SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – The big schools of the Big Central Conference are usually the ones that get the largest fanfare when it comes to rankings. Teams such as Phillipsburg, Union, Somerville, Sayreville, and North Brunswick are seemingly always getting noticed.
However, the BCC also has a number of very good small schools including Bernards, Delaware Valley, New Providence, Middlesex, and South River. The 2023 season will be no exception. Bernards will again be one of the top small schools in the BCC. Led by QB Connor Laverty, RB Terrence Hanratty, and WR Jake Caldwell, the Mountaineers look to contend in Group 2 once again.
Meanwhile, Delaware Valley led by new head coach Ben Ibach, looks to compete in Group 2 once again with the likes of QB Luke Brogan, RB/LB Danny Shapiro, and WR/DB Michael Holzworth. New Providence still managed to qualify for the state playoffs a year ago despite losing the likes of talented RB Charlie Barth. This year, the Pioneers will look to improve upon that with the likes of WR/DB Matt Botvinis, RB/LB Ben Gullo, WR/DB Eric Dowden, and QB T.J. Munn.
A.L. Johnson is looking to improve upon last year’s 6-3 solid turnaround season with junior QB Robert Gallagher and junior RB Ryan George. Roselle made a great run to the South Jersey Group 2 Regional Invitational Championship and will be looking to qualify for the state playoffs this year with Tim Porter leading the way.
Spotswood is looking to build on its fine 7-3 renaissance season in 2022 with the likes of QB Trey Lazar and LB James Curnal leading the way. Bernards gets the pre-season nod for No. 1 amongst the BCC’s Small Schools. Last year’s records in parenthesis:
- Bernards (8-2)
- Delaware Valley (6-3)
- New Providence (5-5)
- A.L. Johnson (6-3)
- Roselle (8-4)
- Spotswood (7-3)
- Middlesex (4-6)
- Jonathan Dayton (4-5)
- Roselle Park (5-6)
- South River (2-7)
Other Teams Considered: Metuchen (4-7), South Hunterdon (6-3), Brearley (10-1), Dunellen (2-6), Bound Brook (0-9), Belvidere (0-9), Manville (8-2) and Highland Park (0-9).
