Category: FOOTBALL

Salem football +

Here is the 2024 West Jersey Football League schedule for the divisions involving Salem County’s teams

2024 WEST JERSEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
(Divisions involving Salem County teams; all games 7 p.m. unless noted, x-scrimmage)

AUG. 19
x-Mainland, Cape May, West Deptford at Schalick, 10 a.m.
x-Pennsville at Salem, 10 a.m.
x-Woodstown at St. Joseph’s Academy

AUG. 23
x-Schalick at Buena, 10 a.m.
x-Salem at Absegami, 6 p.m.

AUG. 29
Collingswood at Clayton, TBA
West Deptford vs. Manchester Twp., 10 a.m. (at Ocean City)
Pennsville at Gloucester City

AUG. 30
Schalick vs. Cedar Grove, 9:30 a.m. (at Egg Harbor Twp.)

AUG. 31
Willingboro at Salem, noon

SEPT. 6
Overbrook at Collingswood, 6 p.m.
Penns Grove at Deptford, 6 p.m.
KIPP Cooper Norcross at Camden Catholic, TBA
Cumberland at Schalick
Delsea at Woodstown
West Deptford at PennsvilleSEPT. 7
Paulsboro at Audubon, TBA
Haddonfield at Woodbury, 10:30 a.m.
Glassboro at Haddon Heights, 11 a.m.
Cinnaminson at Salem, noon

SEPT. 13
Audubon at Bordentown, 6 p.m.
Collingswood at West Deptford
Pennsville at Overbrook
Schalick at Woodstown

SEPT. 14
Camden Catholic at Paulsboro, TBA
Salem at Woodbury, 10:30 a.m.
Glassboro at Penns Grove, noon

SEPT. 20
Overbrook at Florence, 6 p.m.
Paulsboro at Collingswood, 6 p.m.
Salem at Glassboro, 6 p.m.
Audubon at Pennsville
Penns Grove at Schalick
West Deptford at Camden Catholic
Woodbury at Woodstown

SEPT. 27
Woodbury at Glassboro, 6 p.m.
Woodstown at Penns Grove, 6:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Camden Catholic

SEPT. 28
Collingswood at Haddon Twp., 10:30 a.m.
Overbrook at Paulsboro, 11 a.m.
West Deptford at Audubon, 11 a.m.
Schalick at Salem, noon

OCT. 4
Haddon Heights at Camden Catholic, TBA
Deptford at Glassboro
Penns Grove at Pennsville
Pleasantville at Woodstown
Sterling at Collingswood
West Deptford at Haddonfield
Woodbury at Gateway

OCT. 5
Schalick at Paulsboro, 10:30 a.m.
Clayton at Overbrook, 11 a.m.
Middle Twp. at Salem, noon

OCT. 11
Audubon at Collingswood, 6 p.m.
Glassboro at Cinnaminson, 6 p.m.
Schalick at Gloucester City, 6 p.m.
Salem at West Deptford

OCT. 12
Pennsville at Paulsboro, 10:30 a.m.
Willingboro at Woodbury, 10:30 a.m.
Camden Catholic at Overbrook, 11 a.m.
Woodstown at Haddon Heights, 11 a.m.
Delran at Penns Grove, noon

OCT. 18
Pennsville at Lawrence, 6 p.m.
Collingswood at Camden Catholic
Glassboro at Schalick
Paulsboro at West Deptford

OCT. 19
Penns Grove at Woodbury, 10:30 a.m.
Audubon at Overbrook, 11 a.m.
Woodstown at Salem, noon

OCT. 25
Woodstown at Glassboro, 6 p.m.
Audubon at Camden Catholic, TBA
Paulsboro at Clayton, TBA
Collingswood at Pennsville
Overbrook at West Deptford
Woodbury at Schalick

OCT. 26
Salem at Penns Grove, noon

NOV. 27
Camden Catholic at Paul VI, TBA

NOV. 28
Haddon Twp. at Audubon, TBA

Getting to know …

Woodstown’s Bryce Belinfanti

By Brian Tortella
For Riverview Sports News

When Bryce Belinfanti walked onto the field for his first game last season, he knew he had huge shoes to fill. 

Woodstown star running back James Hill Jr,, coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons while setting the program’s single-season rushing yardage mark (1,636) in the process, suffered a couple ACL injuries in the offseason that delayed and ultimately ended his senior campaign.

Belinfanti was going to be a big factor in the Wolverines’ offense as it was, but now he was thrust into the main role.

Woodstown had to rely on Belinfanti, a junior, who had just 421 yards and four touchdowns to his name in his two prior seasons playing second fiddle to Hill.

He was ready. Belinfanti ended the season with 1,740 yards and 21 scores on 214 attempts while helping the Wolverines win the South Jersey group 1 title. That’s good for just over eight yards a carry.

“Bryce is a phenomenal athlete,” said former Woodstown head coach John Adams, who retired following the season after 14 years at the helm. “His sophomore year he played in the slot for us and we started to rotate him in the backfield because of his abilities. Heading into last year we were planning on doing a lot with him and James Hill both in the backfield together but then when James got hurt we knew Bryce would be able to carry the load. He didn’t miss a day of workouts and got his body right to carry the ball over and over again.

