South Jersey Playoffs Final- Round: Recap

The final round in the Garden State was magical as many players and teams cemented their legacy into the record books. The winner will advance to the state title that will take place at Rutgers University on Dec.4-5. That being said, take a look at the scores from the final round of the playoffs. <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>GROUP 1 </strong></span> <span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Salem 13 at Paulsboro 12</strong></span> Salem has captured the Group 1 sectional title for the first time in 39 years. Salem has won six straight and did a great job containing <em>Sr RB Ameer Bateman (Paulsboro). </em>The ground game for Salem helped them stay in the game. <em>Sr RB Jessiah Gildersleeve (Salem)</em> had a impressive performance, carrying the ball 26 times for 107 yards and a score. This was a ground and pound type of game. <em>J</em>r QB [player_tooltip player_id="183497" first="Jahki" last="Coates"] (Salem) only had 2 pass attempts but he had great day on the ground. Coates had 23 carries for 123 yards. On the other hand, Paulsboro had trouble generating offense through Bateman. Therefore, Paulsboro were forced to rely on their passing attack led by backup <em>JR QB Rocco Pellegrini (Paulsboro). </em>Pellegrini went 11- 18 , 235 yards 1 TD and 1 INT under center. The difference between this game was a field goal as Paulsboro missed the game winning field goal as time expired. Salem will advance to the Group 1 state title to take on Woodbury. <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>GROUP 1 </strong></span> <span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Woodstown 6 at Woodbury 8</strong></span> Woodbury wins a tight defensive battle to advance to the Group 1 state title. <em>SR RB Teddy Lockhart (Woodbury</em>) did enough to help his team come away with the win. Lockhart had 17 carries for 57 yards and a score. Woodbury played well in all phases of the game. Defensively, <em>Jr LB [player_tooltip player_id="183495" first="Derron" last="Moore"] (Woodbury)</em> had an interception and returned it to Woodstown’s 2 yard line to set up good field position. Woodbury was able to capitalize with a touchdown from Lockhart. This is Woodbury’s first title since 2009. They will remain undefeated and advance to the Group 1 state title to take on Salem. <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>GROUP 3 </strong></span> <span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Delsea 13 at Cedar Creek 30</strong></span> Cedar Creek’s cruises past Delsea led by their high powered offense. <em>Sr WR [player_tooltip player_id="27993" first="JoJo" last="Bermudez"] (Cedar Creek)</em> and <em>SR QB [player_tooltip player_id="203252" first="JC" last="Landicini"] (Cedar Creek)</em> were nearly unstoppable. Bermudez caught 12 passes for 235 yards and two scores. Bermudez has it all, he runs great routes and very explosive after the catch. QB Landicini did a great job keeping his eyes downfield to find his open targets and made smart decisions with the football. Landicini was 21 of 26 for 349 and two passes. Cedar Creek capitalized on every mistake Delsea made and never looked back. Their defense played well limiting Delsea’s rushing attack. Cedar Creek will remain undefeated and will play Woodrow Wilson in the Group 3 state title. <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>GROUP 4 </strong></span> <span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Shawnee 22 at Winslow Township 34</strong></span> Winslow takes down Shawnee. <em>Sr RB Trey Thorpe (Winslow) </em>had an electrifying performance and carried the team on his back yet again. Thorpe had 27 carries for 179 yards and 4 TDs. Thorpe was the difference maker on chilly Friday night. Also, <em>Sr QB Humas Duren (Winslow)</em> played well as he holds the single season passing record. Duren went 14 of 23 for 213 yards and 1 TD. Winslow did a great job mixing up their plays and keeping Shawnee honest. Winslow will advance to the Group 4 state title to take on top ranked Millville. <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>GROUP 4 </strong></span> <span style="font-size: 24pt;"><strong>Ocean City 3 at Millville 40</strong></span> Millville rolls passed Ocean City in a ground and pound game plan. Millville was the better team all around displaying more speed and athletic ability. <em>Sr RB [player_tooltip player_id="27978" first="LeQuint" last="Allen"] (Millville)</em> was everywhere on the field. Allen rushed for 136 yards on 27 carries and 2 TDs as well as 2 for 2 and 48 yards passing. Allen also made some key stops on defense and showed why he is the best player on the field. Meanwhile, Ocean City suffered their first loss of the season and could not get anything going offensively. Millville will advance to the Group 4 state title game to take on Winslow.