South Jersey Group 2 final preview

South Jersey Group 2 Final

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Haddonfield vs. Woodstown

Saturday, 1 p.m. at Rowan

Previous titles: Haddonfield, one (2011). Woodstown is seeking its first.

Coaches: Haddonfield, Frank DeLano (12th season, 83-46); Woodstown, John Adams (fourth season, 27-14).

How Haddonfield can win: With the continued reliance on a diversified attack. Haddonfield runs the ball more than it throws, but QB Mike McLaughlin has passed for 1,443 yards and 16 touchdowns. RB Mike DeFeo has rushed for 708 yards (6.5 average) and 10 TDs. Another key will be how Haddonfield stops the potent Woodstown ground game, and DeLano thinks that junior Mark Walker (80 tackles, 13 tackles for loss) is among the best linebackers around. He will have to have an active day.

How Woodstown can win: With senior Semaj Thomas leading a ball-control offense, the Wolverines are predominantly a ground team and will have to run the ball effectively. Thomas has come back strong after suffering a broken ankle Oct. 15 against Pennsville. He has rushed for 606 yards (7.6 average) and 11 TDs, and in the Wolverines' 19-0 Thanksgiving win over rival Salem, he gained 162 yards and scored two TDs. On defense, the Wolverines will have to put heat on McLaughlin. Lineman Nathan Prus (51/2 sacks, 13 tackles for loss) leads a strong defense.

Fast fact: Haddonfield is appearing in a sectional final for the fourth time in the last five years.

- Marc Narducci

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