Sectional Championship Preview: Atlantic City vs. Washington Township
The anticipation is electric as two of South Jersey’s fiercest competitors, the Atlantic City Vikings and the Washington Township Minutemen, prepare to collide in the Central Jersey, Group 5 sectional final. Both teams boast great season records, promising a showdown replete with drama and high stakes, reviving memories of last year's gritty contest.
Atlantic City, a team once marred by inconsistent seasons, has flipped the script this year under the guidance of their explosive quarterback, Khajuan Roseborough. Roseborough, a dynamic senior, has been a revelation, amassing over 2,000 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. His dual-threat capability is highlighted by an additional 663 rushing yards, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. The Vikings' offensive firepower doesn't stop with Roseborough; Rutgers commit Sah'nye Degraffenreidt a.k.a Ice Cup has tallied 772 receiving yards, emerging as a prime target in the aerial attack. This team averages over 30 points a game and have been showing their weapons in the last two playoff bouts.
Their defense, often overshadowed by the offense's pyrotechnics, deserves its share of the limelight. With 11 sacks, 10 INTs, and 8 forced fumbles, the Vikings have stifled their opponents, turning games into lopsided affairs. Jayden Hemphill and Cornell Davis are the team leaders in tackles and have came up big in holding opposing offenses this season as they lead the team in tackles.
On the other side, Washington Township has sculpted a season with a defense that’s as impenetrable as it gets, conceding 7 points in their last three games. Their recent 38-0 shutout against Hunterdon Central underscores their defensive prowess. Star players like corner back Dashawn Long and both brothers in Cole and Gabe Palaganas have helped this defense become one of the best in the state. Washington Twp hold opponents to an average of 13 points a game. This includes two shut-outs and four games with only one score.
The Minutemen's offense, while not as explosive as the Vikings', is efficiently managed by quarterback Cole Aquino, who has thrown for over 1,400 yards this season and running back Collin Beeter who is neary at the 1,000 yard mark. Both Long and Pratt have been go to weapons at the receiver position and will look to be a part of the Atlantic City defensive game plan. With over 70 points in the last two games, Twp. will look to continue their momentum in hopes of a title.
The pivotal matchup to watch will be Roseborough against the Minutemen's defense. Can the QB navigate the stifling defense that Washington Township prides itself on? Additionally, the battle in the trenches will be crucial, as both teams boast formidable lines that have been instrumental in their undefeated campaigns. Another great match up in the works will be a skill positions between DB, Dashawn Long and WR Ice Cup.
Given the historical context—Washington Township holding a slight edge in recent encounters—the Minutemen might be slight favorites. However, Atlantic City’s high-powered offense could very well tilt the scales in what promises to be a closely contested battle.