Bishop Eustace
Crusaders
Players to watch: New coach Sal Racobaldo is fortunate to inherit several returning playmakers, starting with senior running back Mekhi Simmons. A contributor since his freshman season, Simmons rushed for 650 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior and is poised for a big final campaign. Junior Roman Faiola showed potential after earning the starting quarterback job as a sophomore and will look to build on it this fall. He has talented receivers to work with in sophomores Delano Mann and Tommy Dromgoole and senior Jake Frye. Juniors Noah Glenn and Alex Scibilia add depth in the backfield, and experienced offensive linemen include seniors Colin Reilly and Marlon Bundy, junior Yuriel Mendez and sophomores Will Kraft, Brandon Hartman, Landon Bailey and Sean Watson, a five-star transfer listed at 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds. Defensively, Glenn is a top returner who had 45 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks as a sophomore. Faiola, Kraft and Scibilia are other linebackers to watch and veterans on the defensive line are Watson, Bundy, Reilly, Hartman and sophomore Connor Donaghy. Simmons led the team with three interceptions and is joined in the secondary by Frye, Dromgoole, Mann and freshmen Miles Balmores and Massimo Faiola.
Outlook: The Crusaders posted a 4-5 overall record in their third season under Chris Pollard, but two of the losses were forfeits due to low numbers in the program. If they can fill out the roster under Racobaldo, a former standout player at Bishop Eustace, then they have a chance to enjoy a winning season as they move into the WJFL United Division, where the competition includes Buena, Holy Cross, KIPP Academy, Lindenwold, Palmyra and Wildwood.
Camden Catholic
Fighting Irish
Players to watch: A promising core returns for Camden Catholic led by senior quarterback Mike Moritz, who has filled the position the past two years. He accounted for seven touchdowns as a junior, five through the air and two on the ground, and hopes to end his career on a high note. Sophomore running back Nymir Daily rushed for 507 yards and 10 TDs during a strong rookie season and added a TD reception. Other running backs vying for carries include senior Makai Bolden, junior Torey Jones and sophomore Bryce Clark. Senior tight end Sean Welde and Clark were among the team leaders in receptions and each caught two TD passes, while junior Daniel Leahy contributes at wide receiver. Sophomore Lars Stegner and senior Christopher Reyes are key pieces of the offensive line. Junior Sean O’Reilly, a linebacker, was terrific on defense, recording 62 tackles, two tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. Leahy is another talented linebacker who totaled 43 tackles, six tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Senior Joel Amegather and Welde are leaders on the defensive line who will be expected to get after opposing QBs. Clark had 30 tackles, four interceptions and a touchdown on D and leads the secondary along with Bolden, Jones and sophomore Joshua Collier.
Outlook: The Fighting Irish went 3-7 against a difficult schedule in the WJFL Constitution Division last year, and will look to add a few more wins as they move into the Patriot Division, where their opponents will be Paulsboro, Audubon, West Deptford, Overbrook, Collingswood and Pennsville.
Cherokee
Chiefs
Players to watch: Cherokee must break in a new quarterback after the graduation of three-year starter Ryan Bender, but the Chiefs can count on a terrific rushing attack thanks to the return of senior running back Murad Campfield and two linchpins at tackle, seniors Dylan Grau and Chris Therien. Campfield ran for 1,304 yards, averaged 5.6 yards per carry and scored 16 touchdowns as he established himself as a premier back last fall. He is receiving serious college interest along with the 6-5, 330-pound Grau and the 6-6, 275-pound Therien. All three were all-conference first-team selections. Sophomore Cooper Burti saw varsity time at QB as a freshman and will take over the starting job. Junior Steven Barbagiovanni is a receiver to watch and will look to develop chemistry with Burti. The defense is led by senior linebacker Dhante Harrison, who had 61 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, and senior safety Evan Bryfogle, who picked off five passes to go with 47 tackles. Therien and senior Nasir Oliver are key players on the D-line, while junior Dylan Kolinsky returns at linebacker. Senior Darwin Walker is a top player in the secondary who had 51 tackles and two interceptions.
Outlook: The 2023 season was a memorable one for Cherokee, which went 9-4 and claimed the program’s 12th sectional title as Campfield scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime to beat Marlboro 19-13 in the South Jersey, Group 5 final. The Chiefs have some important spots to fill but hope to remain competitive in a WJFL American Division that has gotten even tougher.
