Next group up

With only two returning starters, Woodstown faces ‘a different challenge’ heading into Trautz’ second season

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

WOODSTOWN – It used to be real easy to find a seat in the Woodstown quarterback room. Now, not so much.

In the years coming out of COVID, the position was clearly Max Webb’s domain and he sat in the front row. When he graduated, the torch passed to his cousin Jack Holladay, who stepped in seamlessly despite not playing much as a junior and carried it until a shoulder injury derailed him in the sixth game of the season.

WOODSTOWN

Aug. 19: x-Audubon

Aug. 28: Pitman

Sept. 5: at Delsea

Sept. 12: at Schalick

Sept. 20: at Woodbury

Sept. 26: Penns Grove

Oct. 2: at Pleasantville

Oct. 9: Haddon Heights

Oct. 17: Salem

Oct. 24: Glassboro

x-scrimmage

This year, though, you’ve got to get in early to find a seat as the Wolverines have no fewer than six players with quarterback experience/designations attached to their name – but only two with (limited) varsity experience at the position and none of whom have thrown a varsity pass in a Woodstown uniform.

“It’s the first time (me) being at Woodstown we’re having a true QB competition heading into camp,” second-year head coach Frank Trautz said. “Competition is good for every position. It’s what drives everybody. It’s a good thing.”

Offseason workouts and experiences have created some separation. When the Wolverines open preseason camp Monday, the depth chart will show sophomore Mason Middlemiss and freshman Frankie Hoerst at the top of the list.

Middlemiss has the most varsity experience. He was with the Wolverines last summer, then moved to Absegami, where he completed 4-of-7 passes for 64 yards – all in a win over Cumberland. He’s more of a dual-threat quarterback, like Webb, and has been getting glowing reviews from his offseason camp/showcase work.

Hoerst is a prototypical pocket passer, like Holladay or second-half starter Garrett Leyman, with a big arm. The 6-4, 195-pounder already has an offer from Syracuse after throwing in a private session for the coaches after five games at a camp in which he twice produced wins on the final play.

Trautz said he’ll have to see more of them with live action in camp to determine who might emerge as the starter and what other roles they may play, but he’s excited with the prospects.

“It’s going to be a tough competition between the two of them,” he said. “It already has been in the summer, so it’s just going to heat up as we get into camp with the pads on and everything.

“I’m excited to see what both of them are able to do. They might be inexperienced in terms of varsity stats, but the talent is there and they’re not inexperienced in terms of their quarterback skills.”

For better or worse, after running through what Trautz called “two really good senior classes” the Wolverines have plenty of open spots in the lineup for those who don’t win the quarterback sweepstakes to find spots on the field.

Senior Lucas Fulmer, who finished the Haddon Heights game after Holladay got hurt and led the offense to a fourth-quarter touchdown with a reduced playbook in his varsity debut, will be a starting receiver.

Sophomore Cole Ware moves into leading rusher Bryce Belinfanti’s spot at running back. He ran for 35 yards in last year’s playoff opener with KIPP and is coming off a big summer in which he played in the national flag football tournament and was a finalist for 14U Player of the Year.

Senior Anthony Costello and junior Noah Chiu also are listed with quarterback experience and will be receivers and defensive backs.

The Wolverines have just come through one of the most successful cycles in the program’s history, but as Trautz admits, “we’re replacing a lot of guys.” With just two returning starters – RB/DB Bryceton Rooney and lineman Aiden Taulane – the cycle begins anew. And it starts with a couple young quarterbacks in a crowded room.

While It may be “the next group up,” the standard remains the same.

“I’m excited about everybody we have, really,” Trautz said. “I know we’ve had two really good senior classes that have just graduated, but we have a lot of good young talent, so it’s not just these two at the quarterback position. We have good young talent across all positions.

“It’s a different challenge for sure this year, but it’s an exciting one because of what I think we’ll be able to build with this young group. It’s the next group up; it’s their turn now. They’re very excited, too, to be the ones on Friday night now. I’m excited to see what they can do. It’s a group we have for the next two, three years and they’re going to do, hopefully, some special things together. This is the beginning of it.”

2025 Fall Schedule

Here is the 2025 Salem County fall sports schedule; includes WJFL Patriot, Diamond Division football schedules; forward updates to al.muskewitz@gmail.com; x-scrimmage

2025 SALEM COUNTY SPORTS SCHEDULE

AUG. 18
WJFL FOOTBALL
x-Schalick at Delsea, 10 a.m.
x-Salem at Pennsville, 10 a.m.

AUG. 19
WJFL FOOTBALL
x-Gateway at Collingswood, 9 a.m.
x-Audubon at Woodstown, 6 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
x-Delsea at Pennsville, 10 a.m.

AUG. 20
WJFL FOOTBALL
x-Haddon Heights at Woodstown, 9 a.m.

AUG. 21
WJFL FOOTBALL
x-West Deptford at Gloucester City, 9 a.m.
x-Penns Grove at Collingswood, 6 p.m.
x-Triton at Pennsville, 6 p.m.

AUG. 22
WJFL FOOTBALL
x-Buena at Schalick, 10 a.m.
x-Paulsboro at Florence, 11 a.m.
x-Haddon Heights at Salem, noon
GIRLS TENNIS
x-Pennsville at Millville, 10 a.m.
x-Woodstown at Ocean City, 10 a.m.

AUG. 25
FIELD HOCKEY
x-Highland at Salem Tech, 10 a.m.
BOYS SOCCER
x-Woodstown at Maple Shade, 9:30 a.m.
x-Cumberland at Schalick, 10 a.m.
x-Penns Grove at Clayton, 10 a.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
x-Deptford at Woodstown, 9 a.m.
x-Clayton at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
x-Pennsville at GCIT, 9 a.m.
x-Schalick at Clearview, 10 a.m.

AUG. 26
BOYS SOCCER
x-Cumberland at Schalick, 10 a.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
x-Palmyra at Penns Grove, 10 a.m.
FIELD HOCKEY
x-Woodstown at Cherry Hill West, 9 a.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
x-Woodstown at Gateway, 9 a.m.
x-Penns Grove at Cumberland, 10 a.m.
x-Salem at Bridgeton, 10 a.m.

AUG. 27
FIELD HOCKEY
x-Pennsville at Williamstown, 10 a.m.
x-Salem Tech at Pemberton, 10 a.m.
BOYS SOCCER
x-Buena at Salem Tech, 10 a.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
x-Salem at GCIT, 11 a.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
x-Palmyra at Penns Grove, 10 a.m.
Vineland at Pennsville, 10 a.m.

AUG. 28
WJFL FOOTBALL
Gloucester City at Pennsville, 6 p.m.
Pitman at Woodstown, 7 p.m.
Bishop Eustace at Audubon
Cinnaminson at Overbrook
Pennsauken at Camden Catholic
FIELD HOCKEY
x-Salem, Schalick, Bridgeton at Cumberland, 9 a.m.
BOYS SOCCER
x-Cumberland at Woodstown, 10 a.m.
x-Penns Grove at Woodbury, 10 a.m.
x-Gloucester City at Pennsville, 3:45 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
x-Penns Grove at Woodbury, 10 a.m.
x-Schalick at Gloucester City, 10 a.m.
x-Woodstown at Cumberland, 10 a.m.
x-Pennsville at Gloucester City, 3:45 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
x-Schalick at Timber Creek, 11 a.m.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
x-Buena at Schalick, 10 a.m.

AUG. 29
WJFL FOOTBALL
West Deptford vs. KIPP at Rowan, 9 a.m.
Clayton at Collingswood, 10:30 a.m.
Somerville at Schalick, 6 p.m.
FIELD HOCKEY
x-Pennsville at Vineland, 10 a.m.
BOYS SOCCER
x-Schalick at Vineland, 10 a.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
x-Haddon Twp. at Woodstown, 9 a.m.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
x-Salem Tech at Camden County Tech, 11 a.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
x-Salem at Delran, 10 a.m.

AUG. 30
WJFL FOOTBALL
Paulsboro at Penns Grove, noon
Glassboro vs. Haddonfield at Rowan
BOYS SOCCER
x-Williamstown at Woodstown, 10 a.m.

SEPT. 2
FIELD HOCKEY
Haddon Heights at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Bridgeton, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Glassboro at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
Penns Grove at Pennsville, 3:45 p.m.
Overbrook at Schalick, 4 p.m.

SEPT. 3
FIELD HOCKEY
x-Gloucester City at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
x-Camden Academy Charter at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
x-Salem at Gloucester City, 4 p.m.
x-KIPP at Pennsville
GIRLS SOCCER
x-Cumberland at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Pennsville at Bridgeton, 3:45 p.m.
Salem at Gloucester Catholic, 4 p.m.

SEPT. 4
WJFL FOOTBALL
Salem at Cinnaminson, 6 p.m.
FIELD HOCKEY
Salem Tech at Sterling, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Gloucester Catholic at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Penns Grove at Overbrook, 4 p.m.
Wildwood at Salem, 4 p.m.

