South Jersey High School Football Games of the Week
These are some of the top opening round NJSIAA games.
Central Jersey Group 1
(5) Audubon (3-4) at Paulsboro (4-4), Saturday, 11.
The two teams haven’t played each other since – last week, with Paulsboro winning 34-19. In that game, Audubon took a 10-0 lead only to see Paulsboro storm back. Audubon quarterback Scott Lynch has thrown 10 touchdown passes and he is among the top QBs in South Jersey. Paulsboro began the season with three losses, but under first-year coach Kevin Harvey, has won four of its last five and could be the team to watch in Group 1.
Central Jersey Group
(6) Mainland at (3) Mainland (7-1), Friday, 6
Moorestown got off to a great start, winning its first four games, but the Quakers have lost four of their last five and are coming off a 16-13 defeat to Cherry Hill West. The key will be whether Moorestown can stop Mainland’s potent ground game led by senior running back Ja’Briel Mace, who has committed to Villanova. Mace has rushed for 872 yards (9.2 avg.) and 20 touchdowns.
Winslow Township has gone through a series of key injuries, but the Eagles, who are the defending Central Division Group 4 champs, could be dangerous. Senior Jamil Peterson has rushed for 898 yards (6.9 avg.) and five touchdowns. Quarterback James Wilson Jr. a converted receiver, has thrown for 776 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 204 yards (4.3 avg.) and six touchdowns. Colts Neck saw its six-game win streak snapped with last week’s 14-0 loss to Marlboro.
South Jersey Group 4
(5) Ocean City (2-5) at (4) Shawnee (5-4), Friday, 6.
Ocean City has played one of the tougher schedules in South Jersey and that’s why the Red Raiders have a decent seed despite a 2-5 record. Senior Riley Gunnels is among the top quarterbacks in South Jersey, but the key will be how the offensive line will hold up against Shawnee’s defensive line. Like Ocean City, Shawnee has played a tough schedule. The Renegades enter the postseason with consecutive wins over Group 5 schools Washington Township and Williamstown
Central Jersey Group 5
(5) Atlantic City (6-1) at (4) Rancocas Valley (6-3), Friday, 6
Atlantic City is coming off a comeback 26-21 win over Oakcrest in a battle of playoff teams. Allen Packard scored the winning 20-yard touchdown run with one minute left in the game. The Vikings are dangerous either running or throwing the ball. Quarterback Joe Lyons threw for 211 yards and a touchdown in the win. Rancocas Valley has won three in a row after last week’s 46-42 win over Highland.
South Jersey Group 5
(5) Washington Township (5-4) at (4) Marlboro (5-3), Saturday, noon
Washington Township had a difficult early season schedule, but the Minutemen enter the postseason having won four of their last five games including a 45-0 victory over Clearview. Junior Giuliano Scavatta has rushed for 766 yards and five touchdowns on 79 carries. Marlboro enters the postseason with a two-game winning streak. This is Marlboro’s first playoff berth since 1999. Junior Matt Cassidy leads the way with 10 rushing touchdowns.
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Author: Marc Narducci
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