year, North Bergen stunned heavily favored Montclair in the section final, and the teams could meet again in the final. A resurgent Bloomfield squad, led by top lineman Marcell Lazard, will be a difficult out. North Jersey coaching titan Chuck Johnson leads Ridgewood back to the playoffs against Passaic County Tech (Wayne), led by first-year head coach Matthew Demarest.

Bracket: North II Group 1
Favorite: Hoboken
Sleeper: New Providence
Best Opening Round Game: Weehawken vs. Dunellen
Player to Watch: Damian Corredor, Weehawken
Analysis: Hoboken and Weehawken were both severely affected by superstorm Sandy, but both have the tools to take the bracket. Corredor has nearly 1,600 yards and 22 touchdowns. Led by first-year head coach Terry Hanratty, Roselle Park is in the playoffs for the first time since 2001. It notched a big victory over No. 3 seed New Providence on Saturday 35-28. Joe Carollo and squad would be happy to have a rematch in round two.

Bracket: North II Group 2
Favorite: Madison
Sleeper: Lincoln (Jersey City)
Best Opening Round Game: Lenape Valley (Stanhope) vs. Bernards (Bernardsville)
Player to Watch: Justin Goodwin, Madison
Analysis: This bracket features three unbeaten teams: Madison, Bernards and Mountain Lakes. A very good Dwight Morrow team just missed the cut, as did Tony Gonzalez's Ridgefield Park squad and Central (Newark), a testament to the depth of the field of teams. At 33 games, Madison owns the state's longest winning streak and is the prohibitive favorite in this bracket. Lenape Valley nearly ended that streak this season and will make for a very interesting second round matchup if it can get past Bernards.

Bracket: North II Group 3
Favorite: Summit
Sleeper: Parsippany Hills (Parsippany)
Best Opening Round Game: Parsippany Hills vs. Voorhees (Glen Gardner)
Player to Watch: Reggie Green, Cranford
Analysis: Undefeated Summit is hungry for a section title and appears to be the team to beat. Hailing from Morris County, Parsippany Hills is relatively unknown to the other teams in the bracket. However, it was competitive with both Roxbury (Succasunna) and Delbarton (Morristown), its only two losses. Palisades Park/Leonia (Palisades Park) is an up-and-coming team with a nice dose of speed and talent.

Bracket: North II Group 4
Favorite: Irvington
Sleeper: Linden
Best Opening Round Game: Scotch Plains-Fanwood (Scotch Plains) vs. Warren Hills Regional (Washington)
Player to Watch: Kemoko Turay, Barringer (Newark)
Analysis: Parity is the name of the game in this bracket, as every team has a shot and no team is more than two games over .500. In fact, Linden (2-6) is the No. 2 ranked team in this bracket according to the Freeman Rankings. Turay, a relative unknown before committing to Rutgers in the offseason, is having an All-American-caliber season with 15 sacks to go along with 69 tackles. Ferris (Jersey City), the No. 8 seed, is playing well for head coach John Conroy. West Morris Central (Chester), under the guidance of Kevin Hennelly, is a team that many expect to see make it to the finals.

Bracket: North II Group 5
Favorite: Elizabeth
Sleeper: Piscataway
Best Opening Round Game: Union vs. Franklin (Somerset)
Player to Watch: Jamauri Bogan
Analysis: Elizabeth is the top public school team in the state and would compete with many of the top publics. Clearly, John Quinn has re-established the tradition of Elizabeth football. Ridge (Basking Ridge) has a number of impressive victories and is capable of challenging Elizabeth. If Bogan is healthy and gets hot, Union will be a factor. Piscataway lost two games by a combined eight points but remains very formidable.

Bracket: Central Group 1
Favorite: Shore Regional (West Long Branch)
Sleeper: Florence Township Memorial (Florence)
Best Opening Round Game: South Hunterdon (Lambertville) vs. Asbury Park
Player to Watch: Danny Tighe, Point Pleasant Beach
Analysis: Shore Regional is the top seed, but Point Pleasant Beach is the only undefeated team in the bracket. Devastated by Sandy, football has been a rallying point for the team, which is in the midst of its best season in recent memory. Asbury Park lost to both Shore Regional and Point Pleasant Beach during the season, but is well-coached and very seasoned. In a Shore-dominated bracket, South Hunterdon and Florence Township are capable outsiders very capable of playing beyond round one.

