But it's deeper than that for Pennsauken. The Indians are coming off a strong summer and have the No. 8 spot in The Inquirer preseason Top 10. But they want to prove they belong in the discussion of the best teams in South Jersey.
"This is the game we've been pointing to since last season," Pennsauken quarterback Manny Cortez said.
Shawnee, No. 6 in the rankings, took a blow in the preseason when standout senior lineman Tom Smith suffered a back injury. Smith will miss two to three months, Shawnee coach Tim Gushue said.
The Renegades still have a strong front line led by Tulane-bound Bob Bradley along with Jesse Osbourne and Rob Beachy. Len Sanelli is a top nose guard, and Wes Hoffner is a top linebacker.
The Renegades hope to run the football with senior Kyle Wigley and junior Rob D'Orio. A key could be the play of senior quarterback Jamie Jackopin, who will make his first start.
"For us to be successful, we have to control the line of scrimmage," Gushue said. "Our offense has to control the ball and keep their offense on the bench. It sounds like a broken record, but that's been our game plan for 30 years.
"They [Pennsauken] are so explosive. They have big-play people all over the field."
Cortez threw for 10 touchdowns and ran for seven more for Pennsauken as a junior. He's got dangerous targets in wide receivers Amar Williams, Ameer Williams (no relation), and Anthony Sweet, a transfer from Camden Catholic.
Amar Williams is a big-play return man, and linebacker Justin Copes leads the Pennsauken defense.
"Shawnee doesn't want a beauty contest," Tabb said. "They want to make it ugly. They want to line up and pound the ball at us.
"Our guys have to stand up to that. Shawnee will not beat themselves. We're going to have to go in there and beat them. Our guys want this challenge. I told them this is their opportunity, but they have to go in there and do something with it."
Analysis. Losing Smith will hurt Shawnee, even though the Renegades still have a top front line. His experience and veteran savvy would have been big on opening night.
Pennsauken looked strong all summer. The Renegades could very well win a rematch in the South Jersey Group 4 playoffs, but the Indians have the edge right now.
Pick: Pennsauken, 20-14.
Contact staff writer Phil Anastasia at 856-779-3223, panastasia@phillynews.com, or @PhilAnastasia on Twitter.
