Winslow Township is the most talented eighth seed in South Jersey.
Hammonton is the top seed and No. 7 in The Press' Elite 11. The Blue Devils lost in last year's South Jersey Group III final to Shawnee, which has since moved to Group IV. Hammonton is seeking its first sectional title since 1996.
The Blue Devils are extremely quick on offense and haven't had this much talent at the skill positions since that 1996 team. Hammonton quarterback Nick Crescenzo, tight end Ian Evans and running backs David Crescenzo (Nick's first cousin), Josh Baez and Jared Sanchez are all standouts. Hammonton has scored more than 40 points in five of its wins.
Winslow has won three of its last four games behind quarterback Bill Belton, who can create big plays with his arm and legs. The junior is a Division I college prospect.
This game has added appeal. These towns border each other, making this also a contest for local bragging rights.
Eighth-seeded Winslow Township (4-4) vs. top-seeded Hammonton (7-1)
What: South Jersey Group III quarterfinal
When/where: 7 p.m. today at Hammonton
What's next: Winner advances to next weekend's semifinal against the winner of Saturday's quarterfinal between fifth-seeded Seneca and fourth-seeded Burlington Township.
Key players:
Winslow Township: Bill Belton, QB; Na'eem Walton, RB; Kelvin Wagner, WR.
Hammonton: David Crescenzo, RB, 89 carries for 550 yards; Nick Crescenzo, QB/DB, 58 carries for 567 yards and 11 touchdowns, and 27-of-49 for 471 yards and seven touchdowns; Josh Baez, FB/DE, 54 carries for 433 yards and seven touchdowns; Ian Evans, TE/DE; Antonio Rodriguez, LB; Jared Sanchez, RB.
Keys to victory: Belton is one of the region's most talented players. The Winslow offense can score in a hurry. Hammonton must control the ball and keep Belton on the sidelines as much as possible.
Contact Michael McGarry:
609-272-7185
