Folsom Goes For Career No. 200 Against Woodbury

Only six coaches in South Jersey history stand on the exclusive 200-win list.

Clyde Folsom can become No. 7 tonight.

The 22-year head coach, currently sitting on a 199-66-5 record between his time with the Eagles and his five years with Bishop Eustace, will doubtless reach the milestone this season—but getting it against Woodbury would be something of an exclamation point.

The Eagles were challenged by just two teams last season—Haddonfield, of course, but also by the Thundering Herd. Sure, the 28-0 score from that game last October makes it seem like another lopsided victory in a season of lopsided wins for West Deptford, but make no mistake: The shutout only came because of a pair of goal-line stands, and the Woodbury defense found ways to hurt the Eagles' offense.

Factor in another year of experience for Alabama-bound Woodbury quarterback Anthony Averett, who led the Herd—a likely Group 1 contender—to a 42-7 win over Collingswood last week, and No. 200 is far from a lock.

In their home opener, the Eagles have to be considered the favorites—and their top-10 rankings in South Jersey by the Courier-Post, Inquirer and Star-Ledger would seem to confirm that.

"We're excited about the game on Friday—it's a great opponent in a great environment," said Folsom, who has guided West Deptford to five Group 2 titles in the last decade, after the Eagles dismantled Lindenwold. "We'll be fine."

While he believes Woodbury is a stiff test this year, Eagles quarterback Alex Hilbmann said nothing much would change in the short week West Deptford has to prepare after manhandling Lindenwold, 56-8, in the delayed season opener Monday night.

“We’re going to prepare for them just like any other team, and I hope we come out on top,” he said.

South Jersey coaches with 200 wins (bold indicates active):

• Joe Frappolli (Florence): 265-115-5
• Paul Sacco (St. Joseph): 257-54-5
• Glenn Howard (Paulsboro): 233-44
• John Oberg of (Delsea): 230-67-16
• Skeets Irvine (Collingswood): 223-57-16
• Tom Brown (Paulsboro/Washington Township): 216-70-5