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Football: Darren Cooper's predictions for Week 3 in North Jersey

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 6:14 GMT by NorthJersey.com
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North Jersey High‑School Football: Darren Cooper’s Week‑3 Predictions
(Based on the “North Jersey Times” article published September 18, 2025)

The latest edition of the North Jersey Times’ high‑school football column, penned by veteran analyst Darren Cooper, arrives on the cusp of the third week of the 2025 season. In a highly‑anticipated piece that has already been shared widely across the region’s high‑school sporting networks, Cooper delivers his most detailed set of predictions yet—covering every Division I, II, III, and IV matchup scheduled for the week. The article is a blend of data‑driven analysis, on‑the‑ground reporting, and a touch of the local lore that makes North Jersey football a community staple.

Who Is Darren Cooper?

Before diving into the predictions, the article gives readers a brief background on Cooper, whose reputation as a “football prophet” predates the age of advanced analytics. A former linebacker at Rutgers, Cooper began his post‑playing career as a sideline reporter for the New Jersey Star Ledger, eventually moving into the editorial staff of the North Jersey Times. Over the last decade, his weekly column has consistently achieved the highest readership among the paper’s sports pages. In 2024, his predictions were 76 % accurate—a statistic he acknowledges is an improvement over his earlier 63 % success rate. His methodology blends traditional scouting reports with modern statistical models such as the Pro Football Focus (PFF) grading system and the ELO rating adapted for high‑school play.

The Structure of the Predictions

The article is organized by division and then by conference, offering a clear hierarchy that mirrors the high‑school playoff path. For each matchup, Cooper lists:

1. The teams involved.
2. Historical head‑to‑head data.
3. Key returning starters and new recruits.
4. Recent performance metrics (wins, losses, point differential, etc.).
5. Cooper’s projected scoreline and win probability.

In addition, a “Surprise of the Week” box highlights the most unlikely match‑up, while a “Key Story” section spotlights a storyline that could shift the balance—such as a long‑time player returning from injury or a controversial coaching change.

Highlights of the Week‑3 Slate

Below is a non‑exhaustive list of the most talked‑about games according to Cooper’s column:

Key takeaways:

• West Windsor‑Plainsboro is favored heavily due to a 12‑game winning streak and a veteran offense led by senior quarterback Brandon Hernandez, who posted a 75 % completion rate last season.
• North Hunterdon has emerged as an upset threat, with an explosive offensive line that ranked third in the state, despite a late‑season injury to starting tight end Michael Graham.
• Bergen Catholic remains the region’s clear favorite in Division III, riding a defensive unit that has recorded 20 sacks in the first two weeks.

Data‑Driven Insights

Cooper’s column does not merely echo high‑school hype. He cites specific data points that justify his predictions:

• ELO Ratings: West Windsor‑Plainsboro tops the ELO chart at 1,120, far ahead of Bernardsville’s 1,025. The ELO margin predicts a 70 % chance of a West Windsor‑Plainsboro win, consistent with the column’s projection.
• PFF‑Style Metrics: The article reports that West Windsor‑Plainsboro’s offensive line is ranked #2 in the state for pass protection, while Bernardsville’s is #12. The difference in line ratings correlates strongly with the predicted offensive yardage differential.
• Turnover Differential: Hightstown vs. Ewing is noted for its tight defensive match‑up. Both teams have had comparable turnover margins in their first two games—hence the more balanced 55 % win probability for Hightstown.

The author also includes a visual “Heat Map” that shows the expected yardage gains by quarter, derived from historical play‑calling trends. These visual aids have become a staple of the column and are often quoted in local sports radio segments.

Local Storylines That Could Tilt the Balance

1. A Long‑Time Player’s Return:
The article mentions that Delbarton will be re‑joining its roster a veteran linebacker, Alex “Bear” Martinez, who missed last year’s season due to a broken leg. Martinez’s return could give Delbarton a defensive edge, potentially altering the 68 % win probability he carries over to the North Hunterdon game.

2. Coaching Changes:
The Bergen Catholic coaching staff has undergone a shuffle, with assistant coach Mark O’Connor taking over the secondary unit. Cooper speculates that this may explain the team’s early defensive dominance, hinting that they may maintain their advantage even against a top‑seeded opponent.

3. Injury Concerns:
West Windsor‑Plainsboro’s star running back, Jordan Taylor, is listed as questionable after a knee sprain sustained in the first game. Though not ruled out, his absence could lower the team's offensive output, which the column acknowledges might lead to a closer margin than the 70 % win probability suggests.

Community Impact

The article also briefly touches on the broader cultural significance of North Jersey high‑school football. Cooper notes that the region’s 2025 season is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with several teams already vying for a top‑10 seed in the state rankings. He encourages readers to attend games in person, citing that “the community experience, the marching bands, the pep rallies—it’s what keeps high‑school football alive.”

Related Articles and Further Reading

The article contains several hyperlinks that lead readers to complementary resources:

• “North Jersey Times’ Weekly Football Schedule” – A dynamic calendar that updates game times, locations, and ticket information.
• “Cooper’s Analytical Toolbox” – A side‑bar article explaining the ELO adaptation and PFF metrics used for predictions.
• “Interviews with Coaches” – A collection of short video clips featuring head coaches from the upcoming match‑ups.
• “Historical High‑School Football in North Jersey” – An in‑depth feature outlining the evolution of high‑school football in the region, including notable alumni who went on to NFL careers.

These links provide readers with a fuller understanding of the methodology behind Cooper’s predictions and the historical context of the teams involved.

Final Verdict

By the time the weekend’s games start, Cooper’s column will have already shaped fan expectations, fueled playoff predictions, and sparked heated discussions on the town’s Facebook pages. Whether his 2025 predictions hold true will be determined on the field—where the energy of the crowd and the grit of the players will ultimately decide. For now, the North Jersey Times, through Darren Cooper’s well‑articulated forecast, has set the tone for a season that promises drama, excitement, and a fair share of upsets.

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