SEPT. 5
WJFL FOOTBALL
Schalick at Cumberland, 6 p.m.
Pennsville at West Deptford, 7 p.m.
Collingswood at Overbrook, 7 p.m.
Woodstown at Delsea, 7 p.m.
Haddon Heights at Glassboro
Woodbury at Haddonfield
FIELD HOCKEY
Schalick at Washington Twp., 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Schalick at Washington Twp., 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Bridgeton at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Paulsboro at Salem, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Audubon, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Kingsway at Pennsville, 3:45 p.m.
Woodstown at Clearview, 3:45 p.m.

SEPT. 6
WJFL FOOTBALL
Audubon at Paulsboro, 11 a.m.
Deptford at Penns Grove, noon
KIPP at Camden Catholic

SEPT. 8
FIELD HOCKEY
Absegami at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Overbrook at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Penns Grove at Pitman, 4 p.m.
Salem at Clayton, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Glassboro, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Clayton at Salem, 4 p.m.
Glassboro at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Penns Grove at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Pitman at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
Schalick vs. Overbrook
GIRLS TENNIS
Woodstown at Gloucester Catholic, 3:45 p.m.
Pennsville at Wildwood, 4 p.m.
Penns Grove at Glassboro, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Salem, 4 p.m.

SEPT. 9
FIELD HOCKEY
Pennsville at Salem, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Pitman, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Deptford, 4 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY
TCC Batch Meet at Cumberland, 3:30 p.m.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Gloucester Catholic at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.

SEPT. 10
FIELD HOCKEY
Paulsboro at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Glassboro at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Wildwood, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Salem, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Pitman, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Overbrook, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Overbrook at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Penns Grove at Glassboro, 4 p.m.
Salem at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Schalick at Pennsville, 3:45 p.m.
Woodstown at Penns Grove, 3:45 p.m.
Salem at Overbrook, 4 p.m.

SEPT. 11
WJFL FOOTBALL
West Deptford at Collingswood, 6 p.m.
FIELD HOCKEY
Gloucester Catholic at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Salem at Deptford, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Clayton, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Pennsville at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
Penns Grove at Palmyra, 4 p.m.

SEPT. 12
WJFL FOOTBALL
Overbrook at Pennsville
Penns Grove at Glassboro, 6 p.m.
Woodstown at Schalick, 6 p.m.
Paulsboro at Camden Catholic, 7 p.m.
FIELD HOCKEY
Salem at Bridgeton, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Pennsville at Overbrook, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Bridgeton at Salem, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Schalick at Cumberland, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Middle Twp., 4 p.m.

SEPT. 13
WJFL FOOTBALL
Woodbury at Salem, noon
Bordentown at Audubon, 11 a.m.

SEPT. 15
FIELD HOCKEY
Salem Tech at Cumberland, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Paulsboro at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Schalick vs. Timber Creek
GIRLS TENNIS
Overbrook at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
Pitman at Pennsville, 3:45 p.m.
Penns Grove at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Salem at Glassboro, 4 p.m.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
GCIT at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.

SEPT. 16
BOYS SOCCER
Glassboro at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Overbrook at Salem, 4 p.m.
Penns Grove at Wildwood, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Clayton, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Pennsville at Gloucester Catholic, 4 p.m.
Salem at Overbrook, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Wildwood at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Schalick vs. Clayton
GIRLS TENNIS
Woodstown at Audubon, 4 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY
Batch Meet at Salem Tech, 3:30 p.m.

SEPT. 17
FIELD HOCKEY
Clayton at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Glassboro at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Overbrook at Salem, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Gloucester Catholic, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Schalick at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
Pennsville at Overbrook, 4 p.m.
Pitman at Salem, 4 p.m.
Wildwood at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Salem Tech at Triton, 4 p.m.

SEPT. 18
BOYS SOCCER
Clayton at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Penns Grove at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Salem at Gloucester Catholic, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Glassboro, 4 p.m.
Wildwood at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Gloucester Catholic at Salem, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Overbrook, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Wildwood, 4 p.m.
Schalick vs. Glassboro
Woodstown at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Pitman at Schalick, 4 p.m.

SEPT. 19
WJFL FOOTBALL
Camden Catholic at West Deptford, 7 p.m.
Florence at Overbrook
FIELD HOCKEY
Overbrook at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Salem at Clayton, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Schalick vs. Cherry Hill West
GIRLS TENNIS
Glassboro at Pennsville, 3:45 p.m.
Gloucester Catholic at Penns Grove
Salem at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY
Woodstown at Stockton Univ. Showcase

SEPT. 20
WJFL FOOTBALL
Collingswood at Paulsboro, 11 a.m.
Pennsville at Audubon, 11 a.m.
Woodstown at Woodbury, 11 a.m.
Glassboro at Salem, noon
Schalick at Penns Grove, noon
BOYS SOCCER
Bordentown at Schalick, 10 a.m.
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Salem CC in RCSJ-Cumberland Showcase, 9 a.m.

SEPT. 21
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Salem CC at Camden CC, noon

SEPT. 22
FIELD HOCKEY
Winslow at Salem Tech, 3:45 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Clayton at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
Gloucester Catholic at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Overbrook at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Salem at Wildwood, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Schalick, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Glassboro at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Penns Grove at Overbrook, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Clayton, 4 p.m.
Schalick vs. Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Wildwood at Salem, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Kingsway at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
Timber Creek at Schalick, 4 p.m.

SEPT. 23
FIELD HOCKEY
Pennsville at Audubon, 4 p.m.
Salem at Gloucester Catholic, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Deptford, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Overbrook, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Pennsville at Penns Grove, 3:45 p.m.
Gloucester Catholic at Salem, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Overbrook, 4 p.m.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Salem Tech at Kingsway, 4 p.m.

SEPT. 24
FIELD HOCKEY
Salem at Pitman, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Seneca, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Pennsville at Salem, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Gloucester Catholic, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Penns Grove at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Salem at Pitman, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Moorestown Friends at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
Gloucester Catholic at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.

SEPT. 25
WJFL FOOTBALL
Salem at Schalick, 6 p.m.
Paulsboro at Overbrook, 6 p.m.
Audubon at West Deptford, 7 p.m.
FIELD HOCKEY
Clayton at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Glassboro at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Salem at Gateway, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Woodstown at Pitman, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Pennsville at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Woodstown at Pennsville, 3:45 p.m.
Salem at Wildwood, 4 p.m.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Timber Creek at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY
Salem Tech at Medford Tech, 4 p.m.

SEPT. 26
WJFL FOOTBALL
Haddon Twp. at Collingswood, 6 p.m.
Camden Catholic at Pennsville, 7 p.m.
Penns Grove at Woodstown, 7 p.m.
FIELD HOCKEY
Schalick at Eastern, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Audubon at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Camden Academy Charter at Salem, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Cape May Tech, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Cape May Tech at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
GCIT at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Salem at Cumberland, 4 p.m.
Schalick vs. Hammonton
GIRLS TENNIS
Haddon Heights at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Triton, 4 p.m.

SEPT. 27
WJFL FOOTBALL
Glassboro at Woodbury
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Salem CC at Jefferson (2), noon
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Salem CC at Thomas Jefferson, noon

SEPT. 28
WJFL FOOTBALL
Audubon at Bishop Eustance
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Salem CC at RCSJ-Gloucester, 10 a.m.

SEPT. 29
FIELD HOCKEY
Pennsville at Oakcrest, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Clearview, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Timber Creek, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Cape May Tech at Salem, 4 p.m.
Moorestown Friends at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Buena, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Buena at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Salem at Cape May Tech, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Woodstown at Millville, 3:45 p.m.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Cape May Tech at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.

SEPT. 30
BOYS SOCCER
Pennsville at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Pitman at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
Salem at Glassboro, 4 p.m.
Wildwood at Schalick, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Glassboro at Salem, 4 p.m.
Gloucester Catholic at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Pitman, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Woodstown at Vineland, 3:45 p.m.
Pennsville at Mainland, 4 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY
Batch Meet at Kingsway, 4 p.m.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Clearview at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.

OCT. 1
FIELD HOCKEY
Pennsville at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Salem at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Woodbury at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Clearview at Pennsville, 3:45 p.m.
Triton at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
Overbrook at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.

OCT. 2
WJFL FOOTBALL
Woodstown at Pleasantville, 7 p.m.
FIELD HOCKEY
Pennsville at Paulsboro, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Clayton at Salem, 4 p.m.
Glassboro at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
Pitman at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Overbrook, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Salem at Clayton, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Pitman, 4 p.m.
Schalick vs. Overbrook
Woodstown at Glassboro
Pennsville at Penns Grove, 6:30 p.m.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Highland vs. Salem Tech, 4 p.m.

OCT. 3
WJFL FOOTBALL
Paulsboro at Schalick, 6 p.m.
Pennsville at Penns Grove, 6:30 p.m.
Collingswood at Sterling, 7 p.m.
Haddonfield at West Deptford, 7 p.m.
Glassboro at Deptford
Overbrook at Clayton
FIELD HOCKEY
Salem Tech at Winslow, 3:45 p.m.
OLMA at Salem, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Williamstown, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Salem Tech at Buena, 4 p.m.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Camden County Tech at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.

