Shawnee and Camden Catholic: Top showdown

This will be one of the rare times Camden Catholic finds itself in an underdog role. It's certainly not a bad position to be in for the Irish.

"Shawnee is a great program and football team," Camden Catholic coach Rick Brown said. "It's a good measuring point where our program is."

It's also good for Shawnee, which was tied, 14-14, entering the fourth quarter of last week's 28-14 win over Timber Creek.

The winner will continue on a potential path to No. 1 in South Jersey, while the loser will face a difficult task.

Records.

Shawnee, of the Burlco/Olympic Liberty Division, is 5-0. The Renegades have defeated Cherokee, 14-9; Winslow Township, 49-7; Moorestown, 28-7; Triton, 39-13, and Timber Creek, 28-14.

Camden Catholic is leading the Burlco/Olympic National Division. The Irish have beaten Camden, 19-2; Delran, 42-14; Pemberton, 27-7; Holy Cross, 27-0; and Willingboro, 28-6.

Coaches.

Shawnee's Tim Gushue is in his 26th season with a record of 169-82-6. Brown is in his fourth year at Camden Catholic with a 24-12 mark.

Key injuries.

Shawnee junior wide receiver Steven Hodge suffered a broken collarbone in the Timber Creek game and is out. Hodge rotated at wide receiver, where he had four receptions for 53 yards. He also had been a key special-teams player.

Camden Catholic senior center Tom O'Neill, a third-year starter, suffered a knee injury on the second play of the game last week against Willingboro. Brown said he is doubtful.

Personnel.

Shawnee is led by player-of-the-year candidate Chris LaPierre, a senior running back/defensive back/punter. LaPierre has rushed for 687 yards and 15 touchdowns on 100 carries. Senior Kody Smith is a third-year starter at quarterback. He has completed 31 of 52 passes for 529 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. Smith, who also has one rushing touchdown, is mobile and gives the Renegades a running and passing threat. Senior wide receiver Ryan Welsey has 10 receptions for 239 yards and one touchdown. Leading the defense is senior Justin Miller, among the top linebackers in South Jersey.

Camden Catholic junior Joe Brennan is emerging as one of South Jersey's best quarterbacks. He has completed 72 of 117 passes for 1,156 yards, 15 touchdowns and four interceptions. Temple-bound receiver Jerry Watters has 21 receptions for 428 yards and five touchdowns. Running back Jahseer Bronson has rushed for 514 yards and four touchdowns on 69 carries.

"Brennan does a really good job managing things, and Watters, with his big-play ability, is a real concern, and the running back [Bronson] is very talented," Gushue said.

Junior Sherard Cadogan, who is a key threat at tight end, is also among the top defensive players for Camden Catholic at outside linebacker or defensive end. Senior linebacker Ed Tretina has been a tackling machine for the Irish. Senior Korey Alston, one of the top defensive backs in South Jersey, saw his first action of the season last week, getting in on 17 plays. Alston, who was out after arthroscopic knee surgery during the preseason, moved well against Willingboro and could be a much bigger factor against Shawnee.

Keys to the game.

Shawnee must put heat on Brennan. If Brennan is allowed to stand in the pocket and have time, he has the ability to pick any team apart. Camden Catholic obviously must stop Shawnee's ground game. Teams have been playing eight and nine in the box in an attempt to slow LaPierre down. If that happens, Smith will be counted on to make big plays.

Final thoughts.

Shawnee has played a much more difficult schedule than Camden Catholic. That could come in to play tonight.

Pick:

Shawnee 28, Camden Catholic 14.