Cherry Hill East
Cougars
Players to watch: A strong crop of returners is back for Cherry Hill East, including five all-conference selections and an experienced quarterback. Leading the way are seniors Denzel Lee and Jaxson Bowman, who are poised for huge final seasons. Lee emerged as one of the area’s premier running backs last season, rushing for 1,465 yards and 18 touchdowns to go with a receiving TD, and he also contributes at linebacker. Bowman joined him on the all-conference team after hauling in seven TD catches at tight end along with recording 41 tackles and three sacks at defensive end. He is headed to the University of Delaware and is the program’s first FBS commit in more than 20 years. Two other all-conference players return on offense: senior wide receiver Isaiah Donaldson, who had 26 receptions, and senior offensive lineman Aiden Stewart, who received the accolade for the second year in a row. Senior Zach Salsberry once again has the reins of the offense at QB; he has seen varsity time since he was a sophomore and threw for nearly 800 yards and nine touchdowns while adding two rushing TDs last year. Senior Kyle Scott is another experienced returner who will start at wide receiver, and junior Ryan Moyer is back after starting opposite Bowman in a two-tight end set. Moyer is also competing at the quarterback and linebacker positions. Seniors Dom Tomasetti and Tristan Perry and junior Ona Pela join Stewart as experienced offensive linemen, and junior Dom Canzano will also be counted on up front after transferring from rival Cherry Hill West, where he was a two-way starter. Defensively, Tomasetti made the all-conference team after recording 45 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He leads the defensive line with assistance from Bowman, Stewart, Perry and Pela. Seniors Sean Jamison and Sean Haney are key veterans at linebacker and the secondary is paced by Donaldson at safety and senior Najai Saunders at cornerback. Junior defensive backs Shane Peeler and Keon Simmons are also expected to play bigger roles.
Outlook: The Cougars went 5-5 last fall and are 11-9 in two seasons under Tyler Drob as they continue to establish a competitive foundation. They look like contenders as they move into the WJFL Memorial Division this year, where they will face all new opponents: Deptford, Egg Harbor Township, Triton, Bridgeton and ACIT.
Cherry Hill West
Lions
Players to watch: Although last year was a rebuilding one for Cherry Hill West, that gave a lot of young players the opportunity to earn varsity time, and the experience should pay off this fall. Junior Hayden Baker emerged as the starting quarterback and showed enough promise as a passer and a runner to earn all-conference recognition. He should continue to improve as an upperclassman. He will have a number of talented playmakers around him, including senior wide receivers Jordan Berrios and Asa McMillan and junior wide receiver Storm McCrea. Seniors AJ Johnson and X’zavier Richardson and sophomore Clayton Tyson will vie for carries out of the backfield, and other potential targets in the passing game are senior wide receiver Brandon Johnson, junior wide receiver Londie Gonzalez and junior tight end Ryan Breeze. Offensive linemen to watch are seniors Elijah Brown and Justin Chevalier, juniors Wally Murphy and Colin Rorke, and sophomore Anthony Vanella. McMillan, an all-conference honoree, and Breeze lead the defense at linebacker, while Richardson, Gonzalez and senior JoZyiah Brown also contribute at the position. Experienced returners in the secondary are Baker, Berrios, Brandon Johnson and sophomore Derek Hughes. Vanella returns as the kicker.
Outlook: After posting a 2-7 record in 2023, the Lions will move from the WJFL National Division to the Freedom Division, where the schedule will be totally different but still challenging as they take on the likes of Pennsauken, Highland, Vineland, Eastern and Clearview. They hope to be competitive and contend for a winning season.
Clearview
Pioneers
Players to watch: Clearview’s strength appears to be on the defensive side of the ball, where the returners include senior linemen Trevor Durkin, Mason Nate and Mike Jenzano. The linebacker corps features senior John Maccarella, a Cornell commit who also serves as the long snapper, along with seniors Aaron Veytsman and Matthew Leone and junior Tyler Gray, a varsity newcomer. The secondary has plenty of potential thanks to veterans Aiden Upham and Robert Branyon, both juniors, and four newcomers: juniors Marquis Hart and Conor O’Mara and sophomores Zayion Mears and Brady Meidel. On offense, there is a five-man competition for the starting quarterback job. Whoever gets the nod will have the benefit of a strong offensive line led by Durkin, Jenzano, Nate and Veytsman. Leone, Mears, O’Mara and Gray are running backs to watch, while wide receivers include Branyon, Upham, Hart and Meidel. Senior Tyler Zinkevich handles both the kicking and punting duties; he went 20-for-23 on PATs and 3-for-4 on field goals in 2023, including a 41-yarder.
