Balance carries Florence to sectional final

In becoming the all-time winningest football coach in South Jersey history, Florence's Joe Frappolli hasn't deviated very far from a successful formula.

Sure, there have been years where Florence's attack has revolved around the passing game. But for the most part, Frappolli, who began in 1974 and owns a 264-114-5 record, has depended on the basics - a strong ground game and punishing defense.

That is what has gotten the Florence (10-1) into Saturday's 10 a.m. Central Jersey Group 1 final against Asbury Park (9-2) at the College of New Jersey.

This is a Flashes team without a lot of flash but one that keeps pounding away at opponents.

"We don't feature just one player," Frappolli said, "We have a lot of balance."

The Flashes are averaging 7.9 yards per carry but have been effective in throwing the ball, too. Senior quarterback D'Andre Davis has completed 25 of 37 passes for 449 yards, while throwing eight touchdowns and just two interceptions.

Still, the bulk of the yardage is gained on the ground.

Leading the way is Curtis Thompson, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound sophomore who has rushed for 782 yards (7.2 average) and scored 11 touchdowns. He is also an accomplished defensive lineman.

"He's a horse on offense, and you can't block him on defense," Frappolli said. "

Senior Jordan Stockton has scored 17 touchdowns and rushed for 696 yards (7.3 average). Sophomore Jazmir Best has rushed for 550 yards (8.2 average) and scored seven touchdowns.

"Florence is a very physical team. They are big, fast and can beat you up numerous ways," Asbury Park coach Matt Ardizzone said. "They can pound the football, get outside, and then have the ability to throw the ball in certain situations."

Florence senior defensive lineman Kyle Groover (6-3, 245) is the strongest player on the team, according to Frappolli. Groover and his teammates will attempt to stop a big-play Asbury Park team that is coming off a 29-28 Thanksgiving loss to Central Jersey Group 3 finalist Neptune.

Asbury Park quarterback Robert Barksdale has completed 76 of 148 passes for 1,385 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Armond Conover has rushed for 767 yards and 11 touchdowns, while his twin brother, Amir, has rushed for 505 yards and six touchdowns. Armond has 287 receiving yards and three scores, while Amir has 721 yards and 9 touchdowns. In addition, Armond has returned three punts for touchdowns.

"Asbury Park is very talented with size and speed all over the place," Frappolli said.

That speed is also on defense, where linebacker Thomond Hammary has 13 sacks, and linebacker Islam Joshua has 86 tackles and six sacks. Defensive lineman Ra'Zahn Howard (6-4, 290) has 66 tackles for a Knights team that has big-play performers on both sides of the ball.

Contact staff writer Marc Narducci

at 856-779-3225, mnarducci@phillynews.com, or @sjnard on Twitter. Read his Rally columns at www.philly.com/narducci