That's the way Rancocas Valley's boys' soccer team plays, with a lot of give-and-gos and plenty of goals as a result.

The Red Devils were at their fastbreaking best during yesterday's 4-2 win over visiting Delran in a Burlington County Liberty Division matchup between The Inquirer's top-ranked teams.

Very few teams can play the style employed by No. 1 Rancocas Valley, because a team needs speed, great ball control, and impeccable vision.

It's one thing to be fast, and another to be explosive while keeping the ball right by your feet.

That's Rancocas Valley's game, which works regardless of the weather conditions. Yesterday, both teams played against a strong crosswind.

For Rancocas Valley, it all starts up top with seniors Alec Golini and Manny Payton.

Both earned honors last year at different positions. Payton was an Inquirer first-team all-South Jersey defender as a sweeper. Golini, who has committed to Lafayette, was a second-team midfielder.

What makes them such a nuisance to opposing defenses is that they can turn on the jets quickly and almost always keep control of the ball.

"I think what separates them from any forward in South Jersey is their first three to five steps with the ball; they can accelerate so quickly," said Rancocas Valley coach Damon Petras, whose team is 6-1 overall and 5-0 in the Liberty.

While Delran coach Mike Otto realized that stopping the duo was the key, that didn't happen. Payton had two second-half goals to break a 2-2 halftime logjam. He also set up the first goal after being taken down inside the 18. Golini converted the penalty kick and had the assist on Payton's second goal.

"They are so fast and highly skilled, and that is a lethal combination to try to defend," said Otto, whose team is 5-1 and 4-1.

Payton, who played up top as a sophomore only to move to defense last year, said it doesn't matter where he plays. The Red Devils believed they needed offensive punch, so he was more than willing to help out.

"Alec and I have great chemistry and know each other well, and that really helps," he said.

So does the fact that both are difficult to catch when they get a step on a defender.

Delran, which plays a physical brand of soccer, is more technical this year.

Leading the way is senior Dominic Nocito, one of the true clutch scorers in South Jersey. He had both goals yesterday.

Despite Delran's skill, the Bears weren't able to keep up with the pace set by the Red Devils. It wasn't only Golini and Payton.

Midfielder Bobby Spracklin, who scored the Red Devils' second goal when he banged in his own rebound, is among the top juniors in South Jersey. He is almost unselfish to a fault.

Like Payton and Golini, Spracklin has a great touch. Luca May and Huthman King are fine distributors and are skilled enough to play the fastbreaking style.

It was entertaining soccer, and the teams will meet again next Wednesday at Delran.

That's a fast turnaround, but then again, nothing appears slow with Rancocas Valley.

Delran 2 0 - 2

Rancocas Valley 2 2 - 4

Goals: D: Dominic Nocito 2, R-Alec Golini, Bobby Spracklin, Manny Payton 2. Saves: D-Brad Schmidt 12, R-Jacob Kapulskey 5.