Staff Report
For the last several years, the West Jersey Football League’s American Conference has been one of the toughest in the state, and that’s no different this fall.
Check out who resides there now after another realignment: Washington Township (14-0 last year, state champion); Millville (perennial Group 5 contender); St. Augustine Prep (the Hermits recruited 2-time state-championship-winning coach Bill Belton); Winslow (two-time defending Group 4 state champion); Atlantic City (one of the most dynamic offenses in South Jersey); and Kingsway Regional (sectional finalist last season).
Talk about loaded!
We’re about to find out how the conference might play out in Week 1, as Millville visits Washington Township on Friday at 6 p.m. Strap into your seat, folks, because The Stucco Pros Game of the Week should be a great one!
Both teams are 1-0, as Millville came from behind to beat Erasmus Hall (N.Y.) 29-20 at the Battle at the Beach last weekend, while Township slipped past a very good Pope John team, 14-6, at the same showcase.
Millville has a veteran starter at quarterback, as senior Robert O’Connor threw for 263 yards and three touchdowns, completing better than 50 percent of his passes. But he’ll be going up against one of the best defenses in the state, led by senior defensive lineman Gabe Palaganas, who registered two sacks and eight tackles a week ago. All Washington Township allowed last week was a pair of field goals, but Millville creates a different kind of problem with a quarterback who can sling it and a host of outstanding receivers.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP WINS IF: The Minutemen control the clock and don’t turn the ball over. Millville has big-time playmakers, so Township needs to limit the Bolts’ opportunities. If they can sustain 8- to 10-play drives, they’re in business.
MILLVILLE WINS IF: The Bolts jump out to an early lead and force Township to play from behind. The Minutemen have inexperience at the QB position and don’t want to have to throw the ball 25 times.
— Staff Writer Dave O’Sullivan
