High-seeded Hammonton was in a position to survive an early barrage from fourth-seeded Shawnee and defeat its playoff nemesis 27-16 within the semifinals of the NJSIAA/Rothman Orthopaedics South Jersey, Group 4 playoffs in Hammonton. Previous to the win, Hammonton was 0-3 in opposition to Shawnee within the postseason since 2017.
Shawnee (6-5) was in a position to strike first because of a 67-yard go from Joe Papa to Ethan Kraus on the second play from scrimmage resulting in a five-yard rating from Jimmy Potter. The Renegades added a area purpose on the subsequent possession to take a 10-0 benefit.
Nevertheless, Hammonton (9-2) was in a position to maintain its composure and rely on working again Kenny Smith who completed the sport with 25 carries for 184 yards and three touchdowns.
Smith bought the Blue Devils on the board with a two-yard landing run with 6:19 left within the first quarter which was arrange by a 53-yard kickoff return from the sophomore. Smith additionally had a 66-yard achieve on the subsequent possession, establishing a 26-yard area purpose from Drew Fields to tie the sport with 2:34 left within the first.
From that time on, Hammonton managed the sport as Smith added one other two-yard landing with 5:06 left within the third to place his workforce up 24-16. Senior quarterback Billy Method accomplished a important 23-yard, third-down go to John Camargo to maintain the drive alive.
The Blue Devils’ protection additionally got here up huge because the Renegades drove right down to the Hammonton seven-yard line later within the third however have been lower brief as Camargo hit a receiver and knocked the ball free, permitting Elijah Church to get well the fumble.
Fields was in a position to make it a two-score recreation with a 36-yard area purpose with 2:32 left within the recreation.
Kraus completed with seven passes for 206 yards.
Hammonton will look to seize its sixth sectional title when it faces second-seeded Millville within the finals subsequent Saturday at 6 p.m.
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Craig Epstein could also be reached at [email protected]. Observe him on Twitter @CraigEpstein18.
