The Chargers improved to 3-1 yesterday with a hard-fought and not-so-smooth 13-7 win over host Camden in an interdivisional Burlco/Olympic game.

Camden is 0-5, but the Panthers continue to play like a winning program. The loss yesterday was the third straight by a touchdown for the Panthers, who are no easy out.

What does that make Timber Creek?

The Chargers earned their first Group 3 playoff berth last season and could return to the postseason if the quarterback position can be remedied.

Yesterday, the Chargers started Eric Loper at quarterback. While Loper isn't really a quarterback, he's a versatile player who probably would play center if asked.

Loper was keeping the quarterback spot warm for newcomer John Church, who played in his first game for the Chargers yesterday.

That's the same John Church who began the season as the backup quarterback at Winslow Township to one of South Jersey's top players, Ka'Lial Glaud.

Winslow Township coach Mike McBride has said Church could start for many teams, and he soon will prove that as quarterback for Timber Creek.

Church became eligible this week after the paperwork was approved, and he looked like somebody playing his first game with a new team.

Church and Loper alternated at quarterback, but Timber Creek coach Rob Hinson said Church likely would get his first start next week.

That first start happens to be against Shawnee, The Inquirer's No. 1 South Jersey team.

Welcome to your new team.

At 6-foot-2 and 180-pounds Church has a gun for an arm, but he struggled yesterday.

Timber Creek was fortunate that junior Nahjee Gibson was so durable and productive, with 136 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries.

So, where does that leave Loper?

The 6-0, 190-pound senior is an explosive wide receiver. When Church came in the game, Loper played wideout.

On defense, Loper is a quality corner who also punts and kicks off.

He left the field only twice, when Timber Creek attempted conversion kicks after touchdowns.

Loper is the type of player who makes winning programs.

Last season was his first full year at Timber Creek after transferring from Paul VI. Timber Creek went 6-4 in its seventh season of fielding a team. It seems winning follows Loper.

"You can't put a price on having somebody like him," Hinson said. "He is so versatile, and it's the reason for all the recruiting interest."

Miami of Ohio, Akron, Delaware State, Buffalo, and, most recently, Villanova have offered Loper a scholarship.

Some like him on offense, others on defense, and still more will figure it out once he gets there. They see the value of a team-oriented athlete who can play multiple positions.

"You do what you can to help the team, and it doesn't matter where I play," Loper said.

Loper is more than happy to move aside at quarterback, because once Church is comfortable with the offense, Timber Creek will be a stronger team.

"Right now, we haven't been consistent, but we are in the hunt for a playoff spot," Loper said. "We're working through adversity and once we get through it, this will help us that much more."

When it happens, Loper likely will be center stage in a variety of roles.