WJFL Week 3: Hopewell tries to stay unbeaten in road test at Ewing
In Week Three of the West Jersey Football League, 12 of 13 local public schools go toe-to-toe with one another.
Winners last week were Allentown, Hamilton, Hopewell, Nottingham, Ewing, Notre Dame and Robbinsville. Those first four teams have yet to lose.
Here’s what to watch for in seven local matchups.
Friday
HOPEWELL (2-0) AT EWING (1-1)
The Blue Devils had a thunderous home opener last Friday by dropping 41 points against Seneca. Quarterback Caleb Stokes totaled more than 200 yards and three touchdowns, while Rick Francois added 192 rushing yards and two scores.
Ewing’s offense may be tough to slow down for the Bulldogs, who have survived close games against Lawrence and Steinert with strong play on defense and special teams. Rob Cacciabaudo is 2-for-2 on field goal attempts.
Hopewell is 2-0 for the first time since 2014. STEINERT (0-2) AT ALLENTOWN (2-0)
The Redbirds established themselves as the class of the area last week with a 39-0 romp at Hightstown.
Dan Merkel is developing into a lethal dualthreat quarterback, Rahsaan Emory is an efficient running back and Chris McCrea is one of the top receivers/kickers. Allentown also has a stellar defensive line anchored by Drew Huth and Angel Santiago.
Meanwhile, the Spartans have lost their first two games by double digits in what has been a challenging transition year. Will Laster has 145 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
LAWRENCE (0-2) AT HIGHTSTOWN (1-1)
The Rams’ offense struggled against Allentown’s powerful front, but against most Mercer County opponents, the single wing gives Hightstown an edge.
Are the Rams closer to the team that was shut out last week, or the one that had six players score touchdowns against Princeton in their season opener? The answer is probably somewhere right in the middle.
Lawrence has some talented skill players including Deon McLean and Jacoby Sherard, but the Cardinals have nothing to show for it yet. They lost a rainy season opener against Hopewell by two points and couldn’t slow down Notre Dame’s potent rushing attack last week. WEST WINDSOR-PLAINSBORO (0-2) AT NOTRE DAME (1-1)
Coming off a 28-0 win against rival Lawrence, the Irish have a great chance to move over .500 this week.
Coleon Williams and Cortaz Williams are a dynamic running back duo, and WW-P has struggled defensively so far with 69 total points allowed to Hamilton and Trenton. Notre Dame took a step in the right direction defensively last week led by Tristan Tritt’s one sack and seven tackles. ROBBINSVILLE (1-1) AT CLAYTON (1-1)
The Ravens program took a big step last Friday by surpassing its 2017 season point total and winning its first game since 2016. Quarterback Dan Surtz compiled 242 yards and a touchdown against Riverside. Nick Carella had a 58-yard touchdown reception.
Clayton lost its opener to Gloucester, 15-14, then rebounded to beat Wildwood, 48-0.
Saturday
HAMILTON (1-0) AT PRINCETON (0-2)
The Hornets began their season by scoring five touchdowns against WWP. Kevin Boswell starred with two rushing touchdowns and one kickoff return touchdown.
Hamilton should be able to dominate the trenches against the Little Tigers, who have now lost 20 consecutive games dating back to the 2016 season. NOTTINGHAM (2-0) AT TRENTON (1-1)
In terms of overall quality, this is the game of the weekend.
The Northstars are coming off a thrilling overtime win against Moorestown thanks to a gamewinning kick by Alix Oge. Diontae Nicholson, one of the area’s top running backs, rushed for 74 yards after missing the opener with an injury.
Quarterback Mahsiah McRae and the Tornadoes put up 21 points last Saturday in a loss to powerful South Jersey program Rancocas Valley.