Football: Playoff picks

Everybody loves the scrappy underdog, the dark horse, the low seed that rises up in the tournament.

Sorry. Doesn't exist this year, at least with regard to SJ football.

One thing about championship weekend is that there really aren't any surprise teams – it's all No. 1 seeds against No. 2 seeds in the four South Jersey public groups as well as the two Non-Public groups involving South Jersey teams. And the CJ 1 match is No. 2 vs. No. 3 and the two most decorated teams in that section.

These are the matchups most folks expected to see when the fields were set on Nov. 5. But that doesn't mean there won't be twists, turns and surprises. There always are in high school sports.

The envelope, please:

FRIDAY

Holy Spirit (7-3) vs. Camden Catholic (10-0) for the N-P 2 state title, 7 p.m. at the College of New Jersey: Never mind the records. These teams are mirror images. They play the game the same way, focusing on a strong running attack and a physical defense.
This looks like a tight, low-scoring game. A turnover could be the difference. Or a special-teams play. Camden Catholic's edge could be its offensive balance, as quarterback Pete Galiano, wide receiver Tom Wescott and tight end Andrew Racobaldo are dangerous in the passing game. I love HS's ground game and I really think the Spartans will be geared up for this game. After a long, at times difficult season, they can make a lot of hay by winning this game. And there's no reason they can't. I just think CC has been more consistent, and that the Irish will make a play or three in the passing game. This game should draw a great crowd. These are proud programs with rich traditions. I think a lot of people are making the drive to Ewing. The pick: Camden Catholic, 17-14.

Millville (11-0) at Pennsauken (10-1) for the S.J. Group 4 title, 7 p.m. at Rowan: This could be as track meet on the dry, fast turf. Millville has scored 76 points in its last two games. Pennsauken has been under 30 just once all season. The run-oriented Thunderbolts should move the ball and score. What's amazing to me about Alquann Jones isn't that he has 2,133 yards. It's that he has 303 carries. That's almost 28 a game for a 5-8, 165-pound back playing a Group 4 schedule. But I suspect the kid has one more good game in him. The pass-heavy Indians should move the ball and score, too -- faster and more frequently. I just think that pasing game will be tough to contain on a clear night on artificial turf. I saw what Pennsauken did under those conditions against Camden Catholic -- a team with terrific defense. Manny Cortez, Amar Williams and Co. have made plays all season. They aren't likely to stop now. This could be another great crowd. My guess is 4,000-5,000 since it's only game (locally) in town and that central location is going to draw a lot of football fans. They're going to see a good one. The pick: Pennsauken, 32-26.

SATURDAY
Florence (10-1) vs. Asbury Park (9-2) for the C.J. Group 1 title, 10 a.m. at the College of New Jersey: This is a clash of styles, with the sturdy, steady Flashes against the explosive Bishops. Florence hopes to keep the game tight with a balanced ground game led by senior Jordan Stockton and sophomore Curtis Thompson and find a way to win with a play in the fourth quarter. Sounds like a plan. The pick: Florence, 23-20.

Glassboro (9-2) vs. Pennsville (10-1) for S.J. 1 title, 10 a.m. at Rowan: The Bulldogs take the shortest road trip to a neutral site in South Jersey history, going 25 yards across Bowe Boulevard.
They will cover lots more ground on the field. So will Pennsville. First team to 35 wins. Corey Clement will run for more than 200 yards and likely crack 2,500 for the season. That's amazing since I was there opening day when he was bothered by cramps and didn't gain much against Penns Grove. Glassboro lost that day by 54-0. Now they are in the SJ final. Pennsville QB Dylan Cummings likely will jack his passing total to more than 3,000 yards -- first sophomore in state history. Senior WRS Ryan Hawthorne and Colton Newsome both crack 1,000 yards. This could be part game, part pin-ball machine. That fast-break style favors Pennsville.  The pick: Pennsville, 37-34.

St. Mary (6-3) vs. St. Joseph (9-0) for NP-1 state title, 1 p.m. at the College of New Jersey: Looking for a big underdog? The Gaels qualify. But the Wildcats are in no mood for a letdown. It's another half-day of work for St. Joseph's well-rested starters. The only question is how much of a statement SJ coach Paul Sacco wants to make about his dismay over the NJSIAA's decision to create four groups in NP play and put the Wildcats in a group where three teams qualified. SM might have played a role in politicking for that, too. But Sacco is not a guy who will embarrass those SM kids to make a point. I think he calls off the dogs before this game gets out of hand. The pick: St. Joseph, 48-6.

West Deptford (10-1) vs. Haddonfield (11-0) for the S.J. 2 title, 1 p.m. at Rowan: Who didn't see this game coming in August? Or last December? Haddonfield has put together the best season by a Group 2 team, so far, since those WD's teams in 2003-04. But those teams finished the deal. That's what cements a legacy. It takes a special team to beat a good team twice, especially a familiar conference rival with as much talent and tradition as West Deptford. I think the Eagles are dangerous in this game. But this Haddonfield team is special. The pick: Haddonfield, 21-14.

Hammonton (9-2) vs. Timber Creek (11-0) for the S.J. Group 3 title, 4 p.m. at Rowan: These teams could meet in this same game next season. Both bring back a ton of talent. I see this as a close, physical game that's still in doubt in the fourth quarter. Hammonton has tradition, know-how, a knack for making key plays at key times. The Blue Devils should be right there. I guess wonder how they react to that weird scene at the St. Joe's game. Pete Lancetta knows his team better than anybody and he's earned the right to make whatever decision he thinks is best for his team. Maybe the Blue Devils come out guns blazing and keep firing for 48 minutes. Could be, I guess. Timber Creek's defense should be the difference in this game. Getting Quanzell Lambert back at LB will push the Chargers back to that level they were at earlier this season, when they were tough to block. I see that defense creating a couple of turnovers and controlling field position in hard-fought, tough game. The pick: Timber Creek, 13-10.

-- Phil Anastasia