“His ability speaks for itself. We tweaked a few things for him in the run game allowing him to use his patience and vision more and the rest is history. He probably would have had a lot more yards and TDs than he did if we didn’t take him out by halftime in a few games. I recall him having five TDs by the half in the first round of the playoffs (Dunellen). I really think he could have eclipsed 2,000 yards and I am excited to cheer him on this year cause I know he has that ability to do it.”

Get to know Bryce Belinfanti as he aims to improve on his fantastic junior season  and potentially reach that 2,000-yard mark. He’ll be in action Saturday when the Wolverines play in the Coach Ginzburg 7×7 Tournament at Total Turf in Pitman.

Riverview Sports News: Reflecting on last season, what was that special year like for you?

Bryce Belinfanti: Last season will always be my favorite of all. Starting the season not knowing what to expect was definitely nerve wracking, but once we played week by week I realized we were the best in South Jersey. It was an unreal feeling winning the first sectional in Adams’ final season.

RSN: What do you like most about playing football compared to other sports?

BB: I like playing football outside of all sports because of the hype and energy the game brings, but my favorite part is the character it makes you. Having to fight week by week with no excuses.

RSN: Were you at all surprised that you were able to break the single-season yardage record? What does that mean to you?

BB: Breaking the rushing record was not on my mind getting through the season, but once I hit 1,000 in the regular season I was on a roll. The sectional game I didn’t think I broke the record until I found out I rushed for 182. It means everything to me since I come from and played for Woodstown my whole life. I always believed I was the best and finally showed Woodstown and the county.

RSN: Looking ahead at your schedule, is there any one game that you have circled on the calendar? You open up with an always tough Delsea and rematch Woodbury down the road. Not to mention Penns Grove and Salem, I’m sure there’s no love lost there.

BB: Headed into the season I try not to get ahead of myself. I try to play week by week. I am excited to play Delsea since they have one of the best rushers in the state as well (senior Dan Russo).  I think it’ll make a good South Jersey matchup between two good teams.

RSN: What’s your expectation for this upcoming season, and what have you and the team been doing in preparation?

BB: My expectations for this season are high. I think our senior class can lead the team to new heights and we know how to win. At the moment we are doing summer workouts and field workouts to get everyone ready. I’m excited to see where we go.

RSN: What did you like most about Coach Adams, and how were you feeling when he decided to step away?

BB: My favorite thing about Coach Adams was him keeping us disciplined no matter who we were playing. He always had trust in us and was flexible to the type of player I am. I’m forever grateful for that.

RSN: How about new coach Frank Trautz? He seems like he has some good experience coming from a distinguished program like Haddonfield.

BB: Coach Trautz is the man with the plan. He has concepts from simple to advanced and is definitely an offensive mind. Just like Adams, he trusts us and bases formations and plays off of who is in and how they play. He makes it a comfortable coaching change and I’m excited to see what else he throws at us coming from Haddonfield.

RSN: Who’s someone you’ve looked up to growing up?

BB: Growing up I’ve always looked up to my big brothers. My oldest brother played for Adams at Woodstown and was a hell of a running back just like me. He also ran for 1000. Being the youngest I’ve always wanted to be like them.

RSN: What do you do away from the field? What do you do for fun in your down time? Any extracurricular activities?

BB: When I’m away from the field I do like to play basketball here and there. But mostly (being from the country) I love cars, trucks, and dirtbikes and it’s something I wouldn’t mind getting into in the future. I always fish also.

RSN: Now to the fun stuff, what’s your favorite pre-game hype song?

BB: My go to pregame hype songs get to thumping. I love to listen to drill music or Philly rap songs like Meek Mill and YoungBagChasers. It’s only right when you’re in the game time mode.

RSN: What about your go-to snack?

BB: My go to snack is always a Reese’s Fast Break bar. They’re the best and always hit. Plus it brings quick energy.

RSN: Tell me a little bit about your future. Do you see yourself playing football at the next level and what school is your realistic “dream” college?

BB: In my future I see money in many ways. I do skilled trades like hardscaping, remodeling and campground maintenance. So I see a future in a connecting business. But I do want to continue playing football at a high level also. A realistic school I want to go to is LIU, since they show me some good interest and it seems like a fun place to be. I just have to keep working to get there because I never thought I’d be wanting to go to college until last year.

RSN: How would you like to be remembered in Woodstown athletics history?

BB: In Woodstown I want not just me, but the team I’ve played with my whole life to get the respect we deserve. We had Woodstown more packed than ever to come watch us. We had zero transfers, zero recruiting players from out of town and still got things done. I want to be remembered as an electric player and one of the greatest.

Pitted in Pitman

Woodstown, Pennsville paired in the final round of pool play in Saturday’s Coach Ginsburg 7×7 at Total Turf

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

PITMAN – Woodstown plays three of the other four football-playing Salem County teams this upcoming season and organizers of Saturday’s Coach Larry Ginsburg 7×7 Classic have given the Wolverines the chance to complete the set.

