We Are The Champions

New Jersey is one of only three states that does not have a football playoff system that allows public high schools to play for overall group championships but Wednesday the first hurdle was cleared to change that. The NJSIAA’s Executive Committee voted overwhelmingly to approve a change to the constitution which right now does not allow for the playing of any games past the sectional level.
The current playoff system results in some 20 schools being able to call themselves “state champs” and has left many wanting teams to play on just like in all the other sports. Yesterday’s action means the constitution change now goes to the general membership of the NJSIAA in early December where two-thirds will need to approve the measure for it to go into effect. If they do then a plan can be presented next spring to start playing overall group championship games beginning in 2013.

Leading the charge for such a plan has been Bill Bruno, the athletic director in the Brick Township School District and East Brunswick football coach Marcus Borden. They have been talking to coaches and school officials and will continue to work on a plan that addresses the many concerns that go with such a major change. At some point they will need to have a formal proposal which they can take around the state prior to next December’s vote. It has to take into consideration everything from when the season starts to what to do about the traditional Thanksgiving Day games that some still feel are sacred and must be continued. How this plan is received will ultimately decide the fate of whether New Jersey goes the distance in regards to the playoffs….or stops short like we have been doing for years.

Sad to learn yesterday about the passing of Ed Brandt, who spent most of his working years at Lakewood High School as a teacher, head football coach and later Athletic Director. Ed can best be described as simply a nice man who was liked and respected by everyone. He was a driving force behind the establishment of the Lakewood High School Athletic Hall of Fame and is a well-deserved member as well. Not surprisingly the family is asking that memorial contributions may go to a scholarship fund in his name. Information on arrangements is available at www.deliafuneralhome.com