WDHS Football Forecast: Heading To Paulsboro

The football team takes the field Saturday with two things on its mind: Getting a win and leaving healthy.

The Eagles travel to Paulsboro to take on the Red Raiders, Saturday at 11 a.m. in its final tune-up before its rematch with Haddonfield for the South Jersey, Group 2 title next weekend.

Ending the regular season with a win is certainly in the forefront for the Eagles, but you can count on next week’s showdown being on the minds of the players and coaches.

Below is a look at some of the key players and situations to keep an eye on Saturday.

WEST DEPTFORD AT PAULSBORO, Saturday, 11 a.m.

West Deptford (9-1)

Last game: Defeated Barnegat, 49-10 in the Group 2 semifinals.

Last game against Paulsboro: Won, 56-0. Vaughn Scott scored three times, including an opening 98-yard kickoff return, to lead the Eagles to a runaway win against the shorthanded Raiders.

Key Player: Phil Fisher. There are very few parts of the game Fisher doesn’t affect. He is used in the running game, is a consistent blocker, a key contributor on special teams coverage, and is a sure tackler. Look for his name to be called often Saturday.

Three keys to the game:

–Continue sharing the wealth. The Eagles’ coaching staff has done a great job of spreading the ball around all season. Saturday represents the perfect opportunity to continue that philosophy, getting five or six running backs carries. That will keep everyone sharp heading into next week.

–Let Hannan air a few out. Quarterback Jake Hannan hasn’t had to throw often this season, thanks to a dominant running game. However, he may be called on to make a big play in next week’s final. Letting him drop back and pass more than four or five times would be a good way to prepare for that scenario.

–Get out of it healthy. Count this as the most important key of all. The Eagles will be playing for a South Jersey title in a week, and they want to play for that title without being dinged up.

Paulsboro (7-2)

Last game: Lost to Penns Grove, 36-8, in the Group 1 semifinals.

Last game against West Deptford: Lost, 56-0. The Raiders could not establish any type of running game, rushing for -22 yards on 22 carries.

Key player: Defensive end Tre’ Tarpley. A key piece of the Paulsboro defense, Tarpley has made it tough on opposing quarterbacks, collecting seven sacks this season. In a loss to Haddonfield, Tarpley was a bright spot with 12 tackles.

Three keys to the game:

–Get Turner going. Dimere Turner will get the lion's share of the work Saturday. On the season, Turner has carried the ball 112 times for 855 yards and 16 touchdowns. For the Raiders to stay in this game, ball control will be key, and Turner has the talent to move the chains.

–Not turning the ball over. Quarterback Zack Funk has not been sound with the football this year, throwing seven interceptions to just two touchdowns. Paulsboro may have to put the ball in the air if it falls behind, and if that happens, Funk must avoid giving the ball right back to the Eagles.

–Gang tackle. One player will not stop Gerald Towns, you can be assured of that. Two people might not stop him, either. If the Raiders want to have any hope of slowing the powerful sophomore, they will need to swarm him right away and keep him from getting his motor started.