A quick look

Woodstown visits Haddonfield in a cross-classification battle of 5-1 teams with a brief, but intense history

By Riverview Sports News

WOODSTOWN (5-1) at HADDONFIELD (5-1): The two teams haven’t played often, but they do have a history and whenever they have it’s been a battle. Wolverines coach John Adams expects more of the same Friday.

The teams first got together in 2013 and met in the playoffs three straight years – all at Haddonfield – with the Haddons winning all three games. The first one was in the South Jersey Group 2 final and was scoreless at halftime before Haddonfield capitalized on several Woodstown turnovers to win 21-0. The second was a runaway, but the third was decided on a walk-off field goal.

They scrimmaged in 2019, but didn’t play again until last year when they met in Woodstown for the first time and the Wolverines won 19-0.

“We’re going to give it our best shot to do it again,” Adams said.

The teams have a lot of similarities beyond their current records. Both try to be balanced between the run and pass, and both employ enough motion and shifts to keep their opponents on their toes.

Talk about balance: Haddons quarterback Declan McCarthy has thrown for 647 yards and running back Doninic Hahn has rushed for 686 yards and nine touchdowns. Woodstown quarterback Max Webb has thrown for 407 yards, rushed for 235 and accounted for nine touchdowns. Running back Bryce Belinfanti has rushed for 858 yards and 11 scores.

Adding even more flavor to the game, two Woodstown assistants, Nate Engle and Frank Trauz, coached at Haddonfield last year.

“I know they’re going to be fired up to play against two of their old assistant coaches,” Adams said. “It’s always a good atmosphere over there and a tough game.”

Haddonfield won its first give games before losing to Camden last week. The Wolverines are coming off an emotional 27-21 overtime win over Woodbury for first place in the WJFL Diamond Division.