Category: PENNS GROVE

Tis the season

Salem County basketball teams hit the court with scrimmages this week; Salem gets it started at Cinnaminson Monday

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

SALEM – When Anthony Farmer answers the phone and right off the bat apologizes for the raspiness of his voice, you know exactly what time of year it is.

“That means basketball season is here and we still have work to do,” he said.

It’s the price a coach pays for trying to get the most out of a team he believes has the potential to be pretty good.

Salem’s boys lost a couple dynamic scorers and rebounders off last year’s 13-13 team and a 6-8 transfer starter who didn’t make it through the first semester, but Farmer is confident his Rams have the makings to be even better than the 21-8 team they put on the floor in his first season two years ago.

That team enjoyed a 15-game winning streak in the middle of the season and wound up losing in the South Jersey Group I finals. They started last year with equally high hopes and a pair of top 20 wins, but went through some early-season turmoil and never quite recovered.

This year hopes are high.

“I’m excited about this year’s team,” he said. “I think we can get back to where we were a few years ago and in fact go even further. Salem hasn’t had that level of success in quite some time.”

His optimism is rooted in a veteran team with size inside and guard play that’s expected to be the strength of the team. The backcourt is anchored by senior Anthony Farmer and will get a boost from Tymear Lecator, a 6-1 transfer who is expected to be one of the top freshmen in the state.

The Rams are the first in Salem County to get things started Monday in a scrimmage at Cinnaminson. Everyone else in the county hits the court start Tuesday.

“Just (looking) for the guys to compete, not hang their head,” Farmer said. “It’ll look ugly at times because you’re not there, but just do the little things, compete, share the ball, take the right shots; just go in there and do the things that people don’t write about, but things that win games.”

The Rams open the season for real against defending Group I state champion Woodbury in Penns Grove’s Red Devil Classic. Later this month they’ll travel to Bayonne for a holiday tournament in which they’ll face a Charlestown (Mass.) team that went 21-5 a year ago. They have set up a GoFundMe page to help defray expenses on their first overnight tournament trip.

Here is this week’s scrimmage schedule:

MONDAY
Boys
Salem at Cinnaminson, 3:45 p.m.

TUESDAY 
Girls
Schalick at Cumberland Christian, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Gateway, 4 p.m.
Haddon Twp. at Penns Grove, 4:15 p.m.
Boys
Cumberland Christian at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Gateway at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Triton at Pennsville, 4 p.m.

WEDNESDAY
Girls
Pennsville at Millville, 4 p.m.
Camden Academy at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Kipp at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Clearview, 4 p.m.

THURSDAY
Girls
Paulsboro at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Salem at Bridgeton, 4 p.m.
West Deptford at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Camden Co. Tech at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Egg Harbor Twp. at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Paulsboro at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Camden Co. Tech, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY
Girls
Camden Tech at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Boys
Salem at Bridgeton, 4 p.m.

SATURDAY
Boys
Brandywine at Woodstown, 10 a.m.




This week’s schedule

Here is the high school sports schedule for teams in Salem County for the week of Dec. 4-9; x-scrimmages

MONDAY
BASKETBALL
Boys
x-Salem at Cinnaminson, 3:45 p.m.

BOWLING
Salem vs. West Deptford, Wood Lanes, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech vs. Atlantic County Tech, 4 p.m.

TUESDAY 
BASKETBALL
Girls
x-Schalick at Cumberland Christian, 4 p.m.
x-Woodstown at Gateway, 4 p.m.
x-Haddon Twp. at Penns Grove, 4:15 p.m.
Boys
x-Cumberland Christian at Schalick, 4 p.m.
x-Gateway at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
x-Triton at Pennsville, 4 p.m.

WEDNESDAY
BASKETBALL
Girls
x-Pennsville at Millville, 4 p.m.
x-Camden Academy at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
x-Kipp at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
x-Schalick at Clearview, 4 p.m.

WRESTLING
x-Pennsville at Highland Regional, 3:30 p.m.

BOWLING
Salem vs. Gloucester City, Wood Lanes, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Clayton

THURSDAY
BASKETBALL
Girls
x-Paulsboro at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
x-Salem at Bridgeton, 4 p.m.
x-West Deptford at Schalick, 4 p.m.
x-Camden Co. Tech at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
x-Egg Harbor Twp. at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
x-Paulsboro at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
x-Salem Tech at Camden Co. Tech, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY
BASKETBALL
Girls
x-Camden Tech at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Boys
x-Salem at Bridgeton, 4 p.m.

SWIMMING
Salem vs. Gloucester Catholic at GCIT, 7:15 p.m.
Schalick vs Woodstown at GCIT, 8:15 p.m.

SATURDAY
BASKETBALL
Boys
x-Brandywine at Woodstown, 10 a.m.

Shuffling the deck

WJFL Diamond Division gets even tougher with 4 county teams, last two Group I state finalists, Pennsville out on its own, may appeal

WEST JERSEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
2024-25 Salem County alignments
(2023 record in parenthesis)
Division 6: Glassboro (9-4), Penns Grove (6-6), Salem (2-8), Schalick (11-1), Woodbury (7-4), Woodstown (9-3).
Division 15: Buena (0-8), Clayton (5-5), Gateway (2-8), Gloucester Catholic (2-7), Lindenwold (1-9), Pennsville (6-4), Pitman (6-4).

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

Just when you thought it might not have been possible to make the West Jersey Football League’s Diamond Division any tougher, the league went ahead and did it.

Barring the approval of any appeals, Salem County’s five high school football teams will be scattered across two divisions for the next two years, with four of them assigned to what already was the most demanding Group I division in the state.

South Jersey Group I champion Woodstown, Central Jersey runner-up Schalick, Penns Grove and Salem will be aligned with 2022 state champion Woodbury and 2023 state runnerup Glassboro in what currently is called Division 6, basically the Diamond Division. All six teams were playoff teams this past season and had a combined record of 44-26.

“We’ve always been a loaded division; welcome to the party, Schalick and Glassboro,” Penns Grove coach John Emel said. “They kept the tradition of keeping all the best Group I schools together. I’ll make a prediction right now: The team that goes to the state finals comes out of that division.”

Schalick and Glassboro are new to the division, while Paulsboro was moved out in this round of WJFL reshuffling after going 1-7 this past season.

Schalick was promoted for its success the last two seasons. The Cougars, 0-7 in coach Mike Wilson’s first season in 2020, won the Horizon Division each of the last two years while posting overall records of 7-3 and 11-1. They lost to Glassboro in the Central Jersey championship game.

“With the amount of kids we have coming back, we’re ready for the jump,” Wilson said. “It’s playoffs in the regular season; it’s going to be fun. It absolutely is a top-heavy division, it’s going to be all good teams, but with the program we have coming back, I think we’ll be fine.”

The only negative for Wilson, a staunch traditionalist, is the possibility of his team playing three Saturday games within the division depending on how the schedule falls. Woodbury, Penns Grove and Salem traditionally play their home games on Saturdays.

“I’m more upset about that than anything else,” he said. “I grew up always playing Friday night. I’ve only played a handful of Saturday games. That’s the only thing I don’t like about the whole thing. Everything else is fine. We’ll play whoever you give us.”

Salem coach Danny Mendoza was less concerned about the stoutness of the division as the size of it. Five teams is comfortable, but six or more, he said, takes the flexibility of scheduling out of coaches’ hands.

“It’s not about it being tougher, it’s about it being to a point where you can’t balance your schedule,” he said. “They’ve pretty much made your schedule for you.

“We’re not scared of anybody, we’re not scared of competition. You look at our schedule last year, we ran from no one. we ran from zero people. This isn’t along the lines of ducking any smoke or competition. It’s along the lines of giving our guys a chance to go play other teams and test our waters. This is insane.”

Pennsville, meanwhile, is the county team on the outside. The Eagles went from 1-8 to 6-4 this past season and were the first team out of the South Jersey Group I playoff alignment, but they assigned one of the league’s seven-team divisions – Division 15 – with Lindenwold, Gloucester Catholic, Clayton, Pitman, Buena and Gateway. 

