Hammonton made enough plays on defense to beat Moorestown, 33-21, Friday night in the semifinals of the South Jersey Group 3 tournament.
The second-seeded Blue Devils (9-1) picked off two interceptions and made a pair of goal-line stands in the first half, including one after the Quakers took possession at the 7-yard line with a 14-0 lead.
"That was huge," Lancetta said after his team advanced to face top-seeded Timber Creek (10-0) in the sectional title game Dec. 3 at Rowan University in Glassboro. "Our kids really rose up there."
But as good as Hammonton was on defense, the secret to the Blue Devils' ability to slow the Quakers was on the other side of the football.
Hammonton played great defense with its offense, controlling the line of scrimmage and pounding away with a three-pronged running attack.
In a classic clash of styles, Hammonton's infantry overcame Moorestown's air force.
"They are a pass-happy team," Hammonton senior guard Nate Haden said. "We know we need to run the ball to succeed."
Moorestown, which finished its season with a 6-5 record, made plenty of plays on a cold, clear night on Hammonton's frost-covered field.
Andrew Lisa was 18-for-35 passing for 224 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Delaney Wallace ran for 49 yards and two touchdowns, and Zac Frantz caught a 33-yard touchdown pass that gave the Quakers the 14-0 lead late in the first quarter.
"We knew they were going to move the ball and score points," Lancetta said. "They do such a good job. They spread you out, and they have athletes. Our kids just needed to hang in there."
Ultimately, that's what turned the game in the Blue Devils' favor: perseverance. They got that big stop after a turnover in the first quarter, and they got another one when Jordan Brown tackled Lisa on the 1-yard line on a fourth and goal from the 3 with a minute remaining in the first half.
