Deptford Passes Another Challenge, Stays Undefeated And Keeps No. 1 Seed

High School Football:
Deptford Passes Another Challenge, Stays Undefeated And Keeps No. 1 Seed
Saturday, November 8, 2003

By Vincent Lewis
SJSports Staff Writer

It was a game that both teams wanted badly to either maintain or move up a seed for the upcoming post season. Deptford and Overbrook had earned a berth into the playoffs, but both had their sights set on the top position of their bracket. With a win, the Rams from Overbrook had a chance to move closer to the number one seed in the South Jersey Group 2 bracket. The Spartans had other plans, as they would maintain their top seed placement in the Group 3 bracket with their 40-21 victory at home. Deptford’s second half explosion kept their regular season record clean of any loses winning eight games in a row.

The way this game started out, it didn’t look as if Overbrook wouldn’t have a chance against the division leading Spartans. Mike Green and DaJuane Collins were able to run through the lanes the offensive line provided setting up the game’s first touchdown early in the first quarter. Green finished off the scoring drive with a 3-yard run. That lead would expand by another touchdown, this time by the defense when Jeff Green picked off a pass and scored from 38 yards out.

Taking advantage of the opportunities given to them, Overbrook would capitalize on a botched onside kick. The Rams recovered the football and moved the ball into scoring position. Quarterback Frank Wilczynski lofted a pass towards the endzone that receiver Justin Stippick out leaped his defender for the 19-yard touchdown. Deptford would respond, matching their opponent’s second quarter touchdown with a Collins 10-yard touchdown run.

Again the Spartans were generous by giving the football right back to the Rams when they recovered a muff punt inside the five yard line. It wasn’t easy, but Overbrook needed all four downs to take advantage of their situation. Frank Hales pushed his way crossed the goal line from the one-yard line and Overbrook only trailed by six at halftime.

The second half was a different game for Deptford when the players decided to play to show Overbrook they were the top-seeded team. Their opening drive demonstrated their ability to move the ball down field, three times, scoring touchdowns. Mike Green’s one-yard run and Collin’s two-second half runs pushed their lead to 40-14. Overbrook would add a fourth quarter touchdown on a Thompson 2-yard run.

Photos by Art Redd