“I thought we’d be with more of the teams we were last year (in the Royal Division) still,” Eagles coach Mike Healy said. “It’s a completely new division. We hoped we’d be in a higher division, but that’s not how it turned out.”

Pitman and Gateway are the only teams they played last year in Royal Division. The teams in the new division were a combined 22-45 last season, with only the upward-trending Eagles (6-4) and Pitman (6-4) posting winning records. The Eagles may have a better chance to win a division, but harder to build a lot of power points.

“It’d definitely be exciting to have a chance to win the division, for sure,” Healy said.

Schools have a chance to appeal the alignment before Dec. 15. Pennsville is “definitely” considering it largely based on geography and competitive balance.

Salem County leaders

Here are the final 2023 statistical leaders for the high school football teams in Salem County

Rushing

(Based on yards)ATTYDSTDS
Bryce Belinfanti, Woodstown214174021
Bryce Wright, Penns Grove210127814
Pop Jackson, Salem17212459
KaRon Ceaser, Penns Grove15210858
Reggie Allen, Schalick14383612
Sky Eppes, Pennsville14380215
Robbie McDade, Pennsville1155767
Kenai Simmons, Schalick11254610
Max Webb, Woodstown1075068
Jared Pew, Salem1055014
Levi Feeney-Childers, Schalick663553
Ramaji Bundy, Salem553511
Alex Torres, Woodstown512864

Passing

(Based on yards)COMP-ATT-INTYDSTDS
Robbie McDade, Pennsville101-180-712828
Kenai Simmons, Schalick51-88-19168
Max Webb, Woodstown69-118-78839
Ramaji Bundy, Salem15-53-52361
Pop Jackson, Salem13-37-31961

Receiving

(Based on catches)ATTYDSTDS
Malik Rehmer, Pennsville507715
Anthony Ford Dale, Woodstown192011
Bryce Belinfanti, Woodstown181871
Ty Young, Pennsville161612
Hayden Sherman, Pennsville151450
Zach Bevis, Woodstown142113
Sky Eppes, Pennsville131450
Jake Siedlecki, Schalick133214
Terrence Smith, Salem111461
Ramaji Bundy, Salem91541
Levi Feeney-Childers, Schalick91401
Dylan Sheehan, Schalick91402
KaRon Ceaser, Penns Grove91090

Tackles

PLAYERTOT
Zach Bevis, Woodstown118
Bryce Wright, Penns Grove107
Pop Jackson, Salem83.5
Jack Knorr, Woodstown81
Riley Papiano, Schalick77
Sky Eppes, Pennsville74
Isaiah Upshur, Penns Grove68
Bryce Belinfanti, Woodstown67
Connor Ayers, Pennsville 67
Bobby Donahue, Woodstown66
Dameon Wilson, Penns Grove65
Levi Feeney-Childers, Schalick62
William Slocum, Penns Grove58
Jacob Hand, Pennsville58
Cole Campbell, Pennsville56
Jermaine Loney, Schalick54

SACKS
6.5 – Bobby Donahue, Woodstown
6.5 – Dameon Wilson, Penns Grove
3 – Mando Johnson, Salem
3 – Justin Martin, Penns Grove
3 – Cole Campbell, Pennsville
3 – Daniel Saulin, Pennsville
3 – Jermaine Loney, Schalick
3 – Aiden Torres, Schalick
2.5 – Zach Bevis, Woodstown

TACKLES FOR LOSS
22 – Bryce Wright, Penns Grove
16 – Nasir Stewart, Penns Grove
16 – Dameon Wilson, Penns Grove
14 – Justin Martin, Penns Grove
10 – William Slocum, Penns Grove
10 – Thomas Hymer, Schalick
9 – Zach Bevis, Woodstown
9 – Bobby Donahue, Woodstown
7.5 – Jack Knorr, Woodstown
7 – Eric Sulik, Schalick
6.5 – Bryce Belinfanti, Woodstown
6.5 – Walter Carter, Woodstown
6.5 – Pop Jackson, Salem
6 – Mando Johnson, Salem
6 – Jermaine Loney, Schalick
5 – Damien Eichler, Woodstown
5 – Max Webb, Woodstown
5 – Isaiah Upshur, Penns Grove
5 – Aiden Torres, Schalick

FUMBLE RECOVERIES
2 – Corbin Walz, Woodstown
2 – Tyler Taylor, Salem
2 – Connor Ayers, Pennsville
2 – Cole Campbell, Pennsville

FORCED FUMBLES
3 – Zach Bevis, Woodstown
3 – Dameon Wilson, Penns Grove
2 – Bobby Donahue, Woodstown

INTERCEPTIONS
6 – Garrett Leyman, Woodstown
5 – Jake Siedlecki, Schalick
3 – Malik Rehmer, Pennsville
3 – KaRon Ceaser, Penns Grove
2 – Bryce Belinfanti, Woodstown
2 – Carter Orlandini, Woodstown
2 – Ryan Timmons, Salem
2 – Bryce Wright, Penns Grove

Kicking

(Based on points)FGM-FGAXPM-XPAPTS
Jake Ware, Woodstown4-640-4252
Jack Leino, Pennsville4-727-3243
Hunter Dragotta, Schalick3-531-3340


A Big Future ahead

Penns Grove junior wins $40,000 Big Future scholarship from College Board, her future involves helping her community

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

PENNS GROVE – Serenity Woodards thought she was just going to a school-wide assembly to hear about an academic program she already had completed when she walked into the Penns Grove High School auditorium Wednesday morning. And then they made her sit through it by herself.

Penns Grove junior Serenity Woodards addresses the school assembly after being awarded a $40,000 scholarship by the College Board. On the cover, her family attended the announcement.

So, you can imagine her surprise when the moderator called her up to the stage from the back of the room. Now, multiply that surprise by a thousand when, in front of the entire student body, they handed her a big check to use at whatever college she chooses to attend after graduating in 2025.

Woodards was the recipient of the Big Future Scholarship, a $40,000 grant awarded by the College Board to help students find their way on the path towards a successful life.

It was tightly guarded secret all the way up to the moment of truth.

“I knew we had an hour assembly today,” Serenity said. “I was sitting with my friends in School Base at the Youth Center and then my teacher made me sit by myself and I’m like I have to sit by myself for an hour. I was very upset, and then they kept calling my name and I’m thinking I’m going to go home, my mom’s here.

“And then they’re like, ‘You won 40 thousand dollars.’ I’m like, ‘I won 40 thousand dollars?’ It was very exciting and a very humbling experience. I never thought I would actually win. I was just signing up. It was a possibility, but I never thought I would actually be lucky enough and grateful to win $40,000 to go to college.” 

Woodards is the first Penns Grove student to receive the award and just the second from New Jersey in the last two years to receive the big prize. College Board regularly awards $500 scholarships and randomly selects two students nationwide each month to receive the big prize from those who have fulfilled the six-step Big Future requirements.

“Serenity has made history with this,” Penns Grove principal Lory O’Brien said.

Woodards is a junior with a varsity of interests. Outside of the classroom she cheers, participates in the Marching Band’s Color Guard and serves as a manager on the girls basketball team.

Academically, she’s a high achiever interested in pursuing psychology and social work in college and has several schools in mind. She is particularly interested in attending an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) and has schools like Spellman, North Carolina A&T and Delaware State on her list, as well as Rowan and the University of Pennsylvania. Her mother, Keysha Adams, went to an HBCU, Grambling.

“I love everything that an HBCU stands for as a safe space for black and brown people and how it was built up,” Serenity said. “I’ve also always grown up in a space where I see people who look like me, so I think that’ll be like my home away from home.

“I’ve always been interested in psychology and I like being able to explain to people why they think the way they do or why they act the way they do. And to be able to help people with their mental health especially coming from the community I do you see lots of people go with a mental illness untreated and I want to be able to help that.”

Woodards was surrounded by her family at the time of the presentation. Mother Keysha, father Al, brother Al and godmother Justine Hughes all attended the assembly, hidden behind a curtain on the stage until the time came for the big reveal.

They all were just as excited as their daughter.

