Hammonton, a perennial power, is the defending South Jersey Group III champion and No. 11 in The Press Elite 11.
The Blue Devils feature Jared Sanchez, one of the Cape-Atlantic League's most versatile players. Sanchez plays defensive back and on offense lines up at running back, wide receiver and even quarterback.
Burlington Township had won four straight games before last week's 27-7 loss to Notre Dame. The Falcons' three losses are to teams with a combined record of 24-1. The Falcons run a spread offense and throw often.
This will be Hammonton's first night game this year. The Blue Devils played Saturday afternoons to save money during the regular season.
Key players for Burlington Township: Brian Verbitski, QB, 60-of-102 for 708 yards; Jordan Hunter, FB/DL; Mike Thomas, RB, 91 carries for 549 yards; Brandon Riche, LB, 74 tackles, 4.5 sacks; Vinni Pini, RB/WR, six touchdowns.
Key players for Hammonton: Jared Sanchez, WR/RB/DB, 96 carries for 635 yards and 123 catches for 259 yards; Tim Alexander, RB/LB, 57 carries for 309 yards; Tyler D'Amelio, QB, 34-of-61 for 471 yards; Bobby Barbieri, WR/DB, 12 catches for 171 yards; Connor Conway, TE/DB; C.J. Plummer, OL/DL.
Keys to victory: Hammonton will employ the same strategy it has used all season. The Blue Devils will rely on a stingy defense and big plays from Sanchez on offense.
GAME DETAILS
Who: Sixth-seeded Burlington Township (6-3) vs. third-seeded Hammonton (6-2)
What: South Jersey Group III quarterfinal
When/where: 7 p.m. today at Hammonton
Admission: $3 adults, $2 for seniors and students
What's next: Winner advances to next weekend's semifinal against the winner of tonight's game between seventh-seeded Woodrow Wilson and No. 2 seed Delsea Regional.
