NJSIAA Group 3 Playoff Preview: Unbeaten Pinelands Seeks Historic Title, Camden Eyes Repeat

Shore Sports Insider is breaking down the NJSIAA public school playoffs with previews on each bracket involving Shore Conference teams.

A total of 25 Shore teams have qualified for the public playoffs across all five groups and 14 different sections. Here is what to watch for beginning this Friday night when the battle for a state championship begins across New Jersey.

 

GROUP 3

Defending Champion: Cedar Creek (Moved up to Group 4, due to the NJSIAA’s non-traditional enrollment/competitive balance rules and missed playoffs)

 

Central Jersey Group 3

(8) Deptford at (1) Hopewell Valley

(5) Brick at (4) Burlington Township

(6) Pleasantville at (3) Ocean City

(7) Barnegat at (2) Camden

 

The Favorite: Camden

Camden (5-3) enters the Central Jersey Group 3 playoffs looking to defend its state championship in a higher classification. The Panthers captured the Group 2 state title last season but were automatically elevated to Group 3 under the NJSIAA’s non-traditional enrollment and competitive balance rules. As an open-enrollment school, Camden can draw students from throughout the entire city, giving the program a larger potential talent pool than traditional district-based schools. The Panthers have faced a demanding schedule, with losses to Pennsylvania’s Imhotep Charter (29-8), Texas powerhouse Permian (28-13), and two-time defending Group 1 champion Glassboro (15-6). Camden has also recorded convincing victories over Ocean City (32-8), Cedar Creek (27-7), Kingsway (50-14), and Mainland (36-0), demonstrating its ability to handle quality competition.

Despite relying heavily on underclassmen, Camden has the talent and physicality to make another championship run. Sophomore running back Jayden Boyce has rushed for 860 yards and nine touchdowns on 109 carries, while senior Roman Duckett has contributed 429 yards. Sophomore quarterback Gregory Wyche Jr. has thrown for 679 yards and eight touchdowns, giving the Panthers balance alongside a rushing attack that has produced 1,752 yards. Camden’s defense has been particularly disruptive, recording 24 sacks, 50 tackles for loss, and 13 interceptions. With a difficult regular-season schedule behind them and experience winning at the highest level, Camden has the credentials to emerge from Central Jersey Group 3 and contend for another state championship.

 

Contender: Burlington Township

Burlington Township’s 4-5 record is deceiving, as the Falcons have spent much of the season facing some of New Jersey’s toughest competition. Their five losses came against Passaic Tech (49-36), St. Augustine (49-0), Glassboro (33-0), Shawnee (27-26), and Rancocas Valley (42-0). Burlington Township demonstrated its potential earlier in the season with four consecutive victories over Cherokee (28-0), Willingboro (40-21), Delsea (26-14), and Pleasantville (20-18). The Falcons have struggled offensively in recent weeks, scoring just 26 points over their final four games, but their experience against high-level opponents could prove valuable when the competition intensifies in the playoffs.

Senior quarterback Bryce Carter has thrown for 841 yards and 11 touchdowns, with senior wide receiver Mekhi Curry emerging as his top target with 292 receiving yards and four scores. Senior running back Aiden Binns has rushed for 626 yards and three touchdowns while also contributing 125 receiving yards and returning two kickoffs for touchdowns. Defensively, senior linebacker Londyn Johnson has recorded 51 tackles, including nine for loss, while the Falcons have intercepted 10 passes as a team. The Falcons will need to rediscover the offensive production that fueled their four-game winning streak, but their difficult schedule has prepared them for the challenges ahead.

 

Dark Horse: Pleasantville

Pleasantville’s 4-5 record hardly reflects the challenges the Greyhounds have faced throughout the regular season. Head coach Elijah Glover’s squad has navigated a gauntlet of South Jersey opponents, including Shawnee, Burlington Township, Holy Spirit, Rancocas Valley, and Delsea. Four of Pleasantville’s five losses came against teams with winning records, and three were decided by five points or fewer, including a 7-6 defeat against Mainland, a 20-18 loss to Burlington Township, and a 27-22 setback against Holy Spirit. The Greyhounds also own victories over Cedar Creek (20-6), Cherokee (20-7), and Delsea (18-8), demonstrating their ability to compete against established programs.

