Football: New Top 10

The new Top 10 in South Jersey football, as of Sunday September 25:

Previous ranking in parentheses

1. Holy Spirit (1) 2-1
The Spartans have been beating down opponents behind massive offensive line. But they've fumbled a bunch, too. Coach Chalie Roman says the Spartans need to "wear down" St. Joseph's in a matchup of No. 1 vs. No. 2 in what shoud be a wild scene Saturday in Hammonton. Next: at No. 2 St. Joseph's Saturday at 2.

2. St. Joseph's (3) 2-0
The Wildcats have been waiting for this game for a year. It was 0-0 late in the first half and turnovers doomed them in a 35-0 loss to Holy Spirit last season. Now they get the chance at redemption. Can their bevy of two-way players hold up for four quarters against the bigger, mostly two-platoon Spartans? Next: Home Saturday at 2 vs. No. 1 Holy Spiirit.

3. Pennsauken (5) 3-0
Wild receiver/defensive back Amar Williams, who had six catches for 144 yards and two TDs against Trition, is among South Jersey's most highly recruited players. This team plays solid defense. But they might need to develop a more consistent running game when the weather turns bad in November. And they are planning on playing in December, too, right? Next: at Cherry Hill East Saturday at 2.

4. Timber Creek (6) 3-0
The Chargers' confidence is sky high after back-to-back wins over Delsea and Moorestown, each of which was ranked No. 4 at the time. That defensive front seven is tough to handle. Key will be more consistency on offense. A lot rests on senior quarterback Calvin Lowe. Next: at Kingsway Friday at 7.

5. Williamstown (9) 3-0
Sophomore cornerbacks Marques Little and Doug Banks face a big test in Moorestown's passing attack. The Braves have a ton of younger players. But seniors such as quarterback Dan Collins and two-way back Chris Inge want to win big now. They just might. Next: Home Friday at 7 vs. No. 9 Moorestown.

6. Hammonton (7) 3-0
Junior quarterback Christian Mortellite gives the Blue Devils a legitimate passing threat. This team might be a year away from big thunder. That offensive line might be the best in South Jersey next season. But don't count out the Blue Devils this season. That was an impressive win at Oakcrest. Next: At Egg Harbor Township Oct. 7 at 7.

7.  Shawnee (8) 2-1
Senior quarterback Jamie Jackopin threw his first touchdown pass in Friday's victory over Clearview. Just a threat of a passing attack will open up the ground game a little more for Kyle Wigley and Robbie D'Orio. Tough challenge this week at revived Seneca. Next: Home vs. Seneca Saturday at noon.

8. Cherokee (2) 2-1
Chiefs showed some grit in battling back from early 21-0 deficit against Williamstown. Quarterback Billy Cummiskey threw some picks but he was in a must-pass situation. Two-way back Nick Follet was all over the field. One area of concern: Not a whole lot of pass rush from front seven. Next: At Washington Township Saturday at 4.

9. Moorestown (4) 2-1
The Quakers run defense faces major challange in Williamstown's Wing-T attack. It wasn't pretty last year. But it's a great opportunity to bounce back from that loss to Timber Creek. Next: At No. 5 Williamstown Friday at 7.

10. Haddonfield (10) 2-0
The Colonial Conference's best rivalry renews when the Bulldogs travel to West Deptford. These teams could meet against in SJ Group 2 tournament. But conference titles are first on every team's list, and West Deptford has owned the Colonial Liberty. Next: At West Deptford Friday at 7.

Under Consideration (listed alphabetically): Camden Catholic (2-0), Millville (3-0), West Deptford (2-0).

-- Phil Anastasia