Outlook: The Pioneers showed signs of progress in a 3-7 season last fall and hope to vie for a winning record as they move from the WJFL Continental Division to the Freedom Division.
Eastern
Vikings
Players to watch: A three-sport standout headed to Boston College for baseball, senior quarterback Logan Dawson is excited for one final season on the gridiron. He has been Eastern’s starter under center since he was a sophomore and is looking to lead the Vikings to a bounce-back season. Fortunately for Dawson, an experienced offensive line will be protecting him, led by all-conference tackle Ryan Bracchi, a senior. Senior Jimmy Embrey and juniors Humberto Cuellar and Elijah Hahm are other returning starters in the trenches. Seniors Jayden Kersey and Kaidyn Rubba and junior Max Cutler are all expected to have an impact at running back, and the promising wide receiver corps includes seniors Brian Thiel and Dominic Passarella, junior Vincent Rosa and sophomore Terry Cook. Senior Aiden Travaglini and junior Bruce Magladry are experienced tight ends and junior Anthony Pryor is another returning offensive lineman. The defense features several playmakers, such as Cook, a safety who had 24 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble to make the all-conference team. Rubba, a linebacker, filled the stat sheet as well, totaling 67 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and four fumble recoveries. Magladry and senior Hunter Davis are other key returners at linebacker, while junior Zach Wood also contributes at the position. Cuellar, Embrey, Travaglini, Pryor and Bracchi are back up front and the secondary is strong with Rosa and sophomore Kenan Clymer, a transfer from Camden Catholic, joining Cook. Davis returns at kicker.
Outlook: The schedule remains tough but is a little more manageable as the Vikings move from the WJFL Memorial Division to the Freedom Division, and they hope to add several more wins to their 2-8 record from last year.
Gloucester Catholic
Rams
Players to watch: A deep backfield led by senior Kybron Ricks returns to lead Gloucester Catholic on offense. He amassed 415 total yards and scored five touchdowns as a junior, and he will share the ball with senior Jude Van Auken, sophomore Jahdir Edwards and freshman Jamel Ward. Two-year starting quarterback Jack Mustaro decided not to play his senior year as he focuses on basketball and baseball, but the coaching staff is excited about sophomore Mike Lazorka and freshman CJ Mitchell, who are battling for the job. Both are raw and inexperienced at the varsity level but bring athleticism to the position. Senior Alex Kuc and sophomore Braydon Startare are returning starters on the offensive line and junior transfer Jahsir Harris is also expected to be an impact player up front. Senior Trevor Leone will line up at fullback, senior wide receiver Carlos Mendez will be a main target when the Rams go to the air, and junior Jon Ridinger is in the mix at tight end. Defensively, three all-conference players are back in the secondary: Van Auken, Ricks and Mendez. Leone, Kuc and senior Michael Freeman are key contributors at linebacker, with Ridinger and junior Alejandro Melendez also pushing for time. Senior Brody Driscoll is a defensive lineman to watch along with Harris. Freeman will again handle the kicking and punting duties, and varsity newcomers looking to earn minutes include sophomores Diego Torres, Owen Molis and Anthony Polidoro and freshman Zyair Mercado.
Outlook: After posting a 3-7 overall record in 2023 as a member of the WJFL Horizon Division, the Rams face almost a completely new schedule this fall. They expect to contend for a title in the Royal Division against new opponents Pitman, Clayton, Mastery Camden, Gateway, Haddon Township and Sterling.
Haddonfield
Bulldawgs
Players to watch: Haddonfield graduated a stellar senior class, including all six of its all-conference players, so the roster will have a much different look this fall. Most of the varsity experience falls on the defensive side of the ball, where senior Sal Bonizio returns as a key leader at defensive end. He recorded 43 tackles, three tackles for loss and seven sacks as a junior. Senior Nico Gayer is another returning starter on the defensive line and senior Matt Rutter is also a solid piece up front. Other players to watch in the trenches are juniors Logan Rhea and Jack McKeever and sophomore Cormac Flannagan at end, and senior Mike Furia, juniors Henry DyReys and Michael Grant, and sophomore Billy Mumbower on the interior. The Bulldawgs have experience at linebacker, as seniors Kai Richards and Alex Grimes and junior Brody Leonard are all returning varsity players. Veterans in the secondary are seniors Steven Kennedy, Christian Pescatore and Martin Foust, and sophomore Mike Keenan. Juniors Trevor Winston and Jax Marshall, and sophomore Dan Keenan will also push for time. New standouts will have to emerge on offense, and junior quarterback Van Lefakis is hoping to take the reins. Richards, Bonizio and Leonard will vie for carries out of the backfield and Grimes returns as the fullback. McKeever is back at tight end and wide receivers looking to make an impact are Kennedy, Pescatore and Foust. The offensive line must be revamped and will be counting on veterans like Furia and Rutter along with newcomers Grant, Mumbower, senior Diego Verges and junior Rafael Lytle. Flannagan will look to handle the kicking and punting responsibilities.