The event schedule-makers have placed the Wolverines and Pennsville in the same bracket for the 7×7 tournament that moves this year to the Total Turf Experience. They will meet in the final game of Bracket II pool play at 1 p.m.

The winners of each of the four brackets advance to the semifinals at 2 p.m. with those winners playing for the championship at 2:45. Woodbury defeated Penns Grove in last year’s championship game.

Woodstown, under the direction of new head coach Frank Trautz, plays the other three county teams – Penns Grove, Salem and Schalick – in division play during the regular season. The Wolverines and Eagles last played in the regular season in 2020 with Woodstown winning 6-0.

Woodstown is coming off a 9-3 season in which it won the South Jersey Group I title and lost to Glassboro in the last minute of the state semifinals. Pennsville is coming off its first winning season since 2016. The Eagles went 6-4, won both of their regional consolation games and returns most of that team.

The Classic benefits the Adam Taliaferro Foundation.

COACH LARRY GINSBURG 7×7
(Saturday, Total Turf Experience, Pitman)

Bracket I (Field 1A): Cherokee, Atlantic City, Gloucester City, West Deptford
Bracket II (Field 1B): Eastern, Bridgeton, Pennsville, Woodstown
Bracket III (Field 2A): Timber Creek, St. Joseph’s, Kipps, Nottingham
Bracket IV (Field 2B): Vineland, Kingsway, Tri-County, Woodbury

SCHEDULE OF GAMES
9:30 a.m.: Cherokee-Gloucester City, Eastern-Pennsville, Timber Creek-Kipps, Vineland-Woodbury.

10:00: Atlantic City-West Deptford, Bridgeton-Woodstown, St. Joseph-Nottingham, Kingsway-Tri-County

10:30: Break

11:00: Cherokee-West Deptford, Eastern-Woodstown, Timber Creek-Nottingham, Vineland-Tri-County

11:30: Atlantic City-Gloucester City, Bridgeton-Pennsville, St. Joseph-Kipps, Kingsway-Woodbury

Noon: Break

12:30 p.m.: Cherokee-Atlantic City, Eastern-Bridgeton, Timber Creek-St. Joseph, Vineland-Kingsway

1:00: West Depford-Gloucester City, Pennsville-Woodstown, Kipps-Nottingham, Woodbury-Tri-County

2:00: Semifinals (Bracket winners), Fields 1A & 1B

2:45: Championship Game, Field 1A

Cover photo: Woodbury won last year’s Ginsburg 7×7 Classic with a come-from-behind win over Penns Grove.

Getting to know …

Pennsville’s Robbie McDade

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the latest in a recurring series of in depth interviews with athletes in Salem County. Coaches, if there is a player in your program with an interesting background or backstory the community would be interested in “Getting to Know …,” forward details in an email to Riverview Sports News at al.muskewitz@gmail.com.

By Brian Tortella
For Riverview Sports News

PENNSVILLE — Robbie McDade played a major role in turning around the Pennsville football program last season. As only a sophomore, he led the Eagles to a 6-4 record as the Eagles’ starting quarterback. Not only did he lead Salem County in passing yards (1,282), the six victories matched the program’s win-total from the previous three seasons combined.

“Robbie is one of the hardest workers on the team, but more importantly, he is always trying to get others together to work with him,” Eagles head coach Mike Healy said. “He never misses a workout, is always getting kids together to work on routes, and has been working with a QB coach this offseason. I couldn’t be happier with his dedication and the fact that having success last year has made him work even harder.”

Not only is McDade a hard worker on the football field, but the 5-foot-10 gunslinger also performs on the mat, notching 20 individual wins wrestling this winter. He played baseball his freshman year, but decided to step aside to put a full focus on elevating his football game. 

The McDade name is well-known throughout Pennsville Township. His grandfather, Robert E. McDade was the mayor of Pennsville up until last year. Get to know Robbie as he continues to live up to his last name, making Pennsville proud while preparing for the upcoming season on the gridiron.

RIVERVIEW SPORTS NEWS: Did you always want to play quarterback growing up or did you just have a knack for throwing the football?

ROBBIE McDADE: I actually played running back my whole life but naturally had an arm. My eighth grade year we didn’t have a quarterback so I decided to try it out and we went to the championship. After that I loved it ever since.

RSN: What do you like most about playing football compared to other sports?

RN: The thing I like the most is the team bonding and chemistry you can build. It also teaches you to work together. It’s different from wrestling because wrestling it’s just you out there and no one can help you. There’s just nothing like football and the friends you make from it.

RSN: What do you like most about Coach Healy?

RM: I like how he doesn’t care how old you are; if you’re good enough you will play. He makes you earn everything you get, nothing is given to you when he is your coach and that’s what I like the most. He motivates you to get better and doesn’t take lazy people. You have to give full effort at all times.

RSN: How have you been practicing to prepare for the season, and what is your expectation for your team this upcoming campaign?

