The Atlantic City High School football team will test itself against the No. 1 team in The Press Elite 11 for the second time this season.
The Vikings, No. 7 in the Elite 11, play at Williamstown at 7 p.m. today in a South Jersey Group V semifinal. Williamstown is No. 1 in The Press Elite 11.
Atlantic City played St. Joe when the Wildcats were No. 1 in the Elite 11 on Oct. 19. St. Joe won 28-25. Williamstown took over the top spot from St. Joe after the Wildcats lost to Hammonton last Wednesday.
Atlantic City is trying to reach its first South Jersey final since it won the 1999 South Jersey Group IV title.
Williamstown has been one of the most dominant regular-season teams in South Jersey since 2007. But the Braves have struggled in the playoffs. They have never won a South Jersey football playoff title.
Key players for Atlantic City: Jarren McBryde, QB, 113-of-182 for 1,982 yards and 19 touchdowns; Dayshawn Reynolds, WR, 46 catches for 873 yards and nine touchdowns; Jamil Whitted, LB; Domaneek Brown-Hurd, RB; Tyshiek Wright, WR; Demond Cottman, WR.
Key players for Williamstown: Doug Banks, QB, 40-of-62 for 641 yards and seven touchdowns; Marquis Little, RB, 87 carries for 840 yards and 12 touchdowns; John Chamberlin, RB, 187 carries for 1,040 yards and 19 touchdowns; Derek Lauria, LB, 107 tackles and eight sacks; Julian Taylor, DE, nine sacks.
Keys to victory: Atlantic City can't fall behind early. The Vikings need to use their defensive speed to slow Williamstown's potent wing-T offense. The Braves average 36.7 points per game. Atlantic City has to put Williamstown in situations where the Braves must throw the football. On offense, Atlantic City will spread the Williamstown defense out. A few big plays at the right time would greatly benefit the Vikings.