Outlook: Haddonfield reached double digits in wins for the third time in the last five full seasons, as it went 10-2 with a close loss to Rumson-Fair Haven in the South Jersey, Group 2 championship game. The Bulldawgs might have trouble staying at that level considering all of their losses to graduation, but look for them to stay competitive against an entirely new slate of division foes in the WJFL Continental: Willingboro, Gloucester, Paul VI, Pleasantville and Seneca.
Kingsway
Dragons
Players to watch: Kingsway has some big shoes to fill from graduation but is confident in the returners and promising newcomers on its roster. That includes junior quarterback David Oravetz, who threw for over 700 yards and eight touchdowns as the backup to all-conference QB Tommy Popoff as a sophomore. Oravetz will look to take over the job on a full-time basis with Popoff now in college, and sophomore Ashton Ford is also competing at QB. Junior Za’Hir Paynter flashed potential as a sophomore and could be ready for the role of featured back. Junior Collin Klepacz is another running back to watch and senior Tommy DiPietro is a veteran fullback. Senior wide receiver Gregg Campbell can make plays in the passing game, and other targets at wide receiver are sophomore transfer Luca Lentini (a possible two-way starter) and juniors J.D. Johnson and Christian White. Seniors Brady Whitzell and Blake Birbilis, a Monmouth commit, are key pieces of the offensive line, with senior Dylan Rickards and junior Jordan Hernandez also in the mix up front. DiPietro, a linebacker, leads the defense after recording 84 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble. Senior Nicolas Worley is another solid linebacker and sophomore Cole DeNick will also see time at the position. Whitzell has been a defensive standout since he was a freshman and is part of a D-line that also includes Hernandez and Rickards. The secondary has loads of talent, as seniors Kyle Nordone, Dominic Hibbs and Kameron White and junior Mason Bryan all return. Junior kicker/punter Zack Burlingame converted 25-of-26 PATs and 4-of-5 field goals, highlighted by a 42-yarder, and sophomore Jackson Iaccio will compete for the duties as well.
Outlook: Last year was another successful one for the Dragons, who went 6-5 and lost a close to game to eventual sectional champion Cherokee in the semifinals. They hope to contend in the new WJFL Classic Division, which includes traditional South Jersey powers Delsea, Washington Township, Timber Creek and Williamstown.
Lenape
Indians
Players to watch: New head coach Matt Kreider inherits a roster that has undergone significant changes but still holds a lot of promise. The offense has several potential playmakers led by senior wide receiver MJ Lincoln, who had 24 catches for a team-high 432 yards and a touchdown last season. Senior Derrick Hammond and junior Reggie Lawrence are running backs expected to make an impact, and senior Chase Napoli returns at fullback. Other targets in the passing game include junior tight end Connor Hepperlen, senior wide receivers Evan Gaddy and Dylan Park, and sophomore wide receiver Jaidyn Boyd. Sophomore Kellen Pierce saw some varsity time at quarterback as a freshman and should be in the mix to take over as the starter. Whoever wins the job will have veterans like seniors Rashad Hawkins and James Basinait as protection along the offensive line. Those two are also big contributors on the D line, while senior Joey Buonadonna is a key returner at linebacker. Napoli and junior Zimir Lane are hoping for bigger roles at linebacker and junior Andrew Johnson adds depth up front. Lincoln and Hammond are veteran cornerbacks, and other players to watch in the secondary are Lawrence, Boyd and senior Amire Wheeler. Senior Ethan Blackburn booted four field goals last season and is back as the kicker/punter.
Outlook: Kreider, a Delran native who spent the past eight years as the defensive coordinator at Kean University, was tapped for his first head coaching job after Joe Wojceichowski stepped down in June. He takes over a program that went 3-7 last fall but played for a sectional title as recently as 2022, and he will look to keep the Indians competitive as they move into the WJFL Colonial Division with Camden, Shawnee, Camden Eastside and Rancocas Valley.
