South Jersey Football Preview...
South Jersey Football Preview (Part II): Groups 2-1 & Non-Public Group 2 The most balanced section in South Jersey remains Group 1, where any of the four remaining teams can win it. Here's a look at Part II of our playoff preview of this week's semifinal games. We only include those that still have teams from the seven-county South Jersey area competing.
South Jersey Group 2
(4) Collingswood (7-2) at (1) West Deptford (9-0), Friday, 7 p.m.
Collingswood held on to a 24-22 opening win over Cinnaminson and now will meet West Deptford for the second time in three games. The Panthers lost to West Deptford, 28-14 on Nov. 4. West Deptford didn't break a sweat in an opening 60-7 win over No. 8 seed Delran. The key will be the running attacks since both teams rely almost exclusively on a ground game. (3) Willingboro (7-3) at (2) Cedar Creek (9-1), Saturday, 1. Willingboro has won seven of its last eight, with the only loss a 27-20 loss to Collingswood. The Chimeras beat a Haddonfield team, 18-9 in the first round that many thought could be a Group 2 darkhorse. Cedar Creek has won six in a row since its 31-12 loss to Camden. The defending South Jersey Group 2 champions eased past Middle Township, 36-12 in the first round.
South Jersey Group 1
(4) Salem (7-2) at Woodbury, (7-2), Saturday, 1 p.m.
Salem has won six in a row and is very dangerous. Senior running back Jonathan Taylor, who has committed to Wisconsin, has rushed for 2,012 yards and scored 27 touchdowns. He had three scores in the Rams 50-8 first round win over Haddon Heights. Woodbury earned a 20-8 first round win over Penns Grove, the second win in three games over the Red Devils. Woodbury's lost a 28-16 decision at Salem on Oct. 1 and has won five in a row since. (3) Pennsville (7-2) at (2) Paulsboro (8-1), Saturday, 1. Paulsboro has serious momentum, having won eight in a row since an opening 14-13 loss to Woodbury. The Red Raiders defeated Schalick, 49-6 in the first round. Junior running back Dehron Holloway has run for 927 yards (7.1 avg.) and 14 TDs for the Red Raiders. He rushed for 140 yards and two TDs on 19 carries in the win over Schalick. Pennsville is the defending sectional champion. The Eagles are guided by steady senior quarterback P.J. Halter, who has thrown for 1,250 ayrds and 10 TDs and rushed for 393 yards (6.8 avg.) and 10 TDs.
Non-Public Group 2
(8) Immaculata (6-4) at (4) Holy Spirit (7-2), Friday,7 p.m.
Immaculata upset top-seeded Hudson Catholic, 21-14 and has now won three in a row. Holy Spirit breezed past Montclair Kimberly, 42-6 in the first round. The Spartans have been helped by playing a difficult schedule. The losses came against Camden Catholic and St. Augustine, teams with a combined 17-2 record. That should help the Spartans in this semifinal. (3) St. Joseph (7-3) at Mater Dei (10-0), Saturday, 1. Both teams enjoyed first-round routs. St. Joseph earned a 48-0 win over Holy Cross and the margin of victory was surprising since the Lancers had won four in a row. St. Joseph has won seven straight state titles and this will be one of the Wildcats' biggest challenges. St. Joseph junior Qwahsin Townsel has rushed for 1,055 yards (5.4 avg.) and 15 TDs. Mater Dei opened with a 51-8 playoff win over St. Anthony. The Seraphs have won every game by 22 or more points. This one could is expected to be their first close game.
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