Football: A closer look at every state tournament game

The playoffs, at last.

Here's a look at first-round games involving South Jersey teams this weekend:

South Jersey Group 5

No. 6 seed Cherokee (5-3) at No. 3 Millville (7-1): This promises to be one of the best games of the weekend in any group. Cherokee looms as a dangerous No. 6 seed, with a history of tournament success and top players such as senior RB/DB John Lovett, WR/DB Mike Bowers and TE/DE Steve Gervasi, among others. The Chiefs probably weren't heartbroken to land in the other side of the bracket from top-seeded TR North, the defending champ and a pretty heavy favorite in this group. Millville has quietly put together a strong season, while the revival of archrival Vineland and the dominance of St. Augustine Prep have garnered more attention. The Thunderbolts have junior playmakers in Clayton Scott and Carlton Lawrence and a tacking-machine at linebacker in senior Zach Douglass. This has the look of a one-possession game deep in the fourth quarter at historic Wheaton Field.

No. 7 Southern (5-4) at No. 2 Rancocas Valley (7-1): The Red Devils have put themselves in position to make a post-season run. They earned the second seed, which means they don't have to leave Coach Bill Gordon Field until the sectional championship game. And they should be rested and healthy since they had a bye in Week 9. Junior RB Iverson Clement is a big-time playmaker for RV. Seniors Rob Hawkins and Matt Konzelman are top players to watch as well. Southern, coached by legendary Chuck Donahue, has won three in a row and five of six.

No. 5 Howell (4-4) at No. 4 Vineland (7-1): The Clan has a chance to make history. They've never won a playoff game since the creation of the state tournament in 1974. This team looks more than capable, with a dual threat at QB in junior Isaih Pacheco and another top junior in TE/DE Nihym Anderson. Sophomore DE Anthony Reyes was one of the best players on the field in Vineland's hard-fought 26-7 loss to St. Augustine on Friday night. One key for the Clan will be the health of senior RB Daivon Seymore, who left the St. Augustine game in the first quarter with a shoulder injury.

No. 8 Atlantic City (4-4) at No. 1 Toms River North (9-0): This is tough duty for an AC team coming off a tough loss to Millville. TR North QB Mike Husni has run for more than 1,000 yards and passed for more than 1,000 yards as a sophomore, junior and senior. The Mariners, the defending sectional champions, have won 19 games in a row.

South Jersey Group 4

No. 8 Woodrow Wilson (5-3) at No. 1 Lenape (8-0): The visiting Tigers are a dangerous last seed, with junior Jairo Ramos emerging as a player to watch at quarterback. WW senior Edwin Lopez, a Rutgers recruit, is a top two-way athlete. Lenape relies heavily on a formidible offensive line led by seniors Julian Singh, Noah Carroll and Tyler Steffa. Junior RB Joseph Kellum is a top back who has been hampered a bit this season by injuries while junior QB Matt LaJoie has been a clutch playmaker. The Indians' secondary is led by seniors Tim Montgomery and Mike Doulong, who has four return TDs.

No. 5 Highland (7-1) at No. 4 Cherry Hill West (7-1): This is a rematch of a Week 2 game, won by the Lions by a 28-8 score. A lot will depend on CHW's ability to bounce back from its first loss, a 30-7 setback to Camden Catholic in a highly anticipated battle of unbeaten teams on Friday night. Seniors such as Harrison Hand and Lorenzo Hernandez have to turn the team's focus to the task: A chance to make a post-season run. Highland has quietly fashioned one of the best seasons in program history. Seniors such as Orlando Council and Jerry Fuller would like nothing better than to become leaders of the first Highland team to ever win eight games by springing the first-round upset.

No. 6 Clearview (6-2) at No. 3 Shawnee (7-1): The visiting Pioneers are a challenge for any opponent because of their triple-option offense, especially in a year in which they have a QB such as slick senior Jarret Baker and a big-play threat such as senior RB Gyair Sharper. Shawnee is as battle-tested as any team around, having won the WJFL American with a 5-0 mark and also having played top teams such as Allentown and Camden Catholic in crossovers. The emergence of junior QB Colin Wetterau has added some juice to the Renegades attack. Senior RB Dan Wigley and senior LB Jax Luzinski also are players to watch for Shawnee.