Moorestown
Quakers
Players to watch: Moorestown must replace a three-year starter at quarterback but is happy to welcome back a pair of offensive playmakers who will make life easier for whoever wins the job. Senior running backs Luke Dengler and Chase Caulder are both dynamic threats as both runners and receivers: Dengler rushed for 418 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 5.6 yards per carry, and added 17 catches for 141 yards and two TDs to earn all-conference honors, while Caulder ran for 604 yards and a touchdown with a 5.5 average to go with a team-high 36 receptions for 445 yards and five scores. Senior Will Mindrich, the backup QB to John Zohlman last year, will be in contention to take over the reins of the offense. Seniors Josh Leath and Ryan Scott are experienced offensive linemen and contributors at wide receiver are junior Anthony Yates and seniors Andreas Kalavruzos and Ezra Williams-Thomas. On the other side of the ball, Leath is coming off a monster season at defensive end in which he recorded 59 tackles, 10 sacks and two forced fumbles to make the all-conference team. Caulder, a defensive back, had 29 tackles and three interceptions and also earned all-conference recognition. Senior defensive tackle Matt Gheysens joins Leath as a difference-maker up front and Williams-Thomas will look to play a bigger role at defensive back. Dengler, Yates, Kalavruzos and senior Brooks Krisanda are other talented players to watch in the secondary.
Outlook: The Quakers went 6-4 for their first winning season since 2017 and qualified for the playoffs for the second year in a row. There are several important positions to fill, namely quarterback, but the talent is in place to remain competitive as they move from the WJFL National Division to the Independence Division, where their rivals will include Haddon Heights, Cinnaminson, Burlington Township, Northern Burlington and Delran.
Paul VI
Eagles
Players to watch: Paul VI graduated several standouts from last year’s memorable team, but plenty of talent remains on both sides of the ball, starting with senior edge rusher/outside linebacker Mounir “Moe” Keshen III, who recorded 141 tackles and 25 tackles for loss to earn all-conference accolades. He is receiving serious college interest and is poised for a huge final season in blue and white. Keshen, a right tackle, is also one of four returning starters on the offensive line along with all-conference left tackle Jaylen Bishop, a senior, junior center Francis Wolk and junior guard Javon Gordon. They will be protecting a new quarterback after the graduation of all-South Jersey second-teamer Dom Santiago, but the Eagles have several worthy candidates battling for the job, including senior Savien Higgs, junior Nick Ried and junior transfer Daulton Phalines, who saw varsity time under center at Clearview last year. The new QB will be surrounded by a host of weapons, including junior wide receiver Tyree Roane, who had 46 catches for 674 yards and 10 touchdowns to go with three rushing TDs to make the all-conference team. Senior Austin Bailey is another explosive receiver and senior Elijah Wilson is an experienced running back who can do damage as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. The talented crop of running backs also includes junior Matt Greco, a transfer from St. Joseph’s-Hammonton, and sophomores Nate Klecko, Chase Shealey and Ed Zambrano. Bishop, Higgs, Klecko and sophomore Anthony Jackson are returners on the defensive line, Wilson will look to contribute at linebacker, and Roane and Bailey lead the secondary. Junior Blake Sholder returns as the kicker and should get a lot of PAT opportunities. Paul VI has a number of promising young players looking for roles as well, including a terrific freshman class.
Outlook: Since going 1-9 in their first season under Dennis Scuderi in 2019, the Eagles have been on an impressive run, posting a 28-10 overall record in the four seasons since then. That includes a 9-2 mark last fall, when they captured the WJFL National Division title and won a playoff game. The good times should continue as Paul VI moves into the Continental Division to take on Willingboro, Haddonfield, Gloucester, Pleasantville and Seneca.