OCT. 4
WJFL FOOTBALL
Salem at Middle Twp., noon
Audubon at Gloucester Catholic, 11 a.m.
Gateway at Woodbury
BOYS SOCCER
Woodstown at Northern Burlington, 10 a.m.
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Salem CC at Felician (2), noon

OCT. 6
FIELD HOCKEY
Absegami at Salem, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Gloucester Catholic, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Hammonton, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Penns Grove at Glassboro, 4 p.m.
Pitman at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Salem at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
Wildwood at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Overbrook, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Glassboro at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Salem, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Overbrook, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Pennsville at Gloucester Catholic, 3:45 p.m.

OCT. 7
FIELD HOCKEY
Deptford at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Pitman at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Salem at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Kingsway at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
Millville at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Salem Tech at Gloucester Catholic, 4 p.m.

OCT. 8
BOYS SOCCER
Cumberland at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Pitman, 4 p.m.
Salem at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Palmyra, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Penns Grove at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
Penns Grove at Cumberland, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Pitman, 4 p.m.
Schalick vs. Gloucester Catholic
Woodstown at Salem, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Pennsville at Schalick, 3:45 p.m.
Penns Grove at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
OLMA at Salem, 4 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY
Salem County Meet at Schalick, 3:30 p.m.

OCT. 9
WJFL FOOTBALL
Paulsboro at Pennsville, 6 p.m.
Haddon Heights at Woodstown, 7 p.m.
Cinnaminson at Glassboro
FIELD HOCKEY
Burlington City at Salem Tech, 3:45 p.m.
Woodstown at Schalick, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Camden Academy Charter at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
Gloucester City at Salem, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Salem at Gloucester City, 4 p.m.

OCT. 10
WJFL FOOTBALL
Penns Grove at Delran, noon
Gloucester at Schalick, 6 p.m.
Collingswood at Audubon, 7 p.m.
Overbrook at Camden Catholic
Woodbury at Willingboro
FIELD HOCKEY
Overbrook at Salem Tech, 3:45 p.m.
Salem at Gloucester City, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Penns Grove at Woodbury, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Paulsboro at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Woodstown at Pitman, 3:45 p.m.
Penns Grove at Salem, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Wildwood, 4:15 p.m.
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Salem CC Prospect Showcase

OCT. 11
WJFL FOOTBALL
West Deptford at Salem, noon
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Salem CC Prospect Showcase

OCT. 12
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Salem CC Prospect Showcase
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Morris CC, CCBC at Salem CC, 10 a.m.

OCT. 13
GIRLS TENNIS
Haddon Heights at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.

OCT. 14
FIELD HOCKEY
Clayton at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
Gloucester Catholic at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Deptford, 4 p.m.
Salem at Glassboro, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Glassboro at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Gloucester Catholic at Salem, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Clayton, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Wildwood, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Overbrook at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Penns Grove at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Salem at Gloucester Catholic, 4 p.m.
Schalick vs. Glassboro
Wildwood at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Woodstown at Overbrook, 3:45 p.m.
Glassboro at Salem, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Salem Tech at Cape May Tech, 4 p.m.

OCT. 15
FIELD HOCKEY
Salem Tech at Highland, 4 p.m.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Triton at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.

OCT. 16
FIELD HOCKEY
Woodstown at GCIT, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Clayton at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Gloucester Catholic, 4 p.m.
Penns Grove at Overbrook, 4 p.m.
Wildwood at Salem, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Schalick, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Clayton at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
Overbrook at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Glassboro, 4 p.m.
Salem at Wildwood, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Schalick, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Salem at Pennsville, 3:45 p.m.
Wildwood at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
Glassboro at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Pitman at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.

OCT. 17
WJFL FOOTBALL
Camden Catholic at Collingswood, 6 p.m.
Lawrence at Pennsville, 6 p.m.
Salem at Woodstown, 7 p.m.
Schalick at Glassboro, 7 p.m.
FIELD HOCKEY
Salem at Clayton, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Overbrook, 4 p.m.
Vineland at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Salem at Haddon Heights, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Salem at Cumberland, 4 p.m.

OCT. 18
WJFL FOOTBALL
Overbrook at Audubon, 11 a.m.
West Deptford at Paulsboro, 11 a.m.
Woodbury at Penns Grove, noon
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Salem CC at Wilmington (2), noon

OCT. 20
FIELD HOCKEY
Deptford at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Gloucester Catholic at Salem, 4 p.m.
Overbrook at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Gloucester Catholic at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
Pitman at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Salem at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Sterling, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Pitman at Salem, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Gloucester Catholic, 4 p.m.
Schalick vs. Penns Grove
Woodstown at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Woodstown at Schalick, 3:45 p.m.
Salem at Pitman, 4 p.m.
Overbrook at Pennsville, 4:15 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY
NJTAC at Salem Tech, 1 p.m.

OCT. 21
FIELD HOCKEY
Pennsville at Gateway, 4 p.m.

OCT. 22
FIELD HOCKEY
Salem Tech at Paulsboro, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Overbrook at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Collingswood, 4 p.m.
Penns Grove at Salem, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Clayton at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Salem at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Overbrook, 4 p.m.
Schalick vs. Pitman
GIRLS TENNIS
Pennsville at Pitman, 3:45 p.m.
Woodstown at Glassboro, 3:45 p.m.
Overbrook at Salem, 4 p.m.
Penns Grove at Wildwood, 4 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY
TCC Championship at Cumberland, 3:30 p.m.

OCT. 23
FIELD HOCKEY
Salem Tech at Burlington City, 3:45 p.m.
Overbrook at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Salem, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Woodstown at Audubon, 7 p.m.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Timber Creek at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.

OCT. 24
WJFL FOOTBALL
Pennsville at Collingswood, 6 p.m.
West Deptford at Overbrook, 6 p.m.
Glassboro at Woodstown, 7 p.m.
FIELD HOCKEY
Salem Tech at Overbrook, 3:45 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Pennsville at Gloucester City, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Gloucester City at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Cumberland at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.

OCT. 25
WJFL FOOTBALL
Schalick at Woodbury, 11 a.m.
Penns Grove at Salem, noon
Clayton at Paulsboro, 12:30 p.m.
FIELD HOCKEY
Schalick at Cherokee, 10 a.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Highland at Woodstown, 10 a.m.
Audubon at Schalick, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Woodstown at Highland, 10 a.m.
Penns Grove at Salem, noon
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Salem CC at Lincoln (2), noon

OCT. 27
BOYS SOCCER
Salem Tech at Paulsboro, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Triton, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Triton at Woodstown, 4 p.m.

OCT. 28
FIELD HOCKEY
Pennsville at Clayton, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Glassboro, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Paulsboro at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Highland at Salem Tech, 4 p.m.

OCT. 29
FIELD HOCKEY
Mainland at Schalick, 4:15 p.m.

OCT. 30
BOYS SOCCER
Gateway at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER
Woodstown at Gateway

OCT. 31
FOOTBALL
First-round playoffs

NOV. 1
CROSS COUNTRY
NJSIAA Sectionals at DREAM Park

NOV. 2
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Salem CC Alumni Game, noon

NOV. 8
CROSS COUNTRY
NJSIAA State Championships

NOV. 26
WJFL FOOTBALL
Audubon at Haddon Twp., 6 p.m.

NOV. 27
WJFL FOOTBALL
Paul VI at Camden Catholic

WJFL Schedule

Here is the 2025 West Jersey Football League schedule; Salem County games is bold type.

AUGUST 28
Cherry Hill West at Haddon Heights, 11 a.m.
Northern Burlington at Nottingham, 11
Eastside at Triton, 4 p.m.
Palmyra at Riverside, 5:30
Asbury Park at Pleasantville, 6
Cherokee at Middletown South, 6
Cherry Hill East at Eastern, 6
Delsea at Vineland, 6
Deptford at Florence, 6
Franklin at Hammonton, 6
Gateway at Middle Township, 6
Gloucester at Pennsville, 6
Lower Cape May at Pinelands, 6
Pennsauken at Camden Catholic, 6
Timber Creek at Paul VI, 6
Willingboro at Rahway, 6
Kingsway at Donovan Catholic, 6:30
Cinnaminson at Overbrook, 7
Cumberland at Clearview, 7
Pitman at Woodstown, 7
Shawnee at Pope John Paul II (Pa.), 7
Williamstown at Seneca, 7

Battle at the Beach, Ocean City
Holy Spirit vs. Northern Highlands, 10 a.m.
Ocean City vs. Oakcrest, 1 p.m.
Bergen Catholic vs. East St. Louis, 4
Winslow vs. IMG Academy, 7

AUGUST 29
Maple Shade at Wildwood, 10 a.m.
Clayton at Collingswood, 11
Absegami at Egg Harbor Township, 6 p.m.
Buena at Sterling, 6
Moorestown at Watchung Hills, 6
Somerville at Schalick, 6
St. Augustine at McKinley, 7:30
Burlington Township vs. Passaic Tech, at West Orange, 8

Battle at the Beach, Rowan
West Deptford vs. KIPP Cooper Norcross, 9 a.m.
Washington Township vs. Hillsborough, 11:45
Millville vs. Rancocas Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Pigskin Classic, Wilmington, Del.
Mainland vs. Atlantic City, 4 p.m.