“I’m speechless,” Adams said before summoning the words to express her pride. “I always knew Serenity would do great things. To know this young lady for 16 years, she can do whatever she wants. She’s amazing. She came out with personality. She’s been writing her own ticket her whole life.”

“I’m just proud of my princess,” papa Al said. 

The program and scholarship was presented by Dianna Frank, the College Board’s Senior Director of State and District Partnerships. She explained the program and the process to the assembled students and encouraged them to get involved; many already are, by a show of hands.

“I’m just really excited she’s taking the steps earlier in high school than waiting until senior year; really important that she started early,” Frank said of Woodards. “I think the exciting part was she had already done all of these important steps and we were able to reward it and show her classmates that it does mean something to her and could mean something to them.”

Woodards is certainly a believer.

“It really is only a few clicks and it could change your entire path for the rest of your life,” she said. “I now have less to worry about how I’m going to college or how I’m going to pay for it. You never know when it can be you, so you should just believe in yourself and try.”

Dianna Frank of the College Board explains to Penns Grove High School students Wednesday the merits of the Big Future scholarship program.



Winter by day

Here is the master schedule for the winter sports season for Salem County high school teams; x-scrimmage

DEC. 4
BASKETBALL
Boys
x-Salem at Cinnaminson, 3:45 p.m.

BOWLING
Salem vs. West Deptford, Wood Lanes, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech vs. Atlantic County Tech, 4 p.m.

DEC. 5 
BASKETBALL
Girls
x-Schalick at Cumberland Christian, 4 p.m.
x-Woodstown at Gateway, 4 p.m.
x-Haddon Twp. at Penns Grove, 4:15 p.m.
Boys
x-Cumberland Christian at Schalick, 4 p.m.
x-Gateway at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
x-Triton at Pennsville, 4 p.m.

DEC. 6
BASKETBALL
Girls
x-Pennsville at Millville, 4 p.m.
x-Camden Academy at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
x-Kipp at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
x-Schalick at Clearview, 4 p.m.

WRESTLING
x-Pennsville at Highland Regional, 3:30 p.m.

BOWLING
Salem vs. Gloucester City, Wood Lanes, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Clayton

DEC. 7
BASKETBALL
Girls
x-Paulsboro at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
x-Salem at Bridgeton, 4 p.m.
x-West Deptford at Schalick, 4 p.m.
x-Camden Co. Tech at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
x-Egg Harbor Twp. at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
x-Paulsboro at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
x-Salem Tech at Camden Co. Tech, 5:30 p.m.

DEC. 8
BASKETBALL
Girls
x-Camden Tech at Woodstown
Boys
x-Salem at Bridgeton, 4 p.m.

SWIMMING
Salem vs. Gloucester Catholic at GCIT, 7:15 p.m.
Schalick vs Woodstown at GCIT, 8:15 p.m.

DEC. 9
BASKETBALL
Boys
x-Brandywine at Woodstown, 10 a.m.

DEC. 11
BASKETBALL
Girls
x-Palmyra at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
x-Penns Grove at Kingsway, 4 p.m.
Boys
x-Kingsway at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
x-Maple Shade at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
x-Pennsville at Palmyra, 4 p.m.
x-Schalick at Bridgeton, 4 p.m.

DEC. 12
BASKETBALL
Girls
x-Burlington Tech at Salem, 3:45 p.m.
x-Penns Grove at Pleasantville, 4 p.m.
x-Woodstown at Kingsway, 4 p.m.
Boys
x-Gloucester Christian at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.

SWIMMING
Schalick vs. Millville at YMCA of Vineland, 3 p.m.

INDOOR TRACK
Pennsville, Salem in SJTCA Meet, Toms River

BOWLING
Salem vs. Salem Tech, Wood Lanes, 4 p.m.

DEC. 13
BOWLING
Salem Tech at Washington Twp., 4 p.m.

Dec. 14
WRESTLING
Palmyra at Pennsville, 5 p.m.

SWIMMING
Salem vs. Pitman at GCIT, 6 p.m.

BOWLING
Salem vs. Clayton, Bolero Lanes, 4 p.m.

DEC. 15
BASKETBALL
Girls
Glassboro at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Overbrook at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Penns Grove at Clayton, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Wildwood, 5:30 p.m.
Pitman at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Gloucester Catholic, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Clayton at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Pitman at Penns Grove, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.

WRESTLING
Pennsville in Howdy Duncan Invitational at William Penn, 4:15 p.m.
Woodstown at West Deptford, 5 p.m.

SWIMMING
Schalick at Camden Co. Tech, 3:30 p.m.

DEC. 16
BASKETBALL
Girls
Audubon at Pennsville, noon
Red Devil Classic
Bridgeton at Penns Grove, 4:30 p.m.

Boys
Pennsville at Deptford, noon
Red Devil Classic
At Penns Grove
Pitman vs. Burlington City, 11 a.m.
Woodbury vs. Salem, 1 p.m.
Lindenwold at Penns Grove, 6:30 p.m.

WRESTLING
Pennsville in Howdy Duncan Invitational at William Penn, 10 a.m.
Penns Grove in Schalick Tournament (with Haddon Heights, Mainland, Oakcrest, Pt. Pleasant Beach, WW-P North, WW-P South)
Woodstown in Delaware Valley (Pa.) Tournament

INDOOR TRACK
Woodstown at Bennett Center, Toms River

DEC. 18
BASKETBALL
Girls
Penns Grove at Paulsboro, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Kingsway, 5:30 p.m.
Pitman at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at GCIT, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
GCIT at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Wildwood Catholic, 6 p.m.

WRESTLING
Millville at Schalick, 5 p.m.

INDOOR TRACK
Salem, Schalick in SJCTA Meet, Toms River

SWIMMING
Woodstown vs. West Deptford at Riverwinds, 3:30 p.m.

DEC. 19
BASKETBALL
Girls
Glassboro at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Gloucester Cath. at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Overbrook at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Penns Grove at Glassboro, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Gloucester Cath., 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Pitman, 7 p.m.

BOWLING
Salem vs. Lindenwold, Wood Lanes, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Gloucester City, 4 p.m.

DEC. 20
WRESTLING
Schalick, Salem, Egg Harbor Twp. at Pennsville, 5 p.m.
Penns Grove at Clayton, 6 p.m.

WINTER TRACK
Penns Grove, Salem in Polar Bear Meet, Pennsville, 3:30 p.m.

BOWLING
Salem in Holiday Tournament, Laurel Lanes, 3:30 p.m.

DEC. 21
BASKETBALL
Girls
Schalick at LEAP, 4 p.m.
Clearview at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Gloucester Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Boys
Gloucester Tech at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
LEAP at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Penns Grove at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Cumberland, 5:30 p.m.

SWIMMING
Schalick vs. Gloucester Cath. at GCIT, 4:45 p.m.
Salem vs. Triton Regional at GCIT, 7:15 p.m.

DEC. 22
BASKETBALL
Boys
Pennsville at Clayton, 4:30 p.m.

DEC. 23
BASKETBALL
Boys
Cherokee at Penns Grove, 1 p.m.

WRESTLING
Pennsville, Penns Grove, Schalick in Cumberland Duals
Woodstown, Seneca, St. Joseph at Mainland, 9 a.m.

INDOOR TRACK
Salem vs. TCC, Toms River, 9 a.m.

DEC. 26
BASKETBALL
Girls
Battle of the Boards
Wildwood Convention Center
Salem vs. Millville, 1 p.m.

DEC. 27
BASKETBALL
Girls
Pennsville in Battle at Buena (with Camden Academy, Pemberton)
Battle of the Boards
Wildwood Convention Center
Salem vs. Oakcrest, 11:30 a.m.
Boys
Pennsville in Battle at Buena (with Camden Academy, LEAP)
Bayonne Tournament
Salem vs. Charlestown, 4 p.m.
West Orange at Bayonne, 5:30 p.m.

Warrior Classic, New Egypt
Woodstown vs. Steinert, 5:30 p.m.

WRESTLING
Pennsville in Holiday Tournament
Audubon, Northern Burlington at Woodstown, 10 a.m.

INDOOR TRACK
Woodstown at Ocean Breeze Complex, Staten Island, N.Y.