Seneca
Golden Eagles
Players to watch: It’s a new era at Seneca following the graduation of eight all-conference players and the retirement of Bill Fisher, the only head coach the program had ever known. But there is reason for optimism thanks to the return of sophomore quarterback Anthony Tirico and senior Jamar Warthen, a difference-maker on both sides of the ball. Tirico seized the starting QB job as a rookie and proceeded to throw for 1,841 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding 333 yards and three scores on the ground. It will be exciting to see what he does for an encore. Warthen contributed offensively at both running back and wide receiver, amassing 323 yards and four touchdowns rushing along with 47 receptions for 523 yards and four TDs. The Golden Eagles will look to get him the ball as often as possible. Juniors Brody Phillips and Liam Brewer and senior Carter Applegate are other running backs vying for carries, and the receiving corps will include senior Jake Hasson, junior Kingston Williams and sophomores Gabe Atz and Nate Sauerwald. Senior Trevor Dolezar has started the past two seasons at guard and junior tackle Tyshaun Nokes is another key returner up front. Warthen was an all-conference selection at linebacker and leads the defense after recording 76 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, an interception, a sack, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Nokes, Williams and senior Billy Cooper are defensive ends who can get after the quarterback, while Dolezar and junior Pat Degnan are also back on the defensive line. Junior Colin Smith has experience at linebacker and Hasson is a returning starter at cornerback. Applegate, Phillips and Atz also hope to play a role in the secondary.
Outlook: The Golden Eagles posted back-to-back 10-2 seasons with appearances in the sectional final to close out Fisher’s tenure, which started with the program’s inception in 2003 and included 10 playoff berths and five division championships. New head coach Anthony Diorio, a former standout player at Shawnee and Seneca’s defensive coordinator the past two seasons, hopes to keep things humming along as the Golden Eagles move into the WJFL Continental Division.
Shawnee
Renegades
Players to watch: Shawnee has a big hole to fill with the graduation of two-time all-conference quarterback Joe Papa, and six promising prospects are in the mix for the job: juniors Lucas Solomen and Michael Bartasius, sophomores Niko Fifis, Jake Hoerst and Grayson Santucci, and freshman Cole Anderson. Whoever fills the role will have the benefit of an experienced offensive line that returns four starters: senior left tackle Jake Thomas, senior left guard John Prokapus, senior center Cole McCarthy and senior right tackle Andrew Prol. Thomas is committed to Lafayette and Prokapus will continue his career at Yale. The Renegades also bring back playmakers like junior running back/wide receiver Tyler Nickles, who scored five touchdowns as a sophomore, and senior running back TJ Cusack, who should be ready for an increased workload. Junior Brett Lundberg is also a leading candidate at tailback. Senior wide receiver Justin Robinson and senior tight end Mason Grabowski are top targets in the passing game, while senior Tom Nickles and junior Jack Creaney will also look to contribute at receiver and junior Joey Cleaver joins Grabowski at tight end. Grabowski (72 tackles) and Cleaver (48 tackles, two interceptions) are key returners on defense at linebacker. Junior John Mozier showed potential as a pass rusher last year and senior Lorenzo Gordon will also be a handful for opposing offensive linemen. Matt Gagliardi is back at noseguard, while Lundberg (42 tackles, three interceptions) leads the secondary along with Tom Nickles and Robinson.
Outlook: The Renegades were competitive in most of their games against a challenging schedule last year and earned a playoff win before falling to Millville in the sectional semifinals and finishing with a 5-6 record. After 10 seasons in the WJFL American Division – considered one of the best in South Jersey – they have been moved to the Colonial, where they hope to contend for a division title against the likes of Camden, Lenape, Camden Eastside and Rancocas Valley.
Washington Township
Minutemen
Players to watch: Hopes are high at Washington Township after the program’s best season in 20 years, and the optimism starts with one of the most dangerous quarterback-wide receiver pairings in South Jersey. Junior Cole Aquino split time at QB as a sophomore and threw for 1,350 yards and 14 touchdowns while running for a score. The position is all his now and it will be exciting to see what he can accomplish as an upperclassman. One of his favorite targets will surely be senior wide receiver Da’Shawn Long, a Division I prospect who had 33 catches for 422 yards and eight TDs to make the all-conference team. Junior Jy’aire Moore is another returning playmaker who can line up as a wide receiver, slot receiver or running back, and he may get more opportunities out of the backfield with the Minutemen having to replace their top two rushers from a year ago. Juniors Colin Beeler and Markeith Carr, and senior Caleb Palaganas will also push for carries. Other wide receivers looking to make an impact are junior Jake Wisor and sophomores Anthony Forte and Issac Parra, and experienced tight ends include juniors Andrew Osborn, Ethan Binder and Ray McFall. The offensive line must replace its two starting tackles but brings back junior guards Stephen Davidson and Paul Dombrosky, and sophomore center Gunner McFall. Junior transfer Jordan Palmer, a two-year starter at St. Joseph-Hammonton, is also in the mix on the line along with two sophomore transfers from St. Augustine: Jake DiRodolfo and Tyler Alicea. Senior Dylan Gould, juniors Dante Morici and Ethan Wechter, and sophomore Matt Carbone are also competing for jobs up front. Not to be outdone, the defense is also filled with difference-makers, led by junior linebacker Jaylen Robinson, who paced the team with 116 tackles and 13 tackles for loss to earn all-conference honors. Palaganas (92 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss) and Osborn (59 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss) are other outstanding linebackers, while sophomore Gabe Palaganas started at defensive end as a rookie and posted a team-high 5.5 sacks. Senior Mitchell Lando is a top player up front as well, and other contributors on the D-line are senior Najee Johnson, junior Jayden Sanchez and Wechter. The deep linebacking corps also features Ray McFall, junior Jayden Love and Binder. Long, a safety, had 55 tackles and five interceptions and leads the secondary along with Moore, another returning starter. Carr, Wisor, Parra will also contribute in the defensive backfield along with senior Javian Turpin and juniors Parker Reese and Eli Edwards.
