Football: New Top 25

By Phil Anastasia

Inquirer Staff Writer

Here's the new Top 25 rankings of South Jersey football teams:

1. Timber Creek (1) 2-0

Senior Shane Pease carried 10 times for 51 yards and a touchdown in an 18-7 victory over No. 7 Cherokee on Friday. The Chargers' defense held its ground while the offense struggled a bit with penalties and some inconsistency. Sophomore QB Devin leary showed a big-time arm. TC's offense likely will get better and better over the course of the season. Big test Friday night in Franklinville. Next: At No. 5 Delsea (2-0) Friday at 7.

2. St. Augustine (2) 2-0

The Hermits have won 10 CAL games in a row. When St. Joe put 68 on the board Friday against Absegam, it underscored just how impressive that 33-14 victory over the Wildcats was for the Hermits on opening night. Next: At Atlantic City (0-2) Friday at 7.

3. Williamstown (3) 2-0

The Braves lived a little dangerously on Friday night, rallying late for a 14-7 overtime win over rival Kingsway. Senior QB Rich Stanzione led the way with two TDs, including the game winner in OT. This team is 10-2 since losing the 2014 opener to Shawnee. The Braves are tentatively scheduled to play CHE on Saturday at 11. If the game is postponed because of traffic concerns related to Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia -- and that decision might not be made until Friday -- the game likely would move to next Monday at 3. Next: At Cherry Hill East (2-0) Saturday at 11.

4. St. Joseph (4) 1-1

David Banner/The Incredible Hulk: "Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry." I kept hearing that quote when I saw St. Joe had put 40 on the board in the first half and finished with 68 Friday against Absegami. Senior RB A'Laam Horne carried 20 times for 203 and 4 TDs. Next: Home vs. Millville (1-1) Satursday at noon.

5. Delsea (5) 2-0

The Crusaders are 10-1 since opening the 2014 season with an 0-3 record. Friday's 25-19 victory over Camden could have been a preview of the SJ 3 title game at Rowan. Great work from junior back Rashaad Williams in the game-winning drive. Next: Home vs. No. 1 Timber Creek (2-0) Friday at 7.

6. Camden (6) 2-0

Before Friday's loss to Delsea, the Panthers had not dropped a regular-season game since Week 7 of 2012 against Kingsway. The close, physical game against a top opponent on the road should help this team moving forward. Next: Home vs. Cumberland (0-2) Thursday at 6.

7. Cherokee (7) 1-1

The Chiefs are 25-5 in their last 30. Cherokee played sturdy defense in Friday's 18-7 loss to No. 1 Timber Creek. But they were hurt by a special-teams breakdown on a punt return for TD and a late fumble by the offense that set up TC at the Chiefs' 8-yard line. Still, it was a low-scoring, one-score game in the fourth quarter and that was right where Cherokee wanted to be. Next: Home vs. Eastern (0-2) Friday at 7.

8. West Deptford (8) 2-0

Counting Friday's 61-6 win over Lindenwold, the Eagles have scored 49 or more points 22 times since 2010. That's a lot. Next: Vs. Haddon Heights (0-2) at Sterling Friday at 7.

9. Camden Catholic (9) 2-0

Junior Nazir Streater has five TDs for the Irish. CC has scored 32 or more points in 11 of 12 games since the start of the 2014 season. Next: Home vs. Woodrow Wilson (1-1) Thursday at 7.

10. Hammonton (10) 2-0

Friday's 24-8 win over Washington Twp. was special for new coach Jim Raso. It was the first home win for the Hammonton graduate and former standout player for Pete Lancetta. Next: Home vs. Pennsauken (0-2) Friday at 7.

11. Lenape (11) 2-0

The Indians have allowed 31 points in their last six regular-season games, all wins. Next: At Trenton (2-0) Saturday at noon.

12. Shawnee (12) 1-1

The Renegades bounced back in a big way with an imposing victory over CHW by 27-0 on Friday night. Mike Githens ran for two TDs and caught a pass from Mike Welsh for another. Next: Home vs. Washington Twp. (0-2) Friday at 7.

13. Paul VI (14) 2-0

The Eagles have scored 186 points in their last five games. Senior Stefone Moore-Green is off to a strong start with four TDs. Next: At Cherry Hill West (1-1) Friday at 7.

14. Kingsway (13) 0-2

The hard-luck Dragons held a 7-0 lead late against Williamstown but couldn't close and lost 14-7 in OT. This team's first four opponents -- Hammonton, Williamstown, Winslow Twp. and Timber creek -- have not yet lost a game. Next: Home vs. Winslow Twp. (2-0) Oct. 2 at 7.

15. Haddonfield (15) 1-1

The Bulldogs play a rare night game at Paulsboro on Friday night. Haddonfield has won three of four against Paulsboro, including the last two. Next: At No. 17 Paulsboro (2-0) Friday at 7.

16. Cedar Creek (18) 2-0

The Pirates were impressive in a big win over Buena on Friday night. Senior Ahmir Mitchell and junior Bo Melton are big-time playmakers and junior QB Jesse Milza has developed into a dangerous triggerman for the team's fast-paced offense. Next: Home vs. Holy Spirit (1-1) Saturday at 1.

17. Paulsboro (17) 2-0

The Red Raiders have the longest active winning streak in South Jersey at 7 games. The streak started with a 6-0 victory over Woodbury in a cold downpour last Nov. 1. Since then, Paulsboro has scored 240 points in its last six games. Next: Home vs. No. 15 Haddonfield (2-0) Friday at 7.

18. Egg Harbor Twp. (21) 2-0

The Eagles are averaging 47.5 points. Next: at Vineland (2-0) Friday at 7.

19. Palmyra (22) 2-0

The Panthers have scored 20 or more points in 10 of their last 11 games. Next: Home vs. Woodrow Wilson (1-1) Oct. 2 at 7.

20. Winslow Twp. (23) 2-0

The Eagles are 2-0 for the first time since 2010, Mike McBride's last season as coach. Next: Home vs. Triton (0-2) Friday at 7.

21. Buena (16) 1-1

The Chiefs had won 12 regular-season games in a row before dropping a 34-13 decision to Cedar Creek on Friday. Next: At Middle Twp. (1-1) Friday at 7.

22. Penns Grove (24) 2-0

With their running game stymied, the Red Devils got 154 passing yards from Jason James in a 18-6 win over Cumberland. Next: Home vs. Deptford (1-0) Saturday at noon.

23. Cinnaminson (25) 2-0

Junior quarterback Shaun Davila has run for 294 yards this season. Next: At Bordentown (0-2) Friday at 7.

24. Rancocas Valley (NR) 1-1

Iverson Clement ran for two TDs as the Red Devils got back on track with a 27-6 win over Eastern on Friday. Next: At Notre Dame (1-1) Friday at 7.

25. Pemberton (NR) 2-0

Junior Joe Benson has thrown six TD passes, three in each game. Next: At Holy Cross (1-1) Friday at 7.

Under consideration (listed alphabetically): Bishop Eustace (2-0), Cherry Hill East (2-0), Gloucester (2-0), Mainland (1-1), Salem (2-0), Vineland (2-0).

-- Contact Phil Anastasia at panastasia@phillynews.com

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