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Football: 12 games to watch this weekend

A mid-week, sneak peek at 12 games to watch this weekend in SJ football:

No. 3 Timber Creek (2-2) at No. 5 Moorestown (3-1): Both teams are coming off tough losses. TC needs to bounce back from 26-18 loss to Williamstown that, coupled with season-opening loss to CC, has the Chargers reeling a bit. Moorestown lost 26-25 to CHE team that entered play with an 0-3 record. Motown has a little more margin for error after 3-0 start. TC has been too much physical for Motown in recent seasons but this Motown team, led by Temple-bound Shane Rafter and LB Shayne Lawless, has shown some serious toughness. TC has to settle QB position.

Holy Spirit (1-2) at Absegami (3-1); Big game for HS, which won its first last week. The Spartans need a win to stay a factor in Cape American race and also for the climate around the program. Gami is looking to stay in Cape Amer. race and also strengthen position for SJ 5 tournament. Could be debut of Notre Dame recruit Rashad Kinlaw, a QB/DB for the Braves out since June with broken leg. Junior RB David Hood has been terrific for Gami.

No. 6 Hammonton (3-1) at Atlantic City (2-1): AC beat Hammy last season on Dayshawn Reynolds' KOR for TD. He's back and AC has other playmakers as well. The Vikings want to stay in Cape Amer. race and stay in position to make SJ 5 tourney. Hammonton needs to keep pace with cross-town rival SJ, which is threatening to run away with Cape Amer. race. Blue Devils QB Christian Mortellite could be poised for big game.

Washington Twp. (3-1) at Cherokee (1-2): Chiefs need a win or risk falling in deep water in terms of qualifying for SJ 5 tourney. Cherokee was 7-3 last season but 5-3 at the cutoff (after 57-56 loss to CHE in one of the wildest games I've ever seen) and missed the tournament. WT has won three in a row behind junior RB/LB Andrew O'Neill. WT has WJFL American and SJ 5 designs of its own.

Cinnaminson (3-1) at Holy Cross (2-2): Pirates need a win to keep pace with unbeaten Delran in WJFL Liberty. HC has won two in a row after 0-2 start. These teams are neighbors and rivals. Should be a good one.

No. 8 Shawnee (3-1) at Clearview (3-1): First place in WJFL National on line. Shawnee has bounced back well from tough loss at Williamstown. But the Renegades lost senior QB Andrew Bertolino last week with an ACL tear. Senior Luke Snyder steps in. Clearview QB Mitch Harbaugh has led team to surprisingly strong start. But this would be a signature win for the Pioneers, who would seize sole possesion of first place in the division.

Triton (2-1) at Kingsway (2-2): Pivotal game for both teams in WJFL National and SJ 4, too. Triton coming off bye after tough loss at Shawnee. Kingsway's two losses were to Top 10 teams Shawnee and Delsea. Kingsway junior RB Ray Lawry developing into one of the best players in SJ. Triton inside LBs Chance Negri and Artie Flemming will try to contain him and FB Emilio Irving.

Seneca (1-3) at CH West (1-2): Seneca played sturdy D last week in 13-0 loss to Shawnee. But Golden Eagles missed RB Joey Pawlowski, out for the season with heel injury. CH West could get big boost from return of junior QB/DB Rodney Williams, out since August with hamstring injury.

No. 2 Williamstown (4-0) at Eastern (3-1): Braves have to be wary of letdown after emotional win over TC. Eastern junior QB Tom Flacco has battled through a couple nagging injuries and is finding the range with WRs Eli Woodard and Keyshawn Seegers. Big challenge for Braves' pass defense, especially if Marques Little (groin) is out or limited. Eastern's defense needs to contain Braves' Wing T, led by FB John Chamberlin.

Bishop Eustace (2-1) at Deptford (2-2): Both teams are 1-1 in the WJFL Royal and want to stay in race. BE is led by QB Connor Bor and WR Sam Steele. Deptford should have confidence and momentum after nice win vs. Pemberton.

Saturday at 2

Woodstown (2-1) at Penns Grove (3-0): Led by senior QB Nick Elmer and junior RB Anthony Robertson, the Red Devils look like the team to beat in SJ 1. Woodies will challenge behind senior RB Rashar Gray.

Saturday at 3

Lenape (0-3) at CH East (1-3): Cougars are riding high after thrilling win over then-No. 4 Moorestown. Senior WR/DB/P Nick DiVito leads the way. If CHE wants to think about SJ 5 tourney, the Cougars need this game. Lenape started 0-4 last season and rallied to finish strong. Can Indians start a game earlier this season?

-- Phil Anastasia