S.J. Group 2: Haddonfield. Last season, the Bulldogs set a program record with 11 victories and won the school's first South Jersey title since the playoffs started in 1974. This team can win 12. Lots of talented players return, but the Bulldogs have to handle high expectations and that fresh bull's-eye on the backs of their jerseys. West Deptford will challenge Haddonfield in the Colonial Liberty, and the sectional tournament, and Lower Cape May, Willingboro, Buena, and Cinnaminson could be factors as well.
S.J. Group 3: Delsea. This might be the most loaded group in South Jersey. Hammonton and Moorestown are stacked, Oakcrest moves down from Group 4, and defending champion Lacey Township always is a contender. Plus, there are talented teams such as Timber Creek, Woodrow Wilson, and Winslow Township. But Delsea rates the edge based on the experience returning from last year's 10-2 team, especially junior quarterback Josh Awotunde.
S.J. Group 4: Cherokee. The Chiefs have lost a ton of talent over the last two seasons, when they went 23-1 and won back-to-back titles. But they're the champions until somebody takes their crown. District rival Shawnee has the best shot, along with Ocean County power Toms River North. Watch out for Williamstown, Rancocas Valley, rejuvenated Lenape, and Cape-Atlantic teams such as Absegami, Egg Harbor Township, and Millville.
Non-Public 4: Don Bosco Prep. Like St. Anthony and St. Patrick's in basketball, this is a national power, not a state power. South Jersey's best teams in this group, Paul VI and St. Augustine, will look to win a first-round game, as this field often includes three of the state's five best teams.
Non-Public 3: Immaculata. No South Jersey teams are in this group.
Non-Public 2: Holy Spirit. The Spartans move down from NP-3, in which they won the state title last season. Camden Catholic looks like the second-best team, and South Jersey teams such as Bishop Eustace, Holy Cross, and Gloucester Catholic could be in the field. But Holy Spirit looks to be a cut above the competition.
Non-Public 1: St. Joseph. The Wildcats might not even get two games in this watered-down group. They might just play a championship game, and win by 40-0, as they did last season.
- Phil Anastasia