Pleasantville enters the playoffs having won two of its final three games, including a victory over Delsea in its regular-season finale. The Greyhounds have relied on their defense to keep games competitive, holding five opponents to 20 points or fewer and limiting Delsea to just eight points. Their opening-round matchup against third-seeded Ocean City presents another difficult assignment, but Pleasantville has already faced the Red Raiders’ caliber of competition throughout the season. With a battle-tested roster and experience playing in tight games, Pleasantville has the potential to make its No. 6 seed look misleading.

 

Shore Shots: Brick and Barnegat

For the first time in seven years, Brick (5-4) is back in the state playoffs, giving one of the Shore Conference’s most tradition-rich programs an opportunity to make some postseason noise. Head coach Jay Graber’s Green Dragons have built their offense around a physical rushing attack, relying on their ground game to control possession and wear down opposing defenses. Brick has won three of its last four games, including victories over Toms River East (28-21) and Lacey (21-3), with its only loss during that stretch coming against St. John Vianney. The Green Dragons have also defeated Central, Toms River South, and Allentown, but losses to Brick Memorial, Pinelands, and Monmouth have exposed some limitations against stronger competition.

Senior quarterback Rowan Foy has been the centerpiece of Brick’s offense, rushing for 493 yards and four touchdowns on 104 carries, while junior Tyshawn Corbett has added 360 yards and three scores. Junior Jaylen Johnson has contributed 157 rushing yards and two touchdowns, helping the Green Dragons accumulate 1,380 yards on the ground compared to just 245 through the air. Brick’s defense is anchored by senior linebackers Cian Foy and Rowan Foy, who have recorded 98 and 94 tackles, respectively. Junior Tyshawn Corbett has added 49 tackles and two interceptions, while junior Matthew Kosza leads the team with three interceptions. The Green Dragons will need their rushing attack to sustain long drives and their defense to limit Burlington Township’s big plays if they hope to advance. A victory would likely set up an even greater challenge against top-seeded Camden in the sectional semifinals.

Barnegat (7-2) opened the season with six consecutive victories before running into its toughest competition, suffering back-to-back losses to Monmouth (35-17) and undefeated Pinelands (12-6). The Bengals rebounded with a 49-27 victory over Long Branch in their regular-season finale, giving them some momentum heading into a difficult first-round matchup at second-seeded Camden. Barnegat has enjoyed one of its strongest seasons in recent years, recording shutouts against Lakewood (34-0) and Colts Neck (16-0), while scoring at least 34 points in five of its seven victories. However, the Bengals will be significant underdogs against the defending Group 2 state champions, whose demanding schedule and collection of talent presents a major challenge.

The Bengals have relied heavily on their rushing attack, led by junior Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has gained 622 yards and scored nine touchdowns on 73 carries. Senior Christopher Santero has added 389 yards and seven touchdowns, while freshman quarterback Zach McCrohan has thrown for 433 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for another 138 yards. Sophomore wide receiver Chancellor Joseph has emerged as a versatile playmaker with 20 receptions for 215 yards and three touchdowns, along with two punt return touchdowns. Defensively, senior Joshua Kawka leads the team with 59 tackles, six tackles for loss, and two sacks, while senior linebacker Nick Malinowski has contributed 45 tackles and three sacks.

Non-Shore Player to Watch: Anthony Nelson, Jr., DL, Camden

At 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds, Nelson provides a powerful presence in the middle of Camden’s defensive line. The junior has attracted interest from several Division I programs, including scholarship offers from Buffalo and Kent State. His size and strength make him a difficult matchup for opposing offensive linemen, while his versatility extends to special teams, where he also serves as a punter. Nelson figures to play an important role in Camden’s pursuit of a second consecutive state championship.

 

South Jersey Group 3

(8) Ewing at (1) Seneca

(5) Delran at (4) Timber Creek

(6) Triton at (3) Pinelands

(7) Red Bank at (2) Oakcrest

 

The Favorite: Seneca

Seneca (6-3) overcame an 0-2 start to win six consecutive games and earn the top seed in South Jersey Group 3. Head coach Anthony Diorio’s Golden Eagles responded to early losses against Lenape (26-20) and Haddonfield (34-0) by putting together an impressive stretch that included victories over Mainland (41-6), Willingboro (21-0), Delran (35-14), Hopewell Valley (27-13), Hammonton (49-16), and Paul VI (19-7). Their winning streak ended with a 42-14 loss to undefeated West Deptford in the regular-season finale, but Seneca has demonstrated its ability to compete against quality opponents. The Golden Eagles have also shown considerable defensive improvement since their opening two games, holding five opponents to 14 points or fewer during their six-game winning streak.

