South Jersey Final- Round Playoffs: Games to Watch

Get your popcorn ready as we set the stage for the most exciting games we’ve all been waiting for. These teams have worked so hard to get to this point. That being said, take a look at the most exciting games you do not want to miss. GROUP 1 (9-1) Salem at (9-1) Paulsboro When: 11am, Saturday These teams will meet again for the second time this season. In the previous matchup, Paulsboro sealed the victory 25-17. The last time Salem has beaten Paulsboro came in 1922. Salem features a loaded roster such as Jr QB [player_tooltip player_id="183497" first="Jahki" last="Coates"] (Salem) standing at 6’1" 230. Coates is a dual- threat who has several FBS offers. He currently has 1,267 yards passing and 13 TDs. On the ground, he ran for 453 yards and 12 TDs. Defensively, Sr DB Jessiah Gildersleeve (Salem) is a key contributor. He has 4 INTs, 2 FF, 3 sacks and 88 tackles. In regards to Paulsboro, they are led by Sr RB Ameer Bateman (Paulsboro) who is a hard nosed runner. Paulsboro will look to lean on Bateman to deliver yet again. Overall, the turnover battle will be the difference maker in this matchup. Both teams have no problem putting up points. The team that makes the fewest mistakes will come out on top. GROUP 1 (8-2) Woodstown at (10-0) Woodbury When: 10:30am, Saturday Two small schools will face off in the Group 1 final. This is Woodbury’s 10th championship game and Woodstown’s last appearance was in 2013. Woodbury will look to close out their season on a high note and remain undefeated. They have a high powered offense led by four- year starter Sr RB Teddy Lockhart (Woodbury) who is their go-to back when tough yardage is needed. Despite missing two games, Lockhart has rushed for 1,247, 18 touchdowns on 122 carries this season. There is no secret that Lockhart is the center of their offense but it is tough to stop him. Defensively, Jr LB [player_tooltip player_id="183495" first="Derron" last="Moore"] (Woodbury) is their leader. He has 52 tackles, 7 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries. On the other hand, Woodstown features a talented So RB [player_tooltip player_id="220066" first="James" last="Hill"] (Woodstown) who has rushed for 100 yards in seven games this season and scored twice in each of his last three games. Woodstown has massive offensive and defensive linemen. Therefore, this game will be won or loss in the trenches. GROUP 3 (11-0) Delsea at (11-0) Cedar Creek When: 12pm, Saturday This is the only matchup in the state where two undefeated teams will face off. These two teams are arguably the best in South Jersey. Meanwhile, Delsea has scored over 40 points in every game this season. On the other hand , Cedar Creek has the best defense in the state. Delsea does not throw the ball often so they will rely on their rushing attack led by Sr RB Luke Maxwell (Delsea) who has stepped up big this season. Maxwell has made the most of his opportunity rushing for 1,182 yards and 15 TDs. Running the football is Delsea’s reputation behind a very stout offensive line. In regards to Cedar Creek, they are well balanced team. They have a lot of offensive firepower led by Cincinnati commit Sr WR [player_tooltip player_id="27993" first="JoJo" last="Bermudez"] (Cedar Creek). Bermudez has 66 receptions for 1,273 yards 11 TDs and scored on a punt return as well. Cedar Creek also has a downhill rushing attack led by Sr RB Ja’Quan Howard (Cedar Creek) who has 19 touchdowns and 1,399 yards. Cedar Creek has proven they can beat teams from all angles. This will be a very interesting matchup. GROUP 4 (11-0) Ocean City at (9-1) Millville When: 6pm, Friday Ocean City will put their undefeated record on the line against top seeded Millville. Millville is the state’s top public school team and has won 5 in a row. They are currently averaging over 40 points a game led by Syracuse commit Sr RB [player_tooltip player_id="27978" first="LeQuint" last="Allen"] (Millville). Allen is a dominate player who has rushed for 1,508 yards and 17 TDs this season. Also, excels as a pass catcher collecting 16 catches for 217 yards and four scores. Millville has a veteran signal caller under center Sr QB [player_tooltip player_id="190993" first="Nate" last="Robbins"] (Millville) that does a great job managing games and distributing the ball to his playmakers. In regards to Ocean City, their rushing attack is their formula to winning games. Sr RB Sean Mazzitelli (Ocean City) is their leading rusher with 950 yards with 11 TDS on 158 carries. There is no doubt that these teams can light up the scoreboard. This game will come down to who can make the fewest mistakes. GROUP 4 Shawnee (7-3) at Winslow (9-2) When: 7pm, Saturday Shawnee will make their third straight finals appearance while Winslow will be making their first championship appearance. Shawnee has a high powered offense led by Sr QB Matt Wesley (Shawnee) who holds the record for all-time passing leader with (5,841). On the other hand, Winslow is led by Sr QB [player_tooltip player_id="207093" first="Hamas" last="Duren"] (Winslow) who has emerged as one of the top passers in the state. Duren has 2,309 and 34 TDs and has thrown for multiple touchdown passes in every game this season. Defensively, Sr LB Emeril Mitchell (Winslow) who is the leader on defense. He is constantly around the ball and will look to keep Wesley in check. This quarterback dual should be interesting to watch. Expect this game to have a lot of scoring back and forth.