Tonight's Mahopac-John Jay-EF game was incredibly entertaining, and that was before kickoff. Fireworks, a performance by some up-and-coming Disney singer (can't remember her name, unfortunately), and three guys parachuting onto the field after jumping out of airplanes made it a memorable night.

As did Mike Belluzzi, John Jay's star running back. He rushed for 243 yards and three touchdowns on 28 carries in Jay knocked off Mahopac 31-17.

I completely underestimated how good Belluzzi is. The kid is a fantastic runner who is so patient and can just burst through a defense. Tonight was so effortless for him, too. It was almost like he was on rollerblades, just gliding through the Mahopac defense. He had 199 yards in the first as Jay went into the break up 21-10 after trailing 10-7 early in the second quarter.

Jay is legit. I knew they were good. I didn't know they were this good.

Nick Strang, their QB, didn't have do too much tonight. Belluzzi, blocking fullback Jimmy Diedrich, and a solid offensive line did more than enough. The defense gave up some yards but made the stops it needed; once right before the half when Mahopac drove inside the 25, and again early in the fourth when it was a 24-10 game. Both stops ended with Mahopac QB Tim Taps getting sacked.

Mahopac struggled fighting off the John Jay pressure when it mattered. I felt that, in some of the most crucial plays in the game, the Indians called some slow-developing plays and got burned. Taps ran the ball well at QB and Justin Autera was solid. But they couldn't sustain drives long enough to keep up with John Jay.

Carmel vs. Mahopac next week will decide the second playoff spot in League AA-North. The loser still has a shot at a wild card berth. I think John Jay, Carmel and Mahopac should all get in.

The rest of tonight's action:

Dobbs Ferry 13, Albertus Magnus 6: This is not a misprint. Magnus was driving at the end of the game and actually had a chance to end Dobbs Ferry's seven-year winning streak against Section 1 opponents. Yes, Magnus, a 1-5 team that got its first win last week over winless Valhalla. Reporter Jeff Gold was at the game and was texting me throughout. When I spoke to him after I said it would have been the biggest upset in my 10 years at The Journal News. Almost. Great job by Albertus. Nobody in this area has played Dobbs tougher since 2001. Incredible. The Dobbs Ferry players all admitted afterwards that they took this game lightly and "fooled around" all week at practice. That lesson was almost a costly one.
Somers 35, Lakeland 6: The Tuskers weathered the storm of the Rob Lombardo and Matt Deiana injuries and are a better team because of it. Deiana gained 117 yards and a TD, Lombardo had 77 yards and 2 TDs, and Erik Zmuidins threw for 129 yards and a score to Dylan Haas. Lakeland's offense was completely held in check. The Hornets now need to beat Yorktown next week to reach the playoffs.
Yorktown 36, Hen Hud 7: This doesn't bode well for Lakeland in that game. Hen Hud just beat Lakeland last week but were no match for the Huskers, who got 174 yards  and three touchdowns passing from Brendan Brunnelle (10 for 14). John Fennessy rushed for 105 yards and a TD on seven carries and had 63 yards receiving and two scores.
Brewster 34, Horace Greeley 14: A crucial third-quarter turnover by Greeley led to 20 unanswered Brewster points and a victory. The Bears are now assured a playoff spot in Class A with a Lourdes loss to Poughkeepsie tomorrow or by beating Lourdes next week. Billy Thomas ran for two fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Other games: White Plains beat Gorton, 35-6, and can officially clinch a Class AA playoff berth with a win vs. Lincoln or if New Rochelle beats Roosevelt next week. ... Panas knocked off Peekskill, 34-12. ... Justin Kreamer completed all five of his passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for a score as Ossining beat Tappan Zee, 35-7. ... Arlington beat Lincoln, 42-26.

You can watch that game live online, and Somers vs. Lakeland, on our Mogulus channel, which you can reach by clicking here.

You can follow every game on our Gameday Central blog, which gets updated as we get the scores.

I'll be at Mahopac as the 5-0 teams square off. I predicted John Jay to win, based on its victories over Ramapo and Carmel. Mahopac is different team than those two, mixing in some option with the power running game of Justin Autera. This game will all depend on how Mahopac plays up front on defense, both stopping the run and putting pressure on Nick Strang. Should be a fun game, no doubt.

The rest of the schedule looks like this:

Peekskill at Panas, 5 p.m.
Ossining at Tappan Zee, 7:30 p.m.
Somers at Lakeland, 7 p.m.
Hen Hud at Yorktown, 7 p.m.
Greeley at Brewster, 7 p.m.
Gorton at White Plains, 7 p.m.
Lincoln at Arlington, 7 p.m.
Albertus Magnus at Dobbs Ferry, 7 p.m.
John Jay-EF at Mahopac, 7:30 p.m.

I wrote a story this week on local kickers — many of which are former soccer players who quit to play football. Matt DeSilva of Hen Hud, Claudio Delli Carpini of Harrison, Colin Tullgren of Somers, and Sanley Pierre Louis of Nyack all grew up playing soccer. It's interesting to read why they chose football once they got to high school.