Senior quarterback Anthony Tirico has been the driving force behind Seneca’s offense, accounting for 2,618 yards and 28 touchdowns. Tirico has rushed for 1,293 yards and 17 touchdowns on 148 carries while throwing for another 1,325 yards and 11 scores. Senior wide receiver Nate Sauerwald has been his favorite target, catching 43 passes for 700 yards and seven touchdowns, while senior Chase Horner has contributed 268 rushing yards, 236 receiving yards, and four offensive touchdowns. Horner also anchors the defense with 85 tackles, five sacks, and 15 tackles for loss, while sophomore Peyton Preston has added 63 tackles. The Golden Eagles’ ability to move the ball through the air and on the ground, combined with their experience against a demanding schedule, makes them a strong candidate to capture the sectional championship.

 

Contender: Timber Creek

Timber Creek (7-2) has the offensive firepower to challenge anyone in South Jersey Group 3, and the Chargers enter the playoffs playing some of their best football. Head coach Brian Wright’s squad has won five consecutive games, including victories over Absegami (43-0), Nottingham (56-0), Bridgeton (34-29), and St. Joseph (Hammonton) (31-0). After opening the season with a 20-14 loss to Williamstown, Timber Creek has developed into a dangerous offensive team capable of attacking defenses through the air and on the ground. The Chargers have scored at least 31 points in each of their last six games, while their defense has recorded three shutouts during that stretch. Their combination of offensive production and momentum makes them a serious threat to top-seeded Seneca.

Sophomore quarterback Keeanu Darji has emerged as one of South Jersey’s most productive young quarterbacks, completing 102 of 178 passes for 1,940 yards and 21 touchdowns against just two interceptions. He has also rushed for 426 yards and 13 touchdowns, giving the Chargers a dual-threat weapon who has accounted for 34 scores. Senior running back James Redd has added 1,014 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, while junior Amir Culbertson leads the receiving corps with 585 yards and four scores. Senior Lamel Young has contributed 434 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, and junior Preston Williams has added 416 yards and five scores. Defensively, senior linebacker Brody Conway leads the team with 124 tackles and 15 tackles for loss, while senior lineman Elijah Green has recorded 14 sacks and 16 tackles for loss. If the Chargers maintain their offensive balance and continue generating pressure defensively, they have the pieces to capture the sectional championship.

 

Dark Horse: Pinelands

Pinelands (9-0) has put together what could be the greatest season in program history, and the Wildcats now have an opportunity to accomplish something the school has never done: win a sectional championship. Head coach John Tierney’s squad completed an undefeated regular season and captured the Class B South title, relying on a suffocating defense that has recorded five shutouts and allowed just 31 points in nine games. Pinelands has defeated Brick (34-0), Lacey (13-0), Barnegat (12-6), and Toms River South (20-12), proving it can win both comfortably and in tightly contested games. With Camden in Central Jersey, Pinelands has the ideal path to a sectional final in front of them.

Junior running back RJ Clark has powered the offense with 898 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 105 carries, while senior quarterback Jamie Jenkins has provided balance with 1,003 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and just one interception. Jenkins has also rushed for 391 yards and four scores, with senior wide receiver Anthony Bonds emerging as his top target with 35 receptions for 589 yards and six touchdowns. Defensively, junior linebacker Montrell Carter has been a dominant presence, recording 94.5 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and 19 tackles for loss, while senior Owen Taylor has added 52.5 tackles and five tackles for loss. Pinelands has the defensive toughness, offensive playmakers, and confidence of an unbeaten team to make a serious postseason run. A victory over Triton would likely set up a semifinal showdown with second-seeded Oakcrest, but the Wildcats have an opportunity to turn an already historic season into the program’s defining moment.

 

Other Shore Shots: Red Bank

Red Bank (4-4) faces a difficult road to advancing in South Jersey Group 3, opening the playoffs against second-seeded Oakcrest. The Bucs have experienced an uneven season under head coach Tyler Karalewich, overcoming a three-game losing streak to win three consecutive games against Howell (7-0), Neptune (28-20), and Long Branch (31-7) before falling to Marlboro (35-7) in their regular-season finale. Red Bank has struggled against stronger opponents, suffering lopsided defeats to Holmdel (48-7) and Ocean (34-0). The Bucs will need to find greater consistency on both sides of the ball to challenge an Oakcrest team that earned the No. 2 seed in the section.