Outlook: The 2023 season was a memorable one for the Minutemen, who went 9-3 for their most wins in a season since 2003 and reached a sectional final for the first time since 2004. Their talented core is determined to prove that they weren’t a one-year wonder as they move into an excellent WJFL Classic Division with Delsea, Kingsway, Timber Creek and Williamstown.
SCHEDULE
All schedules subject to change; please check with schools before attending.
Bishop Eustace Crusaders
8/30 at Sterling, 7 p.m.
9/6 vs. Palmyra, 7 p.m.
9/12 at Lindenwold, 6 p.m.
9/20 at Mastery Charter, 7 p.m.
9/27 vs. Buena, 7 p.m.
10/4 vs. Riverside, 7 p.m.
10/11 at Holy Cross, 7 p.m.
10/18 at Wildwood, 6 p.m.
10/26 vs. KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy, 11 a.m.
Camden Catholic Fighting Irish
9/5 vs. KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy, 6 p.m.
9/14 at Paulsboro, 10:30 a.m.
9/20 vs. West Deptford, 7 p.m.
9/27 vs. Pennsville, 7 p.m.
10/4 vs. Haddon Heights, 7 p.m.
10/12 at Overbrook, 11 a.m.
10/18 vs. Collingswood, 7 p.m.
10/25 at Audubon, 7 p.m.
11/27 at Paul VI, 7 p.m.
Cherokee Chiefs
8/30 at Middletown South, 2:30 p.m.
9/6 at Lenape, 6 p.m.
9/13 vs. St. Augustine, 6 p.m.
9/20 at Mainland, 6 p.m.
9/27 at Atlantic City, 6 p.m.
10/4 vs. Shawnee, 6 p.m.
10/10 vs. Williamstown, 6 p.m.
10/18 vs. Millville, 6 p.m.
10/25 at Winslow Township, 6 p.m.
Cherry Hill East Cougars
8/29 at Clearview, 6 p.m.
9/6 at West Windsor-Plainsboro North, 6 p.m.
9/13 vs. Triton, 6 p.m.
9/20 at Egg Harbor Township, 6 p.m.
9/27 vs. ACIT, 6 p.m.
10/10 vs. Cherry Hill West, 6 p.m.
10/18 vs. Deptford, 6 p.m.
10/25 at Bridgeton, 7 p.m.
Cherry Hill West Lions
8/29 at Triton, 6 p.m.
9/6 vs. Steinert, 6 p.m.
9/14 at Clearview, 10 a.m.
9/20 vs. Eastern, 6 p.m.
9/27 vs. Highland, 6 p.m.
10/10 at Cherry Hill East, 6 p.m.
10/17 at Pennsauken, 6 p.m.
10/25 vs. Vineland, 6 p.m.
Clearview Pioneers
8/29 vs. Cherry Hill East, 6 p.m.
9/6 at Bridgeton, 7 p.m.
9/14 vs. Cherry Hill West, 10 a.m.
9/20 at Highland, 6 p.m.
9/26 at Vineland, 7 p.m.
10/11 at Kingsway, 6 p.m.
10/18 vs. Eastern, 7 p.m.
10/25 vs. Pennsauken, 7 p.m.
Eastern Vikings
8/29 at Kingsway, 6 p.m.
9/6 at Ocean City, 6 p.m.
9/13 vs. Vineland, 6 p.m.
9/20 at Cherry Hill West, 6 p.m.
9/27 vs. Pennsauken, 6 p.m.
