S.J. Group 1 preview

Salem (8-3) vs. Paulsboro (9-2)

Noon, Saturday, at Rowan.

Coaches: Salem, Dennis Thomas, 13-9, in second season; Paulsboro, Glenn Howard, 255-53, in 28th season.

Previous titles: Salem, one (1983); Paulsboro, 16 (1979, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006).

Salem breakdown: The Rams have won six in a row. They rallied from two-touchdown deficits to beat Penns Grove in the playoff opener and Woodstown in their Thanksgiving Day game.

Salem players to watch: Senior Dione Alston has 1,129 rushing yards and

12 touchdowns. Junior Shareef Jefferies has

1,112 passing yards and

14 touchdowns. Junior outside linebacker Daiquan Blake has 13 sacks.

Paulsboro breakdown: The Red Raiders have won four in a row. They rallied from deficits of 17-0 and 27-12 to beat rival

West Deptford, a South Jersey Group 2 finalist,

last Friday night.

Paulsboro players to watch: Junior Carlton Aiken has flourished in the Red Raiders' new no-huddle, spread offense, passing for 1,805 yards and 18 TDs. Senior all-purpose player De'Shaun Burgess has run for eight touchdowns and caught seven touchdown passes. Senior wide receiver Theo Holloway has 32 catches for 493 yards and six touchdowns.

Fast fact: Paulsboro and Salem have never met in a championship game.

Pick: Paulsboro, 26-22.

- Phil Anastasia

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