My weekly football column was about how injuries at Carmel and New Rochelle completely reshape Class AA. The loss of Chris Watkins at Carmel and Demetrius Borden at New Rochelle really opens up the championship picture. After speaking to people around New Rochelle, who've been to every game, I wonder if they're still the top contender without him. Borden was that good.

Harold Gutmann wrote how injuries haven't slowed Ramapo.

We also have:

Game preview capsules

The weekly writers poll

In-depth scouting reports on: John Jay-EF vs. Mahopac, Rye vs. Byram Hills, Ramapo vs. Clarkstown South.

We had Byram Hills star R.J. Medeo as our special guest. Plus Joe and I spoke extensively about what went on at North Rockland-Carmel and Tuckahoe-Dobbs Ferry. We also previewed this weekend's biggest games.

I'm off Thursday but will be back for games this weekend. Friday it's Mahopac-John Jay, and Saturday my doubleheader is Pleasantville-Briarcliff and Rye-Byram Hills. Enjoy the show. If there are any questions you wanted to ask but we didn't get to, please post them here.

Big 10
Somers 35, Lakeland 13: Having watched Lakeland last week, I just don't see how its defense will stop Somers for four quarters. The Hornets will be able to move the ball through the air. But the Tuskers are going to dominate the clock with their ground game and put this away.
Yorktown 28, Hen Hud 17: This game took on added importance after Hen Hud upset Lakeland last week. Now a playoff berth could be on the line. Hen Hud is scrappy and knows how to make plays in the clutch. I just think the Huskers have too many weapons on offense.
Horace Greeley 29, Brewster 28, OT: I believe this is my first OT prediction of the season. But I've been wrong about the teams in this league all so season, so what do I know? It will be a good game regardless.
John Jay-EF 14, Mahopac 13: I'm very excited for this one, mainly because it will be first chance to see John Jay. Expect the Patriots to dictate the tempo and for both teams to keep the ball in the middle of the field. Positioning and clock control will dictate the outcome.
Rye Neck 17, Tuckahoe 7: The Tigers are coming off a brutal fourth quarter in their loss to Dobbs Ferry and are up against one of the most physical teams in the conference. Rye Neck also a lot of momentum after knocking off Westlake last week.
Pleasantville 24, Briarcliff 20: Don't expect the blowout we got last year. The Panthers face a dangerous Briarcliff offense with QB Tim Orr. Pleasantville, though, is just too strong up front.
Rye 28, Byram Hills 14: The showdown of 5-0 teams might not be quite as close as my score indicates. Against a strong Byram defense, I envision Rye moving the ball but not breaking many big plays. But Rye, as it always does, will grind out a victory against a solid contender.
Ramapo 28, Clarkstown South 7: This is South's last-ditch effort at reaching the playoffs, so I expect the Vikings will come out inspired. Ramapo, though, is just too good at the skill positions and will pull away in the third quarter.
Edgemont 28, Kennedy 14: Two teams that most didn't expect a lot from are in a serious struggle for playoff positioning in Class B. As much respect I have for Kennedy with how its come on this season, I'm not betting against Edgemont. The Panthers have delivered in their biggest games.
Croton-Harmon 20, Haldane 14: This is a game that could really propel Haldane down the stretch. It will play this game tough. But I just don't think the Blue Devils are going to be able to stop Nick Mainiero enough to pull out a victory.

Class AA
White Plains 20, Gorton 7
Arlingon 41, Lincoln 0
Carmel 28, Scarsdale 7
New Rochelle 36, Mount Vernon 13
Ketcham 27, Roosevelt 14
North Rockland 33, Suffern 7
Mamaroneck 27, Clarkstown North 23

Class A
Panas 35, Peekskill 6
Ossining 41, Tappan Zee 14
Saunders 13, Yonkers 12
John Jay 32, Beacon 21
Sleepy Hollow 35, Pearl River 12
Nyack 35, Spring Valley 7
Eastchester 35, Port Chester 7
Poughkeepsie 27, Lourdes 14

Class B
Nanuet 14, Ardsley 7
Putnam Valley 28, Dover 8
Pelham 14, Irvington 7

Class C
Dobbs Ferry 38, Albertus Magnus 7
Bronxville 24, Hastings 18
Westlake 25, Lincoln Hall 13
Pawling 28, Woodlands 12
Valhalla 21, Blind Brook 13

Catholic/Private
Brunswick 28, RCDS 21
Iona Prep 35, Farrell 20
Stepinac 20, St. Francis Prep 17
Xaverian 28, Fordham Prep 21
Holy Cross 20, Mount St. Michael 13
Hackley 21, Hamden Hall 17
New York Military Academy 21, Harvey 12
South Kent 28, Sacred Heart 12

We'll have Byram Hills star running back/linebacker R.J. Medeo as our special guess as the Bobcats prepare for Saturday's showdown with unbeaten Rye.

Among the other topics we'll discuss:

Remember, we'll ask just about any question you have. Tune it at 7:30 for more.

Watch tomorrow's Varsity Central Live show to find out who my player and coach of the week honors will go to. We'll also have R.J. Medeo of Bryam Hills on the show to preview Saturday's showdown with defending state champion Rye.