Senior quarterback Brett Laude has thrown for 768 yards and eight touchdowns, with senior wide receiver Kaden Jackson serving as his primary target with 22 receptions for 298 yards and a touchdown. Senior running back Joe Henry has rushed for 535 yards and two scores, while senior Kieran Gilmartin has contributed 141 yards on the ground. Defensively, senior Nate Borenius leads the Bucs with 65 tackles and two interceptions, while senior Declan Sanborn has recorded 51 tackles and senior Nick Blahut has added 48 tackles, two sacks, and four tackles for loss. Red Bank will need to establish its running game, avoid turnovers, and limit explosive plays to have a chance at an upset. A victory would send the Bucs into the sectional semifinals against either Pinelands or Triton, but getting past Oakcrest will require their strongest performance of the season.

 

Non-Shore Player to Watch: Anthony Tirico, Sr., QB, Seneca

One of the most prolific quarterbacks in South Jersey high school football history, Tirico has accumulated more than 10,000 career yards of total offense. The senior dual-threat quarterback has continued his remarkable production this season, throwing for 1,325 yards and 11 touchdowns while rushing for 1,293 yards and 17 scores. With 28 touchdowns accounted for in nine games, Tirico’s ability to beat defenses with his arm and legs makes him the centerpiece of Seneca’s offense and a major reason the Golden Eagles are favored to win the section.

 

North Jersey 1 Group 3

(8) Paramus at (1) Old Tappan

(5) Morris Hills at (4) West Morris

(6) Wayne Valley at (3) Shabazz

(7) Matawan at (2) Cranford

 

The Favorite: Old Tappan

A year after reaching the Group 3 state championship game before falling to Cedar Creek a year ago, Old Tappan (8-0) is back in position to make another run at the title. Head coach Brian Dunn’s Golden Knights completed an undefeated regular season against a challenging North Jersey schedule, earning victories over Ramapo (35-26), Wayne Valley (42-21), River Dell (35-13), Wayne Hills (42-35), and Northern Highlands (30-24). Old Tappan has been particularly impressive offensively, scoring at least 30 points in every game and surpassing 40 points four times. The Golden Knights have also demonstrated their ability to win close games, surviving one-score battles against Ramapo, Wayne Hills, and Northern Highlands. After coming up one victory short of a state championship last season, Old Tappan has positioned itself for another opportunity to finish the job.

Senior quarterback Zachary Miceli has been the catalyst for an explosive offense, completing 88 of 112 passes for 1,588 yards and 17 touchdowns against just one interception. Miceli has also rushed for 495 yards and nine scores, giving the Golden Knights a dangerous dual-threat presence. Senior wide receiver Leo Etter leads the receiving corps with 39 catches for 675 yards and eight touchdowns, while senior Nick Blanchard has contributed 445 rushing yards and seven scores. Defensively, senior John Bilali leads the team with 64 tackles, while Blanchard has added 46 tackles and six tackles for loss. Old Tappan opens the playoffs against eighth-seeded Paramus, with either West Morris or Morris Hills awaiting in the sectional semifinals. With an experienced roster, a balanced offense, and unfinished business from last season, the Golden Knights have established themselves as the team to beat in North Jersey 1 Group 3.

 

Contender: Shabazz

Shabazz (7-1) finds itself in Group 3 after reaching last year’s Group 2 state championship game, where the Bulldogs fell to Camden. Like Camden, Shabazz was moved up under the NJSIAA’s non-traditional enrollment and competitive balance rules because of its open-enrollment status, which allows the Newark school to draw students from throughout the city rather than a traditional district. Head coach Nasir Gaines has a roster featuring several Division I prospects, and the Bulldogs have backed up that talent with another impressive season. Their only loss came against West Orange (13-6), while victories over Atlantic City (32-19), Passaic Tech (13-0), and Irvington (14-0) highlighted a six-game winning streak to close the regular season. Shabazz has recorded five shutouts, including four in its last six games, and enters the playoffs with one of the section’s most imposing defenses.

