Southern Regional entered the playoffs last year with plenty of momentum. But Triton stunned the Rams, beating Southern 26-7 in the first round.
Southern can take a step toward erasing the disappointment of that defeat tonight. The Rams play at Washington Township in a South Jersey Group V quarterfinal at 7 p.m.
Just like last year, the Rams come into tonight's contest with plenty of momentum. Southern, No. 9 in The Press Elite 11, has won three straight. Quarterback Dan Higgins threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns as the Rams beat Toms River East 41-20 on Nov. 10.
Washington Township, No. 10 in the Elite 11, also brings momentum. The Minutemen have won seven straight after a season-opening 9-6 loss to Eastern. Southern and Washington Township met in the 2007 playoffs, with Southern winning 21-7 at Washington Township.
Key players for Southern: Dan Higgins, QB, 65-of-122 for 1,083 yards and 12 touchdowns; Abe Gonzalez (above), RB, 169 carries for 875 yards and 10 touchdowns, Mike Gesicki, WR/DB, 30 catches for 563 yards and six touchdowns; Nick Munafo, LB, 61 tackles; Logan Sheehan, DB, five interceptions.
Key players for Washington Township: Tim Hildebrand, QB, 90-of-165 for 1,074 yards and 11 touchdowns; Andrew O'Neill, RB, 56 carries for 433 yards; John Williams 30 catches for 412 yards and four touchdowns; D.J. Brown, LB, 124 tackles; Joseph Cotton, LB, 90 tackles and four sacks.
Keys to victory: The Southern Regional defense has allowed a touchdown or less in four of the Rams six wins. Southern must find a way to slow down a Washington Township offense that is averaging 42 points in its last three games.
Michael McGarry
Game details
Who: Sixth-seeded Southern Regional (6-2) at third-seeded Washington Township (7-1)
When/where: 7 p.m. today at Washington Township
What's next: Winner advances to the semifinals on Nov. 30/Dec. 1 against the winner of tonight's quarterfinal between seventh-seeded Toms River North (5-3) and second-seeded Eastern (6-3)
