BY BRIAN TORTELLA
Correspondent
@tortreports on Instagram
btortreportssj@gmail.com
After one of the most highly anticipated coaching switches in our region’s recent memory, Bill Belton sent shockwaves across the Garden state when he departed his Alma Mater, Winslow Township — where he had just won the last two Group 4 state titles — for St. Augustine Prep.
For Belton, the ultimate goal is to put St. Augustine on the map as a state title contender in the Non-Public A bracket against the likes of perennial powers Bergen Catholic, Don Bosco Prep, St. Joseph (Montvale), St. Peter’s Prep and Delbarton, among others.
The common theme of those constantly among the state’s finest in the parochial bracket? All of the schools listed are located in North Jersey.
And while our seven-county South Jersey region went a sweeping 5-for-5 in the public state finals in 2025, the reality is that our Non-Public football programs lag far behind what those in North Jersey have assembled.
Belton has St. Augustine off to a 3-0 start this fall as the Hermits begin their quest to change the narrative surrounding Non-Public football in South Jersey. But this Saturday will undoubtedly present the most challenging test of Belton’s tenure at St. Augustine so far.
The Hermits are scheduled to host his former club, Winslow, at 6 p.m. in The Stucco Pros Game of the Week. No other games will be played in the West Jersey Football League on Saturday night, leaving it a prime-time matchup expected to draw a huge crowd.
Under first-year head coach Jamal White, Winslow entered this season with plenty of question marks. A wave of players, including the state’s all-time touchdowns passing leader in quarterback Jalen Parker, transferred out after Belton’s departure.
However, coming as somewhat of a surprise, the Eagles have shown that they haven’t lost a step. They have outscored opponents 114-13 across their first three games en route to a 3-0 record. Winslow, which entered last week as the No. 5-ranked team in South Jersey, stunned No. 1 Glassboro, 21-7, last Friday and broke the Bulldogs’ 29-game winning streak dating back to Nov. 26, 2023. The streak by the two-time defending Group 1 state champion was the longest active in the state at the time.
This contest has Game of the Year written all over it. If not, certainly a top three contender.
With Belton already helping St. Augustine look even more formidable and Winslow proving it’s still the top contender in Group 4, expect this one to have fireworks from start to finish.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Dylan Dellanoce, Quarterback, St. Augustine:
The sophomore has thrown for 608 yards and 10 touchdowns to only one interception across the Hermit’s first three games. In a 41-7 triumph over Holy Spirit last week, Dellanoce threw for a career-high 250 yards and five touchdowns. He’ll be looking to keep the momentum going against a stout Winslow defense.
Roman Coney, Running Back, St. Augustine:
The University of Cincinnati commit broke onto the scene in 2025, rushing for 987 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior. He’s back and looking better than ever, averaging five yards per carry with a team-leading 223 yards on 44 attempts this fall.
Luke Tanzola, Kicker/Punter, St. Augustine:
One of the best kickers in the region, Tanzola can make the difference in a tight game. Fun fact: In St. Augustine’s 19-6 setback to Belton’s Winslow squad on Sept. 19 of last year, Tanzola scored all six of the Hermits’ points via successful field goals from 20 and 27 yards. He’ll be pivotal to helping the Hermit win the field-position battle, which could pay dividends in the second half.
St. Aug’s defensive front:
St. Augustine has a daunting defensive line that completely shut down Holy Spirit last week, holding the Spartans to just seven points after limiting No. 9 Atlantic City to only six second-half points the week before. There are numerous threats to opposing quarterbacks, led by Akeem Jones (team-high 19 tackles) and Christian Dunoff (18). Not to mention others such as Mekhi McNair, Kenny Taylor, Jacob Rebman and Chase Shealey, just to name a few. Will Winslow be able to stop this group from generating pressure early and often?
KaRon Ceaser, Athlete, Winslow:
One of the best all-around athletes in the region, the Penn State University commit made the decisive play with a kickoff return touchdown to begin the second half in Winslow’s victory over top-ranked Glassboro last week. Ceaser is averaging 15 yards per reception and has big-play ability whenever he touches the ball.
Trey Alexander, Running Back, Winslow:
Averaging eight yards per attempt, the junior halfback and transfer from Williamstown High already has 327 yards and four touchdowns through the Eagles first three contests. Alexander had much of his success against Neptune and Kingsway with 292 yards and three scores on just 23 attempts across those two games. Glassboro was able to limit the him to just 35 yards on 14 attempts last week, but he still managed to score the game-sealing touchdown in the fourth quarter. Alexander is one of the best backs in the region and will need a big game if the Eagles want to be victorious on Saturday.
Jayion Moss, Wide Receiver/Defensive Back, Winslow:
Moss made his presence felt immediately last week when he recorded an interception on the second play from scrimmage. On the offensive side of the ball, he has 11 receptions for 225 yards and four touchdowns this fall. He’ll certainly be a major factor on both sides for the Eagles on Saturday.
What they’re saying:
Jamal White, Winslow: “With our schedule and conference, every week is tough. So, each week we have to go into it preparing like it’s a championship week. This week we will do the same. St Augustine has always been a respectable program and that’s not going to change.
“The players are excited to go out and play football. I’m blessed to have kids that love the game. So, they are ready to go play their hearts out on the football field, no matter who it is. It’s a great opportunity for them, our school, the community and the program. And, also, a great game for the state of New Jersey.”
Vote above for who you think will be victorious on Saturday Night^
Live coverage: Follow Brian Tortella @tortreports on Instagram and X for live updates and post-game coverage on Saturday night beginning at 6 p.m.
Links: https://www.instagram.com/tortreports?stkn=MTltcHY3NzA5eHljYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr and https://x.com/tortreports?s=11
