"If a team has one good year - we were 5-5 the previous year - that means you move up two divisions for crossovers?"
With some exceptions, the WJFL's divisions are arranged by group size. Almost all the teams play crossover games against opponents in adjoining divisions that feature slightly larger or smaller teams.
But Timber Creek will be jumping over the WJFL's National Division. which is considered one division up from the Constitution, and play three teams from the WJFL's American Division.
WJFL president Bud Kowal, athletic director at Ewing, said the "strength of program component" was a major factor in formulating crossover matchups, especially with regard to a team such as Timber Creek.
Timber Creek will play Group 4 Triton, its school-district rival, in the annual Thanksgiving game but also will jump two divisions and face WJFL American teams Eastern (weekend of Sept. 14), Williamstown (Sept. 28) and Lenape (Oct. 12).
In addition, Timber Creek will face major challenges from WJFL Constitution Division foes Camden Catholic, Paul VI, and Moorestown.
Timber Creek will host Camden Catholic, which will return several players from last year's 10-1 team, in a Sept. 7 season opener that likely will match Top 5 teams.
"We'll play whoever, but it's a little interesting how the schedules were developed," Hinson said.
Rancocas Valley, which has not played a South Jersey opponent other than Pemberton in the last two regular seasons, still is in a division with all Mercer County teams. But the Red Devils will play at Eastern (Sept. 28), at Lenape (Oct. 26), and home vs. Burlington Township (Thanksgiving) in crossover games.