Bracket: Central Group 2
Favorite: Carteret
Sleeper: Shabazz (Newark)
Best Opening Round Game: Rumson-Fair Haven (Rumson) vs. Weequahic (Newark)
Player to Watch: Jerod Johnson, Carteret
Analysis: The inclusion of two Newark schools (Weequahic and Shabazz) speaks to the success that the city of Newark is having on the gridiron this fall. About 75 miles southwest, Delran sits at 8-0 but opens with a Bordentown squad it only narrowly defeated. Al-rahseed Benton is a difference-maker at linebacker for Shabazz. It may be hard for any team to top Rumson-Fair Haven (Rumson), whose record is only tarnished by a five-point loss to Manasquan.

Bracket: Central Group 3
Favorite: Allentown
Sleeper: Neptune
Best Opening Round Game: Manasquan vs. Nottingham (Hamilton)
Player to Watch: Nick Palladino, Allentown
Analysis: Aside from Nottingham, this is an all-Shore Conference affair. Though Allentown in the favorite, Neptune and Long Branch are both capable of going the distance. Both endured heavy losses to graduation but rebounded with impressive seasons. Jay Graber, who starred at quarterback for Notre Dame HS, is thriving in his third season at Allentown. Ironically, its only loss this season came at the hands of Graber's alma mater.

Bracket: Central Group 4
Favorite: Sayreville (Parlin)
Sleeper: Colonia
Best Opening Round Game: Middletown South (Middletown) vs. West Windsor-Plainsboro South (Princeton Junction)
Player to Watch: Tim Vangelas, Colts Neck
Analysis: Middletown South and West Windsor-Plainsboro South is a first-round treat. Colonia's only loss was to Carteret. Greg La Cava has taken the Colts Neck program to new heights, but George Najjar's Sayreville squad is a buzzsaw that will be difficult for any team in this bracket to handle.

Bracket: Central Group 5
Favorite: Manalapan (Englishtown)
Sleeper: Hunterdon Central (Flemington)
Best Opening Round Game: Brick Memorial (Brick) vs. Hunterdon Central
Player to Watch: Saeed Blacknall, Manalapan
Analysis: Manalapan's high-powered offense is highlighted by Blacknall, arguably the best wide receiver in the state. South Brunswick (Monmouth Junction) and Old Bridge also standout in a field that have struggled this season but, given the right breaks, have potential to make a run.

Bracket: South Group 1
Favorite: Penns Grove (Carneys Point)
Sleeper: Pennsville Memorial (Pennsville)
Best Opening Round Game: Wildwood vs. Woodbury
Player to Watch: Wesley Hills, Wildwood
Analysis: This bracket features two of the state's most prolific running backs in Hills and Glassboro star Corey Clement, who recently committed to Wisconsin. Pennsville Memorial's fast-paced offense gives it a chance to advance to the finals. Traditional power Paulsboro has some impressive victories, but Penns Grove is clearly the team to beat. It has allowed only 24 points all season.

Bracket: South Group 2
Favorite: West Deptford (Westville)
Sleeper: Woodstown
Best Opening Round Game: Cinnaminson vs. Cedar Creek (Egg Harbor City)
Player to Watch: Gerald Towns-Owens, West Deptford
Analysis: This contrast in this bracket between established power West Deptford and neophyte Cedar Creek is stark. Each is unbeaten. Haddon Heights and Haddonfield are both capable of beating West Deptford, which hasn't lost in its last 17 games. Sterling (Somerdale), with its young coaching regime, has shown great improvement. Owens is a sensational running back and could pave the way for another section title for West Deptford.

Bracket: South Group 3
Favorite: Burlington Township (Burlington)
Sleeper: Barnegat
Best Opening Round Game: Point Pleasant Boro (Point Pleasant) vs. Northern Burlington (Columbus)
Player to Watch: Khalil Trotman, Burlington Township
Analysis: In all likelihood, Burlington Township is on a collision course with Delsea (Franklinville) for the section title. No other team in the bracket is more than one game over .500. Barnegat features young quarterback Cinjun Erskine, whose struggled since becoming eligible after transferring from Holy Spirit. If he has a coming out party in the playoffs, he may be able to carry the team.

