South Jersey Football Game of the Week: Williamstown at Shawnee

by Marc Narducci | Oct 22, 2019
South Jersey Football Game of the Week: Williamstown at Shawnee
Williamstown (7-0, 3-0 WJFL American) at Shawnee (6-1, 3-0), Friday, 7 pm.
 
Background: This is for first place in the American Division. Williamstown is the defending division champion. This is also a game between defending South Jersey champions. Williamstown captured South Jersey Group 5 while Shawnee was the SJ Group 4 winner.
 
The winner of this game would clinch at least a tie for the American Division title. Williamstown has one more American Division game left, against surging St. Augustine, which has won three in a row.
 
Shawnee will have one more American Division game left, Thanksgiving against Lenape (5-1, 1-1). Lenape is still in the running for a share of the title.
 
Last year Williamstown won convincingly over Shawnee, beating the Renegades, 48-14.
 
Coaches: Williamstown, Frank Fucetola (177-98 overall; 158-86 at Williamstown, 19-12 at St. Augustine); Shawnee, Tim Gushue (258-120-6).
 
This season:
WILLIAMSTOWN
September 6 Vineland, 28-7
September 13 Rancocas Valley, 40-0
September 20 at Millville, 37-0
September 27 Lenape, 28-21
October 4 Atlantic City, 41-0
October 11 at Cherokee, 24-7
October 18 Washington Township, 33-0
 
SHAWNEE
September 6 at Rancocas Valley, 45-7
September 13 at Cherokee, 17-6
September 20 Hammonton, 31-8
September 27 St. Augustine, 14-7 OT
October 4 at Moorestown, 45-0
October 11 Woodrow Wilson, 0-48
October 18 at Union City, 35-17
 
Up next: Williamstown St. Augustine, Friday, Nov. 1 at 6. Shawnee is idle next week and will await the announcement of its playoff opponent the following week.
 
Outlook: Shawnee rebounded from the stunning 48-0 loss to Woodrow Wilson by winning at Union City, 35-17. Union City is a quality North Jersey Group 5 program. This year the Soaring Eagles are just 3-4, but have played a quality schedule.
 
It wasn’t surprising that Shawnee lost to Wilson, but the margin of victory surely was. That is why it was important for the Renegades to bounce back.
 
Sophomore quarterback Matt Welsey continues to play well for the Renegades. He was inserted as the starter about halfway through his freshman year and Shawnee took off. This season he has completed 71 of 112 passes for 929 yards and five touchdowns. He also has four rushing touchdowns.
 
Jake Barnett has rushed for 340 yards and nine touchdowns on 85 carries. Nate Summerville has 22 receptions for 393 yards and two touchdowns. Linebackers Matt Papa and Dalton Short have 83 and 65 tackles respectively to lead the defense.
 
Williamstown junior quarterback Doug Brown has thrown for 927 yards and 13 TDs. He has only attempted 81 passes but is obviously making the most of his throws.
 
Senior Aaron Lewis (6-6, 235) has been a force on both sides of the ball. Lewis has committed to Michigan and he has great quickness and strength as a pass rusher. Despite being double and triple teamed he has recorded six sacks.
 
Williamstown is no doubt the favorite, but Shawnee should enter with confidence after last week’s performance.

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Author: Marc Narducci

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