Camden Catholic Football Upsets Pope John in Playoffs

Temple-bound senior Jarred Alwan scored one a one-yard plunge with just under four minutes left, one of four touchdowns the fullback scored on the day, and the Camden Catholic defense forced a late turnover to upset No. 3 seed Pope John, 28-21, in the first round of the Non-Public Group 3 playoffs in Sparta Saturday.

The 100-mile road trip didn't phase the Irish, who stood toe-to-toe with the Lions in the first half, falling behind only once all game on Noah Brown's kickoff return for a score.

Camden Catholic tied it in the second quarter thanks to Alwan, who had 240 yards rushing on the day. After his first score, the Irish got another six-yard TD from Alwan to take their first lead of the game.

After Pope John scored on a 25-yard pass from Sonny Abramson to Austin Bailey to tie it up before halftime, the Irish went right back to the ground game, getting another Alwan touchdown in the third quarter. The Lions were able to answer with another Abramson TD pass, an eight-yarder to Ryan Izzo, before Alwan scored the decisive touchdown in the fourth.

Pope John still had a chance following that score, and was threatening after a drive into Camden Catholic territory, but the Irish defense stripped Abramson with 1:35 left in the game to put it on ice.

Camden Catholic, now 7-2, advances to play second-seeded Delbarton in the group semifinals on Dec. 1.

Check out Cherry Hill Patch's other coverage of Camden Catholic football:

• Photos: Camden Catholic Football Defeats Cherry Hill West
• Camden Catholic Linebacker Jarred Alwan Signs with Temple
• West Football Takes Step Back in Loss to Irish