Five-star junior cornerback Nasir Richardson headlines the Bulldogs’ collection of college prospects, holding offers from Michigan, Penn State, and several other major programs. Senior defensive lineman Adekunbi Adetayo, a Vanderbilt commit, has recorded four sacks and 18 tackles for loss. Shabazz has also received production from senior quarterback Kariem Coston, who has accounted for eight touchdowns, and senior wide receiver Josiah Perez, who leads the team with 355 receiving yards and three scores. Their defensive dominance and abundance of Division I talent make them a serious threat to top-seeded Old Tappan and give Shabazz a chance to return to the state championship game in a higher classification.

 

Dark Horse: West Morris

West Morris (6-3) has the type of physical, run-heavy offense that can create problems for opponents unfamiliar with defending the Wing-T. Head coach Kevin Hennelly’s Wolfpack opened the season with five consecutive victories, including wins over Mendham (41-20), Randolph (36-0), Roxbury (22-14), and Chatham (28-7). A three-game losing streak against Morris Knolls (34-25), Immaculata (46-38), and West Essex (19-16) slowed their momentum, but West Morris responded with a 21-14 victory over Mount Olive to close the regular season. All three defeats came against quality opponents, with two decided by a combined 12 points. The Wolfpack’s ability to control possession and shorten games makes them a potentially dangerous opponent in North Jersey 1 Group 3.

Junior running back Deacon Frayne has been the centerpiece of the Wing-T attack, rushing for 1,319 yards and 17 touchdowns on 212 carries. Junior Jonathan Cabarle has added 344 yards and four scores, while senior Brendan Dwyer has contributed 327 yards and two touchdowns. West Morris has accumulated 2,432 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns compared to just 518 passing yards, demonstrating its commitment to establishing the ground game. Frayne has also been a key defensive contributor with 72 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks, while senior John Garcia leads the team with 73 tackles. West Morris will need to avoid falling behind early, but its disciplined rushing attack and ability to dictate the pace could make it a difficult out for the section’s higher seeds.

 

Shore Shots: Matawan

Matawan (4-5) may have a losing record, but the Huskies have played some of their best football over the final month of the regular season. Head coach Matt Walsh’s squad won three consecutive games against Marlboro (20-13), Shore (26-10), and Toms River East (48-7) before dropping a competitive 28-21 decision to Middletown South in its finale. The Huskies have also demonstrated their ability to spring a postseason upset, knocking off higher-seeded Somerville in the opening round last year. They’ll need to recapture that formula when they travel to face second-seeded Cranford in North Jersey 1 Group 3.

Junior quarterback BlairCarter Gagneron has provided Matawan with a productive passing attack, completing 104 of 166 passes for 1,318 yards and 12 touchdowns. Junior running back Sean Euell has rushed for 624 yards and four scores, while senior wide receiver Kevin Auguste has contributed 272 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Cayson Williams, who holds a Division I scholarship offer from Temple, gives the Huskies another tall, athletic weapon in the passing game with his ability to create mismatches against opposing defensive backs. Williams is also a playmaker on defense, where he has intercepted four passes. Senior linebacker JJ Oshin has recorded 71 tackles and seven sacks, while Auguste has added 80 tackles and 13 tackles for loss. Matawan will enter as a significant underdog against Cranford, but its improved play down the stretch and experience pulling off a road playoff upset provide some reason for optimism.

 

Non-Shore Player to Watch: Nasir Richardson, Jr., WR/DB, Shabazz

A five-star cornerback and one of New Jersey’s most highly recruited prospects, Richardson has attracted scholarship offers from major college programs, including Michigan and Penn State. The junior is a lockdown defender in coverage, recording three interceptions, while catching 13 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns on offense. Richardson has also contributed as a punt returner, giving Shabazz another opportunity to put the ball in the hands of its most highly-regarded prospect.

 

North Jersey 2 Group 3

(8) Weequahic at (1) West Essex

(5) Montville at (4) River Dell

(6) Somerville at (3) Holmdel

(7) Parsippany Hills at (2) Wayne Hills

 

The Favorite: Wayne Hills

Wayne Hills (8-1) has a championship tradition few programs in New Jersey can match, with 10 sectional titles in its history, and the Patriots have positioned themselves for another postseason run. Head coach Wayne Demikoff’s squad has won four consecutive games since suffering its only loss, a 42-35 setback against undefeated Old Tappan. The Patriots have navigated a demanding schedule that included a season-opening trip to Texas, where they defeated Midland Christian (41-34), along with victories over Northern Highlands (21-15), Wayne Valley (42-7), and Ramapo (34-13). Wayne Hills has scored at least 34 points in eight of its nine games, combining an explosive offense with a defense that has allowed just 41 points over its final four regular-season contests. The Patriots enter North Jersey 2 Group 3 as the No. 2 seed and a strong candidate to add another sectional championship to their decorated history.

