New Jersey football playoff preview: North 2 bracket

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Other bracket previews: North 1, Central, South, Non-Public.

North 2 Group 1
Game to watch: Glen Ridge vs. Lincoln (Jersey City)
Favorite: New Providence
Sleeper: Verona
Analysis: Closing out his storied coaching career with another section title would be a fitting way for New Providence head coach Frank Bottone to retire. However, it won't be easy. Glen Ridge has looked excellent since the summer. Lincoln, with Ron Butler and Tyron Summers, may have the most explosive duo in the bracket. Dayton, which lost to New Providence 24-0 in the regular season, would love another shot at the Pioneers.

North 2 Group 2
Game to watch: Rutherford vs. West Essex (North Caldwell)
Favorite: Caldwell (West Caldwell)
Sleeper: Summit
Analysis: The fact that 9-0 Summit is a No. 4 seed speaks to the depth of this bracket. Our computers agree with Caldwell as the No. 1 seed, but Rutherford and Madison are downright scary as 2nd and 3rd seeds. If any team pulls off a first-round upset, it could be West Essex, which played Caldwell very competitively during the year.

North 2 Group 3
Game to watch: Nutley vs. Colonia
Favorite: West Morris Central (Chester)
Sleeper: Rahway
Analysis: West Morris Central is the clear favorite here. It's been very up and down this season for the other teams in this field, but several teams could make a run. Colonia, playing with heavy hearts following the injury to alum Eric LeGrand, battled a tough GMC schedule that should have Ben La Sala's squad ready for postseason play. The matchup between Morristown and Plainfield could be a classic.

North 2 Group 4
Game to watch: East Orange Campus vs. Piscataway
Favorite: Piscataway
Sleeper: Columbia (Maplewood, N.J.)
Analysis: With top teams from all different conferences, this may be the most intriguing bracket in the state. Hunterdon Central is the top seed, but undefeated Piscataway, fresh off a 14-7 victory over Sayreville, is the popular pick. However, East Orange Campus has the athletes to challenge them. Phillipsburg, whose only loss came by three points to Hunterdon Central, can certainly make a run.