By Jeff Moeller
MaxPreps.com
"The Thrill" Headed to Florida
St. Peter's Prep had the week off, but there was plenty of big news coming from its camp.
Will "The Thrill" Hill, viewed as one of the top recruits in the country from his safety position, announced last week that he will attend the University of Florida next fall. He had planned a trip to the University of Southern California this past weekend.
"We are happy for him," St. Peter's Prep head coach Rich Hansen said. "It was a difficult process, but he apparently made the best choice for him."
Moorestown, Holy Spirit Representing South
While traditional powers are flexing their muscles in the northern and western part of the state, a few down south have been making their presence felt, as well.
Moorestown, No. 8 in the MaxPreps New Jersey rankings last week, had little trouble with Triton in a 44-0 pasting Friday night. With the victory, the Quakers (3-0) have outscored their opponents 122-7 in their first three games.
Brian Burnham hit the trifecta, as he scored on offense, defense and special teams.
Burnham, a wide receiver, caught a 23-yard fade from quarterback John Eller for a score; had a 47-yard punt return for a touchdown; and capped the night with a 78-yard interception return to paydirt in the rout.
Ironcially, it was Moorestown's first victory over Triton in four years. With a senior-laden squad, Burnham and his teammates were also anxious to avenge a blowout loss to Triton, which downed them in the Central Jersey Group 3 championship game last season.
"That loss has stayed with many of us," Burnham said. "We all haven't forgotten that feeling, and we don't want to go through that again."
Just around the corner, Holy Spirit (3-0), No. 5 in the MaxPreps rankings, has been spreading the ball around lately.
Leading rusher William Washington and standout linebacker Marcus Witherspoon, who is bound for Michigan next fall, have lived up to their preseason hype, but they have also shared some of the spotlight. Holy Spirit enjoyed the weekend off.
In last week's 45-12 win over Buena, three running backs rushed for over 100 yards each, as the Spartans out-gained Buena, 420-84, on the ground.
Washington rushed for 205 yards on 15 carries and scored a school-record six touchdowns. Nick Hall added 110 yards on nine carries and a touchdown, and Quashawn Williams had 115 yards on 10 carries.
Holy Spirit head coach Bill Walsh has affectionately referred to Washington and Hall as "Thunder and Lightning" in his backfield.
"They can go through you and around you," Walsh said. "We're very fortunate. It's not often you have two kids like that. We have to take advantage of our situation."
Backs Runs Wild in West
In the western part of the state, Mount Olive's Kenny Little helped keep his team undefeated as he rushed for 215 yards and scored two touchdowns in the Marauders' 27-21 victory over Wets Morris.
Little, getting looks from some Patriot League teams, has rushed for over 700 yards in his first three games.
Whippany Park's Mark Bizzaro has also been an influential force in his team's success this season. The senior rushed for 301 yards on 21 carries and scored four touchdowns on runs of 5 and 8 yards and added a pair of 60-yarders. He also booted five extra points.
Mike Groome, who has also been catching the eyes of Patriot League coaches, rushed for 128 yards to help keep Lenape Valley (3-0) undefeated with a 30-0 blanking of Walkill Valley.
To the far west, Phillipsburg (1-2) uncharacteristically picked up its first win of the season after they snapped a four-game losing streak dating back to last season with a 16-12 victory over Watchung Hills.
Senior linebacker Brian Norrell was a much-needed stalwart for the Stateliners, recording 11 tackles and forcing two fumbles. Fellow senior defensive end Brian McClain had two sacks for Phillipsburg, who saw its lead dwindle from 16-0 in the game's final five minutes.
Junior tailback Eric Deery, who rushed for nearly 200 yards the previous week, was held to just 66 total yards. Senior quarterback Mike Crossley, who is in his first starting role this season, had three interceptions to increase his season total to eight.
While life on the football field may be changing in some parts of the state, it remained the same for the northern tier powerhouses.
No. 3 Wayne Valley (3-0) kept its undefeated mark intact with a 37-7 peeling of West Orange.
Running back Matt Dortch scored touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams. He ran back the opening kickoff, scored on a 1-yrd plunge, and capped his night with a 55-yard interception return. Dortch also rushed for 67 yards. Quarterback Derek Bligh threw for 200 yards and a touchdown.
Senior defensive end Chris Pantale had a huge night on defensive front, notching a pair of sacks and seven tackles. Mike Landberg also recorded eight tackles for the Wayne Valley.
No. 1 Don Bosco relied on its defense in a 36-0 shutout of Valley Forge Military Academy. The Ironmen defense blocked two punts, and returned a fumble recovery and an interception for scores that accounted for 23 of their points.
Bosco opened the season against three teams from the greater Philadelphia area, and clearly enjoyed its trip down the turnpike, outscoring them 126-7, collectively.
