Football: Gloucester makes its move

By Phil Anastasia

Gloucester took a big step toward a SJ Group 1 playoff berth with a 52-14 victory over Wilwood on Friday night.

The Lions got a big game from junior Ben Boyer, who ran for 223 yards and 4 TDs on just 16 carries. Just as importantly, Gloucester held Wildwood senior Wesley Hills, South Jersey's leading rusher, to 103 yards -- most of them in the second half, when the Lions had the game in hand.

"We didn't want to get in a shootout with them," Gloucester coach Leon Harris said. "The offensive line did a great job and the defense played well."

The Gloucester defense was led by linebackers Tyler Whitcraft and Tristen Boggs. The Lions also got a strong performance from senior Larry Spann, who ran for one TD, returned an INT for another and also ran for five 2-point conversions.

Gloucester (5-1) is 10-2 since opening the 2011 season with an 0-4 record. The Lions have challenges ahead with Woodstown (4-2) and Pennsville (4-2).

"This is the time we need to be playing our best football," Harris said.

Boyer leads the Lions with 933 rushing yards on 149 carries. Spann has 310 yards on just 39 carries.

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