Nelson, Winslow battle through and keep SJ title streak alive at Shawnee

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MEDFORD — It was only fitting that more than one Winslow player had to make his way to Friday night's team photo on crutches, but made it there nonetheless. 

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As is often the case with Winslow, that team photo also included a big trophy. 

The Eagles have overcome injuries among other obstacles all season, and Friday night's NJSIAA South Jersey Group 4 Final would be no different. 

"We've been facing adversity since ... even before the season started," Eagles' running back Jayson Nelson said. "Adversity's nothing new to us."

Nelson was one of the Eagles to step into, and excel in, a bigger role Friday night. His fourth-quarter touchdown helped to power Winslow to a 26-23 victory over Shawnee, as the Eagles claimed their fourth consecutive sectional crown. 

"It feels great. I wasn't really part of the one last year so this is a blessing," Nelson said.

The junior's bullish running style helped keep second-seeded Winslow's attack moving forward when it mattered most. 

Early on, Ka'ron Ceaser dashed in from 10 yards out and Trey Alexander ran in for the two-point conversion to make it 8-0 Winslow (8-3). Ceaser would leave the game with an injury and Alexander was also limited. 

Make room for Nelson, which is exactly what his offensive line did. The junior finished with 87 yards on 16 carries, including his 5-yard burst in the fourth that gave the Eagles a 20-14 lead. 

"That just comes from my guys up front," Nelson said. "I have plenty of belief in those guys. They work their tails off."

Alexander would push in from two yards out to give Winslow a 26-21 lead with 4:02 to play. 

Of Winslow's 35 running plays, Nelson carried the ball on almost half of them. 

He was one of Winslow's men of the hour. 

"We had endless people stepping up and making plays in crunch time," Winslow head coach Jamal White said. 

After its second consecutive state title last year, Winslow lost quarterback Jalen Parker (transferred to Washington Township) and coach Bill Belton (St. Augustine Prep). 

But not much else has changed. 

"These guys, they love ball, they love winning, and they have great things inside them," White said. 

Nelson added, "Winslow's pretty much known for winning, so there's no surprise there."

Game Balls

Quarterback Javon Thompson made several big throws for Winslow, completing 17-of-24 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown. He threw a 14-yard strike to Andrew Kratee on the final play of the first half to deadlock things at 14 apiece. 

Kratee was Thompson's favorite target. He made six grabs for 85 yards, including that 14-yard TD. 

Cole Anderson had a monster game for Shawnee. The QB had two long sprints for touchdowns — a 72-yarder that brought Shawnee within 8-7 early, and a 43-yarder that provided a 14-8 advantage in the second quarter. Anderson's third touchdown was a 2-yarder, and it gave the Renegades a 21-20 edge with 6:57 left. Anderson put forth a valiant effort for the top-seeded Renegades, who finished their season 9-3. 

Play of the Game

It wasn't pretty, but it was effective. With Winslow facing a 4th-and-8 at its own 43 with 14 seconds left and both teams out of timeouts, the Eagles opted to have speedster Jayion Moss run back, back, back, all the way out of Winslow's end zone, to chew up time.

Shawnee was awarded the safety, but had just one second left. The Eagles' kick coverage swarmed on the ensuing free kick, wrapping things up. 

Up next

Winslow (8-3) will host Central Jersey champion Atlantic City (8-3) in the state semis next week, as the Eagles continue their march for a third straight state title. 

"Our guys have to stay focused," White said. "The guys will be amped up to come in and try to get back at those guys (after losing to them 36-30 on Sept. 25). We've got to stay focused and lock in, take care of the little things piece by piece, and come out with a victory."

Kev Hunter is a freelance reporter for the Courier-Post. He can be reached by email at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Nelson, Winslow battle through and keep SJ title streak alive at Shawnee

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