AUGUST 30
Pemberton at Hamilton West, 11 a.m.
Paulsboro at Penns Grove, noon

Battle at the Beach, Rowan
Highland vs. Southern, 10 a.m.
Delran vs. Bridgeton, 1 p.m.
Cedar Creek vs. Old Bridge, 3
Glassboro vs. Haddonfield, 6

SEPTEMBER 4
Ewing at Delran, 6 p.m.
Haddon Township at Gateway, 6
Lenape at Cherokee, 6
Mastery Charter at Clayton, 6
Ocean City at Eastern, 6
Pennsauken at Washington Township, 6
Riverside at Florence, 6
Salem at Cinnaminson, 6
West Windsor-Plainsboro North at Cherry Hill East, 6
Winslow at Highland, 6
Buena at Lindenwold, 6:30
Bridgeton at Clearview, 7
Burlington City at Bordentown

SEPTEMBER 5
Atlantic County Tech at Vineland, 6 p.m.
Cedar Creek at Absegami, 6
Haddon Heights at Glassboro, 6
Holy Cross at Wildwood, 6
Holy Spirit at Oakcrest, 6
Lawrence at Maple Shade, 6
Kingsway at Camden, 6
Mainland at Hammonton, 6
Millville at Atlantic City, 6
Nottingham at Burlington Township, 6
Pitman at Sterling, 6
Rancocas Valley at Pleasantville, 6
Schalick at Cumberland, 6
Timber Creek at Notre Dame, 6
Triton at Middle Township, 6
Collingswood at Overbrook, 7
Pennsville at West Deptford, 7
Seneca at Moorestown, 7
Shawnee at Williamstown, 7
St. Augustine at Paul VI, 7
Woodbury at Haddonfield, 7
Woodstown at Delsea, 7
Egg Harbor Township at St. Joseph
Gloucester at Lower Cape May

SEPTEMBER 6
Audubon at Paulsboro, 11 a.m.
Cherry Hill West at Steinert, 11
Morris Catholic at Gloucester Catholic, 11
Palmyra at Bishop Eustace, 11
Deptford at Penns Grove, noon
Northern Burlington at Pemberton, noon
Neumann-Goretti at Camden Catholic, 6:30 p.m.
Willingboro at Eastside

SEPTEMBER 11
Eastern at Vineland, 6 p.m.
Gateway at Wildwood, 6
Highland at Pennsauken, 6
KIPP Cooper Norcross at Buena, 6
Riverside at Maple Shade, 6
West Deptford at Collingswood, 6
Haddon Township at Clayton, 7

SEPTEMBER 12
Atlantic County Tech at Deptford, 6 p.m.
Bergen Catholic at Winslow, 6
Bridgeton at Egg Harbor Township, 6
Cherry Hill East at Triton, 6
Cherokee at St. Augustine, 6
Cinnaminson at Delran, 6
Clearview at Cherry Hill West, 6
Gloucester Catholic at Pitman, 6
Haddon Heights at Burlington Township, 6
Hammonton at Holy Spirit, 6
Kingsway at Timber Creek, 6
Lawrence at Florence, 6
Lindenwold at Bishop Eustace, 6
Lower Cape May at Middle Township, 6
Millville at Mainland, 6
Oakcrest at Cumberland, 6
Ocean City at Lenape, 6
Palmyra at Holy Cross, 6
Penns Grove at Glassboro, 6
Seneca at Pleasantville, 6
Shawnee at Camden, 6
Woodstown at Schalick, 6
Haddonfield at Willingboro, 7
Northern Burlington at Moorestown, 7
Overbrook at Pennsville, 7
Paulsboro at Camden Catholic, 7
Washington Township at Delsea, 7
Paul VI at Gloucester

SEPTEMBER 13
Bordentown at Audubon, 11 a.m.
Rancocas Valley at Eastside, 11
Burlington City at Pemberton, noon
Woodbury at Salem, noon
Atlantic City at Cedar Creek, 1:30 p.m.
Absegami at St. Joseph
Buena at KIPP Cooper Norcross
Sterling at Mastery Charter

SEPTEMBER 18
ACIT at Triton, 6 p.m.
Buena at Holy Cross, 6
Cumberland at St. Joseph, 6
Riverside at Burlington City, 6
Willingboro at Gloucester, 6
Deptford at Bridgeton, 7
Pitman at Haddon Township, 7

SEPTEMBER 19
Palmyra at KIPP Cooper Norcross, noon
Bordentown at Lawrence, 6 p.m.
Camden at Holy Spirit, 6
Cedar Creek at Hammonton, 6
Cherry Hill West at Eastern, 6
Delsea at Kingsway, 6
Egg Harbor Township at Cherry Hill East, 6
Florence at Overbrook, 6
Mainland at Cherokee, 6
Middle Township at Oakcrest, 6
Moorestown at Burlington Township, 6
Northern Burlington at Delran, 6
Ocean City at Atlantic City, 6
Pemberton at Maple Shade, 6
Pennsauken at Vineland, 6
Rancocas Valley at Shawnee, 6
Washington Township at Millville, 6
Wildwood at Lindenwold, 6
Williamstown at Timber Creek, 6
Winslow at St. Augustine, 6
Camden Catholic at West Deptford, 7
Haddonfield at Seneca, 7
Highland at Clearview, 7
Sterling at Gateway, 7

SEPTEMBER 20
Clayton at Gloucester Catholic, 11 a.m.
Collingswood at Paulsboro, 11
Pennsville at Audubon, 11
Woodstown at Woodbury, 11
Cinnaminson at Haddon Heights, noon
Glassboro at Salem, noon
Schalick at Penns Grove, noon
Lenape at Eastside, 1 p.m.
Pleasantville at Paul VI, 6
Buena at Holy Cross
Lower Cape May at Absegami
Mastery Charter at Bishop Eustace

SEPTEMBER 25
Atlantic County Tech at Cherry Hill East, 6 p.m.
Bishop Eustace at Buena, 6
Eastside at Kingsway, 6
Middle Twp. at Cumberland, 6
Northern Burlington at Cinnaminson, 6
Salem at Schalick, 6
St. Augustine at Mainland, 6
Audubon at West Deptford, 7
Paulsboro at Overbrook, 7
Timber Creek at Delsea, 7

SEPTEMBER 26
Absegami at Oakcrest, 6 p.m.
Atlantic City at Cherokee, 6
Bridgeton at Triton, 6
Bordentown at Maple Shade, 6
Burlington Township at Delran, 6
Camden at Rancocas Valley, 6
Cherry Hill West at Highland, 6
Deptford at Egg Harbor Township, 6
Florence at Burlington City, 6
Haddon Township at Collingswood, 6
Hammonton at Ocean City, 6
Holy Spirit at Cedar Creek, 6
Palmyra at Wildwood, 6
Shawnee at Lenape, 6
Camden Catholic at Pennsville, 7
Clayton at Gateway, 7
Gloucester at Seneca, 7
Mastery Charter at Pitman, 7
Penns Grove at Woodstown, 7
Pleasantville at Haddonfield, 7
Vineland at Clearview, 7
Washington Township at Williamstown, 7
Gloucester Catholic at Sterling
Paul VI at Willingboro
Riverside at Holy Cross
St. Joseph at Lower Cape May

SEPTEMBER 27
Lawrence at Pemberton, noon
Moorestown at Haddon Heights, noon
Eastern at Pennsauken, 1 p.m.
Millville at Winslow, 1
Glassboro at Woodbury
KIPP Cooper Norcross at Lindenwold

OCTOBER 2
Woodstown at Pleasantville, 6 p.m.
Lindenwold at Pitman, 7

OCTOBER 3
Mainland at Ocean City, 3 p.m.
Allentown at Northern Burlington, 6
Cherokee at Shawnee, 6
Cinnaminson at Florence, 6
Clearview at Cherry Hill East, 6
Cumberland at Bridgeton, 6
Delran at Hightstown, 6
Glassboro at Deptford, 6
Hammonton at Kingsway, 6
Highland at Notre Dame, 6
Hopewell Valley at Seneca, 6
Lower Cape May at Egg Harbor Township, 6
Oakcrest at Cedar Creek, 6
Palmyra at Maple Shade, 6
Paulsboro at Schalick, 6
St. Joseph at Buena, 6
Timber Creek at Willingboro, 6
Triton at Cherry Hill West, 6
Vineland at Atlantic City, 6
Williamstown at Rancocas Valley, 6
Pennsville at Penns Grove, 6:30
Burlington Township at Burlington City, 7
Collingswood at Sterling, 7
Haddonfield at West Deptford, 7
Lenape at Washington Township, 7
Millville at Delsea, 7
Overbrook at Clayton, 7
Bishop Eustace at Riverside
Eastern at Trenton
Holy Cross at Princeton
KIPP Cooper Norcross at Ewing
Robbinsville at Bordentown