DEC. 28
BASKETBALL
Girls
Pennsville in Battle at Buena (with Camden Academy, Pemberton)
Wolverine Holiday Tournament
at Woodstown
Highland vs. Paulsboro, 10 a.m.
Bridgeton vs. Woodstown, noon
Battle of the Boards
Wildwood Convention Center
Penns Grove vs. St. Dominic, 5:45 p.m.

Boys
Pennsville in Battle at Buena (with Camden Academy, LEAP)
Woodstown in Warrior Classic, New Egypt
Salem in Bayonne Tournament
Consolation game, 2 p.m.
Championship game, 3:30 p.m.

WRESTLING
Schalick in Clayton Classic

DEC. 29
BASKETBALL
Girls
Wolverine Holiday Tournament
at Woodstown
Consolation game, 10 a.m.
Championship game, noon

WRESTLING
Pennsville vs. Barnegat

DEC. 30
BASKETBALL
Girls
Battle of the Boards
Wildwood Convention Center
Penns Grove vs. Ocean City, 2:30 p.m.
Boys
Boardwalk Classic
Wildwood Convention Center
Penns Grove vs. Lower Cape May, 5:45 p.m.

JAN. 2
BASKETBALL
Girls
Gloucester at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Schalick at Cape May Tech, 5:30 p.m.

INDOOR TRACK
Woodstown at Bennett Center, Toms River

JAN. 3
WRESTLING
Sterling at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Pitman at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.

INDOOR TRACK
Pennsville, Penns Grove, Schalick at SJCTA Meet, Toms River

JAN. 4
BASKETBALL
Girls
Woodstown at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Penns Grove at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.

WRESTLING
Salem, Atlantic City at Oakcrest, 5 p.m.

SWIMMING
Woodstown vs. Timber Creek at GCIT, 7 p.m.
Schalick vs. Glassboro at GCIT, 8:30 p.m.

BOWLING
Lindenwold vs. Salem Tech, Wood Lanes, 4 p.m.

JAN. 5
BASKETBALL
Boys
Delsea at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.

WRESTLING
Timber Creek at Penns Grove, 6 p.m.

JAN. 6
BASKETBALL
Girls
Salem at Gateway, 10 a.m.
Delsea at Pennsville, 11:30 a.m.
OLMA at Woodstown, 11:30 a.m.
Boys
Pennsauken Tech at Schalick, 11:30 a.m.

WRESTLING
Schalick, Mainland, Overbrook at Haddon Heights, 9 a.m.
Pennsville at Hammonton Duals, 10 a.m.
Woodstown in Collingswood Tournament

INDOOR TRACK
Woodstown at Ocean Breeze Complex, Staten Island, N.Y.

JAN. 8
BASKETBALL
Girls
Penns Grove at Overbrook, 4 p.m.
Clayton at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Glassboro at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Wildwood, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Overbrook at Penns Grove, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Clayton, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.
Wildwood at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.

INDOOR TRACK
Salem vs. TBA, Toms River, 5 p.m.

JAN. 9
WRESTLING
Oakcrest at Schalick, 5 p.m.
Pitman at Pennsville, 6 p.m.
Woodstown at Deptford Twp.

BOWLING
Salem Tech at Hammonton, 4 p.m.

JAN. 10
BASKETBALL
Girls
Penns Grove at Wildwood, 4 p.m.
Clayton at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Gloucester Catholic, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Glassboro, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Penns Grove at Gloucester Catholic, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.

JAN. 11
BASKETBALL
Boys
Salem at LEAP, 5:30 p.m.

WRESTLING
Schalick at Clayton, 6 p.m.

SWIMMING
Schalick vs. Triton Regional at GCIT, 6 p.m.
Woodstown vs. Highland at GCIT, 7 p.m.

BOWLING
Clayton vs. Salem Tech, Wood Lanes, 4 p.m.
Salem vs. Gloucester City, Westbrook Lanes, 6 p.m.

JAN. 12
BASKETBALL
Girls
Camden Academy at Salem, 4 p.m.
Penns Grove at Deptford Twp., 4 p.m.
Schalick at Paulsboro, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Bridgeton, 6 p.m.
Boys
Camden Catholic at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Deptford Twp. at Penns Grove, 5:30 p.m.
Gateway at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.

WRESTLING
Woodstown at Clearview, 5 p.m.
Buena at Pennsville, 6 p.m.

INDOOR TRACK
Schalick at NJSIAA Relays, Toms River, 4:30 p.m.

JAN. 13
BASKETBALL
Girls
South Jersey Invitational Tournament
South Region
Eastern at Woodstown, 11:30 a.m.
Rancocas Valley at Camden Catholic
Haddon Heights at Gloucester Catholic
West Deptford at Lenape
North Region
Moorestown Friends at Cherokee
Haddon Twp. at Highland 
Delran at Paul VI
West Tech at Shawnee
West Region
Pennsauken at Williamstown
Woodbury at Cherry Hill West 
Kingsway at Moorestown
Bishop Eustace at Holy Cross
East Region
Gateway at Cinnaminson
Clearview at Haddonfield
Medford Tech at Sterling
Timber Creek at Winslow

Boys
Salem at Cherokee, 12:30 p.m.

WRESTLING
Deptford Twp., St. Joseph Academy at Penns Grove, 9 a.m.
Woodstown, Hillsborough, Watchung Hills at Park Ridge, 11 a.m.
Pennsville vs. Oakcrest, Overbrook, Millville
Schalick, Buena, N. Burlington, Timber Creek at Cumberland

JAN. 15
BASKETBALL
Girls
Salem at Burlington City, 4 p.m.
Schalick at St. Joseph, 5:30 p.m.

Boys
Pennsville at Haddon Twp.

WRESTLING
Egg Harbor Twp. at Schalick, 5 p.m.

INDOOR TRACK
NJSIAA Relays, Bennett Center, Toms River

JAN. 16
BASKETBALL
Girls
Schalick at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Glassboro at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Overbrook at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Gloucester Catholic, 5:30 p.m.
Wildwood at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Penns Grove at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Glassboro, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Wildwood, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.
Gloucester Catholic at Salem, 7 p.m.

SWIMMING
Schlick at Camden Academy, 3:30 p.m.

BOWLING
Salem vs. Salem Tech, Wood Lanes, 4 p.m.

JAN. 17
WRESTLING
Woodstown at Cumberland, 5 p.m.
Pennsville at Penns Grove, 6 p.m.

INDOOR TRACK
Pennsville, Penns Grove, Salem in SJCTA Meet, Toms River, 3:30 p.m.

JAN. 18
BASKETBALL
Girls
Pennsville at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Clayton at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Overbrook at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Pitman, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Glassboro, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Glassboro at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Penns Grove at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Pitman at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Clayton, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.

SWIMMING
Woodstown vs. Gloucester Catholic at GCIT, 5:45 p.m.
Schalick vs. Pitman at GCIT, 7:15 p.m.
Salem vs. Deptford Twp. at GCIT, 8:30 p.m.

BOWLING
Salem Tech in NJTAC, 11:30 a.m.
Salem vs. Collingswood, Westbrook Lanes, 4 p.m.

JAN. 19
BASKETBALL
Girls
Clearview at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Gloucester City, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Buena, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Buena at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Gloucester City at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Penns Grove at Clearview, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Moorestown Friends, 5:30 p.m.

WRESTLING
Woodstown at Timber Creek, 5 p.m.
Pennsville at Mainland Regional, 5:30 p.m.

JAN. 20
BASKETBALL
Girls
Salem Tech at Camden County Tech, 11:30 a.m.

WRESTLING
Schalick, Deptford Twp., Pemberton at Haddon Twp., 8 a.m.
Salem, Overbrook, Pitman at Penns Grove, 9 a.m.
Pennsville vs. Collingswood, Vineland, BCIT-Westampton
Woodstown, Haddon Heights, Pennsauken at Buena

SWIMMING
Salem, Schalick in SJISA Championships at GCIT

INDOOR TRACK
Woodstown at Bennett Center, Toms River

JAN. 22
BASKETBALL
Girls
Salem Tech at Camden Academy, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Pennsauken Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Camden Co. Tech, at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Clayton, 1:15 p.m.

