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Football preview: Moorestown

Moorestown was a surprising 7-3 last season.

The Quakers won't surprise anybody this season.

"We know people are going to be coming after us," Moorestown coach Russ Horton said. "We know we have to work harder to be prepared."

Moorestown might be the most explosive offensive team in South Jersey. The key for the Quakers will be the work of a rebuilt offensive line as well as the sturdiness of a defense that broke down a few times last season.

Leading the way is senior quarterback Andrew Lisa, who passed for 2,240 yards and 24 TDs last season. But Lisa is not even a lock to start as Horton insists that junior Drew Pederson, the son of Eagles assistant coach Doug Pederson, is a strong contender for the job.

Horton doesn't want to platoon but wants to get both quarterbacks some snaps. He said the one who isn't playing QB might see some time at WR.

Whoever is playing QB will have plenty of weapons. The Quakers feature playmakers at the skill positions such as Zac Frantz, Delaney Wallace, Sidney Ruffin and Anthony Bonett, a junior who might be on the brink of a break-out season.

Look for former OT Alex Melekos to move to TE.  LB Tim Mahaney leads a defense that has some decent size up front, but lacks depth.

"We need to develop some depth," Horton said. "With our style (spread, no-huddle on offense) we play fast and so we have kids who got some snaps last year."

Senior Drew D'Arvino leads a rebuilt OL that will be charged with protecting those talented quarterbacks and creating time and space for those playmakers.

Moorestown looks like a Top 5 team, at least in the preseason rankings. The Quakers open at WJFL Constitution rival Paul VI, a great opening-night clash, and also will be challenged by Camden Catholic in the division.

In South Jersey Group 3, Moorestown looms as a strong contender for the sectional title, along with Delsea, Oakcrest (down from Group 4) and perhaps Hammonton, Timber Creek, Mainland, Winslow Township, Woodrow Wilson and defending champion Lacey Township.

-- Phil Anastasia