High school football teams are beginning to run out of time when it comes to qualifying for the playoffs.
After this weekend, only four weeks remain until the playoff fields are finalized the weekend of Nov. 4-5.
The top eight teams with the most power points in each enrollment group make the postseason. Teams earn power points based on their wins and their opponents' enrollment group.
Here's a preview of this weekend's games as team try to enhance their playoff chances.
Cape-Atlantic League
United Division
Lower Cape May Regional (2-1) at Bridgeton (2-2)
7 p.m. today
The winner gets a boost toward the South Jersey Group II playoffs. Both teams come off wins. Bridgeton beat Buena 3-2 as Tamar Jackson kicked a winning 27-yard field with 1 minute, 1 second left. Bridgeton has allowed an average of 15 points per game. Lower beat Wildwood 28-14 last week as running back Frank Zeigler ran for two touchdowns
Middle Township (0-4) at Pleasantville (0-3)
7 p.m. today
Both teams seek their first win. Both also have struggled to score this season. Middle won 22-20 last year.
Interdivision
No. 11 Atlantic City (3-0) at Buena Regional (1-3)
7 p.m. today
Atlantic City, ranked 11th in The Press Elite 11, was off last week. The Vikings feature running back Radi Tolbert, who has scored five touchdowns. Buena has been stingy on defense the past two games, allowing a total of 11 points.
Vineland (2-2) at Oakcrest (1-3)
7 p.m. today (98.7 FM)
Both teams need a win to stay in playoff contention. Vineland has lost two straight, including last Friday's 42-6 loss to Absegami. Freshman Isaiah Spencer scored Vineland's only touchdown on a 30-yard run. Oakcrest lost to Mainland Regional 17-14 in double overtime last week. Linebacker Brandon Bell leads Oakcrest with 55 tackles and two sacks.
Millville (3-0) at Ocean City (1-3)
7 p.m. today (98.7 FM)
Ocean City comes off its first win of the season, a 34-6 victory over Middle Township. Ocean City quarterback Chris Gabor leads the CAL with five touchdown passes. Running back Ben Bethea has rushed for six touchdowns. Millville is No. 9 in the Elite 11. Quarterback Shaq Lee (three touchdown passes) and running back Alquann Jones (506 rushing yards) spark the Thunderbolts' offense.
No. 1 St. Joseph (3-0) at St. Augustine Prep (2-2)
7 p.m. today
St. Joe is No. 1 in the Elite 11 after beating rival Holy Spirit 34-7 last Saturday. St. Augustine Prep lost 17-14 to EHT last Friday. St. Joe defensive ends Kaiwan Lewis (24 tackles, one fumble recovery) and Max Valles (three sacks, 17 tackles) have dominated opposing offenses. St. Joe beat St. Augustine 35-0 last year, the first time the Wildcats had defeated the Hermits since 2007.
Shore Conference
Barnegat (1-2) at Lacey Township (2-2)
1 p.m. Saturday
Both teams need a win to boost their playoff hopes. Barnegat running back David Smithman has rushed 60 times for 418 yards. Bengals quarterback Mark McCoy has thrown three touchdown passes. Lacey relies on the running of Kyle Spatz (87 carries for 677 yards and five touchdowns). Lacey beat Barnegat 28-7 last year.
Brick Township (2-2) at Pinelands Regional (0-3)
7 p.m. today
Pinelands is young and rebuilding. Brick lost to Central Regional 35-20 last week but owns a 17-7 win over Lacey Township.
West Jersey Football League
Kingsway Regional (2-2)
at Cumberland Regional (1-3)
7 p.m. today
Cumberland is young and inexperienced, especially on the offensive line. Kingsway's losses are to Triton and Timber Creek, who are a combined 7-1.
Pennsville (4-0) at Wildwood (1-3)
7 p.m. today
Wildwood quarterback Zak Barrett threw for a touchdown and running back Wesley Hills rushed for another score in a 28-14 loss to Lower Cape May last week. Pennsville is averaging 40 points per game.
Contact Michael McGarry:
609-272-7185