WRESTLING
Woodstown at Deptford Twp., 6 p.m.

INDOOR TRACK
Salem, Schalick vs. TBA, Toms River

BOWLING
Salem vs. Lindenwold, 30 Strikes, 4 p.m.

JAN. 23
BASKETBALL
Girls
Penns Grove at Glassboro, 4 p.m.
Overbrook at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Pitman, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Gloucester Cath., 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Glassboro at Penns Grove, 5:30 p.m.
Gloucester Cath. at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Pitman at Salem, 7 p.m.

INDOOR TRACK
Pennsville, Penns Grove in TCC Showcase, Toms River, 3:30 p.m.

BOWLING
Boys
Salem in NJSIAA Playoffs, Wood Lanes, 3:15 p.m.

JAN. 24
WRESTLING
Glassboro, Timber Creek at Salem, 5 p.m.
Schalick, Penns Grove at Cumberland, 5 p.m.
Overbrook at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Timber Creek at Pennsville, 6 p.m.

BOWLING
Salem vs. Clayton, Wood Lanes, 4 p.m.

JAN. 25
BASKETBALL
Girls
Penns Grove at Gloucester Catholic, 4 p.m.
Overbrook at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Clayton, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Wildwood, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Clayton at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Wildwood at Penns Grove, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.

SWIMMING
Woodstown vs. Pitman at GCIT, 5:45 p.m.
Schalick vs. Salem at GCIT, 7:15 p.m.

JAN. 26
BASKETBALL
Girls
Woodbury at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Haddon Heights, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Salem at Camden Academy, 5:30 p.m.

WRESTLING
Pennsville at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Pennsauken, 6 p.m.

JAN. 27
BASKETBALL
Girls
Schalick at Camden Tech, noon

South Jersey Invitational Tournament
Woodstown-Eastern winner vs. Rancocas Valley-Camden Catholic winner

Boys
Schalick at Camden Tech, 10 a.m.
Pennsville at Triton Regional, 11:30 a.m.

WRESTLING
Schalick, Holy Spirit at Cumberland, 8 a.m.
Penns Grove, Clayton, Millville at Woodstown, 10 a.m.
Pennsville vs. Sterling, Paul VI at Penns Grove, 10 a.m.
Salem at Overbrook

JAN. 29
BASKETBALL
Girls
Penns Grove at Salem, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Delran, 6:30 p.m.
Boys
Penns Grove at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Gateway, 5:30 p.m.

INDOOR TRACK
Schalick vs. TBA, Toms River

SWIMMING
Salem vs. Woodstown at GCIT, 8:15 p.m.

JAN. 30
BASKETBALL
Girls
Penns Grove at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Salem Tech at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Penns Grove, 5:30 p.m.

BOWLING
Salem Tech at Lindenwold, 4 p.m.

JAN. 31
WRESTLING
Cumberland at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville, Glassboro at Clayton, 6 p.m.

SWIMMING
Salem in TCC Showcase at GCIT, 3 p.m.

FEB. 1
BASKETBALL
Girls
Overbrook at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Glassboro, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Clayton, 5:30 p.m.
Wildwood at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Clayton at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Glassboro at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Penns Grove at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Wildwood, 5:30 p.m.

BOWLING
Salem vs. Hammonton, Wood Lanes, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech vs. Kingsway, Wood Lanes, 4 p.m.

FEB. 2
BASKETBALL
Girls
Gateway at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
St. Joe (Hamm.) at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Salem Tech at Riverside, 5:15 p.m.
Schalick at Gateway, 5:30 p.m.
West Deptford at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.

WRESTLING
Pennsville at Burlington Twp., 6 p.m.
Schalick at Absegami, 6 p.m.

INDOOR TRACK
NJSIAA Sectionals, Toms River

SWIMMING
Woodstown vs. Haddon Heights at Giant Fitness, 6 p.m.

FEB. 3
BASKETBALL
Girls
Pennsville at West Deptford, 11:30 a.m.
South Jersey Invitational Tournament at Eastern HS
Boys
Salem vs. Paulsboro at Atlantic City, 6:30 p.m.

WRESTLING
Bordentown, Vineland at Penns Grove, 9 a.m.
Clearview, Hammonton, Central Regional at Pennsville, 10 a.m.
Woodstown, Lacey, Pennsauken at Burlington Twp., 10 a.m.

FEB. 4
BASKETBALL
Girls
Woodstown at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Overbrook at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.

FEB. 5
BASKETBALL
Girls
Schalick at Maple Shade, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Maple Shade at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.

WRESTLING
Schalick at Northern Burlington, 6 p.m.

SWIMMING
Schalick vs. West Deptford at River Winds Comm. Center, 3:30 p.m.

INDOOR TRACK
Salem at Ocean Breeze Complex, Staten Island, N.Y., 5 p.m.

FEB. 6
BASKETBALL
Girls
Penns Grove at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Gloucester Catholic at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Glassboro, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Wildwood, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Glassboro at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Penns Grove at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Wildwood at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Gloucester Catholic, 7 p.m.

BOWLING
TCC Showcase, TBD

FEB. 7
WRESTLING
Pennsville at Haddon Heights, 5 p.m.
Pitman at Schalick, 5 p.m.

FEB. 8
BASKETBALL
Girls
Penns Grove at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Glassboro at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Pitman at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Clayton, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Clayton at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Overbrook at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Penns Grove, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Pitman, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Glassboro, 5:30 p.m.

FEB. 9
BASKETBALL
Girls
Cape May Co. Tech at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Millville at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Pleasantville at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Lower Cape May, 5:30 p.m.

South Jersey Invitational Tournament at Eastern HS

Boys
Buena at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Cape May Co. Tech, 5:30 p.m.

FEB. 10
WRESTLING
Schalick, Burlington Twp., Cherry Hill-West at Maple Shade, 8 a.m.
Pennsville, Cedar Creek, Delran at Hightstown, 10 a.m.

BOWLING
Girls
NJSIAA Sectionals

FEB. 12
BASKETBALL
Tri-County Tournament

FEB. 13
BASKETBALL
Tri-County Tournament

FEB. 14
BASKETBALL
Tri-County Tournament

FEB. 15
BASKETBALL
Tri-County Tournament

FEB. 16
BASKETBALL
Tri-County Tournament

FEB. 17
INDOOR TRACK
NJSIAA Group Finals, Toms River

BOWLING
Boys
NJSIAA Sectionals

FEB. 18
INDOOR TRACK
NJSIAA Group Finals, Toms River

FEB. 19
BASKETBALL
NJSIAA South Jersey Group I playoffs

FEB. 20
BASKETBALL
Girls
LEAP at Salem, 5:30 p.m.

County wrestling

Here is the master schedule for the 2023-24 high school wrestling season among Salem County schools; x-scrimmage

Dec. 6
x-Pennsville at Highland Regional, 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 14
Palmyra at Pennsville, 5 p.m.

Dec. 15
Pennsville in Howdy Duncan Invitational at William Penn, 4:15 p.m.
Woodstown at West Deptford, 5 p.m.

Dec. 16
Pennsville in Howdy Duncan Invitational at William Penn, 10 a.m.
Penns Grove in Schalick Tournament (with Haddon Heights, Mainland, Oakcrest, Pt. Pleasant Beach, WW-P North, WW-P South)
Woodstown in Delaware Valley (Pa.) Tournament

Dec. 18
Millville at Schalick, 5 p.m.

Dec. 20
Schalick, Salem, Egg Harbor Twp. at Pennsville, 5 p.m.
Penns Grove at Clayton, 6 p.m.

Dec. 23
Pennsville, Penns Grove, Schalick in Cumberland Duals
Woodstown, Seneca, St. Joseph at Mainland, 9 a.m.

Dec. 27
Pennsville in Holiday Tournament
Audubon, Northern Burlington at Woodstown, 10 a.m.

Dec. 28
Schalick in Clayton Classic

Dec. 29
Pennsville vs. Barnegat

Jan. 3
Sterling at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Pitman at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 4
Salem, Atlantic City at Oakcrest, 5 p.m.

Jan. 5
Timber Creek at Penns Grove, 6 p.m.