RM: I have been putting in the most work I ever have. I have been lifting five days a week and going to my trainer every week. I throw with my receivers so much to get the chemistry down and to be the best I can be. This offseason has been a grind and it’s going to pay off. This team is going to shock people this year and make a big playoff run.

RSN: What do you do away from the field? What do you do for fun in your down time? Any extracurricular activities?

RM: I like to go boating and being out in the water. It is time for me to relax and not think about anything. Also family is a big part of my life, my family BBQ’s a lot and it’s a good time.

RSN: Do you fish then? If so, have you caught anything recently?

RM: No, I don’t go fishing a whole lot, I like to go crabbing. I caught a couple dozen crabs recently.

RSN: Who is someone you looked up to or continued to growing up?

RM: I really look up to Tom Brady; he just has that mindset to be the best you can be. His story is great: He was never the best and he never had the best arm but he just kept working and he overcame a lot of adversity and eventually got the starting job. It just tells me to never stop working.

RSN: So, to settle the debate, is Brady the GOAT?

RM: Yes, I do think he is the GOAT. I mean, he has the most rings.

RSN: What’s your favorite hype song?

RM: Dreams and Nightmares by Meek Mill is my favorite pre-game song. It gets me fired up and ready for the game.

RSN: Tell me a little bit about your future. Do you see yourself playing football at the next level and what school is your realistic “dream” college?

RM: Yes, I do see myself playing at the next level. I am grinding to get to where I need to be to play at the next level. One of my dream colleges would be the University of Delaware.

RSN: You guys were put in a lighter division when they reshuffled the West Jersey Football League, but appealed to move up to a harder one to have a better chance at making the playoffs this season. What are your thoughts on that?

RM: I love that we did that. It gives us an opportunity to go to the playoffs. Now, it is our job to win games so we can accomplish the goals that we want. 

RSN: Looking into the future, how would you like to be remembered in Pennsville athletics history?

RM: I would like to be remembered as a hard-working person, and I want people to remember me as one of the best QBs to go through Pennsville.

One last hurrah

With priorities shifting going forward, Schalick’s Siedlecki looking to have some fun in his final high school football game

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

PITTSGROVE – The toughest day for any competitive athlete is the day they take the field for the last time. Jake Siedlecki wasn’t sure when that day might come while he was playing except to know it was going to come someday.

SUNDAY, 5 P.M.
KEAN UNIVERSITY

Now that it’s upon him, instead of wallowing in sadness and nostalgia, he intends to embrace the experience and have fun with it.

The Schalick senior will play the final game of his four-year high school football career Sunday when he takes part in the Phil Simms NJ North-South All-Star Classic at Kean University. But instead of feeling down about reaching the end of the competitive line, he plans to have as much fun as the day allows.

“In terms of it being my last football game ever, I haven’t really thought about it in that way,” Siedlecki said. “I feel like my ‘last football’ football game, one that meant something I would remember on the field, would be the (Central Jersey Group I) championship game (against Glassboro).

“This I feel like is going to be a fun experience. I’m playing against some major competition and I get one last hurrah. It’s not like I’ll be playing the whole game. Whatever time I get out there it’s like one last hurrah that I get to have fun all weekend. Yeah, it’s my last football game, but it’s not really like a football game, it’s more of just an experience, the last experience on the field. This is kind of something that I earned and I’m able to just go out there and have fun.”

During his high school career Siedlecki has evolved from one of the few freshmen on coach Mike Wilson’s first Schalick team – the freshman with the broken arm – to one of the mainstays in the Cougars’ resurgence. 

This past season he made 32 tackles and a team-leading five interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown against Gloucester Catholic. He also was their leading receiver with 321 yards and four TDs.

He’ll be one of three Salem County players in the game. Woodstown defensive end Damien Eichler and Penns Grove tight end Willie Slocum are also on the South roster. The players check in Friday for two days of workouts and other activities then play 5 p.m. Sunday.

Just like all the players in the game, Siedlecki is heading off to college later this summer. Unlike those guys, however, he doesn’t plan to play football there. He’s going to Villanova to pursue a business degree, and unless he gets a walk-on opportunity (which he hasn’t completely ruled out) the next snap he takes will be in an intramural game with his fraternity buddies.

“Part of me thinks he really means that,” Wilson said. “The other part of me is going after he hits somebody for the first time he might change his mind, like, ah, I kind of miss this.”

He’ll have plenty of chances to make a play. According to the rules of the game everybody has to play the same amount, so with four safeties on the team each will play half the game. 

It’s not like Siedlecki didn’t look into playing football in college. He considered two local options, Rowan and Ursinus, and had the promise of roster spots at two elite Division III colleges in New England. He also was accepted to numerous Power 5 universities for academics, but when he looked at the big picture, Villanova even without sports was better in the long run for his future.

“I’m sure one of the biggest questions that’s going to be passed around is where you guys going to commit,” he said. “They’re probably all going to say their college and I’m going to be like I’m going to Villanova but not for football. It might be a little weird, but at the same time I’m sure once I say I’m one of the top in my class and I got a good deal at Villanova they’ll understand.”