OCTOBER 4
Gateway at Woodbury, 10 a.m.
Mastery Charter at Wildwood, 10
Audubon at Gloucester Catholic. 11
Camden Catholic at Haddon Heights, noon
Pennsauken at Eastside, noon
Salem at Middle Township, noon
Moorestown at Steinert, 2 p.m.
Winslow at Camden, 2 p.m.
Atlantic County Tech at Absegami
Pemberton at Keansburg

OCTOBER 9
Camden at Timber Creek, 6 p.m.
Cherry Hill East at Cherry Hill West, 6
Lower Cape May at Cedar Creek, 6
Paulsboro at Pennsville, 6
Pemberton at Florence, 6
Pitman at Maple Shade, 6
Pleasantville at Oakcrest, 6
Cinnaminson at Glassboro, 7
Mastery Charter at Haddon Township, 7

OCTOBER 10
Collingswood at Audubon, 6 p.m.
Delsea at Holy Spirit, 6
Deptford at Cumberland, 6
Egg Harbor Township at Mainland, 6
Gloucester at Schalick, 6
Highland at Triton, 6
Middle Township at Ocean City, 6
Palmyra at Lindenwold, 6
Penns Grove at Delran, 6
Seneca at Hammonton, 6
Shawnee at Pennsauken, 6
St. Augustine at Lenape, 6
Trenton at Northern Burlington, 6
Washington Township at Rancocas Valley, 6
Absegami at Bridgeton, 7
Cherokee at Williamstown, 7
Clayton at Sterling, 7
Haddon Heights at Woodstown, 7
Kingsway at Clearview, 7
Overbrook at Camden Catholic, 7
Robbinsville at Moorestown, 7
Atlantic City at Eastern
Holy Cross at Bishop Eustace
Notre Dame at Paul VI
Riverside at Bordentown
St. Joseph at Atlantic County Tech
Woodbury at Willingboro

OCTOBER 11
Gateway at Gloucester Catholic, 11 a.m.
Burlington Township at Hopewell Valley, noon
KIPP Cooper Norcross at Wildwood, noon
West Deptford at Salem, noon
Eastside at Winslow, 1 p.m.
Burlington City at Lawrence

OCTOBER 16
Cherry Hill East at Deptford, 6 p.m.
Gloucester at Haddonfield, 7
Gloucester Catholic at Haddon Township, 7

OCTOBER 17
Bordentown at Florence, 6 p.m.
Camden Catholic at Collingswood, 6
Cedar Creek at Timber Creek, 6
Clearview at Eastern, 6
Cumberland at Lower Cape May, 6
Eastside at Shawnee, 6
Kingsway at Washington Township, 6
Lawrence at Pennsville, 6
Mainland at Winslow, 6
Maple Shade at Burlington City, 6
Moorestown at Cinnaminson, 6
Oakcrest at St. Joseph, 6
Ocean City at Holy Spirit, 6
Pennsauken at Cherry Hill West, 6
Triton at Egg Harbor Township, 6
Vineland at Highland, 6
Wildwood at Bishop Eustace, 6
Willingboro at Pleasantville, 6
Atlantic County Tech at Bridgeton, 7
Delsea at Williamstown, 7
Mastery Charter at Gateway, 7
Salem at Woodstown, 7
Schalick at Glassboro, 7
Seneca at Paul VI, 7
Middle Township at Absegami
Sterling at Lindenwold

OCTOBER 18
Atlantic City at Hammonton, 11 a.m.
Buena at Palmyra, 11
Camden at Lenape, 11
West Deptford at Paulsboro, 11
Overbrook at Audubon, 11
Delran at Haddon Heights, noon
Rancocas Valley at St. Augustine, noon
Woodbury at Penns Grove, noon
Northern Burlington at Burlington Township, 1:30 p.m.
Cherokee at Millville, 2
Riverside at Pemberton, 2
Holy Cross at KIPP Cooper Norcross

OCTOBER 23
Atlantic County Tech at Egg Harbor Township, 6 p.m.
Hammonton at Shawnee, 6
Haddon Heights at Northern Burlington, 6
Burlington Township at Cinnaminson, 7
Clearview at Pennsauken, 7
Willingboro at Seneca, 7

OCTOBER 24
Bridgeton at Cherry Hill East, 6 p.m.
Cedar Creek at Ocean City, 6
Cumberland at Absegami, 6
Delsea at Mainland, 6
Eastern at Highland, 6
Oakcrest at Lower Cape May, 6
Pemberton at Bordentown, 6
Pennsville at Collingswood, 6
Pleasantville at Gloucester, 6
St. Augustine at Millville, 6
St. Joseph at Middle Township, 6
Sterling at Haddon Township, 6
Timber Creek at Washington Township, 6
Triton at Deptford, 6
West Deptford at Overbrook, 6
Wildwood at Buena, 6
Williamstown at Kingsway, 6
Winslow at Cherokee, 6
Gateway at Pitman, 7
Glassboro at Woodstown, 7
Paul VI at Haddonfield, 7
Bishop Eustace at KIPP Cooper Norcross
Lindenwold at Holy Cross

OCTOBER 25
Burlington City at Palmyra, 11 a.m.
Cherry Hill West at Vineland, 11
Florence at Maple Shade, 11
Mastery Charter at Gloucester Catholic, 11
Schalick at Woodbury, 11
Penns Grove at Salem, noon
Clayton at Paulsboro, 12:30 p.m.
Delran at Moorestown, 1
Lenape at Rancocas Valley, 1
Lawrence at Riverside

OCTOBER 31
Holy Spirit at St. Augustine, 6 p.m.

NOVEMBER 26
Audubon at Haddon Township, 6 p.m.

NOVEMBER 27
Paul VI at Camden Catholic, 10 a.m.
Pitman at Clayton, 10:30
Gloucester Catholic at Gloucester, 10:30
Vineland at Millville, 10:30
Haddonfield at Haddon Heights, 11
Eastside at Camden
Holy Spirit at Atlantic City

Starting strength index

Gridiron New Jersey, the gatekeeper of the formula that determines that New Jersey high school football playoff field, released its starting strength index rating for the 2025 season Thursday.

The index is just one of the tools that go into determining the power rankings used for tournament seedings.

Listed below are the starting strength index ratings for the teams in the West Jersey Football League Diamond and Patriot Divisions that contain the Salem County teams as well as the ratings for South Jersey Group I.

The top 16 teams in the South Jersey Group I United Power Ratings (UPR) will make up the Group I South and Central Jersey brackets.

The complete can be found at the gridironnewjersey.com website.

WJFL

DIAMOND DIVISION		PATRIOT DIVISION
Glassboro	91.44	Paulsboro	67.96
Woodstown	70.84	West Deptford	65.00
Schalick	66.30	Camden Catholic	64.80
Woodbury	63.65	Pennsville	63,24
Penns Grove	58.43	Overbrook	55.60
Salem	47.47	Audubon	50.76
		Collingswood	44.22

South Jersey Group I

Glassboro	91.44
Woodstown	70.84
Paulsboro	67.96
Schalick	66.30
Shore	63.79
Woodbury	63.65
Pennsville	63.24
Middlesex	60.23
Manville	60.10
Burlington City	59.71
Pitman	59.63
Penns Grove	58.43
Riverside	56.42
Clayton	56.26
Asbury Park	55.36
South Hunterdon	54.73
KIPP Cooper Norcross	52.16
Audubon	50.76
Highland Park	49.90
Haddon Twp.	48.38
Gateway	47.66
Salem	47.47
Point Pleasant Beach	46.63
Buena	46.37
New Egypt	46.37
Palmyra	43.18
Maple Shade	42.22
Bound Brook	41.95
Keyport	41.09
Florence	40.77
Keansburg	38.68
Wildwood	35.05

Salem County football

Here is the 2025 Salem County football schedule; check back for updates from the WJFL Patriot and Diamond Divisions

2025 SALEM COUNTY FOOTBALL
(x-scrimmage)

AUG. 18
x-Clearview, Mainland, West Deptford at Penns Grove, 9 a.m.
x-Schalick at Delsea

AUG. 22
x-Buena at Schalick

AUG. 19
x-Audubon at Woodstown

AUG. 28
Gloucester City at Pennsville, 6 p.m.
Pitman at Woodstown

AUG. 29
Somerville at Schalick

AUG. 30
Paulsboro at Penns Grove, noon

SEPT. 5
Pennsville at West Deptford
Schalick at Cumberland
Woodstown at Delsea

SEPT. 6
Penns Grove at Deptford, noon
Salem at Cinnaminson

SEPT. 12
Overbrook at Pennsville
Penns Grove at Glassboro, 6 p.m.
Woodstown at Schalick

SEPT. 13
Woodbury at Salem

SEPT. 20
Glassboro at Salem
Pennsville at Audubon, 11 a.m.
Schalick at Penns Grove, noon
Woodstown at Woodbury

SEPT. 25
Salem at Schalick

SEPT. 26
Camden Catholic at Pennsville, 7 p.m.
Penns Grove at Woodstown, 7 p.m.

