By BRIAN TORTELLA
Correspondent
@tortreports on Instagram
OCEAN CITY — After sacrificing a two-score lead in the sectional semifinal round — which ended a championship-hopeful season last year — the West Deptford High football players have had a sour taste in their mouths.
Nine months of frustration was evident on Friday morning as the Eagles rolled to a dominating 49-3 triumph over Kinnelon in the Battle at the Beach Football Classic at Carey Stadium on the campus of Ocean City High School.
“We came out and had a mentality that we knew we were going to win,” said senior halfback Cole Paskiewicz, who ran for two touchdowns and caught another. “As soon as we stepped onto the field, it was over. As a team, we came together this offseason and kept working, and we’re looking to make a run to the state championship.”
Complementing Paskiewicz in the backfield is classmate Zamir Davis, who ripped off two long scores, including an 80-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage.
“We came out here last year and dominated, and we wanted to do the same thing this year,” said Davis, who won Player of the Game honors. “We’re really hungry after our loss to Delran. We came back dominant and we’re ready to compete.”
The Eagles return most of their core from last season, with the exception of three-year starting quarterback Brady Cobb. Timmy Holmes Jr. is the new starting quarterback for the Eagles, and while the offense will operate through their dominant run game, he showed signs of his potential.
Holmes found Michael Joseph in the corner of the end zone as time expired in the first half as West Deptford took a 35-3 lead into intermission.
“It’s West Deptford football,” Eagles’ coach John Emel said. “We have a good backfield with Cole and Zamir. It’s not a one-man band. It’s a good group of players, and if we play very good team football, we have a very good chance every week.”
West Deptford now turns its focus to Willingboro, as the Eagles host the Chimeras on Friday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.
