An Anticipated Event
The West Jersey Football League Coaches Association (WJFLCA) have come up with an annual tradition that provides the South Jersey football season a major boost in its opening week.
It is the Battle at the Beach, a three-day event consisting of 10 games which this year will take place at two different venues from Aug. 28-30.
This is the fifth annual Battle at the Beach and over the years there have been different locations.
This season the first day will be staged at Carey Stadium in Ocean City on Aug. 28. A new venue has emerged, with Rowan University hosting the final two days at Richard Wackar Stadium.
For those interested, here are the ticket information links: Day 1 (Carey Stadium); Day 2 (Rowan); Day 3 (Rowan)
Last week the WJFLCA announced this year’s schedule.
Thursday, Aug. 28 at Carey Stadium, Ocean City High School
10 a.m.-Holy Spirit vs. Northern Highlands
1 p.m.-Ocean City vs. Oakcrest
4 p.m.-Bergen Catholic vs. East St. Louis (Illinois)
7 p.m.-Winslow Township vs IMG Academy (Florida)
Friday, Aug. 29 at Richard Wackar Stadium (Rowan University)
9 a.m.-West Deptford vs. KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy
Noon-Washington Township vs. Hillsborough
7:30 p.m.-Millville vs. Rancocas Valley
Saturday, Aug. 30 at Richard Wackar Stadium (Rowan University)
Noon-Delran vs. Bridgeton
3 p.m.-Cedar Creek vs. Old Bridge
6 p.m.-Glassboro vs. Haddonfield
A few thoughts on the event
This is mainly a New Jersey event, with South Jersey teams taking up the majority of the slots. In this year’s event, 18 of the 20 teams are from New Jesey, with 14 coming from the seven-county South Jersey area.
During the last few years, the organizers have tried to bring in nationally ranked opponents. Two years ago, IMG Academy played St. Joseph’s Prep in a game that was televised on ESPN.
This year East St. Louis, Illinois will play Bergen Catholic.
Last season Bergen Catholic (11-1) finished as New Jersey’s No. 1 ranked team for the fourth straight season via NJ.com. The Crusaders were ranked No. 19 in the final Max Preps National Poll. East St. Louis (13-1) was ranked No. 27.
The other nationally ranked team will be Florida’s IMG Academy, which will be making its third straight appearance. This year’s opponent will be defending state Group 4 champion Winslow Township (14-0).
IMG Academy (7-2) was ranked No. 17 in the final Max Prep poll, while Winslow Township wasn’t in the Top 100 ranking.
That should give the Eagles some extra incentive. Winslow Township will be led by rising junior quarterback Jalen Parker, who threw for 2,916 yards and 43 touchdowns last season.
One of the more interesting matchups is the final one of the weekend, when defending state Group 1 champion Glassboro (13-0) takes on Haddonfield (7-4).
Closer to the tournament we will preview the games, but don’t just look at the records when judging this game. Haddonfield will return an experienced group from a Central Jersey Group 4 semifinals team.
Glassboro has one of the top rising juniors in the country in receiver-defensive back Xavier Sabb, who caught 48 passes for 843 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Photo: Hammonton playing St. John Vianney in the Battle at the Beach in Ocean City 2023 / Marc Narducci
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Author: Marc Narducci
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