Football: New Top 10

Not much happened at the top of the Top 10 this week. The first six teams either won or were off.

But there's some movement at the bottom. No way to deny Washington Township any longer, and West Deptford moves in after the Eagles' fifth consecutive shutout.

Lots of big games this weekend will shake, rattle and roll this ranking.

Here's the new Top 10, as of Sunday, Nov. 13:

(Previous ranking in parentheses)

1. St. Joseph (1) 8-0
One bye week down and one to go for the Wildcats. This team is lifting weights, getting angry and lifting weights. Coach Paul Sacco said they would go back to basics during the 22-day layoff, a second training camp. Yeah, because the first one obviously didn't go so well. I mean, 391-16? It's a week-old issue but it's still out there: These guys and this team deserve to play more than 10 games. Love to see the Wildcats play Camden Catholic but that won't happen anywhere but on the message boards and in imaginations. Next: Home vs. No. 7 Hammonton (8-1) on Nov. 26 at noon.

2. Timber Creek (2) 9-0
Kevin Potter's 73-yard punt return for touchdown sparked a 23-0 victory over defending champion Lacey Township in Friday's South Jersey Group 3 opener. This guys have an interesting challenge in Woodrow Wilson. They handled the Tigers the last time, especuially in the first half.  I think WW is a little better since then, but TC probably is too. The Chargers defense smothered Lacey Township. That's a good sign heading forward. Next: Home vs. Woodrow Wilson (6-3) in South Jersey Group 3 semifinals Friday at 7.

3. Camden Catholic (3) 8-0
Junior linebacker/running back Jarred Alwan might be South Jersey's top college recruit in the class of 2013. The Irish enjoyed a bye week. Well, coach Gil Brooks said he didn't enjoy it that much since he was swamped at work. But hey, now the coach can concentrate ion getting the Irish to theirfirst 11-0 record and state title in the history of the program. HC is coming to town with confidence and nothing to lose. I think they give the Irish a battle but can't see them hanging with this team for 48 minutes. Next: Home vs. Holy Cross (6-3) in second round of Non-Public 2 tournament Friday at 7.

4. Pennsauken (4) 8-1
Tyrik Thomas gained 63 of his 73 rushing yards in the second half of a 31-9 victory over Atlantic City. This was a really good game for the Indians. They were challenged, big time. They had some anxious moments. But they battled through, got a huge play from Manny Cortez on the scramble before the 25-yard TD pass to Anthony Sweet, and got stronger as the game got longer. They need to be sharp against Triton. Mustangs have nothing to lose and are playing with an edge. Next: Home vs. No. 8 Triton (8-1) in South Jersey Group 4 semifinals Saturday at 1.

5. Millville (5) 9-0
Senior Alquann Jones has a school-record and South Jersey-best, 1,779 rushing yards. I like this team but I wonder about their pass defense against Washington Township. The Bolts can run the football and control the clock. But they will have their hands full with a loose, confident No. 6 seed. The key could be Millville's offensive line, which has the ability to control the game. Next: Home vs. No. 9 Washington Township (7-2) in South Jersey Group 4 semifinals Friday at 7.

6. Haddonfield (6) 9-0
Senior Dan Ciemniecki ran for two touchdowns and passed for three more in a 56-8 victory over Willingboro. After really playing just one "good" game in the first 10 weeks of the second, the Bulldogs are looking at three in a row: Cinnaminson, Haddon Heights and then probably West Deptford. That's a great way for these seniors to finish their careers. They need to rise up, starting with the battle with the Pirates who are a dangerous offensive team. These three weeks will cement this team's legacy if they can finish 12-0. Next: Home vs. Cinnaminson (7-2) in South Jersey Group 2 semifinals Friday at 7.

7. Hammonton (9) 8-1
Bobby Barbieri's 21-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter broke a 10-10 tie in a 24-10 victory over Kingsway. This score surprised me a lot. I wasn't there so I don't know the details but I thought Hammonton would win a lot more comfortasbly. Hey, credit to Kingsway. Hammonton found a way. But the Blue Devils will have a challenge from a Moorestown team that rolled over Oakcrest. The Quakers have been inconsistent this season but they can create a lot of problems with their no-huddle, spread offense. Look for Hammonton to contol the clock with that OL and those RBs. Next: Home vs. Moorestown (6-4) in South Jersey Group 3 semifinals Friday at 7.

8. Triton (10) 8-1
Sophomore defensive end Isiah Baylor is an emerging star for the Mustangs. Big, big win at Southern. Mustangs take a long bus ride and play a more physical game against a higher seed. Impressive. The LBs corps, led by Dan Bekier, Chance Negri and John Bowers, is the heart of that defense. And the Mustangs could get Josh Woods back for the rematch with Pennsauken. "He wanted to play Friday night," Triton coach Pete Goetz said. Next: At No. 4 Pennsauken (8-1) in South Jersey Group 4 semifinals Saturday at 1.

9. Washington Township (NR) 7-2
Senior John Montesjardi ran 16 times for 115 yards in a 42-23 victory over Williamstown on Friday night. This team "never ceases to amaze" coach Mark Wechter. Hey Mark, us too. Who saw this? But now the Mintuemen are feeling it. They've got confidence and they are loose -- a dangerous combination. They've got talent, too. QB Tom Hildebrand can make plays and WRs Mike DeMarco and Julian Allen could make hay against a suspect Millville pass defense. I would't count WT out in this game. Next: At No. 5 Millville (9-0) in South Jersey Group 4 semifinals Friday at 7.

10. West Deptford (NR) 8-1
The Eagles have pitched five consecutive shutouts, outscoring those opponents by 231-0. Sophomore Gerald Towns, Jimmy Owens' younger brother, is an emerging star. Actually, he might be a star already. I know the Eagles' schedule hasn't been that tough but Haddonfield's schedule hasn't been that tough, either. This team is getting healthy and gaining confidence. I think they could match up on a one-game basis with many top Group 3 teams (although Timber Creek would be tough duty). Getting two-way lineman Josh Roane back from injury has given this team a big boost. They could be steaming toward a rematch with Haddonfield, which would only be the eighth game between the two teams in four seasons. Next: Home vs. Barnegat (6-3) in South Jersey Grop 2 semifinals Friday at 7.

Under Consideration (listed alphabetically):

Holy Spirit (5-3): Spartans lookto be two-touchdowns better than Montclair Kimberley, their opponent in the NP 2 semis.

Woodrow Wilson (6-3): This team is two, one-point losses away from being 8-1. But that "one" was a tough loss at Timber Creek. The Tigers get another shot at the Chargers on Friday.

-- Phil Anastasia