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Football: New Top 10

The new Top 10, as of Sunday, October 9, looks a lot like the old Top 10,.

That's because there weren't any changes. Every team in the Top 10 either won, or enjoyed a bye.

I thought seriously about moving up No. 9 Camden Catholic, because the Irish looked great in a 40-0 win over Seneca. But I didn't want to drop Hammonton, Shawnee or Haddonfield after victories -- although I nearly flip-flopped Camden Catholic and Shawnee after the Renegades needed late dramatics (both on offense and on defense) to beat Cherry Hill East.

But that situation will play out, like all the others.

TOP TEN

Previous ranking in parentheses

1. St. Joseph (1) 4-0
The Wildcats' relentless defense held St. Augustine to minus-42 rushing yards in a 38-0 victory. That's minus-42. Max Valles and Kaiwan Lewis carried St. Joseph to another victory, then carried off coach Paul Sacco after his 250th career victory. Senior RB Eli Pogue was hurt against Holy Spirit but he bounced back with two more TDs against the Hermits. This team is steaming toward an 11-0, state-championship season, although rival Hammonton will be a major challenge on Thanksgivign weekend. Next: home vs. Lower Cape May (2-2) Saturday at noon.

2. Pennsauken (2) 5-0
Junior defensive end Korey Mitchell led the way in a 32-7 victory over Winslow with a pair of sacks. This defense keeps getting better and better. Meanwhile, senior QB Manny Cortez is spreading the wealth on offense. Senior WR Ameer Williams (not to be confused with senior WR Amar Williams) caught two TD passes in a 32-7 victory over Winslow Township. Cortez has 18 TD passes, all in the last four weeks. He didn't throw one in the opener at Shawnee. The Indians' bye comes at a good time, since that game at Camden Catholic on Oct. 21 looms as a major showdown. Next: At No. 9 Camden Catholic (4-0) on Oct. 21 at 7.

3. Timber Creek (3) 4-0
Senior quarterback Calvin Lowe has thrown four touchdown passes. The Chargers get a good challenge this week against Woodrow Wilson, although the Tigers struggled at bit against Cherry Hill West. I was surprised to see that, no disrespect meant to the Lions. Timber Creek enjoyed its bye and now the Chargers have to step up their game to realize their potential. This team is talented enough to go 12-0. But it's a long, hard road to the first weekend in December. Next: Home vs. Woodrow Wilson (4-0) Friday at 7.

4. Williamstown (4) 4-0
Marcus Riley, a talented tight end/linebacker who transferred from Paul VI, is eligible this week after sitting out 30 days. That's called the rich getting richer. I like where this team is at right now, rising in the rankings and in everybody's opinion but still staying hungry and acting like it has something to prove. One year into the WJFL, Williamstown will play Washington Township on Thanksgiving for the American Division title. That's impressive. Next: Home vs. Cherry Hill East (3-2) Friday at 7.

5. Holy Spirit (5) 2-2
The Spartans needed a bye to clear away the disappointment of that loss to St. Joseph. This team still can accomplish a lot, mainly a 10-2 record (11-1 on the field) and a N-P 2 state title. That's plenty to play for, right? But they need focus and passion. I thought it Thursday night: Camden Catholic will challenge this team, especially if the Spartans aren't ready to play. But maybe the bye worked wonders for the Spaertans' psyche. Next: Home vs. Mainland (2-2) Friday at 7.

6. Hammonton (6) 4-0
The Blue Devils potent ground game led the way in 48-15 victory over Egg Harbor Township. I know this isn't the EHT of the last two seasons. But when you put 48 on the board against a Group 4 team with Group 4 numbers and talent, that's showing something. After what should be another big win against struggling OC, Hammonton gets a shot at Holy Spirit on Oct. 21. That shoud be another big showdown that weekend. Next: Home vs. Ocean City (1-4) Friday at 7.

7.  Shawnee (7) 4-1
After dramatic win over Cherry Hill East, the Renegades have 15 days to prepare for their fiercest rivals. This team needed heroics on offense to take the lead in the final 27 seconds, and heroics on defense to keep the lead in the final 16 seconds. But guess what? They made the plays. Senior QB Jamie Jackopin took major strides in that game. And this team has some key juniors who are starting to step up. This team could be a major factor in the SJ Group 4 tournament. Next: Home vs. Cherokee (2-2) Oct. 21 at 7.

8. Haddonfield (8) 4-0
Inside linebackers Carson Stack and Rob Perkins are keys to powerful defense. The Bulldogs will build another one of those 30-point leads in the first half against struggling Lindenwold. But unbeaten Paulsboro will be a major challenge the next week. Next: Home vs. Lindenwold (0-4) Friday at 7.

9. Camden Catholic (9) 4-0
Senior tight end/defensive end Andrew Racobaldo is a top two-way player for the Irish. This team looked great on Thursday night, especially in the ground game and on defense, and isn't that the way to win in November and December? Delsea will be a challenge. The Crusaders are dangerous despite that record, and they love to defend John Oberg Field. Could be a good one. Next: At Delsea (2-3) Friday at 7.

10. Millville (10) 4-0
Junior Alquann Jones ran for four TDs as the Thunderbolts burst to a 27-0 lead after three quarters in 33-13 victory over Ocean City. Big test against Absegami. Not a great Braves team but tough and talented. If Millville is for real, and I'm starting to suspect they are, they will take care of business. Next: Home vs. Absegami (2-2) Friday at 7.

Under Consideration (listed alphabetically): Atlantic City (4-0), Woodrow Wilson (4-0).

Almost: Triton (4-1), Washington Township (4-1), West Deptford (3-1).

-- Phil Anastasia