Week 4 South Jersey: Games to Watch
Another big week of high school football is set to kick off Friday night in the Garden State. By this time, everyone should have knocked off the rust and should expect these matchups to have you on the edge of…
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Continue ReadingAnother big week of high school football is set to kick off Friday night in the Garden State. By this time, everyone should have knocked off the rust and should expect these matchups to have you on the edge of your seat.
Let’s take a look at the games of the week.
No. 18 St. Joseph (Hamm.) (2-1) at No. 4 St. Augustine (2-1)
When: Friday at 6
These two powerhouse programs are the top of the crop in South Jersey. Both of these programs have a reputation for winning and consistently produces top-tier athletes. St. Joseph (Hamm.) enter this game feeling confident after defeating Cherokee by two touchdowns last week. You can say the same for St. Augustine as they defeated Williamstown 28-0. This is a perfect opportunity for St. Augustine to prove they are the real deal this season. I expect this match-up to be a dog fight from start to finish.
Ocean City (3-0) at Mainland (2-1)
When: Friday at 7 pm
The Red Raiders will take a trip to face the Mainland Mustangs. Ocean City will look to stay unbeaten this season as many thought they would have taken a step back this year. They have proven they can compete against any opponent in their way. Meanwhile, Mainland escaped a nail-biter last week capturing a victory over Hammonton 14-13. The Mustangs understand this will not be an easy task on Friday. With that being said, they must limit turnovers and take advantage of every opportunity. There is a lot at stake for both programs.
Clayton (1-1) at Wildwood (0-2)
When: Friday at 6
The Clayton Clippers will look to continue their win streak this week against Wildwood. Clayton Clippers were in a dog fight last week. They found a way to win after 3 overtimes. Senior Running Back Justin Pessoa (Clayton) led his team to victory with 3 touchdowns (2 rushing and 1 punt return). Also, Junior Linebacker Taylor Siciliano Taylor Siciliano 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Clayton | 2023 State NJ (Clayton) had a record-breaking day finishing with 30 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble. He was a force to be wrecking with and he looks to dominate on Friday. I expect Clayton to come out of top with ease as it would be difficult for Wildwood to put points on the board.
Kingsway (1-1) at Williamstown (1-1)
When: Friday at 7 pm
The Kingsway Dragons look to capture another win this week over Williamstown. They defeated Eastern last week 34-14 led by Junior Runningback Darrel Brown (Kingsway) who is a very versatile athlete for the Dragons. He is a threat on the ground as well his ability to line up at the slot. Oftentimes, it is a mismatch when he lines up at slot against a linebacker. Williamstown will need to limit Brown if they want a chance to come out with a victory. I expect Williamstown to play with more urgency after their blowout loss last week.
Nottingham (2-0) at West Windsor-Plainsboro South (0-3)
When: Friday at 7pm
Nottingham Northstars are off to a great start this season. The main reason is because of Senior Runningback Isaiah Barnes (Nottingham) who has scored a touchdown in every game thus far. His elusiveness and blazing speed makes him hard to bring down. Barnes scored a pair of touchdowns last week (rushing and punt return) and looks to continue where he left off. Expect Nottingham to come out victorious.