Adding to the emotion of the weekend is player and coach will get one more go-round together. Wilson is the South’s defensive coordinator. 

“It’s bittersweet that we get to do one more game together, because usually you don’t get that opportunity,” Wilson said. “I’m biased because I think he can play another four or five years, but he gets the opportunity (this weekend), he deserves the opportunity. Either way, we’re going to take it for what it’s worth, enjoy the weekend, have fun and hopefully the South wins.”

That would be historical. The series is tied 20-20-2. The South hasn’t won the game since 2018.

While Siedlecki is preparing to have fun this weekend, there’s going to come a time Sunday when the clock runs out and it’ll all be over. He’s prepared.

“There’s definitely going to be sadness,” he said. “The closest thing to that was the championship game. When that clock hit 0:00 there was a moment of realization when I thought this is the last time I’ll be on this field, the last time I’ll be doing these things. 

“Your mind just goes through all the experiences you’ve had over and over again because football is life and now it’s not anymore. I’m assuming it’ll be the same experience on Sunday. I’ll probably take a few minutes on the field to take it all in.”

A total turf experience

The Taliaferro Foundation’s Ginsburg Football Classic expanding to include youth flag football, moving to Total Turf, high school 7-on-7 field filling quickly 

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

After three strong years playing at the high school complex of its foundation namesake, the Adam Taliaferro Foundation Larry Ginsburg Football Classic is expanding and moving.

This year’s fifth annual event, scheduled for June 29, is heading 15 miles down the road to the expansive Total Turf Experience in Pitman. It had been staged the last three years at Eastern High School in Voorhees, where Taliaferro played his high school ball before moving on to Penn State and living one of the most inspirational stories in sports of all time.

Most people recognize the Classic as a 7-on-7 showcase for South Jersey high school football teams, but this year the event is adding a flag football element for youth teams and needs more room for the demand with the potential for making Total Turf its permanent home.

“We started off with it at Rowan University, then we moved it to Eastern High School and now we’re trying something a little bit different,” executive director Gus Ostrum said. “The high school tournament is staying in place, but we’re also trying to start up a subsequent flag football tournament for the youth leagues.

“That’s why we moved it to Total Turf, because they do the flag football tournaments all the time. They do things for high schools all the time, so they’re very familiar with their facilities. They have great indoor and outdoor facilities over there. It’s an incredible facility.”

The move has gained some early support.

“Total Turf is a really nice facility,” Pennsville coach Mike Healy said. “I’m excited mostly because it’s closer to us. Eastern was very nice. Total Turf has all sorts of stuff in it besides sports. It’s a cool place to watch sports.”


The field for the high school tournament is filling quickly and nearly halfway to its cap of 16 teams.

Four Salem County teams played in it last year – Healy’s Eagles, Penns Grove, Schalick and Woodstown. Of that group, only runner-up Penns Grove has yet to commit for this year, but former Penns Grove coach John Emel is bringing his new West Deptford team. Timber Creek and Mercer County’s Nottingham also are said to be committed.

With a guarantee of three games, the tournament is an early summer test for the teams’ passing games and secondaries. Woodbury won it last year.

“Last year we were competitive in our games,” Pennsville coach Mike Healy said. “This year I’d like to take the next step and finish with a winning record. It is early in the summer so we will still be learning and working on some new things.”

Organizers hope to attract at least a dozen teams for each of its two flag football divisions – 9-10 and 11-12. 

“With the first year it’ll be a little bit harder because they don’t really know us and we’re going in there introducing ourselves to those coaches and groups so it’ll take some time,” Ostrum said. “We hope at least for 12 teams in each division. If we can grab 16 that’d be wonderful, but we’ll see what happens and hopefully it will work out OK for us.

“I know over time it will. The event we had at Eastern with the high schools has a lot of acceptance now, but it took time to get there. It doesn’t just happen overnight.”

They also would be open in time to an offering for the fledgling high school girls flag football market.

Cover photo: Penns Grove coach John Emel accepts the runner-up trophy on behalf of his team at last year’s Taliaferro/Ginsburg 7-on-7 Football Classic at Eastern Regional High School.

Coaching carousel

Here is a recent history of coach changes in Salem County high school football since 2003; with three new coaches this coming season, 2024 marks the most turnover in the county since 2009

