Looking at the South Jersey Football Season
With the South Jersey football season gearing up to start on Thursday and here are some of the things to look for:
Can defending state champions Winslow Township and Glassboro go undefeated once again?
The two combined for a 27-0 record last year, but Winslow Township opens with nationally ranked IMG Academy of Bradenton, Florida, and that might be the toughest opponent the Eagles face all season. If they get by IMG, there is still the difficult WJFL American Division schedule with the likes of St. Augustine, Millville and Cherokee. Glassboro’s toughest game might be its opener against a Haddonfield team that returns most of its key players.
What is the best division in South Jersey?
That would be the aforementioned WJFL American, with Winslow Township, St. Augustine, Millville, defending South Jersey Group 3 champion Mainland and Cherokee. Last year Winslow Township was a state champion, Mainland was a state finalist and Millville was a sectional champ that was eliminated by Winslow Township in the state Group 4 semifinal. Last year Mainland was 1-3 in the division and still ended up playing in a state championship game. All five teams not only made the playoffs last season, but won at least one postseason game.
Who are some players to look for in South Jersey?
St. Augustine defensive lineman Damari Simeon is an Ohio State commit. Teammate and fellow defensive lineman Nick Costa has committed to Northwestern. Winslow Township junior Jalen Parker was an All-South Jersey quarterback last year when he threw 43 touchdown passes. His top receiver Nyqir Helton, who has committed to Boston College, had 13 touchdown receptions. Glassboro receiver-defensive back Xavier Sabb, who had 12 touchdowns receptions, is considered among the best juniors in the country. His brother Amari Sabb, a senior receiver-defensive back, is among the state’s top players after recording 13 touchdown receptions. Yet another Glassboro player, defensive lineman Brandon Simmons, recorded 20 sacks last season. Winslow Township cornerback Julian Peterson is a Penn State commit. Burlington Township linebacker Gemaus Sackie, who had 25 tackles for loss last season, is a Syracuse commit. There are so many other top players and as usual in South Jersey.
What are some of the top games?
Winslow Township at St. Augustine, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m.
Not only will the WJFL American Division be on the line, but this game could be for the No. 1 team in South Jersey. Last year Winslow Township earned a 21-7 win over the Hermits.
Millville at Winslow Township, Sept. 27, 1 p.m.
What a schedule both teams play, but Winslow Township will have to face Millville the week after playing St. Augustine. Last year Winslow Township handled Millville, 35-7 in the regular season, but Millville stretched the Eagles to the limit in the state Group 4 semifinal before losing, 13-7.
Washington Township at Rancocas Valley, Oct. 10, 6 p.m.
Washington Township is the defending Central Jersey Group 5 champion and has much of its team returning. Rancocas Valley was a sectional finalist last year and could be again. Depending on the setup, this could be a sectional final preview between these two Group 5 powers.
West Deptford at Paulsboro, Oct. 18 TBA
These two Gloucester County rivals and Colonial Conference schools are considered among the favorites in the WJFL Patriot Division, although defending champ Camden Catholic won’t surrender its title without a fight. Last year Paulsboro overcame a 12-0 deficit to defeat West Deptford, 18-12 in overtime.
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Pitman at Clayton, Nov. 27, TBA This is expected to be the final time these two long-time Gloucester County rivals will be meeting on Thanksgiving. This is also the 100th meeting between the two. Clayton and Pitman will continue to meet, but just earlier in the season. Last year on a soggy Thanksgiving morning, Pitman beat Clayton 7-0 to clinch the WJFL Royal Division title. The champion Panthers finished 5-1 in the division, while Clayton was 4-2. The division title could again come down to this Thanksgiving meeting.
Photo: St. Augustine's DL Damari Simeon / Marc Narducci
Author: Marc Narducci
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