First, the next Game Balls:

4. Jeff Mack, Iona Prep: If you're going to make a list of the best running backs in the area, Mack has to be on it. The 5-foot-8 junior pinpalled through the Xaverian defense throughout Sunday's 35-21 win. Mack rushed for 202 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries, and caught caught four passes for 26 yards, two of which earned first downs on Iona scoring drives. Of all the weapons Iona has — and there's a lot of them — Mack could be the best option.

3. Rob Alexander, Dobbs Ferry: Devonte Brailsford was out with an injury; QB Timmy Gardner was at fullback and backup Sam Connett made his first career start at QB. Despite it all, Alexander was simply brilliant in the Eagles' 41-14 win. The senior halfback rushed for 209 and three touchdowns on 17 carries, returned a punt 60 yards for another score, and dominated the middle of the field at safety to keep a dangerous Tuckahoe offense at bay. Tuckahoe coach John D'Arco said it best: "If he wasn't back there, we would have scored one, maybe two, more touchdowns." Two his touchdowns came in the fourth quarter as Dobbs broke open what was a 19-14 game through three. Alexander, who had eight tackles, certainly proved he was worthy of my midseason Defensive MVP award given last week.

2. Maurice Easterling, Stepinac: Like Alexander has been for Dobbs Ferry, Easterling has willed his team to victories this season. Easterling did it again in Saturday night's 20-13 thriller against Fordham Prep. He rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns as the Crusaders took a 13-0 lead. Then after Fordham rallied to tie with just over a minute to play, Easterling carried his team. He returned the ensuing kickoff back to midfield, then after a 31-yard run, he caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from Joe Collins despite being tackled in the air by the defender in the end zone. An incredible individual effort for a Stepinac team desperate for a victory.

Check our Varsity Central Live show tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. to find out who will take home player and coach of the week honors.

The 12^th Annual New Jersey-Northeast All-Star Classic: New Game Partner

Tuesday- October 7, 2008 – Hackettstown, NJ -The New Jersey Football Coaches Association (NJFCA) is proud to announce that it is expanding "The Football Classic". Team NJ will compete against some of the best talent from across the Northeast Region. The Northeast being defined at Maryland, Delaware, Eastern Pa., New York, Connecticut, and more.

The 2009 New Jersey – Northeast All-Star Classic, Presented by the Star-Ledger, will be played at Rutgers Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, June 7^th . The game will again be broadcast LIVE with FOX-NY on WWOR- TV My9 in the New York Metro Area starting at 3:00 PM

The New Jersey-Northeast All-Star Classic (Formally known as the Governors Bowl) is entering its 12^th year of matching the best high school football players from the entire state of New Jersey against the top players from the Northeast region. Many former players from the game have gone on to careers in the NFL including NY Giant David Tyree from Montclair H.S., Wali Lundy of Holy Cross H.S. and the Houston Texans, and Rutgers great Ray Rice with the Baltimore Ravens, and current Heisman candidate Knowshon Moreno from Middletown South H.S. and current Georgia Bulldog tailback.

For comment or additional information please call NJFCA and "The Football Classic" Executive Director Marty Yudichak at 908.246.7577.

For additional information please check out www.thefootballclassic.com

————————————————-

I guess this means the end of the original game. I don't know who, outside of the die-hard fan, will really miss it. It was never promoted well and seemed like a New Jersey affair that New York simply participated in.

The New York-New Jersey relationship became strained this summer when New Jersey refused to play next year's game at Army. The original agreement was to have it rotate between the states.

Hopefully some of the top local players can still be represented. We'll see how it goes in a few months when they start picking the team.

Click over to our Gameday Central blog and look at the five photos on the right side of the page. My vote went to Mike Billings of Hen Hud.

It was weird, but I was at the game and Billings through the key block that sprung Marc Roberts for a 79-yard touchdown on a fake punt as time expired in the first half in win over Lakeland. When Roberts walked off the field celebrating, I was startled by the face paint he was wearing. Very intimidating.

The top two teams in each of the conference's four leagues get playoff berths.

First round
No. 2 South at No. 1 West
No. 2 West at No. 1 South
No. 2 North at No. 1 Central
No. 2 Central at No. 1 North

Semifinals
No. 2 South-No. 1 West winner vs. No. 2 North-No. 1 Central winner
No. 2 West-No. 1 South winner vs. No. 2 Central-No. 1 North winner

Finals
Semifinal winners, at Mahopac

If there's a tie in the league standings, it will be broke by comparing the points allowed against common opponents.

The only thing I'm not quite sure about is the home fields for the semifinals.

If there are no upsets in the next few weeks, here's what the playoff picture will most likely be:

First round
Harrison at Ossining
Nyack at Eastchester
Brewster or Horace Greeley at Somers
Yorktown at Poughkeepsie

Semifinals
Harrison-Ossining winner vs. Yorktown-Poughkeepsie winner
Nyack-Eastchester winner vs. Brewster or Horace Greeley-Somers winner

• Brewster plays Horace Greeley this week.