No. 7 Absegami (6-2) at No. 2 Timber Creek (8-0): The Braves have put together a strong season behind senior RB Ifreke Andy, who has 16 touchdowns. But they have a tall task in trying to slow down a Timber Creek team that features junior QB Devin Leary and senior WR Ezrah Archie, among many others. Leary has 33 TD passes and two INTs. He needs 10 TD passes to match former Pennsauken star Manny Cortez' South Jersey record of 43, set in 2011. Archie has 15 TD catches. The SJ record is 22, set by Florence's Dion Bernardini in 1992.

South Jersey Group 3

No. 8 Camden (3-5) at No. 1 Wall (7-1): The visiting Panthers have a puncher's chance at knocking out the top seed. They should be hardened by a tough schedule and they have a playmaker at QB in senior Drew Harris. The Camden team that beat Cedar Creek by 31-12 can win this game. Actually, that team can win this tournament.

No. 6 Seneca (3-5) at No. 3 Delsea (5-4): The Golden Eagles surged into the six spot with a victory over Pennsauken in a wild game on Friday night. Senior QB J.J. Scarpello passed for five TDs. Seneca has played a daunting schedule, with four losses to teams with a combined 30-2 record. The other loss was to Camden. Delsea started 1-3, surged into the post-season field with four straight wins and then rested many starters in Friday's loss to Clearview. The Crusaders are trying to become the first South Jersey public-school team to win five sectional titles in a row since Paulsboro captured six straight in SJ 1 from 1992-97.

No. 7 Pemberton (5-3) at No. 2 Burlington Twp. (7-1): This is a rematch of an Ot. 29 game, won by BT by a 42-6 score. The host Falcons have playmakers on offense such as seniors Drew Price and Everett Wormley. But the team's calling card has been a stout defense that has allowed just 53 points. Pemberton likely will need a big game from senior QB Joe Benson to turn the tables on their Burlington County rivals.

South Jersey Group 2

No. 5 Cinnaminson (6-2) at No. 4 Collingswood (6-2): This is a rematch of an Oct. 14 game won by the Panthers by a 12-8 score, thanks in large part to a goal-line stand in the fourth quarter. Collingswood is hosting a playoff game in its historic stadium for the first time since 1978. Collingswood senior LB/RB Mike Taulane made 17 tackles in the last game against Cinnaminson. The visiting Pirates have been getting big plays from seniors such as Shaun Davilla and Andrew Goshine and have a senior LB to watch in Dylvan Thevanayagam. This could be one of the better games on Friday night in any group.

No. 6 Haddonfield (5-3) at No. 3 Willingboro (6-3): The visting Bulldawgs' three losses were to 8-0 West Deptford, 8-1 Cedar Creek and 7-1 Paulsboro. They are battle-tested, have a recent history of playoff success and have a playmaker at QB in senior Brendan Gilmartin. Willingboro's three losses were to teams in this field -- Cinnaminson, West Deptford and Collingswood. Junior QB Trae Greene and senior RB/LB Amir Murray lead the way for the Chimeras.

No. 7 Middle Twp. (5-3) at No. 2 Cedar Creek (8-1): This clash of CAL programs will mark the start of Cedar Creek's drive to defend its sectional title. The Pirates have a seasoned QB in senior Jesse Milza and a big-time playmaker in senior all-purpose Bo Melton, a Rutgers recruit. One question for CC is the health of two-way senior lineman Owen Bowles, another Rutgers recruit. He sustained an elbow injury Saturday vs. Oakcrest. Middle Twp. has a player to watch in Shawn Scott, who has 14 touchdowns.

No. 8 Delran (3-5) at No. 1 West Deptford (8-0): This is the last chance for WD's seniors to capture a South Jersey title since the Eagles last brought home the hardware in 2012. Seniors such as Gio Gismondi, Kyle Garrison and Mike Oldt lead a team that's on a mission. The health of senior RB/DB Anthony Seas (shoulder) is of some concern for the Eagles. Delran has a playmaker in senior Charles Hall and a freshman QB to watch in Dustin Desher.

South Jersey Group 1

No. 5 Haddon Heights (6-2) at No. 4 Salem (6-2): This could be a high-scoring game on the little field on Walnut Street. HH is led by junior QB Matt DiOrio as well as big-play receivers Jared Latane and Tariq Miller. Salem has won five in a row as senior RB Jon Taylor, a Wisconsin recruit, has found another gear. He leads SJ with 24 TDs. Over-under on this game is 58.

