West Orange Prepares for Seton Hall Showdown

West Orange's football team had the opportunity to play cross-town rival Seton Hall Prep last year for the first time in decades and the Mountaineers played well, losing a 28-14 decision.

This year, the Mountaineers have raised their game to another level. West Orange will bring a 4-0 record into Saturday afternoon's showdown with unbeaten Seton Hall Prep (4-0) at home. Game time is 2 p.m.

Head coach John Jacob acknowledges how tough Seton Hall Prep is and how pumped his team is to take on the challenge, but he quickly points out it's just one game on the schedule. The Pirates are averaging 50.25 per game.

"They are a very good football team, score a lot of points and eat up a lot of clock,'' said Jacob. "That's a real potent combination. They are really good. They have good players, good coaches.

"But we have to take the same approach every week,'' he added. "They are all big games. That's the way it is. You let the fans and media savor the rivalry. We don't feed into anything of it."

Seton Hall Prep junior quarterback Sean Maguire has thrown for 461 yards and four touchdowns. Senior Kevin Monangai has run for 628 yards and 13 scores.

"Monangai is a tremendous football player,'' Jacob said. "He's very talented, fast and physical and their line is tremendous.''

West Orange senior quarterback Christian Smith shared playing time with the graduated Hakim Williams in last year's game.

"I definitely feel we could have beaten them,'' Smith said. "If a few things had gone our way in a few situations. It's a fun rivalry. But we still have to make sure we stay focused. Our team is excited, but we're doing a great job not getting lost in the hype.''

Seton Hall Prep finished last season with a 9-2 record.

"They execute very well,'' said Smith. "If you have kids who know what they are supposed to do ultimately that's what makes a good team. But we know what we're doing too. I think we can definitely match their execution and skill.''

Smith has thrown for 807 yards and eight touchdowns — three each to senior wide receiver Josh McNeil and junior running back Lance Smith (no relation). Smith has also run the ball 64 times for 461 yards and nine touchdowns. Christian Smith is also the team's punter and kicker. McNeil has made two interceptions.

Junior linebacker Anthony Angelone leads the team with 21 tackles and senior linebacker Pascal Louis has made 25. Junior defensive back Anfernee Larue has 18. Senior lineman George Christian is another of the Mountaineer leaders up front.

"We've had a great week of practice,'' said Christian Smith. "There's a w hole lot of excitement and intensity on the field. It'll translate well into the game. We'll make sure of it.''