PENNSVILLEPENNS GROVESALEMSCHALICKWOODSTOWN
2024Mike HealyMark MaccaroneKemp CarrMike WilsonFrank Trautz
2023Mike HealyJohn EmelDanny MendozaMike WilsonJohn Adams
2022Mike HealyJohn EmelMontrey WrightMike WilsonJohn Adams
2021Mike HealyJohn EmelMontrey WrightMike WilsonJohn Adams
2020Mike HealyJohn EmelMontrey WrightMike WilsonJohn Adams
2019Mike HealyJohn EmelMontrey WrightSeth BrownJohn Adams
2018Mike HealyJohn EmelMontrey WrightSeth BrownJohn Adams
2017Mike HealyJohn EmelMontrey WrightSeth BrownJohn Adams
2016Ryan WoodJohn EmelMontrey WrightSeth BrownJohn Adams
2015Ryan WoodJohn EmelMontrey WrightSeth BrownJohn Adams
2014Ryan WoodJohn EmelDennis ThomasSeth BrownJohn Adams
2013Ryan WoodKemp CarrDennis ThomasSeth BrownJohn Adams
2012Ryan WoodKemp CarrRandy JohnsonSeth BrownJohn Adams
2011Ryan WoodKemp CarrRandy JohnsonSeth BrownJohn Adams
2010Ryan WoodKemp CarrRandy JohnsonSeth BrownJohn Adams
2009Ryan WoodKemp CarrRandy JohnsonSeth BrownFrank LaRubbio
2008John CookseyKemp CarrSteve SheffieldSeth BrownFrank LaRubbio
2007John CookseyKemp CarrSteve SheffiieldSeth BrownFrank LaRubbio
2006John CookseyKemp CarrSteve SheffieldSeth BrownFrank LaRubbio
2005John CookseyKemp CarrRob HinsonSeth BrownMichael Powers
2004John CookseyKemp CarrDavid LindenmuthJosh HedgmanMichael Powers
2003John CookseyDennis OrlandoDavid LindemuthJosh HedgmanMichael Powers
Source: Gridironnj.com

Ocean cruise

Salem CC softball gets well quickly after tough start to weekend, blasts Ocean CC, 17-1, 19-1; Hayes hit 3 HRs, Beukman hits her first

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

PENNSVILLE – After a rough start to the weekend with four losses to two of the top teams in Region XIX, the Salem CC softball team got well in a big way Sunday, sweeping a doubleheader at home from Ocean CC 17-1 and 19-1.

The Mighty Oaks, swept by Delaware Tech and Lackawanna CC on Friday and Saturday, pounded five home runs and banged out 35 hits – 15 for extra bases – in the two five-inning games against the visiting Vikings.

Freshman shortstop Ella Hayes had a huge day, hitting three homers and collecting 10 RBIs in the doubleheader; she had two homers and seven RBIs in the second game. Freshman outfielder Kiki Beukman hit her first homer since arriving on campus from South Africa in the first game. She went 4-for-4 with four RBIs in the opener and was 6-for-7 with six runs and seven RBIs in the doubleheader.

“I think it was really important for our team morale,” Beukman said. “We were really hard on ourselves the past two games, like we have to do this, we have to be good, we have to be this. There was too much pressure, but this one we can lift it a little and just get the whole team’s morale back to play as a family where  we need to. 

“We didn’t really play as a family the past two days, so I think it’s really good for our mental health almost to step (back), relax and just play for fun more.”

The fun started right away. The Mighty Oaks (26-10) jumped on the Vikings in the first inning of both games.

They scored six to start the opener on three-run homers by Hayes and Beukman. Vaye Savage’s leadoff homer in the second inning made it 7-0, then the Oaks erupted for nine runs in the third. They sent 13 batters to the plate in the big inning, highlighted by a two-run double from Savage and a two-run single by KC Garcia.

Beukman was a big home run hitter for her high school and provincial teams back home, but most of the fields she played on didn’t have fences, so when a batter hit it deep she could run for days.

She had hoped to keep that going when she got to the States, but it took 46 plate appearances, 38 at bats and 35 games before it happened for the first time.

“The first time I met Vaye, we came and hit and I was like the fence looks so short, why is it so short,” Beukman said. “I know I can do this. I know I can do this. So, I’ve been trying to get a fence.

“It felt good (to hit the homer) after yesterday’s stress that I had. It just felt good to finally be myself again knowing what I could do. I don’t always have patience but I’m working on it and it felt great to be back. It just feels like I know what I’m doing. This is what I am capable of and I know I can, so it feels good to finally do what I’ve done back home.”

“We definitely were excited for Kiki,” Oaks coach Angel Rodriguez said. “She’s always determined to go up there and try to do something. Recently she’s had some good at bats but she’d either just miss it or just getting under it. She had some good hard hits throughout the year, but that was good to see.”

The Mighty Oaks opened the nightcap with 10 in the first. Hayes had her grand slam in the inning and Beukman had a two-run double. Hayes also hit a three-run homer to highlight a six-run second inning and the Oaks added two more in the third and one in the fourth.

“Personally, it helped me a lot,” Hayes said. “It wasn’t that my confidence was down it was just that boosted my confidence a lot so now I can prepare for a big game Tuesday (at Mercer CC) and the rest of the season and the postseason. This was a good game to just build up confidence for me and everyone.”

The hit parade ran through the lineup. Savage went 3-for-3 with three RBIs in the first game and was 4-for-5 in the doubleheader. Emilie Hamm went 3-for-3 in the first game, Kyla Buerger went 4-for-6 with four RBIs in the doubleheader, 2-for-2 in the nightcap; Aislynne Deviney went 4-for-4 in the doubleheader, 3-for-3 in the nightcap.

