Four years later, St. Augustine has bigger goals.

That's not to minimize St. Augustine's 31-16 football victory over St. Josephlast night in a spirited clash of Cape-Atlantic League National Division rivals.

But it does underscore the development of the Hermits' program as well as the change that was in the cool, damp air on St. Augustine's campus in Richland, Atlantic County.

The Hermits are a Non-Public 4 power now. They are 6-0 and ranked fourth in South Jersey by The Inquirer. They see themselves as a school - and athletic program - with a reach that extends beyond the Cape-Atlantic region.

Again, that's not to downplay the competition for the Hermits in the Cape-Atlantic. This was a tough, physical game, and St. Augustine needed a monster performance by senior running back Laws (24 carries, 201 yards, two touchdowns) to hold off tenacious if mistake-prone St. Joseph.

But things are changing. Last night probably marked the last time St. Augustine will play St. Joseph for the foreseeable future.

"It hasn't changed that much," said Thomas, a senior quarterback who tied the South Jersey record for career touchdown passes with his 64th on a 13-yard strike to Gabe Voumard in the third quarter. "But it's good to be on top. We're not hunting anymore. Now we're the hunted."

In part because of St. Augustine's improvement in football - as well as St. Joseph's and Holy Spirit's continued excellence - the Cape-Atlantic League will realign for football, starting in September.

The new, three-division format hasn't been announced yet, but it's a good bet that St. Augustine will be matched up with Group 4 programs such as Egg Harbor Township, Absegami, Atlantic City, Vineland and Millville.

St. Joseph likely will be in the smallest of the three divisions with Bridgeton, Buena, Pleasantville and other Group 2 programs.

Goodbye, rivalry.

"We've come a long way," said St. Augustine coach Dennis Scuderi, who took over the program before this senior class' freshman year. "It's a tribute to our kids. They work so hard. They practice so hard. They really are committed to win."

St. Augustine played power football to beat St. Joseph for the second year in a row. Thomas attempted nine passes, completing five for 83 yards.

Laws might have played the best game of his career. He ran downhill all night, thanks to some great work by the Hermits offensive line.

"Senior night, St. Joe's - it doesn't get much better than that," Laws said.

Turnovers and penalties hurt St. Joseph (4-2). The Wildcats committed an uncharacteristic 14 penalties for 110 yards - including three for 45 yards on one play in the first half. They also committed three turnovers.

These two programs still will compete in trying to attract football players. Both programs understand the need to be visible and attractive to seventh and eighth graders - and their parents - who are considering a private school for its educational as well as athletic opportunities.

St. Augustine's sideline was packed with youth-league football players in their jerseys. For the longest time, St. Joseph owned this series. Last season, St. Augustine won for the first time since 1995. Last night, the Hermits controlled play and won going away. In more ways than one.

St. Joseph 0 2 7 7 - 16

St. Augustine 7 7 7 10 - 31

SA: Laws 6 run (Gough kick)

SJ: Safety (ball snapped out of end zone)

SA: Thomas 1 run (Gough kick)

SJ: Clark 1 run (Bockerie kick)

SA: Voumard 13 pass from Thomas (Gough kick)

SA: Gough FG 30

SJ: Clark 1 run (Bockerie kick)

SA: Laws 1 run (Gough kick)