Washington Township Football Picks Up Where It Left Off Last Season

by Marc Narducci | Oct 7, 2026

One of the most interesting teams in South Jersey football is Washington Township. The Minutemen went 14-0 last year and won the school’s first state championship, earning the Group 5 crown.

(Last year was only the fourth season that the NJSIAA held state championship for public schools).

While last year’s result was not surprising, Washington Township graduated 28 seniors from that team. Even though this wasn’t expected to be a total rebuilding season, it was really difficult to predict how well the Minutemen would fare.

In August, celebrated quarterback Jalen Parker transferred from Winslow Township to Washington Township for his senior year.

Parker, who has thrown a state record 113 career touchdown passes, helped guide Winslow Township to the past two state Group 4 championships.

His start at Washington Township was delayed. Parker missed the first four games this season due to NJSIAA transfer rules and also because he had to get his academics in order.

Township was 4-0 in his absence and has won the last two games in which he has started.

The Minutemen have 20-game win streak, which is the current longest in the state.

They have earned wins over Millville and Atlantic City, both consensus Top 10 teams in South Jersey. Both wins came without Parker.

What has happened for Mike Schatzman’s team is that several players who weren’t starters a year ago, have received valuable experience and the team continues to improve.

In his two games, which were wins over Kingsway and Cherry Hill East, Parker has completed 25-of-38 passes for 398 yards, six touchdowns and just one interception.

Parker has also rushed for 151 yards on 15 carries.

Senior receiver Isaac Parra, who had eight receptions last year, has been the big target this season. He has 26 receptions for 377 yards and seven touchdowns to lead the team in all three categories. Six of the TD receptions came the past two weeks with Parker at quarterback.

The running game, a staple of Washington Township over the past several seasons, has been balanced but effective. Three players have rushed for 200 or more yards.

Junior Cody Halicks has rushed for 257 yards (4.8 avg.) and three touchdowns. Senior Drew Dorsey has rushed for 224 yards (4.9 avg.) and four TDs. Junior Elijah Cole has gained 215 yards (5.6 avg.) while scoring three rushing TDs.

Senior lineman Gabe Palaganas, a fourth-year varsity performer, has been among the defensive leaders. Palaganas, who entered the season with 20.5 career sacks, has added four this season, among his 11 tackles for loss.

Can Township run the table again?

Anything’s possible, but it will be extremely difficult.

After facing Cherokee this week, the Minutemen close their regular season with two of their toughest games – home against Winslow Township and at St. Augustine. Those are both West Jersey Football League American Division games, in what is no doubt the toughest division in South Jersey.

Regardless of how Washington Township fares in its final two regular season games, the Minutemen are expected to be a factor in the postseason. The Minutemen began the week No. 1 in South Jersey Group 5 in power points. Right behind is Rancocas Valley and if those two meet in the postseason, it should be quite a battle.

Township has not had to endure a painful rebuilding year after all the losses to graduation and that is why nobody will relish meeting the Minutemen in the postseason.

Washington Township's No. 1 Isaac Parr / Marc Narducci

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Author: Marc Narducci

Washington Township Football Picks Up Where It Left Off Last Season

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