Non-Public state football playoffs cut

ROBBINSVILLE, N.J. - Non-Public football teams will get their last chance to win a state title in 2012.

The challenge will be tougher than ever for Camden Catholic.

As expected, the NJSIAA's executive committee voted Wednesday to pass a recommendation by the advisory committee to change the organization's bylaws to eliminate state championships in Non-Public football after the 2012 season.

That means that starting in 2013, the Non-Public playoffs will end at the sectional championships, same as they do for public schools. The NJSIAA has not yet decided on the format for the Non-Public sectional tournaments, but the organization is expected to create a Non-Public South A and Non-Public South B.

The NJSIAA also announced that for the 2012 playoffs, Camden Catholic will move up to Non-Public 3 after competing in Non-Public 2 last season.

Immaculata will move down to Non-Public 2 from Non-Public 3.

"That's fine," Camden Catholic coach Gil Brooks said. "It probably means that we'll have to play some tougher teams, but that's OK."

NJSIAA associate director Jack DuBois, who oversees football, said the change was recommended by the advisory committee so that there is uniformity in competition for public and Non-Public football programs.

DuBois said the football committee would work to develop a sectional format for the Non-Public tournament, starting in 2013. The advisory committee has considered a proposal to create two sections in South Jersey and three sections in North Jersey but decided not to present that format to the executive committee.

"We have time to work through this," DuBois said.

Camden Catholic went 10-1 last season, losing to Holy Spirit in the Non-Public 2 state final. The Irish project as one of the top teams in South Jersey next season, with a two-way star in running back/linebacker Jarred Alwan, a major recruit in the class of 2013, as well as standout lineman Jeff Miller, big-play wide receiver Thomas Wescott, and top linebackers Sean Collins and Will Jackson.

Non-Public 3 will include defending champion St. Joseph of Montvale, which has won 15 state titles, as well as Delbarton, Red Bank Catholic, and De Paul.

"St. Joe Montvale is one of the great programs in the state," Brooks said. "It's great competition."

Non-Public 2 will keep its South Jersey flavor with defending champion Holy Spirit along with Holy Cross, Bishop Eustace, and Gloucester Catholic.

St. Joseph of Hammonton will remain in Non-Public 1.