Preview of other S.J. teams in the WJFL

The great thing about the WJFL Patriot Division is the proximity: These teams are close in geographic distance, and close in competitive distance, too.

Willingboro won the title last season with a 4-0 record, and could finish last this season. Or first again.

Cinnaminson was last at 0-4 last season, and could finish first this season. Or last again.

"Any team can beat any other on any given day," Cinnaminson coach Mario Patrizi said.

In the Freedom Division, Palmyra should challenge behind wide receiver/defensive back Nick Cannizaro, while Rancocas Valley looms as a favorite in the Capitol with Temple recruit Ray Korang and Minnesota recruit Dom Twitty up front and DeSean Jones in the backfield.

Florence will look to challenge in the Liberty Division with a talented group of skill-position players led by Jordan Stockton and D'Andre Davis.

In the Patriot, Burlington Township is the slight favorite in a five-team race. The Falcons have a top lineman in North Carolina recruit John Ferranto, an experienced quarterback in Brian Verbitski, and top players such as junior running back Mike Thomas and senior linebacker Brandon Roche.

Willingboro will be in the mix with wide receiver Malcolm Culmer, a big-play man who has committed to Maryland. Running back Tasai Clark scored six touchdowns in limited action in 2010, and could be poised for a breakout season.

Cinnaminson has a veteran quarterback in Dom Elly and a force up front in two-way lineman Sam Ekwonike, a 310-pound athlete. The Pirates also are counting on tight end Xavier Wilson, running back/linebacker Tom Donnelly, and wide receiver/defensive back Chris Kirby.

Holy Cross finished second in the division last season, losing to Willingboro by a point in a wild game on Thanksgiving weekend. The Lancers lost a lot to graduation but return a top two-way player in running back/linebacker Zach Beeman as well as Mike Kane and Conor Dempster.

Don't count out Delran. Like every other team in this division, the Bears could finish anywhere from first to last.

Delran has a top lineman in Nick Zataveski and an accomplished two-way back in Jordan Allie.