Jan. 6
Schalick, Mainland, Overbrook at Haddon Heights, 9 a.m.
Pennsville at Hammonton Duals, 10 a.m.
Woodstown in Collingswood Tournament

Jan. 9
Oakcrest at Schalick, 5 p.m.
Pitman at Pennsville, 6 p.m.
Woodstown at Deptford Tep.

Jan. 11
Pennsville at Penns Grove, 6 p.m.
Schalick at Clayton, 6 p.m.

Jan. 12
Woodstown at Clearview, 5 p.m.
Buena at Pennsville, 6 p.m.

Jan. 13
Deptford Twp., St. Joseph Academy at Penns Grove, 9 a.m.
Woodstown, Hillsborough, Watchung Hills at Park Ridge, 11 a.m.
Pennsville vs. Oakcrest, Overbrook, Millville
Schalick, Buena, N. Burlington, Timber Creek at Cumberland

Jan. 15
Egg Harbor Twp. at Schalick, 5 p.m.

Jan. 17
Woodstown at Cumberland, 5 p.m.

Jan. 19
Woodstown at Timber Creek, 5 p.m.
Pennsville at Mainland Regional, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 20
Schalick, Deptford Twp., Pemberton at Haddon Twp., 8 a.m.
Salem, Overbrook, Pitman at Penns Grove, 9 a.m.
Pennsville vs. Collingswood, Vineland, BCIT-Westampton
Woodstown, Haddon Heights, Pennsauken at Buena

Jan. 24
Glassboro, Timber Creek at Salem, 5 p.m.
Schalick, Penns Grove at Cumberland, 5 p.m.
Overbrook at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Timber Creek at Pennsville, 6 p.m.

Jan. 26
Pennsville at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Pennsauken, 6 p.m.

Jan. 27
Schalick, Holy Spirit at Cumberland, 8 a.m.
Penns Grove, Clayton, Millville at Woodstown, 10 a.m.
Pennsville vs. Sterling, Paul VI at Penns Grove, 10 a.m.
Salem at Overbrook

Jan. 31
Cumberland at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville, Glassboro at Clayton, 6 p.m.

Feb. 2
Pennsville at Burlington Twp., 6 p.m.
Schalick at Absegami, 6 p.m.

Feb. 3
Bordentown, Vineland at Penns Grove, 9 a.m.
Clearview, Hammonton, Central Regional at Pennsville, 10 a.m.

Feb. 5
Schalick at Northern Burlington, 6 p.m.

Feb. 7
Pennsville at Haddon Heights, 5 p.m.
Pitman at Schalick, 5 p.m.

Feb. 10
Schalick, Burlington Twp., Cherry Hill-West at Maple Shade, 8 a.m.
Pennsville, Cedar Creek, Delran at Hightstown, 10 a.m.



County Basketball

Here is the master schedule for the 2023-24 high school basketball season for Salem County; x-scrimmage

DEC. 4
Boys
x-Salem at Cinnaminson, 3:45 p.m.

DEC. 5 
Girls
x-Schalick at Cumberland Christian, 4 p.m.
x-Woodstown at Gateway, 4 p.m.
x-Haddon Twp. at Penns Grove, 4:15 p.m.
Boys
x-Cumberland Christian at Schalick, 4 p.m.
x-Gateway at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
x-Triton at Pennsville, 4 p.m.

DEC. 6
Girls
x-Pennsville at Millville, 4 p.m.
x-Camden Academy at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
x-Kipp at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
x-Schalick at Clearview, 4 p.m.

DEC. 7
Girls
x-Paulsboro at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
x-Salem at Bridgeton, 4 p.m.
x-West Deptford at Schalick, 4 p.m.
x-Camden Co. Tech at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
x-Egg Harbor Twp. at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
x-Paulsboro at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
x-Salem Tech at Camden Co. Tech, 5:30 p.m.

DEC. 8
Girls
x-Camden Tech at Woodstown
Boys
x-Salem at Bridgeton, 4 p.m.

DEC. 9
Boys
x-Brandywine at Woodstown, 10 a.m.

DEC. 11
Girls
x-Palmyra at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
x-Penns Grove at Kingsway, 4 p.m.
Boys
x-Kingsway at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
x-Maple Shade at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
x-Pennsville at Palmyra, 4 p.m.
x-Schalick at Bridgeton, 4 p.m.

DEC. 12
Girls
x-Burlington Tech at Salem, 3:45 p.m.
x-Penns Grove at Pleasantville, 4 p.m.
x-Woodstown at Kingsway, 4 p.m.
Boys
x-Gloucester Christian at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.

DEC. 15
Girls
Glassboro at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Overbrook at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Penns Grove at Clayton, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Wildwood, 5:30 p.m.
Pitman at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Gloucester Catholic, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Clayton at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Pitman at Penns Grove, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.

DEC. 16
Girls
Audubon at Pennsville, noon
Red Devil Classic
Bridgeton at Penns Grove, 4:30 p.m.

Boys
Pennsville at Deptford, noon
Red Devil Classic
At Penns Grove
Pitman vs. Burlington City, 11 a.m.
Woodbury vs. Salem, 1 p.m.
Lindenwold at Penns Grove, 6:30 p.m.

DEC. 18
Girls
Penns Grove at Paulsboro, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Kingsway, 5:30 p.m.
Pitman at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at GCIT, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
GCIT at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Wildwood Catholic, 6 p.m.

DEC. 19
Girls
Glassboro at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Gloucester Cath. at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Overbrook at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Penns Grove at Glassboro, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Gloucester Cath., 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Pitman, 7 p.m.

DEC. 21
Girls
Salem Tech at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Schalick at LEAP, 4 p.m.
Clearview at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Gloucester Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Gloucester Tech at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
LEAP at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Penns Grove at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Cumberland, 5:30 p.m.

DEC. 22
Boys
Pennsville at Clayton, 4:30 p.m.

DEC. 23
Boys
Cherokee at Penns Grove, 1 p.m.

DEC. 27
Girls
Pennsville in Buena Tournament (with Camden Academy, Pemberton)
Boys
Pennsville in Buena Tournament (with Camden Academy, LEAP)
Salem in Bayonne Tournament
Warrior Classic, New Egypt
Woodstown vs. Steinert, 5:30 p.m.

DEC. 28
Girls
Pennsville in Buena Tournament (with Camden Academy, Pemberton)
Wolverine Holiday Tournament
at Woodstown
Highland vs. Paulsboro, 10 a.m.
Bridgeton vs. Woodstown, noon
Boardwalk Classic
Wildwood Convention Center
Penns Grove vs. St. Dominic, 5:45 p.m.

Boys
Pennsville in Buena Tournament (with Camden Academy, LEAP)
Salem in Bayonne Tournament
Woodstown in Warrior Classic, New Egyp

DEC. 29
Girls
Wolverine Holiday Tournament
at Woodstown
Consolation game, 10 a.m.
Championship game, noon

DEC. 30
Girls
Boardwalk Classic
Wildwood Convention Center
Penns Grove vs. Ocean City, 2:30 p.m.
Boys
Boardwalk Classic
Wildwood Convention Center
Penns Grove vs. Lower Cape May, 5:45 p.m.

JAN. 2
Girls
Gloucester at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Schalick at Cape May Tech, 5:30 p.m.

JAN. 4
Girls
Woodstown at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Penns Grove at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.

JAN. 5
Boys
Delsea at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.

JAN. 6
Girls
Salem at Gateway, 10 a.m.
Delsea at Pennsville, 11:30 a.m.
OLMA at Woodstown, 11:30 a.m.
Boys
Pennsauken Tech at Schalick, 11:30 a.m.

JAN. 8
Girls
Penns Grove at Overbrook, 4 p.m.
Clayton at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Glassboro at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Wildwood, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Overbrook at Penns Grove, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Clayton, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.
Wildwood at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.

JAN. 10
Girls
Penns Grove at Wildwood, 4 p.m.
Clayton at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Gloucester Catholic, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Glassboro, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Penns Grove at Gloucester Catholic, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.

JAN. 11
Boys
Salem at LEAP, 5:30 p.m.