10/5 vs. Trenton Central, 1 p.m.
10/10 at Atlantic City, 6 p.m.
10/18 at Clearview, 6 p.m.
10/25 vs. Highland, 6 p.m.
Gloucester Catholic Rams
9/6 at Morris Catholic, 6 p.m.
9/14 vs. Pitman, 11 a.m.
9/20 at Clayton, 6 p.m.
9/28 vs. Sterling, 11 a.m.
10/11 at Gateway, 6 p.m.
10/19 vs. Haddon Township, 11 a.m.
10/24 at Mastery Charter, TBA
11/28 vs. Gloucester, 10:30 a.m.
Haddonfield Bulldawgs
8/30 vs. Burlington City, 7 p.m.
9/7 at Woodbury, 10:30 a.m.
9/13 vs. Willingboro, 7 p.m.
9/20 vs. Seneca, 7 p.m.
9/27 at Pleasantville, 7 p.m.
10/4 vs. West Deptford, 7 p.m.
10/18 at Gloucester, 7 p.m.
10/25 at Paul VI, 7 p.m.
11/28 vs. Haddon Heights, 11 a.m.
Kingsway Dragons
8/29 vs. Eastern, 6 p.m.
9/6 vs. Camden, 6 p.m.
9/13 vs. Timber Creek, 6 p.m.
9/20 at Delsea, 7 p.m.
9/28 at Camden Eastside, 1 p.m.
10/4 vs. Hammonton, 6 p.m.
10/11 vs. Clearview, 6 p.m.
10/18 vs. Washington Township, 6 p.m.
10/25 at Williamstown, 7 p.m.
Lenape Indians
8/30 at Passaic Tech, 5 p.m.
9/6 vs. Cherokee, 6 p.m.
9/13 at Ocean City, 6 p.m.
9/21 vs. Camden Eastside, 11 a.m.
9/27 at Shawnee, 6 p.m.
10/4 vs. Washington Township, 6 p.m.
10/10 at St. Augustine, 6 p.m.
10/19 at Camden, 11 a.m.
10/25 vs. Rancocas Valley, 6 p.m.
Moorestown Quakers
8/30 vs. Watchung Hills, 7 p.m.
9/6 at Seneca, 7 p.m.
9/13 at Northern Burlington, 6 p.m.
9/20 vs. Burlington Township, 7 p.m.
9/27 vs. Haddon Heights, 7 p.m.
10/4 vs. Steinert, 7 p.m.
10/10 at Robbinsville, 7 p.m.
10/19 vs. Cinnaminson, 1 p.m.
10/25 at Delran, 6 p.m.
Paul VI Eagles
8/30 vs. Nottingham, 6 p.m.
9/6 at St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
9/13 vs. Gloucester, 7 p.m.
9/20 at Pleasantville, 7 p.m.
9/27 vs. Willingboro, 7 p.m.
10/11 at Notre Dame, 7 p.m.
10/18 at Seneca, 7 p.m.
10/25 vs. Haddonfield, 7 p.m.
11/27 vs. Camden Catholic, 7 p.m.
Seneca Golden Eagles
8/30 at Williamstown, 4 p.m.
9/6 vs. Moorestown, 7 p.m.
9/13 vs. Pleasantville, 7 p.m.
9/20 at Haddonfield, 7 p.m.
10/4 at Hopewell Valley Central, 6 p.m.
10/10 vs. Hammonton, 6 p.m.
10/18 vs. Paul VI, 7 p.m.
10/24 at Willingboro, 7 p.m.
Shawnee Renegades
8/29 at Northern Burlington, 6 p.m.
9/6 vs. Williamstown, 6 p.m.
9/13 vs. Camden, 6 p.m.
9/21 at Rancocas Valley, 11 a.m.
9/27 vs. Lenape, 6 p.m.
10/4 at Cherokee, 6 p.m.
10/10 vs. Pennsauken, 6 p.m.
10/25 at Hammonton, 7 p.m.
Washington Township Minutemen
8/25 vs. Mainland, 10 a.m.
9/1 vs. Eastern, 6 p.m.
9/8 vs. Kingsway, 6 p.m.
9/14 vs. Holy Spirit, 6 p.m.
9/22 at Williamstown, 7 p.m.
9/29 at Vineland, 7 p.m.
10/6 vs. Winslow Township, 6 p.m.
10/13 at Shawnee, 6 p.m.
10/20 at Clearview, 6 p.m.
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Family Magazine, Volume 15, Issue 1.
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