Early-season football showdowns set stage for rematches

It's September. It's still summer. It's just the start of the South Jersey football season.

But it's never too soon to think about the playoffs.

And that's the thing about some early-season showdowns: They sometimes set the stage for rematches in the state tournament.

Consider last weekend's instant classic between Timber Creek and Delsea that went to the top-ranked Chargers by a 39-36 score when that last-second field-goal attempt by the Crusaders bounced off the upright.

That was some kind of season opener.

But it also felt like a warm-up act for a rematch in the South Jersey Group 3 playoffs in November or maybe even the sectional title game in December.

Same goes for last Saturday's annual lid-lifter between old rivals Paulsboro and Woodbury. They also could meet again in November — or December.

Weeks 1 and 2 on the West Jersey Football League schedule is filled with games that match teams that could meet again in the playoffs, from Highland and Cherry Hill West in Group 4 to Salem and Glassboro in Group 1 to Haddonfield and Collingswood and Cinnaminson and Willingboro in Group 2, among many others.

Friday night's so-called "Holy War" between St. Joseph and Holy Spirit is a classic example of an early-season game that is compelling in its own right but also likely will serve as the preview to a highly-anticipated rematch.

The eighth-ranked Wildcats visit the seventh-ranked Spartans in a clash between old and fierce rivals before what promises to be a overflow crowd at Ed Byrnes Stadium off Route 9 in Absecon.

But no matter what happens, nothing will be truly settled as the teams likely will meet again in the Non-Public 2 state tournament.

And maybe even in the state finals.

No. 8 St. Joseph (1-0) at No. 7 Holy Spirit (1-0): The visiting Wildcats have a top fullback/linebacker in senior Qwahsin Townsell, who began his career at Holy Spirit, and dangerous halfbacks in junior Nate Johnson and sophomore Jada Byers.

The Spartans are led by senior quarterback Josh Zamot, a transfer from St. Augustine Prep.

Pick: St. Joseph, 22-20.

No. 17 Cedar Creek (1-0) at No. 9 Delsea (0-1): The visiting Pirates have a sturdy defense led by senior linebacker Mike Gulig and a young quartrerback to watch in sophomore Louis Barrios.

Delsea's strength is its offensive line led by senior center Tom Maxwell.

Pick: Delsea, 21-14.

No. 22 Hammonton (2-0) at No. 13 Rancocas Valley (1-0): The visiting Blue Devils have a player to watch in junior two-way back Christian Weissman.

Florida-bound senior Iverson Clement, an all-purpose star, and senior linebacker Kyle Sapp lead the Red Devils.

Pick: Rancocas Valley, 27-20.

No. 14 Williamstown (1-0) at No. 5 St. Augustine: Junior quarterback J.C. Collins leads the visiting Braves.

Senior wide receiver/defensive back Shamere Collins is a player to watch for the Hermits.

Pick: St. Augustine, 17-13.

No. 23 Holy Cross (1-0) vs. No. 19 Haddonfield (1-0) at Cherry Hill West: Senior running back Tim Petrucelli leads the visiting Lancers in this Saturday afternoon clash.

Junior quarterback Jay Foley is a player to watch for Haddonfield.

Pick: Haddonfield, 24-17.

Haddon Heights (1-0) at Penns Grove (1-0): Senior quarterback Matt DiOrio, who ran for two touchdowns and passed for another in the season opener, leads the visiting Garnets in this Saturday game.

Penns Grove beat Deptford by 51-34 in the opener as sophomore Kavon Lewis passed for 305 yards and junior Tyreke Brown generated 192 receiving yards and 52 rushing yards.

Pick: Penns Grove, 33-27.

Last week: 5-2.

Year to date: 5-2.