Schools
Big Day for Trio of Playoff Teams
Both soccer teams and the field squad will be in Group 2 playoff action today. Also, the NJSIAA made more changes to the playoff schedule.
Fans of West Deptford High School athletics will have plenty of options today when it comes to Eagles’ playoff teams. The boys’ soccer, girls’ soccer and field hockey teams will all be in action, today at 2 p.m.
The field hockey team will face a stiff test when the No. 2 Eagles host No.3 Camden Catholic in the Group 2 semifinals. The Irish (13-4), who have a rich history in the sport, reached this game by defeating Haddonfield, 5-0. They have won five of their last six games, with the lone loss coming against powerhouse Eastern. The winner will advance to the South Jersey final, where No. 1 Collingswood will likely be waiting.
The boys’ soccer team returns to the pitch looking to repeat its effort from Saturday’s thrilling 1-0 win over Haddonfield. The No. 8 Eagles travel to take on No. 5 Deptford. Both teams have been led by a stifling defense. The Spartans defeated Collingswood 2-0 in the first round and Buena, 3-0, in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, West Deptford has recorded six-straight shutouts, so something will have to give.
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The winner will advance to the South Jersey finals.
On the girls’ side, No. 4 West Deptford will take on No. 5 Middle Township (13-4-2). The Eagles cruised to a 7-0 win over Atlantic Tech in the first round. Sam Budd and Paige Paratore each had two goals, while Anna Kipp needed just two saves for the shutout.
With a victory, the Eagles would be on to the Group 2 semifinals, where a rematch with top-seeded Haddonfield could take place.
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NJSIAA UPDATE: With some areas around New Jersey still without power and some schools not back in session, the governing body pushed back the playoff deadlines for the second time in a week. Many of these deadlines will not immediately affect the local teams, but could if a West Deptford team advances to the state level. For soccer, Round 1 play-by dates are now Nov. 10 and Nov. 13 for the quarterfinals. State finals are scheduled for Dec. 1 (boys) and Dec. 2 (girls).
For field hockey, all first round games must be played by Saturday, while the Tournament of Champions has been canceled. That means that the field hockey season will end with the state finals for each group.
The postponement of the games will leave multi-sport athletes playing for schools that advance to the state finals in a tricky spot as it will overlap a portion of the winter season for several sports.
