The Thanksgiving holiday local high school football schedule begins tonight with two games.
Bridgeton plays at Burlington Township, while St. Augustine Prep travels to Buena Regional.
Eight games will be played Thursday morning.
The holiday schedule concludes Saturday when Hammonton plays at St. Joseph in the 50th meeting of the neighborhood rivals who first played in 1962.
Here's a preview of tonight's contests:
St. Augustine Prep (3-6) at Buena Regional (2-7)
7 p.m. today
Why this game is special: These schools are located a few minutes from each other. Buena leads the series 12-8, but St. Augustine has won four straight and holds a 7-3 edge since 2001. The Hermits beat Buena 42-13 last year.
St. Augustine update: The Hermits come off a 34-13 win over Paul VI in a Nov. 11 consolation game. That win ended St. Augustine's five-game losing streak. Running back John Barillo has rushed 118 times for 400 yards and four touchdowns. Barillo scored two touchdowns against Buena last year.
Buena update: The Chiefs have dropped three straight. Buena is a young team. Sophomore running back Love'Uan Scott leads Buena with 698 rushing yards.
Bridgeton (6-3) at Burlington Township (6-3)
5 p.m. today
Why this game is special: This is the first meeting between the schools in several years. This is a not a rivalry game. Bridgeton probably will start a Thanksgiving series with Cedar Creek next season.
Bridgeton update: The Bulldogs have won five of their last six games. Senior quarterback Tamar Jackson has rushed for 301 yards and thrown for 603 yards. Bridgeton has allowed one touchdown or fewer in five of its six wins.
Burlington Township update: Burlington lost to Woodbridge 24-21 in the first round of the Central Jersey Group III playoffs Nov. 12. Quarterback Brian Verbitski has thrown for 576 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 811 yards and eight touchdowns.
