Football: New Top 10

By Phil Anastasia

The top six teams stayed the same in the new Top 10.

Absegami and Millville, who emerged with big wins in another wild week in the Cape Atlantic American, entered the rankings at No. 8 and No. 9, respectively.

Here's the lastest Top 10, plus a bunch of other teams on the brink of the rankings, as of Sunday Oct. 14:

(Last week's ranking in parentheses)

1. St. Joseph (1) 5-0
The Wildcats went back to fundamentals during bye week. Of course, they never get away from fundamentals. The second half of their Cape Atlantic American schedule begins Friday night against a confident and talented Atlantic City team. SJ has won 23 in a row. Next: At No. 6 Atlantic City (4-1) Friday at 7.

2. Williamstown (2) 6-0
Junior Marques Little, who has been nursing a groin injury, returned to the lineup and scored on a 64-yard reception in a 37-8 victory over Triton. With Lenape, bye and a visit to old Tri-Co Royal rival Kingsway over the next three weeks, Williamstown is positioned well to 8-0 and earn the top seed in the SJ 5 tournament. But the No. 8 seed in that field is likely to be a pretty good team. Next: Home vs. Lernape (0-5) Friday at 7.

3. Timber Creek (3) 4-2
West Virginia recruit Zaire Williams scored two touchdowns in 28-14 victory over Lenape. The Chargers have shown some finishing power in recent weeks, closing out wins with drives that end in touchdowns in the fourth quarter. That's a good sign. Next: Home vs. Paul VI (4-1) Friday at 7.

4. Camden Catholic (4) 4-1
Sturdy defense and 188 rushing yards by Temple recruit Jarred Alwan was the winning ticket in a 14-0 victory over rival Bishop Eustace on Friday. The Irish don't appear nearly as explosive from an offensive standpoint as they were during much of the 2011 season. But the defense has been dependable, especially when you remember that Moorestown scored twice on special teams and once on a INT return. Next: At Seneca (2-3) Friday at 7.

5. Delsea (5) 5-1
Junior Rob Hooks ran for 81 yards and a score in a 34-20 victory over Winslow Township. The Crusaders probably are allowing more yards and more points that coach Sal Marchese would like. But they are showing some real offensive versatility. Tough game this week as BE is battled tested and has played pretty solid defense. Next: at Bishop Eustace (2-3) Friday at 7.

6. Atlantic City (6) 4-1
The Vikings, who have won four in a row, get their shot to shake up the rankings and the Cape Atlantic football world when top-ranked St. Joseph comes to town. QB Jarren McBryde and QR Dayshawn Reynolds have to make big plays to beat St. Joe. Next: Home vs. No. 1 St. Joseph (5-0) Friday at 7.

7. West Deptford (8) 5-0
The Eagles have won 27 of their last 29 games. This team is averaging 356 rushing yards and has three backs -- Gerald Owens, Josh Cornelius and Connor Smith -- with more than 300 yards. Tough not to see these guys at 8-0 at the playoff cutoff, although Haddonfield game could be a battle. Those are fierce rivals. Next: Home vs. Overbrook (1-4) Friday at 7.

8. Absegami (NR) 4-2
Tyler Bing and David Hood combined for 316 rushing yards in 28-7 win over Egg Harbor Township. This team got to the bye in good shape in SJ 5 race, thanks to that big win Friday. Now the Braves should get Notre Dame recruit Rashad Kinlaw back for the stretch run. Next: Home vs. Hammonton (3-2) on Oct. 26 at 7.

9. Millville (NR) 3-2
Sophomore Rob Ennis gained 99 of his 154 yards in the second half of a 27-20 victory over then-No. 8 Holy Spirit. Key game this week for the Thunderbolts, if they hope to make SJ 5 playoffs. Next: Home vs. Egg Harbor Township (2-3) Friday at 7.

10. Moorestown (10) 4-2
The Quakers' secondary of Sidney Ruffin, Anthony Bonett, Dallas Clark and Tyreek Robinson was strong in 20-15 victory over Camden. The Quakers still haven't regained mojo that marked their 3-0 start. But they survived against Camden and are in good position to get to 6-2 at the playoff cutoff. But it would be a mistake to sleep on CH West, which upset Moorestown last season and is coming off big win. Next: Home vs. Cherry Hill West (2-3) Saturday at 2.

Under consideration (listed alphabetically):

Eastern (4-2): Vikings' special teams has been huge this season. Big game this week as Cherokee has been a nemesis for years. Next: Home vs. Cherokee (2-3) Friday at 7.

Hammonton (3-2): Week off probably helped the Blue Devils mentally and physically. Home vs. Mainland (2-3) Friday at 7.

Penns Grove (5-0): Red Devils are averaging 45.5 points behind senior QB Nick Elmer and junior RB Anthony Robertson.

Washington Township (4-1): Coming off bye, the Minutemen face a tough challenge from red-hot CHE. This one has major SJ 5 implications. Next: Home vs. CH East (3-3) Saturday at 4.

Almost:
St. Augustine Prep (5-0): The Hermits' fast-paced offense is generating 44.2 points per game. Senior RB Calvin Cass has 23 TDs. Next: At Buena (3-3) Friday at 7.

Paul VI (4-1): From the frying pan to the fire: Eagles get the chance to bounce back from tough loss to CH East with visit to No. 3 Timber Creek. Next: At Timber Creek (4-2) Friday at 7.

Delran (6-0): Wish the Bears were in SJ 2 instead of CJ 2. Think they would be right in the mix with Cedar Creek, a notch below favorite West Deptford. These guys play defense and have weapons on offense. Next: at Maple Shade (4-2) Oct. 26 at 2.

Cedar Creek (5-0): Another big game last week for Georgia Tech-bound Damon Mitchell. Next: Home vs. Middle Twp. (3-2) Saturday at 1.

Cherry Hill East (3-3): The Cougars are one of SJ's hottest teams. RB Daishi Goto is running hard and they are playing physical football on both sides. Next: At Washington Twp. (4-1) Saturday at 4.

-- Contact Phil Anastasia at panastasia@phillynews.com or @PhilAnastasia on Twitter.