OCT. 3
Paulsboro at Schalick
Pennsville at Penns Grove, 6:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Pleasantville

OCT. 4
Salem at Middle Twp.

OCT. 9
Paulsboro at Pennsville, 6 p.m.

OCT. 10
Gloucester at Schalick
Haddon Heights at Woodstown
Penns Grove at Delran

OCT. 11
West Deptford at Salem

OCT. 17
Lawrence at Pennsville, 6 p.m.
Salem at Woodstown
Schalick at Glassboro

OCT. 18
Woodbury at Penns Grove, noon

OCT. 24
Glassboro at Woodstown
Pennsville at Collingswood, 6 p.m.

OCT. 25
Penns Grove at Salem, noon
Schalick at Woodbury

A different focus

With quarterbacks on the mend or away, Pennsville gives its defense a long look at Ginsburg Classic 7v7

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

PITMAN – Most think when a team plays in a 7-on-7 passing tournament it’s all about the offense. That’s where most of the points in the games are going to come from, of course, but it’s just as much about the cornerbacks and safeties as it is the quarterbacks and receivers.

Because they were limited in the quarterback department, Pennsville went into Saturday’s ATF Ginsburg 7v7 Classic at Total Turf with more of an eye on the defensive side of the ball.

They went 1-2 in their pool, beating Gloucester Catholic between losses to Kingsway and Woodbury, but the results weren’t nearly as important as the process.

“Even without the quarterback what we wanted to see on both sides was the basics,” Eagles coach Mike Healy said. “Are we lined up properly where we’re supposed to be, do we know the plays, the coverages and how they’re supposed to run. That was the big thing on both sides. It was a good learning experience.”

**QB Ahmad Jones (center) was named MVP after leading Camden (top photo) to Ginsburg 7v7 Classic title Saturday.**

It’s tough to play a 7×7 passing camp without a quarterback. Senior starter Robbie McDade is still rehabbing from offseason shoulder surgery on a schedule that’ll have him ready for the season opener. Junior Jake Layfield just went on family vacation. And junior Grady Sanders is recovering from a shoulder injury, but was far enough along in his therapy to give it a shot in the second and third games and in Healy’s mind “did a good job moving us down the field.”

First-team WJFL Patriot Division left tackle Jacob Hand ran the offense in the first game. He threw it to the receivers he was directed to and even threw a touchdown, but the quarterback spot remains in the hands of the three regulars.

“We knew offensively we were going to have some struggles today and we accepted that,” Healy said. “The thing I like about 7-on-7 is while you want to win games what it really allows us to do is this we know what to do, this we’re OK and this we need to work on a lot and teach.

“We were able to run our offense and defensively after the first game we kind of calmed and figured some stuff out. We knew our defense was a little more complete today.”

On the defensive side, safety Hardy had an interception and several deflections. Corner Hayden Sherman, who started as a sophomore but didn’t play last season, broke up a few passes. Kane Green and Danny Knight also did well.

“For the most part they did a pretty good job,” Healy said. “We gave up some big plays, but a lot of it was just on technique stuff that we haven’t gone over yet because we haven’t had the time yet this season.

“I saw a lot of kids make a lot of plays. A lot of kids made mistakes also, but that was expected today. Overall I thought it was a good stepping stone for us going forward.”

The Eagles will get some more 7v7 action at a team camp next month at Kingsway. All three quarterbacks are expected to be back for that.

Camden won the Ginsburg Classic, blanking Paulsboro in the championship game 22-0. Panthers quarterback Ahmad Jones was the MVP.

2025 PENNSVILLE
FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Aug. 28 – Gloucester City, 6 p.m.
Sept. 5 – at West Deptford, 7 p.m.
Sept. 12 – Overbrook, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 – at Audubon, 11 a.m.
Sept. 26 – Camden Catholic, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3 – at Penns Grove, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 9 – Paulsboro, 6 p.m.
Oct. 17 – Lawrence, 6 p.m.
Oct. 24 – at Collingswood, 6 p.m.

Beating the clock

Wednesday roundup: Woodstown’s 4×800 relay qualifies for nationals at Meet of Champions; Pennsville announces Hall of Fame Class, names Athletes of the Year

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

PENNSAUKEN – The Woodstown 4×800 relay team had one job in Wednesday’s NJSIAA Meet of Champions and they got it done.

Winning the race would have been a nice get, but the Wolverines were focused on posting a time that would get them in the New Balance Nationals at Franklin Field later this month.

They got it done, even with their anchor a little under the weather. The Group I champion quartet of Karson Chew, Jacob Marino, Cole Lucas and Josh Crawford finished fifth in the MOC, but their 7:54.84 set a new Group I record and got them into the nationals.

“One thing those guys won’t do is shy away from competition,” Wolverines coach Reggie Teemer said. “They feed off it.”

Salem County had athletes in 12 events at the all-group meet. Salem’s Anthony Parker had the best individual finish, placing fourth in the boys long jump with a best of 23-5. Crawford also finished seventh in the 800, Schalick’s David Stewart was eighth in the 400 hurdles and Cougars’ 4×100 relay team (Reggie Allen Jr., Michael Eberl, Zaeshawn Mills, David Stewart) finished sixth.

Woodstown’s 4×800 time was more than four seconds better than their winning time in last weekend’s Group I championship meet. They were just shy of a provisional qualifying time for the nationals, but wanted to run a race in their last chance to get in that would leave no doubt.

Chew led them out in 1:59.50. Marino kept them on pace with a 2:02.4. Lucas set them up with a 1:58.45. And Crawford, running with a “minor” cough and fever that “slightly impacted my running,” brought it home with two laps in the 50s and a 1:54.46. Christian Brothers Academy won the race with a collective 7:48.55.

“We came very mentally prepared to break our previous record in the 4×8 and qualify for the New Balance Nationals and I wasn’t going to let a sickness get in the way of that opportunity for my teammates,” Crawford said. “ I was proud of all my teammates for running this race as if it was our last and thankfully earning another opportunity because of the combined culmination of our efforts to give our senior, Cole, a sendoff for the record books.”

It was a busy day for the junior. He ran in three events. He ran 1:53.83 to get on the podium in the individual 800 and ran a leg on the 4×400 relay.

Here are the Salem County results from the Meet of Champions:

MEET OF CHAMPIONS
At Pennsauken HS
GIRLS
1600: 12. Jordan Hadfield, Schalick, 5:05.56
3200: 21. Jordan Hadfield, Schalick 10:58.85
Shot Put: T-20. Tatiyonna Crawford, Pennsville 34-6
Pole Vault: T-10. Megan Morris, Pennsville 10-6
BOYS
4×800: 5. Woodstown (Karson Chew, Jacob Marino, Cole Lucas, Josh Crawford) 7:54.84
400 Hurdles: 8. David Stewart, Schalick 54.53
4×100: 6. Schalick (Reggie Allen Jr., Michael Eberl, Zaeshawn Mills, David Stewart) 42.08
800: 7. Josh Crawford, Woodstown 1:53.83; 20. Cole Lucas, Woodstown 1:58.23
4×400: 21. Woodstown (Karson Chew, Kyle Reitz, Anthony Costello, Josh Crawford) 3:25.85
Javelin: 14. Connor Ayars, Pennsville 165-0
Long Jump: 4. Anthony Parker, Salem 23-5
Triple Jump: 26. Bryan Garlic, Penns Grove 41-4

Pennsville tabs Hall class

PENNSVILLE – Five decorated athletes spanning five sports and four decades, three successful head coaches and two state champion teams will comprise the 2025 class that will be inducted into the Pennsville Memorial High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

The class was announced at the school’s annual awards assembly Wednesday night. It will be formally inducted in ceremonies at the school Oct. 7.

The class includes athletes Tom Ridgway (Class of 1978), HJ Lopes (’79), Lisa Doran (’86), Dannielle Dolbow-Darby (’95) and Ashley Minch (’08); coaches Ryan Wood (football/baseball), Jack Hathaway (soccer) and Dan LaMont (tennis/wrestling); and the 2005 state champion girls tennis and baseball teams.

“The Hall of Fame Committee did a wonderful job spanning several decades in putting together this year’s class,” Eagles athletics director Jamy Thomas said. “We have a wide variety of sports recognized with our inductees from field hockey, baseball, softball, soccer and tennis. The athletes in this group may have had one sport in which they truly shined, but each of them were great all-around athletes.

“In regards to the coaches being honored this year I have had the opportunity to be taught by Coach Hathaway as a PMHS student and work alongside Coach Wood and Coach LaMont. They are a group of great coaches and even more importantly are great people who are wonderful role models for our student-athletes.”