Hayes also is making a run at winning the JUCO Division II batting title. She went 5-for-7 in the doubleheader, raising her average to .617 in 34 games (66-for-107), which is second in the division behind current leader Avery Sickeri of Frederick CC (.646 in 22 games). 

“My goal is to get No. 1,” Hayes said. “I think we’re like 12 games ahead of that girl in front of me now, so I’m hoping once they get games under their belt I should pass her. I look at my stats all the time, but I don’t let them affect me on the field.”

With her display of power, Hayes now has 10 homers and 61 RBIs on the season.

“My teammates might call me a power-hitter, but I would consider myself a hitter-hitter and the home runs come,” Hayes said.

Rodriguez has another word.

“We always say ‘be a hard out’ and she’s a hard out,” he said.

Getting to know …

Salem’s DaviYonn (Pop) Jackson

EDITORS NOTE: This is the latest in a recurring series of in depth interviews with athletes in Salem County. Coaches, if there is a player in your program with an interesting background or backstory the community would be interested in “Getting to Know …,” forward details in an email to Riverview Sports News at al.muskewitz@gmail.com.

SALEM – Pop Jackson is a man on the move. The multi-sport Salem athlete sat down with Riverview Sports News for a deep dive into all the things that drive him, but he had a schedule to keep. New Rams football coach Kemp Carr cautioned the junior only had 15 minutes before he needed to be in a peer counseling session for younger teammates for which he is a teacher-appointed mentor.

JACKSON

So his time was limited, but Jackson still answered all the questions with the focus he exhibits seeking the best route for a big gain when he runs the football.

But don’t pigeonhole him as just a running back – or a defensive player, for that matter. Carr is quick to call him a “football player,” a nod to Jackson’s versatility as a player and his own present noncommittal to the role the rising senior will play on his team this coming fall.

Before Jackson burst on the scene as a running back to build an offense around last fall he burst on the scene as a track athlete, excelling in the long and triple jump.

During his “15 minutes of fame,” Jackson talked about how he got his nickname, what rushing for 1,200 yards last year meant to him and his goals in both track and football going forward.

And then he was off. You know, a man on the move. – Al Muskewitz

RIVERVIEW SPORTS NEWS: How did you come to be called Pop?

POP JACKSON: I’ve always been Pop since I grew up. I don’t know how it came about, but ever since I was little they called me Pop-Pop and then it just changed to Pop.

RSN: What did being a 1,000-yard rusher mean to you last year? You had 1,245 yards (1,090 of it in the final six games), Salem’s first 1,000-yard rusher in six years (Zaire Jones).

POP: I felt as though I could accomplish more. It felt good to rush for 1,000, but I’m just trying to elevate and get 2,000 this year.

RSN: It started late to you, like the fifth game of the year at Rutgers. What was the change that turned you into that guy?

POP: If nobody else is going to be the guy, I’ve got to be the guy. And when I’m running the ball I felt as though nobody wanted to tackle me. I’m about to start toting the ball.

RSN: Coach Carr is going to be your third head coach in three years. What’s that like for a player to keep going through change like that?

POP: To learn from him and learn from different coaches and how they coach it feels good because in college you don’t know what coach you might run into and what offense and defense you’ll play. It’s a good thing.

RSN: Can you tell yet how the change has impacted you? What do you like about Coach Carr and what do you think his plans are for you?

POP: Since he got here, I’m not going to lie, I’ve been more serious. He doesn’t let any of the guys slip up. It’s needed, so they’re not disrespecting themselves, their family and the team as a whole.

RSN: What are your personal goals for track and football going forward. I know you want to win games and go to the playoffs, but what do you want to get down in this important year?

POP: I want to get more recognized, rushing for a lot of yards and defense. Anything I can get recognized for will be a good thing.

RSN: What do you do when you’re not playing or practicing. Tell me something you do outside of sports?

POP: I just like being in my house. I don’t like going places a lot, but when I go places I like to walk my dog. Other than that, I just stay in the house watching YouTube and stuff. I need to recoup.

RSN: What is something you wish you could do again?

POP: I would have started football earlier. It would have given me more experience and I would have been way better than what I am now.

RSN: Are you an offensive guy or a defensive guy who found his place on offense?

It’s at this point, Carr interjected, “Football player, Pop.” Later in the conversation, after Jackson had left the room, Carr reserved commenting on his plans for the player this coming season.

CARR: I don’t know what I have. I know of what they did. I know some of the guys who are returning who play. I think quality coaches build their structure, their philosophies, their missions, their identity and what they’re trying to do according to your personnel then just trying to get the personnel to fit your identity.

That’s where guys get run into it. They get so accustomed to running one thing, but they don’t have the unit to run it and then they wonder why they pitfall. We know we’ve got a piece, but we need more than a piece. It’s a team sport. We’ve got 45 guys and all 45 play an intricate part of what we’re doing.

Are we going to be a team that has to get the ball out of the quarterback’s hand fast? Are we going to be a team that can hold onto it and do some play action? Is he going to be a decoy at times? Are we going to give him 30 touches? We don’t know that yet. I’ll identify that later down the road.

