The state tournaments for soccer and field hockey are getting down to the final stages, and three Jersey Sports Now-area teams remain in contention.  Is a state title in anyone's future?  We take a look at the breakdown for each squad.

Boys' soccer -- Kinnelon:

Kinnelon has cruised through its first two state games by identical 4-0 scores.  Now comes a tougher test:  Wallington in the sectional final on Thursday.

One newspaper ranks Wallington slightly ahead of the Colts, while Kinnelon does have the advantage of playing at home.  All signs point to a hard-fought battle, but we give Kinnelon the edge as the Colts have been a red-hot team since a slow start to the soccer season.

If Kinnelon does win the section, it would face its biggest obstacle to a state title in the next game.  The opponent in the state Group I semifinal would be either Harrison, ranked in the state's soccer Top 20, or New Providence, which is very close to being a Top 20 team.  However, the Colts have already beaten a couple of ranked squads this season, so anyone who dismisses their chances could be quite surprised.

Girls' soccer -- Lakeland:

What an amazing season it has already been for the Lancers.  Undefeated league and county girls' soccer champions, and now getting ready to host a sectional final Friday against Ramapo.

This game will probably be the stiffest test this season for Lakeland.  Both teams are ranked in the state's Top 20, and Ramapo showed its quality when it whipped a solid Wayne Valley team 8-0 earlier in the states.  Expect a close, low-scoring contest, since Lakeland doesn't play any other kinds of soccer games.

If the Lancers win, they certainly have to be given a solid chance to go all the way in Group III.  There appears to be no unstoppable juggernaut in the group, and a couple of the early favorites for the state title are already out.

Field hockey -- Pompton Lakes:

Because of the accelerated schedule of the field hockey playoffs, Pompton Lakes has already claimed its sectional title.  It's the Cardinals' first such crown since 1999, a tremendous accomplishment for this team.

Unfortunately, for the Cardinals to add a state title to their trophy case, they'll have to go through the number-one team in New Jersey.  Pompton Lakes plays Oak Knoll in the Group I state semifinals Thursday (the game will be at a neutral site, West Essex High School).  The Summit-based private school has won the last two group titles and is the strong favorite to do so again.

If Pompton Lakes can shock the field hockey world and beat Oak Knoll, they'd have to be considered the favorite in the New Jersey Group I final, scheduled for Sunday in Toms River. -- Paul Mencher for Jersey Sports Now