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Football: Ten weekend picks

Lots of big games dot the schedule, including a Timber Creek at Moorestown battle that is classic clash between a ferocious defense and a high-powered offense, as well as a possible preview of the South Jersey Group 3 championship game.


Friday at 7 (weather permitting)


Timber Creek (2-0) at Moorestown (2-0): Something has to give when an irresistible offense meets an immovable defense.


No. 6 Timber Creek has that imposing defense led by linebacker Quanzell Lambert as well as linemen Dajuan Drennon and Greg Webb. The Chargers offense has been inconsistent, although running back Khalil Pierce has been solid.


No. 4 Moorestown features a no-huddle spread offense led by quarterback Andrew Lisa and showcasing skill-position players such as Zac Frantz, Delaney Wallace, Sidney Ruffin, Alex Martinelli and Anthony Bonnet.


Bad weather favors the guys who know where they're going. The pick: Moorestown, 24-17.


Hammonton (2-0) at Oakcrest (1-1): Hammonton has a chance to seize the high ground in the Cape National, although the Blue Devils must deal with Holy Spirit in a few weeks.


Oakcrest is 0-2 on the field. But the Falcons got a forfeit win from Holy Spirit before going flat against Millville.


No. 7 Hammonton is a deep, solid team. The Blue Devils have gotten a big lift from Overbrook transfer Russell Forchion, a speedy RB who has four TDs in the first two games.The pick: Hammonton, 24-20.


Bishop Eustace (2-0) at Woodrow Wilson (1-0): This game likely will decide the WJFL Independence title.


Eustace has been playing terrific defense, led by linebacker Nick Batastini and cornerback Anthony Marcozzi. Dating back to last year's Thanksgiving game, the Crusaders have not allowed a defensive touchdown in 12 quarters.


Wilson has a potent offense led by quarterback Aaron Spencer and wide receiver T.J. Chambliss. Homefield helps the Tigers, too. The pick: Woodrow Wilson, 14-7.


Egg Harbor Township (1-1) at Millville (2-0): The Eagles are rebuilding a bit, but have plenty of talent.


The team to watch here is Millville, which is led by running back Alquann Jones. If this is the year the Thunderbolts step up, they find a way to beat a recent nememis. The pick: Millville, 24-20.


Cherry Hill West (0-2) at Camden Catholic (1-0): The Lions went toe-to-toe with Paul VI last week behind senior Jules German.


The Irish defense is open for business, led by lineman Marcus Coleman and linebacker Jared Alwan, among others. The pick: Camden Catholic, 17-7.


Eastern (0-2) at Washington Township (1-1): Two teams on the rebound get another chance to further bury difficult 2010 seasons.


The Vikings have led in the second half against Williamstown and Cherokee. The Minutemen have made a lot of big plays in a victory over Winslow and a loss to Cherry Hill East. This could go down to the last minute. The pick: Eastern, 28-27.


Burlington Township (2-0) at Holy Cross (1-1): The Falcons have outscored opponents, 77-12, behind running back Mike Thomas.


Holy Cross has a dangerous wide receiver in Lloyd Smith. The pick: Burlington Township, 24-17.


Audubon (1-0) at West Deptford (1-0): The Green Wave have a burly fullback in Keith Michalski and a speedy running back in Khaleil Chisolm.


The Eagles are led by running back Josh Cornelius and two-way standout Tom Jakubowski. Reports that they were coming back to the pack in the Colonial might have been premature. The pick: West Deptford, 28-7.


Paul VI (1-1) at Seneca (1-1): This is a turning point for both teams, one of those games that could go either way and define the rest of the season.


The Eagles labored in a win over Cherry Hill West. They'll rely on running back Johnell Anderson and Matt Barnett.


The Golden Eagles want to run the football, too, with fullback Sean Gray leading the way. The pick: Seneca, 17-13.

Saturday at noon


Triton (2-0) at Pennsauken (2-0): If the Mustangs want to join the conversation about the best teams in South Jersey, this is their chance.


Triton has a veteran quarterback in Brian Keller, a solid front line led by Seth Tinsley and an explosive running back in Josh Woods, who ran for 314 yards and four TDs against Kingsway.


No. 5 Pennsauken is led by senior quarterback Manny Cortez, who threw six touchdown passes against Clearview. The Indians have a big-play man in Amar Williams and a solid linebacker in Justin Copes.


This could be a track meet. The pick: Pennsauken, 34-24.

-- Phil Anastasia