At the same assembly, potential future Hall of Famers Megan Morris and Connor Ayars were recognized as the school’s PEPPA Scholar-Athletes of the Year. Morris is a multiple state champion pole vaulter and tennis player, while Ayars is football/track standout. Both competed at the Meet of Champions prior to attending the ceremonies.

**Megan Morris (L) and Connor Ayars were named Pennsville’s PEPPA Scholar-Athletes of the Year.**

Shining a bright light

8 ‘slam dunk choices’ headline the first Schalick High School Sports Hall of Fame induction class since 2015

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

PITTSGROVE – When it’s been a while since you’ve had a Hall of Fame induction, it’s really important to make a splash on the night you bring it back.

The Schalick High School Sports Hall of Fame is inducting the seventh class in its history tonight with a group described as eight “slam dunk choices” for their first enshrinement ceremony in 10 years.

The Hall will welcome athletes Zyra Thomas, Sam Gerstenbacher, Joyce Perry, Sandra Cook and Jeremy Simkins, coaches Mike Hars and Steve Pierangeli and the Cougars’ 1996 South Jersey Group 1 champion boys tennis team into its lineup of Schalick luminaries in ceremonies at the high school auditorium.

“It’s just been a long time coming,” Hall of Fame chairman Erik Cagle said.

The Hall last welcomed a class in 2015 and after a brief pause were preparing to install another group when COVID infringed on everybody’s plans.

They were gearing for a reboot in early 2020 when COVID turned the world upside down and threw the project into a tailspin. They restarted the process about a year and a half ago with some new committee members and some new ideas and the result of their efforts will be on display tonight.

“We just needed to get the ball rolling and get things moving in the right direction,” Cagle said. “People asked from time to time if we were going to do the Hall of Fame again and I said please be patient with us, we’re going to get there. One year turned into two years turned into ten years.

“We’re giving new life to this and hopefully this is something that catches on it a big way. We just really had to kick ourselves in the pants to get moving again.”

One of the biggest changes involved taking the ceremonies from a successful run at a nearby country club back to the high school where it literally all began for the inductees. Now, a walk down the hall to the auditorium is a walk down memory lane.

“It’s a nice bit of homecoming for the athletes,” Cagle said.

With all the excitement surrounding the renewal, organizers are anticipating their largest turnout ever. They’ve already pre-sold a good number of tickets and expect a large walk-up crowd at the door to push attendance to record numbers.

A welcoming reception is scheduled for 6 p.m. with the program to begin at 7.

“I’d like to think it’s going to really reinvigorate the school’s attitude towards the Hall of Fame,” Cagle said. “Ten years, you start to wonder is this ever going to restart again? I’m glad I wasn’t there for the death knell of it. It’s nice that I’m able to keep it going.”

The plan is to have another induction next year and perhaps the year after, then do them every other year.

Cagle said he’ll breathe a huge sigh of relief after tonight’s closing remarks. There was a lot that went into planning this year’s renewal – fundraising, finding a venue, dotting and crossing all the Is and Ts, all the while sifting through an impressive list of nominees still in the fold from classes gone by to the ones nominated over the last 10 years.

“Obviously when you shut down for 10 years a lot of worth candidates accumulate,” Cagle said. “We need to clear the deck a bit, get some of the people who should have been honored a while ago back here.”

Those who turn out tonight will hear a lot more about the inductees, of course, but here’s a snippet (written by Cagle) of what they can expect.

Schalick athletics director and HOF co-chair Doug Volovar called the group “a quality class of people who have done some tremendous things at Schalick High School and helped build a legacy of quality athletes and sports and programs.”

SANDRA COOK (basketball): This is technically Cook’s second Schalick Sports Hall of Fame induction; she joined the ranks of Cougar greats in 2012 when her 1983-84 state champion girls basketball team was honored. She was a devastating paint player who averaged 22 points and 17 rebounds as a senior. She had 38 points in state semifinals and went for 16 and 12 in the title game.

SAM GERSTENBACHER (track/cross country): The 2016 graduate holds school records in the mile, 1500, 3200 and 3000 steeplechase and is the only Schalick runner to clock in under 10 minutes in the 3200, a feat he also accomplished in the 3000-meter steeple chase. Upon graduating, he held the Salem County records for the 3200, steeplechase and cross country.

JEREMY SIMKINS (football/track): It’s safe to say that Jeremy made his senior season with the Schalick football team a memorable one. On offense he piled up 26 catches for 634 yards and 11 touchdowns and on defense he reeled in seven interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He scored at least one touchdown in every game and holds eight program records. On the track he was a three-time Tri-County champion in the 110 hurdles and two-time champ in the 400 hurdles and as senior won the Group II state 400 hurdles crown.

JOYCE PERRY (field hockey/track): In field hockey, she’s the program’s single-season goal scoring leader with 31 and held the career goals record until 2020. In track, she holds the program best in the 400 hurdles, one of several events in which she flourished,. She also played four years on the girls basketball team.

ZYRA THOMAS (track): It’s easy to consider Zyra the greatest shot put thrower in Schalick history. She is a five-time state champion in the event and holds the South Jersey record with a heave of 48-9, which won her the national championship at the Armory in New York City. She also holds the distinction of being the first female Cougar football player in program history.

“I remember her being a really tough competitor and giving everything she had while she was on the field of competition,” Volovar said.

COACH STEVE PIERANGELI: “Coach P” is in his 97th season in 45 years of coaching Schalick athletics. He’s coached baseball, boys track, boys and girls cross country and girls basketball. His teams have amassed 383 victories, 61 championships and three South Jersey titles. A dozen of his former charges have gone on to become coaches themselves, three of whom he’s working under as a current Schalick track assistant.

“I’m honored to be recognized by the group and to be part of a long history of great athletics at Schalick,” he said. “Over the years with the programs I’ve been entrusted with I think we did a good job in developing the programs, individual athletes and individual people. I’m quite proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

COACH MIKE HARS: A beloved teacher, coach and colleague for 28 years, his passion for doing it right helped an array of athletes become legends at Schalick. Whether on the football field or at the throwing venues in track & field, Hars drove his charges to excellence. His name is on the Hars-Lake Trophy that goes to the winner of the annual Cumberland-Schalick football game.

1996 BOYS TENNIS TEAM: The Cougars went 20-1 with a school-record 15 shutouts. They won the Tri-County Classic Division, overall Tri-County Conference, South Jersey Group I Championship and finished runner-up in the State Group I Championship. The team was led by coach Karen Bowman, a member of the inaugural Schalick HOF Classic, and led on the court by singles players Ryan Jackson, Bryan Nardone and Chris MacNeill and doubles teams Scott Wark-Jim Zee and Rob Thomas-Ian Gardner.

“These are what I would call the ‘slam dunk choices,’” Cagle said. “Think back to the first Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony where you had Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson, Ty Cobb, all the greats. These are people who have really accomplished great things at the state level, not just South Jersey. They were really easy to identify. We could have easily selected five more. That’s why we’re going to do it again next year – hopefully.”

A.P. SCHALICK SPORTS HALL OF FAME
The Class of 2009: Jayme Majek, Karen Bowman, Crystal Bailey, Candyce DeLoatch, Donnie Jackson-Bey, Kevin Jackson, Brent Mathers, Sean Collins, Josh Hedgeman, Charles Armstead, Karl Haywood, Robert Johnson and Mark Boyle.

The Class of 2010: Paul Gause, Sharon Hawk, Mary Brown, Aisha Morgan, Greg Frith, Mike McGowan and the 1978 Softball Team.

The Class of 2011: Lorraine Hunt, Nicole Vit, Rachel Johnson, Darryl Gause, Andy Hughes, John Donovan, the 2001 South Jersey Group 1 champion and state finalist Boys Soccer Team.

The Class of 2012: Matt Newton, Dan Mannella, Laura Hodson, Aaron Wicox, Scott Baldwin, Rose Johnson, Dave Ewart, the 1984 Girls Basketball Team.

The Class of 2013: Rashonda Scurry, Pete Mavroff, Amadi Eze, Matt Bailey, G.R. Schalick, Erik Cagle, 2004 South Jersey Group 1 Champion football team

The Class of 2015: James Woodley, Ashley Hansen, Janet Ricards, Joey Mannella, Jimmy Tuller, Coach Dale Driver and the 2009 South Jersey Group 1 Champion field hockey team

The Class of 2025: Zyra Thomas, Sam Gerstenbacher, Joyce Perry, Sandra Cook, Jeremy Simkins, Mike Hars, Coach Steve Pierangeli, 1996 South Jersey Group 1 Champion boys tennis team

‘Fits all the bills’

Assistant coach Leamy approved by board to become Schalick’s new head football coach; choice applauded by players

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

PITTSGROVE – Schalick has found its new head football coach – and he was already in the house.

Kevin Leamy, an assistant coach with big-picture focus already teaching in the district, was approved Thursday night to become the Cougars’ next coach in a board meeting at the high school.

“I am super excited, but also humbled, that they decided to go with me,” said Leamy, who attended the meeting. “There were a lot of qualified people who applied for the position who have a lot of wins in high school football so being someone who has no high school head coach experience it was something that was humbling, but I believe I sold my vision on what the program should be, is going to be, and they believed in me, so I’m excited to get started and see where it goes.”