JAN. 12
Girls
Camden Academy at Salem, 4 p.m.
Penns Grove at Deptford Twp., 4 p.m.
Schalick at Paulsboro, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Bridgeton, 6 p.m.
Boys
Camden Catholic at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Deptford Twp. at Penns Grove, 5:30 p.m.
Gateway at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.

JAN. 13
Girls
South Jersey Invitational Tournament
South Region
Eastern at Woodstown, 11:30 a.m.
Rancocas Valley at Camden Catholic
Haddon Heights at Gloucester Catholic
West Deptford at Lenape
North Region
Moorestown Friends at Cherokee
Haddon Twp. at Highland 
Delran at Paul VI
West Tech at Shawnee
West Region
Pennsauken at Williamstown
Woodbury at Cherry Hill West 
Kingsway at Moorestown
Bishop Eustace at Holy Cross
East Region
Gateway at Cinnaminson
Clearview at Haddonfield
Medford Tech at Sterling
Timber Creek at Winslow

Boys
Salem at Cherokee, 12:30 p.m.

JAN. 15
Girls
Salem at Burlington City, 4 p.m.
Schalick at St. Joseph, 5:30 p.m.

JAN. 16
Girls
Schalick at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Glassboro at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Overbrook at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Gloucester Catholic, 5:30 p.m.
Wildwood at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Penns Grove at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Glassboro, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Wildwood, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.
Gloucester Catholic at Salem, 7 p.m.

JAN. 18
Girls
Pennsville at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Clayton at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Overbrook at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Pitman, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Glassboro, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Glassboro at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Penns Grove at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Pitman at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Clayton, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.

JAN. 19
Girls
Clearview at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Gloucester City, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Buena, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Buena at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Gloucester City at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Penns Grove at Clearview, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Moorestown Friends, 5:30 p.m.

JAN. 20
Girls
Salem Tech at Camden Co. Tech, 11:30 a.m.

JAN. 22
Girls
Salem Tech at Camden Academy, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Pennsauken Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Schalick at Clayton, 1:15 p.m.
Camden Co. Tech at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.

JAN. 23
Girls
Penns Grove at Glassboro, 4 p.m.
Overbrook at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Pitman, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Gloucester Cath., 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Glassboro at Penns Grove, 5:30 p.m.
Gloucester Cath. at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Pitman at Salem, 7 p.m.

JAN. 25
Girls
Penns Grove at Gloucester Catholic, 4 p.m.
Overbrook at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Clayton, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Wildwood, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Clayton at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Wildwood at Penns Grove, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.

JAN. 26
Girls
Woodbury at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Haddon Heights, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Salem at Camden Academy, 5:30 p.m.

JAN. 27
Girls
Schalick at Camden Tech, noon
South Jersey Invitational Tournament
Woodstown-Eastern winner vs. Rancocas Valley-Camden Catholic winner
Boys
Schalick at Camden Tech, 10 a.m.
Pennsville at Triton Regional, 11:30 a.m.

JAN. 29
Girls
Penns Grove at Salem, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Delran, 6:30 p.m.
Boys
Penns Grove at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Gateway, 5:30 p.m.

JAN. 30
Girls
Penns Grove at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Salem Tech at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Penns Grove, 5:30 p.m.

FEB. 1
Girls
Overbrook at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Clayton, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Glassboro, 5:30 p.m.
Wildwood at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Clayton at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Glassboro at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Penns Grove at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Wildwood, 5:30 p.m.

FEB. 2
Girls
Gateway at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
St. Joe (Hamm.) at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Salem Tech at Riverside, 5:15 p.m.
Schalick at Gateway, 5:30 p.m.
West Deptford at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.

FEB. 3
Girls
Pennsville at West Deptford, 11:30 a.m.
South Jersey Invitational Tournament at Eastern HS
Boys
Salem vs. Paulsboro at Atlantic City, 6:30 p.m.

FEB. 4
Girls
Woodstown at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Overbrook at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.

FEB. 5
Girls
Schalick at Maple Shade, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Maple Shade at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.

FEB. 6
Girls
Penns Grove at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Gloucester Catholic at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Glassboro, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Wildwood, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Glassboro at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Penns Grove at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Wildwood at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Gloucester Catholic, 7 p.m.

FEB. 8
Girls
Penns Grove at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Glassboro at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Pitman at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Clayton, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Clayton at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Overbrook at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Penns Grove, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Pitman, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Glassboro, 5:30 p.m.

FEB. 9
Girls
Cape May Co. Tech at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Millville at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Pleasantville at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Lower Cape May, 5:30 p.m.
South Jersey Invitational Tournament at Eastern HS

Boys
Buena at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Cape May Co. Tech, 5:30 p.m.

FEB. 12
Tri-County Tournament

FEB. 13
Tri-County Tournament

FEB. 14
Tri-County Tournament

FEB. 15
Tri-County Tournament

FEB. 16
Tri-County Tournament

FEB. 19
NJSIAA South Jersey Group I playoffs

FEB. 20
Girls
LEAP at Salem, 5:30 p.m.

Making a little history

Penns Grove wins late-scheduled season finale, makes some history with freshman, multiple 1,000-yard rushers

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

PENNS GROVE – John Emel will never pass up a chance to give his football team one more game to play, so when the opportunity came up a couple days ago to play one last game that was mutually beneficial to both sides he didn’t hesitate. And it gave his Penns Grove team a chance to make some history.

Make that a lot of history.

The Red Devils beat Riverside 51-22 Thursday to score their sixth win of the season and finish at .500 or better for the first time since 2021. It was the most points they’ve scored in a game since a 54-7 win over Woodbury in the second round of the 2019 playoffs.

Bryce Wright rushed for 195 yards and four touchdowns and Karon Ceaser rushed for 180 yards and a score. The additional game allowed Ceaser to become their first freshman to rush for 1,000 since 2005 and gave them two 1,000-yard rushers in the same season for the first time since 2012.

“There were a lot of historical firsts,” Emel said.

Wright finished the season with 1,278 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, while Ceaser wound up with 1,085 yards and eight rushing touchdowns. Both players return next season when the Red Devils are expected to open the year in the Battle at the Beach.

The last Penns Grove freshman to rush for 1,000 yards in a season was Aaron Hayward (1,049), who went on to rush for 4,479 in his career. The last Red Devils’ duo to go for 1,000 in the same year was Nick Elmer (1,341) and Anthony Robertson. (1,244).

“Nowadays, in the era of the spread, pass-happy offense, it’s something you don’t see,” Emel said. “That’s just a credit to the line and the commitment to the effort of those guys working hard. They’re two guys who represent our program well.”

Wright scored on runs of 32, 3, 73 and 40 yards. He carried multiple Riverside defenders on his back for the last 20 yards of his first touchdown and he either slipped or juked at least three defenders after Isaiah Upshur sealed the block on the 73-yard run.

Ceaser, the Red Devils’ first true freshman starting skill position player in 20 years, scored only once, on a 3-yard run, and missed two other chances to score on runs of 60 and 36 yards. 

The 60-yarder left him one yard shy of 1,000; he went over the milestone on his next carry, cutting back across the field to make positive yardage. He missed a chance to score on the 36-yarder when he did a Dak Prescott, stepping on the sideline at the 3 trying to catapult into the end zone.

“I was thankful for it,” Ceaser said of the milestone. “It was just hard work, that’s all it is. I knew it could happen because I know my ability to do stuff. When I woke up this morning I was like I’m going to get this 1,000. I’m going to get it.”

His running mate in the backfield knew it, too.

“I think he’s a D-I athlete,” Wright said. “I’ve been watching him play since Midgets (and) he’s been the guy, so when he came through here we knew he was going to be the best freshmen we’ve had.”

The fact the Red Devils got to .500 before packing up the gear for the winter was an incredible story in itself. They started the season 0-3 and 1-4 and were down 19-0 at halftime to Paulsboro in their sixth game.

But they cut down their turnovers and turned it around. The scored 22 second-half points to beat Paulsboro and won three in a row to give them a chance to grab a piece of the WJFL Diamond Division title. They made the playoffs and won a first-round game over a legendary coach before being eliminated in what would have been their final game before Thursday.