No. 6 Woodstown (6-2) at No. 3 Pennsville (6-2): In a field with five Salem County teams, this is the Salem County-est of the first-round games. This also is a rematch of the season opener, won by Pennsville by a 28-7 score. The Eagles are the defending sectional champions led by seasoned seniors such as Rob Saulin, P.J. Halter, Nick Bard and Logan Johnston, among others. Woodstown's lone loss since Week 1 was to undefeated Group 2 power West Deptford. Junior QB Cody Wolf is the triggerman for the Wolverines.

No. 7 Schalick (7-1) at No. 2 Paulsboro (7-1): The host Red Raiders have won seven in a row behind senior QB Kyle Jones, senior WR Emmanuel Simon and junior RB Dehron Holloway. Junior RB Tyreese Snipe is a player to watch for Schalick.

No. 8 Penns Grove (4-4) at No. 1 Woodbury (6-2): This is a rematch of a wild game Oct. 29 won by Woodbury by 44-36 in overtime. The top seeded Thundering Herd has gone 3-2 against teams in the field, beating Paulsboro, Penns Grove and Haddon Heights and losing to Salem and Pennsville. The emergence of freshman QB Andre Parker has helped spark Woodbury on a four-game winning streak. Penns Grove is young and talented and inconsistent. Sophomore Tyreke Brown and junior RB Semaj Moore have been playmakers for the Red Devils.

Non-Public 4

No. 7 St. Augustine (9-0) at No. 2 Bergen Catholic (6-3): This is a chance for the Hermits to show their program has advanced to the point where they can beat one of the North Jersey superpowers. The Hermits have explosive playmakers such as junior RB Kyle Dobbins, junior QB Josh Zamot and senior WR Zeke Ennis. Senior LBs Josh Daids, Quinn Dolan and Dean Kolonich lead the defense. Bergen Catholic isn't unbeatable, just big, strong and hardened by a demanding schedule. The Crusaders have played a bunch of tough games against quality competition, beating DePaul Catholic 21-7 and Paramus Catholic 17-14 and losing 17-14 to St. Joseph Montvale and 17-10 to Don Bosco Prep, both in overtime. The big concern for St. Augustine, as it is for every South Jersey team that competes against the North Jersey premier programs, is the ability of its front lines to hold the fort.

Non-Public 3

No. 5 St. John Vianney (9-0) at No. 4 Camden Catholic (8-0): This is what that big win over Cherry Hill West earned Camden Catholic: A home playoff game before what promises to be a big crowd in a battle of unbeaten teams. The winner gets to visit top-seeded and rested St. Joseph Montvale in the second round but the Irish can't get caught looking that far ahead. A win in this game (plus taking care of business vs. Thanksgiving rival Paul VI) makes this season a big step forward for this program, no matter what happens against SJM. This game will be special for Nazir Streater, Kyle Dupree, Tyler Romano and the rest of the CC seniors as this will be their last game at Shamrock Field.

Non-Public 2

No. 6 Holy Cross (6-3) at No. 3 St. Joseph (6-3): The visiting Lancers have won four in a row, averaging 34.5 points in that span behind juniors QB Jeff Undercuffler and junior RB Tim Petrucelli, among others. St. Joe is gunning for its eighth straight state title and 19th since the creation of the non-public state tournament in 1993. The Wildcats have labored a bit on offense this season, showing their inexperience at times. Junior FB Qwahsin Townsel has been the team's top offensive playmaker with 15 TDs. Junior LB Sincere Tapp has 8.5 sacks.

No. 5 Montclair Kimberley (7-2) at No. 4 Holy Spirit (6-2): The host Spartans' two losses were to St. Augustine and Camden Catholic, teams that are a combined 17-0. They have quality wins over Delsea and St. Joseph. Senior RBs Reggie Jean-Charles and Justin Figueroa lead the way for the Spartans. MKA has played an independent schedule, with three games against New York teams.

Central Jersey Group 4

No. 5 Freehold Boro (5-4) at No. 4 Pennsauken (5-3): The host Indians can clinch their first winning season since 2011 and earn their first playoff victory since that same season by taking care of business Saturday at Vince McAneney Field. Seniors such as Martin Booker Jr., Lateef Coleman and Zaire Davis lead the way for the Indians. Freehold Boro has won five in a row since an 0-4 start.

No. 7 Moorestown (5-4) at No. 2 Allentown (7-2): Moorestown senior all-purpose Brandon Outlaw has scored 14 touchdowns and sophomore QB Brian McMonagle has thrown 14 TD passes. The Quakers face a big challenge in slowing down Allentown senior QB Jordan Winston, an Oklahoma State recruit for baseball.

-- Contact Phil Anastasia at panastasia@phillynews.com

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