Hammonton is young, with an offensive and defensive line as well as an offensive backfield filled with juniors and sophomores. But with a tradition of sturdy defense and ball-control offense featuring a wing-T rushing attack, the Blue Devils are the known quantity in this game.
Moorestown is the wild card. The third-seeded Quakers have struggled at times this season but are probably coming off their best game, a 34-7 victory over a talented Oakcrest team in the South Jersey Group 3 quarterfinals.
"We haven't played to 100 percent yet," Moorestown senior quarterback Andrew Lisa said. "There have been times when we look great and then there are times when we go three and out two times in a row on offense.
"We're still trying to play to our potential. It would be great if we could do it for this game."
Hammonton's only loss was by 13-9 to Group 4 Atlantic City in a game in which the Vikings took the lead late in the fourth quarter on a kickoff return for a touchdown. The Blue Devils are a balanced team featuring running backs David Williams and Russ Forchion, quarterback Christian Mortellite, and two-way standout Bobby Barbieri, a senior who plays wide receiver and defensive back.
Three of Moorestown's losses came against Timber Creek, Williamstown, and Camden Catholic - teams with a combined record of 24-2. The Quakers also lost to Cherry Hill West.
With its no-huddle, spread offense, Moorestown can be one of the most explosive teams in South Jersey. Lisa, who recently committed to the University of Pennsylvania, is a strong-armed, quick-trigger passer. He has thrown for 2,048 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Lisa spreads the football among a deep group of receivers, including Zac Frantz (42 catches, 570 yards), Delaney Wallace (34, 293), Sidney Ruffin (32, 421), and Anthony Bonett (20, 343).
Moorestown was projected as a Top 10 team before the season. The Quakers have been a little inconsistent but still have a chance to strike deep in the tournament.
"We haven't played our best football yet," Lisa said. "Hopefully, we can do that in this game.
Analysis. Moorestown is dangerous and more than capable of springing the upset. Hammonton is home and a little bigger, stronger and more consistent along both lines. On a cold, windy night, that could be the difference.
Pick: Hammonton, 24-21.
Contact staff writer Phil Anastasia at 856-779-3223, panastasia@phillynews.com, or @PhilAnastasia on Twitter. Read his blog, "Jersey Side Sports," at www.philly.com/jerseysidesports