“It’s nice to finish .500, it’s nice to finish with six wins (and) to beat another quality opponent,” Emel said. “It’s nice to play this week instead of waiting nine months to get back on the field. Getting a home game for our seniors to go out with a win, that’s all icing on the cake. You got to end the season on a high note.”

And 6-6 will make the entire offseason feel a lot better going into summer workouts.

“I’m very excited with how far we came,” Wright said. “We made it to the second round of the playoffs. We fought ‘til we couldn’t any more. I asked my team to fight for four quarters and that’s what they did for me.”

“It’s our season next year,” Upshur said. “A championship team next year. We just started off slow.”

Cover photo: Bryce Wright (1) leads the way for Karon Ceaser to get around the corner during Penns Grove’s game against Riverside Thursday. The backs combined for 374 yards rushing in the game to give the Red Devils a pair of 1,000-yarder rushers this season.

Penns Grove 51, Riverside 22

RIV (22)PG (51)
191st Downs13
39-188Rushing23-429
13-17-0Passes0-1-0
128Passing0
0-0Fum-lost2-1
2-32.0Punts-avg0-0
1-5Penalties4-30
Riverside (6-4)6880 –22
Penns Grove (6-6)822138 –51

Scoring plays
PG – Bryce Wright 32 run (Bryce Wright run), 7:08 1Q
R – John Boston 3 run (run failed), 1:48 1Q
PG – Karon Ceaser 3 run (Jaden Days run), 11:02 2Q
R – Carmine Smith 10 pass from Jamir Brown (John Boston run), 4:52 1Q
PG – Jaden Days 8 run (Bryce Wright run), 2:08 2Q
PG – Knowledge Young 2 run (Bryce Wright run), 0:28 2Q
PG – Bryce Wright 3 run (kick blocked), 7:53 3Q
PG – Bryce Wright 73 run (Anthony Brown kick), 3:19 3Q
R – Carmine Smith 18 pass from Jamir Brown (John Boston run), 5:42 4Q
PG – Bryce Wright 40 run (Mahkye Murray run) 2:42 4Q

Woodstown wins rematch

Wolverines going back to sectional final after methodically putting down Penns Grove, awaits opponent

SOUTH JERSEY GROUP I
Friday’s game
Woodstown 34, Penns Grove 14
Saturday’s game
Burlington City at Woodbury

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

WOODSTOWN – Max Webb and his Woodstown teammates have been wanting to get back to the sectional final for two years.

They did their part to make it happen Friday night. Now they wait to see who they’re playing and finish the job.

The Wolverines punched their ticket to the South Jersey Group I final Friday night by beating Penns Grove 34-14 for the second time in three weeks.

They won’t know who they’re playing until Saturday afternoon, but more than a few are not-so-secretly hoping it’s Woodbury, the team that broke their hearts the last time they played in the sectional final in 2021. Woodbury and Burlington City play Saturday morning and many of Woodstown’s players are expected to be there.

The Wolverines hoped to get back there last year for a rematch, but they were knocked out in this game by Paulsboro. 

“The biggest game of my lifetime right here,” Webb said. “Next week and here, as a matter of fact. Only one other time being in this position, maybe against the team we’re about to play next week, depending on what happens. We have a chance at revenge on the team that beat us two years ago. I can’t be more excited for me, for this team, for this town. It’s awesome.”

“After our lost against Paulsboro last year we were pretty down, but this year it feels really, really good,” two-way lineman Bump Carter said.

It’ll be their fourth trip to the sectional finals since the playoff format begin in 1984 and third under coach John Adams. They are looking for their first win (Delsea, Haddonfield, Woodbury).

“I told the kids right before the game you go through life to make mistakes and learn from them,” Adams said. “We came out here last year in the rematch against Paulsboro and we made mistakes; I said we have to learn from that. I thought the kids did a pretty good job learning from that and capitalizing on getting the W today.”

But it wouldn’t have happened if they weren’t sharp against the Red Devils, a team they beat in the final week of the regular season to win the WJFL Diamond Division title outright.

This one kind of followed the same script. It was a run-dominated first half with limited possessions. The Wolverines (8-2) put together methodical drives behind its offensive line and those same linemen kept the Red Devils (5-6) from getting anything going. As a result, the Wolverines had a 14-0 lead at halftime.

Quarterback Webb mixed the run and pass well. He threw for two touchdowns and ran for another. Bryce Belinfanti rushed for two scores, including a 61-yard burst in the fourth quarter to seal the win on a play the Wolverines had only put in prior to the last Penns Grove game.

Belinfanti finished with 145 yards. Webb rushed for 63 yards and completed 6 of 8 passes for 119 yards. He had 56 yards rushing in the first half, mostly bursting up the middle as the Wolverines exploited the Red Devils’ tendencies.

“They were real sharp on offense,” Penns Grove coach John Emel said. “Even though we didn’t give up a ton of huge plays, they were just really efficient. Our strategy was to try to take away Belinfanti and even though he had the big run the quarterback game was there and they took advantage of it.”

The Wolverines had three possessions in the first quarter and a half. They scored on the first one – on Webb’s first TD pass – and their next two were basically one 19-play touchdown drive that was split by the first of Garrett Leyman’s two first-half interceptions on the only play Penns Grove ran in the quarter to that point.

Woodstown’s Bryce Belinfanti tries to get around Penn Grove’s Justin Martin (9) during Friday night’s South Jersey Group I semifinal game. On the cover, quarterback Max Webb shows his running skills for another gain in the first half. (Photos by Ellen Sickler)

The Red Devils wanted to start fast and be within one score at halftime, but to that point in the game they had run only eight plays and trailed by two touchdowns.

While the Wolverines took their time getting to the end zone in the first half, they struck quickly in the second half. Webb hit Anthony Ford Dale on a 55-yard pass play on their first snap of the third quarter and Belinfanti broke off his 61-yarder on the first play after they regained possession.

“As soon as we got in the second half we wanted the hard play-action out of the gate and see if we could get the deep one on them, which we did,” Adams said. “And then we saw them adjust to no high safety and we were like if we can break Bryce through there he could be gone. Bryce hit that seam and he was gone.”

Penns Grove’s offense came to life in the second half, putting together two long touchdown drives that while impressive weren’t exactly conducive to driving a comeback.

Bryce Wright got the Red Devils on the board at the end of a 12-play, 68-yard drive that alternated runs between him and Karon Ceaser. And Ceaser scored their second touchdown at the end of a 10-play, 82-yard drive that featured the same two players.

Wright rushed for 116 yards on 24 carries and finished with 1,082 for the season. He’s the Red Devils’ first 1,000-yard rusher since 2020. Ceaser, a freshman, finished with 58 yards on 14 carries to surpass 900.

“I thought we played better in the second half; we kind of figured some things out,” Emel said. “We’re not a passing team and we threw two picks in the first half and they threw two touchdowns … and that was really the difference in the game. 

“To win in the second round in the playoffs and to win a championship you’ve got to be a complete team and those guys were a complete team tonight.”

Woodstown 34, Penns Grove 14

PGWOOD
121st Downs15
41-170Rushing29-200
2-5-2Passes6-8-0
3Passing119
1-0Fum-Lost0-0
4-18.7Punts-avg0-0
3-30Penalties3-30
Penns Grove (5-6)0086 –14
Woodstown (8-2)77614 –34

Scoring plays
W – Bobby Donahue 27 pass from Max Webb (Jake Ware kick), 8:38 1Q
W – Bryce Belinfanti 2 run (Jake Ware kick), 4:34 2Q
W – Anthony Ford Dale 45 pass from Max Webb (kick failed), 9:23 3Q
P – Bryce Wright 5 run (KaRon Ceaser pass from Bryce Wright), 2:11 3Q
W – Max Webb 1 run (Jake Ware kick), 8:06 4Q
W – Bryce Belinfanti 61 run (Jake Ware kick), 5:56 4Q
P – KaRon Ceaser 17 run (pass failed), 1:34 4Q

Woodstown quarterback Max Webb tosses the ball back to an official after scoring his touchdown in the fourth quarter. (Photo by Ellen Sickler)