Deptford snaps losing streak

For many years Deptford has been among South Jersey's signature football programs, but the Spartans have fallen on hard times recently, which is why Friday's 17-14 win over Bishop Eustace was so rewarding to veteran coach Al Orio.

Orio, who guided Deptford to consecutive South Jersey Group 3 titles in 2003 and 2004 when the Spartans were a combined 23-1, saw his team snap a 14-game losing streak. The last win was a 26-7 victory over Northern Burlington in the second-to-last game of the 2008 season.

"It's never about me, it's about the kids, and I feel excited for them," Orio said.

What made the win more special for Orio was that it came over a Eustace team that is the defending Olympic Conference National Division champion and despite a 1-4 record, has been competitive this season, losing one game in triple overtime.

The outcome of Friday's game wasn't determined until Eustace missed a 37-yard field goal in the final seconds.

"They are a good team and well-coached, so this made for a better win for us," Orio said. "It's important to win the race, but also important who the race is against."

Running back Lawrence Dillard rushed for 108 yards on 15 carries and caught a 44-yard scoring pass from Anthony Redd (4 of 6 for 118 yards).

Senior Jerry Cassidy, who was the starting quarterback last year and is now playing running back, rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. He also had 10 tackles at linebacker.

Zack Kummer broke the tie with a 30-yard fourth-quarter field goal.

On defense, middle linebacker Joe Egan recorded 15 tackles and, according to Orio, ends Tyree Atkins and James Gayeski did a great job of not allowing Eustace to run outside.

Pennsville quarterback Kenny Emmons, who has missed most of the last two games with a hairline fracture in his fibula, says he will be re-examined by the doctor on Monday.

Emmons was told last Monday that he would be sidelined one to four weeks. He was hurt on the first play from scrimmage in a 25-14 win over Salem on Oct. 2.

On Friday, Pennsville (5-0) hosts Glassboro (5-0) in a matchup of Group 1 playoff contenders.

"I feel it's improving, but I won't rush back," said Emmons, who has thrown 45 career touchdown passes. "If I'm ready to go on Friday, I will."

In nearly two full games, freshman Dylan Cummings has completed 13 of 25 passes for 427 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions for Pennsville.

Woodrow Wilson and Camden each won over the weekend, setting up a championship showdown on Thanksgiving.

The holiday game will take place at Camden, with the winner claiming the West Jersey Football League Independence Division title. Both teams are 3-0 in divisional play with just the one remaining Independence game against one another.

"These kids play so much faster in that game because it means so much to the players on both teams," Woodrow Wilson coach Chris Crowley said. "Now imagine this year, with a championship on the line."

Cinnaminson quarterback Shaun Schaffer fractured the thumb on his (right) throwing hand during Friday's 35-14 loss at Burlington Township.

Before being hurt, Schaffer had completed 3 of 4 for 46 yards. Running back/receiver Dominic Elly stepped in and completed 9 of 15 passes for 70 yards. Ely also rushed for 143 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.

According to Cinnaminson coach Mario Patrizi, Schaffer is out indefinitely.

Despite a 2-3 record, Cinnaminson is very much alive for a South Jersey Group 2 playoff spot.

Delsea (5-0) visits Camden Catholic (4-0) in Friday's 7 p.m. WJFL interdivisional game. Camden Catholic has had consecutive wins over Camden and Seneca by a combined 10 points and this one looks to be just as close.

Moorestown (3-2) is averaging 32.2 points. Junior quarterback Andrew Lisa could be on course for a 2,000-yard passing season. Lisa has completed 88 of 146 for 1,008 yards and 12 touchdowns.

South Jersey historian Chuck Langerman notes that 14 of the 79 schools from the seven-county South Jersey area are undefeated (17.7 percent).

Gloucester County leads with four schools (Delsea, Paulsboro, Glassboro, West Deptford), while Burlington (Willingboro, Holy Cross, Cherokee) and Camden (Woodrow Wilson, Camden Catholic, Paul VI) Counties have three each. Also undefeated are Lower Cape May, Pennsville, Holy Spirit and Atlantic City.

Willingboro has recorded three straight shutouts. The last time that happened was 1982, when the Chimeras shut out Lenape, (7-0), Cinnaminson (17-0) and Rancocas Valley (3-0) on three consecutive weeks.

After Friday's 27-7 win over Williamstown, Cherokee is 3-0 lifetime against the Braves, outscoring them, 88-28.