South Jersey Football Preview Part I
The playoff cutoff is the first weekend in November so many of the games have greater meaning. Here is Part I of our South Jersey football Preview for Week 7 in the South Jersey season
Haddonfield (5-0) at West Deptford (5-0), Friday, 7. This has become one of the top rivalries in South Jersey. These games are usually tight, but last year West Deptford won 48-14. Haddonfield can match its win total of last year with a victory. Meanwhile, West Deptford keeps winning. The defending South Jersey Group 2 and Colonial Liberty champs have won 17 in a row. West Deptford junior Ken Lim has rushed for 714 yards (10.1 avg.) and 7 TDs. The Eagles don’t pass much but senior Pete Orio has been efficient. He has completed 27 of 41 for 418 yards, three TDs and no interceptions. Haddonfield QB Jay Foley has thrown for six TDs and run for two. Nick Patrizi has rushed for 442 yards and six TDs on 71 carries. A key for West Deptford is moving the ball against a Haddonfield defense that is allowing 6.8 points per game.
Vineland (5-0) at Atlantic City (3-2), Friday, 6. Vineland has yet to be challenged this year, with its closest game a 27-8 victory over Bridgeton in the Clan’s opening game. Atlantic City had a three-game winning streak snapped with last week’s 14-6 loss at Williamstown. Despite the records, Atlantic City is just five power rating points behind Vineland in the South Jersey Group 5 playoff race according to Gridironnj.com. That is because Vineland hasn’t played the heart of its schedule yet. The Clan’s opponents have a 2-24 record.
Bordentown (3-2) at Willingboro (4-2), Friday, 7. Willingboro has won four in a row following Saturday’s 23-16 win over previously unbeaten Woodrow Wilson. In that game, Willingboro jumped to a 16-0 lead, saw Wilson tie the score before the Chimeras won it on Nasir Murray’s interception return for a TD in the fourth quarter. Willingboro will have to guard against a letdown after such an emotional win. Bordentown is coming off a 45-28 win over Palmyra. The Scotties are still in the running for a Central Jersey Group 2 playoff spot and an upset win over Willingboro, would enhance their chances.
Moorestown (5-1) at Bishop Eustace (3-2), Friday, 7. The host Crusaders are coming off a 21-14 OT win over Holy Cross and have already exceeded their win total from last year. Moorestown can exceed last year’s total with a win. The Quakers are coming off a 28-7 win over Hightstown. Eustace senior Andrew Ciampi, who scored the game-winning TD against Holy Cross, has rushed for 286 yards (4.3 avg.) and three TDs. Senior Steve Schoenborn, who clinched the win over Holy Cross with an OT interception, is leading Eustace in tackles, averaging 8.2 per game. It was his second interception, which leads the team.
Delsea (3-3) at Eastern (5-1), Friday, 7. Delsea is 4-2 on the field, but had a win forfeited due to an ineligible player. Eastern is among the most improved teams in South Jersey. The Vikings were just 4-6 last season and new coach John Doherty has turned things around. Delsea has earned five straight trips to the SJ Group 3 final, winning four and losing last year to Wall, 20-7. The Crusaders next week face Woodrow Wilson (4-1), their last game before the playoff cutoff. If Delsea goes 1-1 the next two weeks, that could be enough to ensure a playoff spot.
Florence (2-3) at Maple Shade (1-5), Friday, 7. This game has potential historical significance as Florence coach Joe Frappolli, is aiming for his 300th career win. Frappolli, who became Florence’s head coach in 1974, is 299-139-5 with the Flashes. The only South Jersey coach with 300 wins is Paul Sacco of St. Joseph. Florence is looking to bounce back from a 52-0 loss to Penn Grove, which has one of South Jersey’s most dangerous offenses.
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Author: Marc Narducci
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