He succeeds Mike Wilson, who is leaving at the end of the school year to become the head coach at Clearview. Wilson guided the Cougars for five years, taking them from a program that didn’t win a game his first season to playing for Group I sectional championships each of the last two years.

Leamy, 38, a special education teacher in the district, was an integral part of that staff. He coached various positions on both sides of the ball in his three years with Wilson, most recently as offensive line coach.

“He was a big help with some of the big picture stuff and you need that to run the program properly,” Wilson said. “It was very helpful to have him on the staff. As a head football coach you’re worrying about all that CEO stuff, so it’s nice to have a guy to help you out with the football stuff.

“He made some good adjustments, some really good calls. He was definitely an asset.”

The fact he was already in district, is raising his family in the district and is familiar with the players he inherits checked a big box for Schalick athletics director Doug Volovar, who recommended Leamy after interviews with six finalists that included some current and former South Jersey head coaches.

“He has been a very solid staff member as a coach for the last three years,” Volovar said. “I think he has the depth of knowledge and understand of the game, a very good rapport with the kids he currently coaches and I think he was a good decision with regard what we looking for – somebody who’s a pillar of the community, is vested in the school district and somebody who really cares what’s right for the kids.

“He fits all the bills for it.”

A group of about a dozen players sat in on the board meeting wearing their Schalick jerseys in a show of support for their new coach. Assistant coach Henry Papiano addressed the board during public comments and touted Leamy’s football knowledge and connectivity with the players that he called “second to none.”

“I really like it,” rising senior kicker Hunter Dragotta said. “Everyone knows him, he knows everybody. All the kids love him. When he was at practice he interacted with everybody. We’re all super excited. Everyone wanted it to be him. We were all praying and hoping it would be him.”

Leamy is the fourth new head football coach hired in Salem County within the past year. Pennsville’s Mike Healy is now the longest active head football coach at a county school.

Leamy played his high school football at Gateway and collegiately at Wesleyan University. He previously held coaching assignments at Gateway and Clearview. His background also includes spending a year and a half interning with the New York Jets game operations.

In his three years on the Schalick staff, the Cougars have gone 26-8 – 7-3, 11-1, 8-4 – won back-to-back WJFL Horizon Division crowns and played for Central Jersey and South Jersey Group I championships

“I like the idea there’s been a lot of success over last couple years and he’s been a part of it,” Volovar said. “There’s continuity and we have a group of kids (who) like him, they respect him and think he’s a very good football coach.

“Quite frankly, there were great candidates who applied for the job. Something that made sense was the idea he’s here for the long haul and to me that says lot about who he is and his character and that’s what I look for in a coach – somebody who has loyalty, somebody who thinks about our school and district first and is prepared to propel our program to higher level than it already is.”

Leamy’s vision for the program is to sustain the success provided by the “fantastic foundation” laid out by his predecessor. With so many of his players involved in spring sports – a situation he favors, by the way – he said he plans to hold a mini-camp for his team right after the Meet of Champions track championship and get started on meeting some ambitious goals.

“I have two goals and they’re big goals,” he said. “I want to beat Woodstown and Glassboro. That’s my goal.

“Since I’ve been here we’ve had a lot of success but we haven’t had any success against those two teams (the Cougars are 0-17 combined since 2014 and beaten each only once since 2010), and if you want to be what people talk about when they talk about Group I football you’ve got to start beating those teams. So, I think that’s the goal, to get over that hurdle and start beating those elite teams and then keep doing it every year.”

Leamy makes his head coaching debut at home in a Week Zero game against Somerville that originally had been a matchup for the Battle At The Beach. The Pioneers went 12-1 last season and lost to Mainland in the Group 3 state semifinals.

“I love starting the season off with that challenge, especially with the way that powr points and the index is set up,” he said. “Even if you lose that game you’re still going to be in a phenomenal position going forward.”

Cougars heading to Cooperstown

In other athletics related action, the board approved the Schalick baseball team’s two-day trip to Cooperstown, N.Y., to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame and play Bridgeton in a May 12 game at Doubleday Field. It also approved the appointment of Robert Morris as a volunteer golf coach.

“The Cooperstown trip will be a unique opportunity for our players to learn more about the history of the game they play along with creating memories of playing on Doubleday Field,” Cougars baseball coach Sean O’Brien said. “It’s an experience not many players get to have and will create memories with their teammates.

“I have done this trip a couple times before when I coached at Salem and the former players still talk about their memories of playing at Cooperstown.”

Top photo: Kevin Leamy addresses the school board Thursday after being approved as Schalick’s new head football coach.

To the next level

Schalick’s Simmons makes his longtime dream a reality, signing to play football at Millersville

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

CENTERTON – Like most kids who play football in their youth, Kenai Simmons always dreamed of playing on the college level one day. Instinctively, those dreams focused on the biggest programs in the country, the teams he would watch every Saturday on television.

As he got older and he saw how the recruiting game was played the focus of his future landing place started to change. And as he saw how the game is played today, with transfer portals and NLI deals, he even doubted at times whether his dreams would ever materialize at all.

That’s what makes today such a special day for the versatile Schalick senior. His dream of playing college football became a reality at about 7:30 this morning when he signed and sent scholarship papers to continue his athletic and academic career at Millersville University.

The Marauders touted the signing with a “welcome to the family” post on their social media pages and Simmons is expected to have a signing event at Schalick to celebrate the feat later today.

“One thing about college recruiting nowadays, you’ve got to be strong for it,” Simmons said. “There’s a lot of ups and downs as anybody who’s in my age bracket could tell you. The transfer portal has kids, kids like me. You could be a good athlete or a great athlete, if you don’t have the right grades and the right exposure you might not find a college that’s for you.

“I started doubting myself. I started thinking like I wasn’t going to be at any college at all, any university. I was starting to look up how much Rowan’s tuition was, stuff like that. I was starting to think of what I would do after high school.

“For a good period of time my mind was not on college because it just wasn’t really working out for me. I didn’t really tell anybody that, I was just hoping something would come up so I could get even more motivation and really get this thing through. But here comes Millersville with a pretty good deal.”

Simmons visited Millersville last Wednesday and committed Saturday. He also visited Widener and Shippensburg and planned to visit FDU, Kings and D-III Springfield (Mass.), but ended his recruitment after the trip to Millersville. He took an unofficial trip to Villanova.

“College football for me was just a big thing in general,” he said. “It was a dream since I was young. When I was younger it was different, I wanted to go to Oregon or Ohio State, that was my dream when I was young. Once you get older you realize it’s not even just about the college football, it’s about the education, so I had to make sure I was in the right spot, had the right niche for me and they treat me right in the classroom.

“I went on a couple visits before Millersville and was waiting on some things before I made my final decision. When I got there I just felt at home, coaches were welcoming, players were honest with me about things going on within the team and the coaches got it right and this is their year they feel like, so I think Millersville’s the right place for me.”

Outgoing Schalick coach Mike Wilson agreed Simmons was one of the most versatile player he has coached.

“I have coached some really good players at Schalick,” he said, “but Kenai is special because we could play him in different roles.”

While Simmons played multiple positions for the Cougars, Millersville likes him as something it calls the Falcon-back, a hybrid slot/running back who sometimes just might be called upon to throw a pass.

It’s really not much a departure from what he was used to and actually what he was hoping to find on the next level. He played something similar in his pre-high school days and right before accepting the quarterback’s role as a junior for the good of the team.

His versatility is reflected in his stats. He ran for 2,358 yards and 40 touchdowns in his four-year varsity career. He passed for 1,760 yards and 19 touchdowns in his last two, and caught 13 passes for 358 yards and five touchdowns in his last three.

Before the move to quarterback reduced his role on defense, he had 67 tackles and three interceptions.

“I’d definitely say I was happy with what we accomplished,” Simmons said. “I wasn’t satisfied, but I was definitely happy. There’s definitely a difference there. Not to be cocky, I don’t think anybody on our team could have played the position I played and the way I played it.

“I think I really just pushed the idea (of playing quarterback( out of my head that I didn’t like doing it. But I did it for my team. I had guys on that team I really cared about. I did it for the guys. I did it so we could succeed and try to get a ‘ship under our belt.”

And succeed they did. The Cougars went from not winning a game the year before Simmons made the varsity to playing in a Group I sectional title game each of his last two years. Two years ago, in Simmons’ first year as the quarterback, they started 11-0.

His plan is to report to start his new adventure in August.

“I don’t think relief is the word, but I can’t find a better word than relief right now; we’ll go with relief,” he said. “It was definitely a lot of stuff coming off my shoulders. I think I sat down in the tub for the first time in forever. It was that great. I’m happy to have the opportunity and you know I’ll make it count.”

**Schalick quarterback Kenai Simmons is joined by his family and the Cougars’ coaching staff in celebrating his signing with Millersville Wednesday.**

Top photo by Heather Papiano