I knew Pop when he was a sophomore. I saw him play, not running the ball but just as an athlete. He was thrown to the wolves early as a freshman and he held his own. Made some plays. I just think that’s just going to get better for him. As he gets stronger, bigger, faster, more knowledgeable of what his assignments are, the dynamic only gets better for him. Not only that, it’s going to be a turnaround this year and I think he has a lot to do with it. He’s a catalyst of what we’re trying to do … You’re going to need to know where he is on the field at all times. He’s one of those guys.

RSN: Before you burst on the scene as a football player, you burst on the scene as a track guy. What do you like about running track?

POP: I’m on a team and we’re all competing together, but there are individual things you can do. It’s you versus this person, you versus this person. If I don’t do this, I lose because of myself, not because of someone else. If I don’t get it done, I’m mad at myself.

RSN: What’s the longest you stayed mad?

POP: I think a month. After losing the championship to Woodbury (in the 2022 Group I semifinals). We were the better team, but that’s in the past.

RSN: Last year you won the triple jump at the state meet and now you’re looking to win gold in the long jump, too. What’s the factor that’s held it back?

POP: Getting my mark down. I know my steps, my numbers, but when I’m approaching the runway and the board, I’m just passing the board and getting fouls. Then I get to thinking about it instead of just running and giving it my all. 

RSN: What does your recruiting look like?

POP: I’ve been getting letters and things, but the top one (for track) is Liberty. For football, there’s Monmouth, Wagner and a couple others (to which Carr added, “but that’s all about to change.”)

I’m a hard working person. I would love to run for any college.

And then he had run.

It’s Trautz’ time

Woodstown board approves quarterbacks coach’s promotion to head football coach

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

WOODSTOWN — It’s funny the way things work out sometimes.

A year ago Frank Trautz took a middle school social studies teaching job in Woodstown not for anything as ambitious as being a head coach in waiting but just to get more coaching experience under a successful veteran like John Adams. Twelve months later, he is the Wolverines’ new head football coach.

Trautz was approved by the Woodstown-Pilesgrove district board Thursday night to succeed Adams, who announced at the end of January he was stepping away from coaching after 14 seasons to devote more time to his family.

Trautz, 32 and just five years older than Adams was when he got the job, was the Wolverines’ quarterbacks coach under his predecessor. In his new position he will continue to coach quarterbacks and now call the plays.

This will be Trautz’ first head coaching job. He will meet with the team Friday and then begin the transition to his program. It shouldn’t be a difficult transition for player or coach, as they all know each other and his offensive philosophy very much aligns with Adams’.

“It’s funny sometimes how life works out,” Trautz said. “To wind up in just a great spot teaching and coaching I feel incredibly lucky and incredibly fortunate that life has led me to this point. 

“I was really excited when I came to Woodstown last year and getting to work with John on his staff; it’s a real special place. I’m very honored and humbled to be picked as the next guy to take over this program. It’s certainly really, really big shoes to fill. Coach Adams has done just a tremendous job building up this program to where it is and I’m just very excited to step in and get rolling.”

He said he had no idea Adams was going to step aside this winter when he came aboard. His “anticipation” was to be an assistant coach “for quite a few years” under the Wolverines’ coach.

“When I got the teaching job at Woodstown I had the opportunity to join John’s staff and I felt incredibly fortunate coming from a great program at Haddonfield to join another really, really great program here at Woodstown and to coach under another tremendous coach,” he said. “You can always be learning more. I don’t think there’s ever what you’d say is the perfect time and that’s kind of how I looked at it.

“I had the opportunity to keep learning from a really, really good coach in Coach Adams and I would have taken all the learning I could get from him … It’s something I wasn’t necessarily seeking out at this exact time, but I I feel that I’m ready and excited to accept this new chapter and challenge in my life.”

Woodstown officials interviewed two finalists, principal Richard Senor said. Being in-house was important, but wasn’t the underlying factor in Trautz rising to the top. He’d been around the game all his life – his father was a long-time successful high school coach and coached him – and he cut his teeth in 10 years as an assistant at Lindenwold and Haddonfield.

“We’re very glad and very fortunate to have someone in house,” Senor said. “I think that’s so important to the strength of the program, just the accountability for the students to know the coach is in the building and easily accessible if need be, but at the end of the day we want to hire the best person for the job, whether they’re an in-house candidate or not..

“To me, having the in-house person is just an added benefit, but I wouldn’t say it was the main criteria that we’re looking for. (Trautz) knows what it takes to have a successful program and maintain a successful program.”

The board also accepted the resignation of boys basketball coach Phil Campbell and the retirement of softball coach Dave Wildermuth (effective at the end of the school year). Senor said while an in-house candidate is desirable if one is available, the search for their replacements will focus on finding the best candidate for the job.

Trautz had been Campbell’s assistant and JV coach, but said his energy and focus is on the football program. 

Trautz’ approval fills the final opening in one of the more tumultuous Salem County football off-seasons in recent memory. Three of the county’s five football-playing schools have had to replace their head coaches since the end of the 2024 season, the most turnover in the county in more than 15 years.