Senior quarterback James Wolf has directed an efficient passing attack, throwing for 1,289 yards and 21 touchdowns against just two interceptions. Junior running back Ethan Zacharski has provided the biggest threat on the ground with 784 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 209 receiving yards and five scores. Senior Chase Canning leads the receiving corps with 535 yards and eight touchdowns, while senior Evan Rapoport has contributed 354 rushing yards and seven scores. Defensively, senior Colin Murray has recorded 72 tackles, including six for loss, while senior Shaunn George has registered 10 sacks and 17 tackles for loss.

 

Contender: West Essex

West Essex (8-1) has quietly put together one of the strongest seasons in North Jersey 2 Group 3, earning the top seed behind a physical defense and a balanced offensive attack. Head coach Dan Fulton’s Knights opened the season with five consecutive victories before suffering their only loss, a 32-28 setback against Caldwell. They responded with three straight wins over Newark Central (13-2), West Morris (19-16), and Nutley (21-14) to finish the regular season. West Essex has held seven opponents to 14 points or fewer, including shutouts against Hanover Park (31-0) and Sparta (28-0).

Senior quarterback Gaetano Iavarone has accounted for 1,446 yards of total offense and 19 touchdowns, throwing for 966 yards and eight scores while rushing for 480 yards and 11 touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Luke Kesack has been a key target in the passing game with 254 receiving yards, while senior Anthony Conforti has added 248 receiving yards. Defensively, junior lineman Frank Iavarone has recorded 12 tackles for loss and three sacks, while junior Anthony Cirigliano has contributed 47 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss.

 

Dark Horse: Holmdel

Holmdel (6-3) has the offensive firepower to challenge the top teams in North Jersey 2 Group 3, particularly when the Hornets get their no-huddle, up-tempo attack rolling. Head coach Noel Kavanagh’s squad has navigated one of the Shore Conference’s toughest schedules, earning victories over St. John Vianney (28-14), Middletown South (12-0), and Manalapan (15-12). All three losses came against quality opponents in Rumson-Fair Haven (40-28), Red Bank Catholic (36-7), and Wall (14-13). Holmdel closed the regular season with consecutive victories, including a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback against Manalapan, and enters the playoffs with confidence. The Hornets’ ability to push the pace, spread defenses across the field, and create mismatches through the passing game makes them a dangerous opponent for teams that struggle to adjust to their tempo.

Sophomore quarterback Tommy Fletcher has thrown for 1,368 yards and 15 touchdowns, directing an offense built around a talented group of receivers. Junior Anthony Serini has been his primary weapon with 44 receptions for 716 yards and seven touchdowns, while adding 176 rushing yards and four scores. Sophomore Charles Murphy has contributed 349 receiving yards and five touchdowns, and senior Michael Todisco has added 250 receiving yards and 302 rushing yards with five rushing touchdowns. Defensively, senior Matt Scheinman leads the team with 82 tackles and 11 tackles for loss, while Serini has recorded 73 tackles and two interceptions. The Hornets will need to protect the football and avoid the defensive breakdowns that have hurt them at times, but their explosive passing attack and ability to dictate the tempo give them a legitimate chance to make a deep playoff run.

 

Non-Shore Player to Watch: James Wolf, Sr., QB, Wayne Hills

At 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, Wolf may not have imposing size, but he is the general of Wayne Hills’ passing attack. The senior quarterback has completed 82 of 127 passes for 1,289 yards and 21 touchdowns against just two interceptions, displaying the accuracy and decision-making that have helped the Patriots compile an 8-1 record. Wolf has also rushed for 238 yards, giving defenses another element to account for.

 

Overall Group 3 State Championship Favorite

Camden

Despite a 5-3 record, the Panthers have faced a brutal schedule, with losses to Pennsylvania power Imhotep Charter, Texas power Permian, and two-time defending Group 1 champion Glassboro. Camden has the talent, physicality, and championship experience to compete with anyone in Group 3. With a roster loaded with young playmakers and Division I prospects, the Panthers have a strong chance to capture a second consecutive state championship albeit in a higher classification.