Bracket: South Group 4
Favorite: Timber Creek Regional (Erial)
Sleeper: Shawnee (Medford)
Best Opening Round Game: Moorestown vs. Kingsway (Woolwich Township)
Player to Watch: Zaire Williams, Timber Creek
Analysis: Timber Creek has looked very strong lately, and with defensive tackle Greg Webb back, it's getting healthy at the right time. Lacey Township (Lanoka Harbor), which ended Timber Creek's season in 2010, has yet to lose and would love another shot at Rob Hinson's squad. Shawnee (Medford) is a potent No. 5 seed, but keep an eye on Moorestown. It has some head-scratching losses coupled with some very impressive wins. If it comes to play, it can be very, very good.

Bracket: South Group 5
Favorite: Williamstown
Sleeper: Atlantic City
Best Opening Round Game: Washington Township (Sewell) vs. Southern Regional (Manahawkin)
Player to Watch: Rashad Kinlaw, Absegami (Galloway)
Analysis: Not only is Williamstown a flawless 8-0, but it has rarely been tested. Millville has a difficult draw, but Jason Durham's coaching job to return the team to the playoffs after an amazing 11-1 run last year is impressive. Back from injury, Kinlaw makes Absegami a dangerous team. Featuring Tom Flacco and Eli Woodard, Eastern (Voorhees) is talented but struggled against Williamstown during the regular season.

Bracket: Non-Public Group 1
Favorite: St. Joseph (Hammonton)
Sleeper: Hudson Catholic (Jersey City)
Best Opening Round Game: St. Anthony (Jersey City) vs. Queen of Peace (North Arlington)
Player to Watch: Anthony Giagunto, St. Joseph (Hammonton)
Analysis: This might be the most lopsided bracket in the state, as St. Joseph (Hammonton) would compete with top non-publics in any bracket. However, at 9-0, St. Mary (Rutherford) is an accomplished squad and features running back Jonathan Diaz, who tallied 25 touchdowns in the regular season. Morristown-Beard (Morristown) is in the playoffs only a few years ago temporarily dropping its varsity team.

Bracket: Non-Public Group 2
Favorite: Immaculata (Somerville)
Sleeper: Marist (Bayonne)
Best Opening Round Game: Holy Cross (Delran) vs. Pingry (Martinsville)
Player to Watch: Tashawn Bower, Immaculata
Analysis: Dropping down from Group 3, it appears that Immaculata is the favorite to capture its first section title since 2006. However, No. 2 seed Holy Spirit (Absecon) has shown little drop off from its talented team of a year ago, led by first-year head coach John Iannucci. Holy Cross is an intriguing 4-4 team, as it was competitive in all of its losses. Bower is a force at defensive end and his recruitment (he's committed to Auburn) appears far from over.

Bracket: Non-Public Group 3
Favorite: St. Joseph Regional (Montvale)
Sleeper: Camden Catholic (Cherry Hill)
Best Opening Round Game: Monsignor Donovan (Toms River) vs. Red Bank Catholic (Red Bank)
Player to Watch: Quenton Nelson, Red Bank Catholic
Analysis: Though St. Joseph Regional is once again the favorite in this bracket, it will see some new faces in Red Bank Catholic (down from Group 4) and Monsignor Donovan. Delbarton (Morristown) has been superb this season, but Pope John XXIII (Sparta) is also worth watching. Freshman quarterback Sonny Abramson and junior athlete Noah Brown are capable of making big plays. Red Bank Catholic is physical and well-coached; Bishop Ahr (Edison) is making its first playoff appearance under head coach Don Sofilkanich.

Bracket: Non-Public Group 4
Favorite: Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey)
Sleeper: St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City)
Best Opening Round Game: Seton Hall Prep (West Orange) vs. St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City)
Player to Watch: Jabrill Peppers, Paramus Catholic (Paramus)
Analysis: Despite all the changes in the landscape of this bracket, Don Bosco Prep remains the favorite. Bergen Catholic (Oradell) and Paramus Catholic would both like another crack at the Ironmen. St. Peter's Prep, whose only loss came to St. Joseph Regional, will try to ruin the Bergen County party. St. Augustine Prep (Richland) features new coach Mark Reardon and top assistant Charlie Roman--over from Holy Spirit. It seeks to be a player in the Group 4 bracket. A good showing in round one against Don Bosco Prep would certainly be a major step in that direction.

Click here for the full list of the 2012 New Jersey high school football playoff brackets.