Football: SJ's top QBs

Here's a look at South Jersey's top returning quarterbacks:

* Damon Mitchell, senior, Cedar Creek: He ran for 937 yards and 12 touchdowns and passed for 802 yards and six touchdowns last season. Could double up on a 1,000 this season. He's committed to Georgia Tech as a quarterback as he's an ideal fit for that triple option that was on display against Va. Tech Monday night.

* Tom Hildebrand, senior, Washington Township: He passed for 1,414 yards and five touchdowns and ran for 561 yards and nine touchdowns. Another run-pass threat. His emergence was a key to the Minutemen's surprisingly strong play last season.

* Nick Elmer, senior, Penns Grove: He passed for 22 touchdowns and led Penns Grove to an 8-1 record as a sophomore in 2010. He was hampered by an ankle injury last season, passing for 10 touchdowns. Poised for a big bounce-back season. Will lead Red Devils into Friday night's opener at Diamond Division and SJ Group 1 rival Glassboro.

* Anthony Robbins, senior, Willingboro: He missed most of 2011 with a wrist injury but is healthy for 2012. Top DB, too. Should have the Chimeras in the hunt for WJFL Patriot division and SJ Group 2 titles.

* Anthony Averett, senior, Woodbury: He ran for 1,006 yards and 13 touchdowns and passed for 653 yards and eight touchdowns. He's committed to Alabama as a defensive back. Off-the-charts athletic ability. He'll have Woodbury in mix for Colonial Patriot and SJ Group 1 crowns.

* Rashad Kinlaw, senior, Absegami: He will miss the first few games of the season, if not more, with a broken leg. He's committed to Notre Dame as a defensive back. His return will likely determine whether Braves can compete for Cape American and SJ 5 titles.

* Drew Pederson, senior, Moorestown: He will miss the first few games of the season, and possibly more, with a broken ankle. He had eight interceptions last season as a defensive back. Hopes to be back by October. Waited his turn for two seasons behind former Moorestown QB Andrew Lisa, now at Penn.

* Christian Mortellite, senior, Hammonton: He passed for 1,046 yards and 11 touchdowns. Gives run-oriented Blue Devils a passing threat. Basketball standout. Will operate behind top OL.

* Josh Awotunde, senior, Delsea: One of his team's strongest players, he ran for 508 yards and seven touchdowns. He's drawn recruiting interest as a linebacker as well as a top discus thrower in track and field. Bruising runner on the option. Top defensive player.

* Dylan Cummings, junior, Pennsville: He set state sophomore record with 3,048 passing yards and threw for 35 touchdowns last season. The trigger man of the Eagles' no-huddle, spread offense. Will miss graduated WRs Colton Newsome and Ryan Hawthorne but part of a loaded junior class for the Eagles.

* Tom Flacco, junior, Eastern: He passed for 1,251 yards and nine touchdowns. He's the brother of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco. Hopes to lead Vikings back into the mix in WJFL American and SJ Group 5.

* Rodney Williams, junior, Cherry Hill West: He passed for 441 yards and four touchdowns and ran for 599 yards and six touchdowns. Top athlete who will draw major recruiting interest. Also a basketball standout. Nursing leg injury and could miss start of season.

* Steve Strobel, senior, Maple Shade: He passed for 1,851 yards and 15 touchdowns. Good arm, understanding of the passing game.

* Anthony Giagunto, senior, St. Joseph: He passed for 843 yards and 11 touchdowns. He's 17-0 as a starting quarterback, with 14 touchdowns passes and zero interceptions. He's also a top DB, long snaps and returns punts.

*  Zach Berry, senior, Palmyra: He passed for 952 yards and eight touchdowns.

* Logan Hill, senior, Holy Cross: He passed for 690 yards and six touchdowns.

* Tom Bradway, senior, Mainland: He's a four-year starter who passed for 494 yards and six touchdowns last season. Could see some action at WR.

* Phil Anastasia