It was the exact opposite of a year ago.
Last season, Delsea put itself on the South Jersey football map with a 33-14 win over Timber Creek.
Friday, after spotting Delsea a 7-0 lead, the Chargers scored the next 40 during a 40-7 victory over the visiting Crusaders in a West Jersey Football League Royal Division matchup.
Few saw this one coming, including Timber Creek coach Rob Hinson,
"I thought we could win the game, but I am really surprised by the margin of victory," Hinson said.
No. 8 Timber Creek earned a 19-0 opening win over Cumberland. Meanwhile, No. 9 Delsea lost to Kingsway, 16-14, after holding a 14-3, fourth-quarter lead.
Last season, Timber Creek came in as the WJFL Royal Division favorite, but the loss to Delsea in the second game was telling. Delsea went on to win the division, and this season assumed the favorite's role.
One difference was the presence of Timber Creek junior defensive tackle Greg Webb, a transfer from Paul VI. Delsea simply couldn't move Webb and his linemates, and that stalled the running game.
"We sure went after it tonight," said the 6-foot-2, 295-pound Webb.
Delsea senior Joe Moffa, among the best centers in South Jersey, suffered a season-ending knee injury last week.
So far, it has been that type of season for the Crusaders.
Delsea scored in the first series when senior Oobie Pittman returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown.
So in two weeks, the Timber Creek defense hasn't allowed a point.
The Chargers weren't flustered after the opening touchdown. They tied the score later in the first quarter on Eric Church's 11-yard run and took the lead when quarterback Calvin Lowe scored on a 35-yard keeper on a fourth-and-2 play with 9 minutes, 37 seconds left in the second quarter.
Delsea was fortunate to be down by just six points at halftime. The Crusaders, long known for their ground game, rushed for just 54 yards and completed just 1 of 7 passes for 15 yards.
It wouldn't get better in the second half.
When Lowe connected with Dajaun Drennon for a 17-yard scoring strike on a fourth-and-8 play midway through the third quarter, Timber Creek was off and running.
Drennon, a force at defensive end and among the top players in the junior class, broke multiple tackles.
"I didn't want to be stopped," Drennon said.
Khalil Pierce (10 carries, 138 yards) then added scoring runs of 46 and 47 yards.
Delsea, which went 10-2 last season, is 0-2 overall and in the Royal. Timber Creek is 2-0 and 2-0, a much different start from last season.
Delsea 7 0 0 0 – 7
Timber Creek 7 6 12 15 – 40
D: Oobie Pittman 60 interception return (Erik Porch kick)
T: Eric Church 11 run (Kevin Casey kick)
T: Lowe 35 run (kick failed)
T: Dajaun Drennon 17 pass from Lowe (run failed)
T: Khalil Pierce 46 run (pass failed)
T: Pierce 47 run (Drennon pass from Lowe)
T: Josh Gray 7 run (Gary Sandes kick)
Contact staff writer Marc Narducci at 856-779-3225, mnarducci@phillynews.com, or @sjnard on Twitter. Find his Rally columns at www.philly.com/narducci.
