2020 PEC Challenge Tournament 1st ROUND: Central Jersey Region

Day Three of the 1st Round voting is here and there have been some dramatic contests so far.  If you haven't already voted for the Red Bank Green or Jersey Shore regions make sure to do that now.  Voting closes Friday! Here is the Central Jersey Region led by Big Mike's Red Store in Navesink but I wouldn't count out the dark horses of Colts Neck in this region along with yet another (and perhaps the best) Gem's in the tournament, the Port Monmouth location.  

#1 Big Mike's Red Store v. #16 Newark Airport

When I wrote about the pork roll in Newark Airport I described it a bit like prison food so I'll really be shocked if this receives more than three votes.  However, since 15 souls voted for Wilson Ave Deli yesterday, I have no idea what to expect.  Big Mike's Red Store is a professional sandwich, no doubt about it, and I expect them to cruise to the Sweet Sixteen. Big Mike's -40.5

#8 Hole Lot of Bagels v. #9. Bagel Hut

Hole Lot of Bagels might be Middletown's favorite bagel shop.  The line is almost always to the door and you'll never go in there without running into someone you know.  Bagel Hut seems to be the equivalent of that for Aberdeen? A 35 vs 34 matchup that could be a toss-up.  Hole Lot -3.5

#5 The Bagel Store vs. #12 Colts Neck General Store

The battle of Colts Neck is here Colts Neck General Store has one of the coolest setups in Monmouth County (I love old general stores) but we can't count out the bagels from, yep, The Bagel Store. Bagel Store -1.5

#4 Grandma's Bagels v. #13 Bagel Bistro 

Two bagel places but only one of them actually make good bagels.  I'll let you be the judge. Grandma's Bagels -10.5.

#6 Taylor Sam's v. #11. Stroker's Deli 

Unfortunately, the Red Bank location of Taylor Sam's was rechristened "Brunch" but their PEC still exists in Brick.  Stroker's Deli is a pretty typical deli but with Bagelmasters across the street, it made it from a tough conference.  Taylor Sam's -2.5

#3 Joyce's vs. #14 QuikCheck

Local Lincroft favorite stacked against a chain convenience store.  This should be an easy win for Joyce's.  Joyce's -18.5

#7 D'Alessio's Bagel v. #10 Gem's Port Monmouth

Another Rt. 36 battle between two Bayshore bagel shops.  Gem's has had a very strong fan presence in the tournament and this is arguably their best location in the tournament so this could be an easy upset pick.  Gem's -7.5

#2 Frank's Deli v. #15 Holmdel Bagel Market 

Truth be told Holmdel Bagel Market had a pretty embarrassing regular-season showing, while Frank's Deli was featured in Anthony Bourdain's NJ episode of "Parts Unknown." Frank's -20.5