The previous three years, Wilson lost by a combined score of 146-31. This was the school's first playoff win since the 2001 season, when Wilson went 12-0 and won the South Jersey Group 3 crown.
"The playoffs weren't too kind to us, but these kids kept fighting and this is really big for our program," said Wilson coach Chris Crowley, whose team is 6-3.
This one was really over by halftime, when the Tigers led by 27-0. Wilson received a huge jolt with the return of running back Anthony Haynes, who had missed the previous two games with an ankle injury. Haynes rushed for 193 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries.
"This was so big," Haynes said. "We're living a dream and trying to win a state title."
Before this, the current group of Wilson seniors was living anything but a dream in the postseason. It is so difficult just to earn a playoff spot, but once in, teams want to be as competitive as possible.
Wilson was expected to be more competitive this season, and that has certainly been the case. Of the three losses, two were by one point, to Delsea and in overtime against Triton.
"It made us stronger going through those close games," said middle linebacker Quantrill Eversley, one of the team's defensive leaders.
This was the Tigers' second shutout of the season, but the players said that considering the opponent, it was their best effort. Eversley, who stands just 5-foot-9 and weighs 175 pounds, seemed to be in on virtually every tackle.
"We just kept competing and never stopped," Eversley said.
Eversley symbolizes this team, which doesn't have overwhelming size but is fleet of foot.
