Meet the best of the best for the 2024 high school football season in the region.It's our All-South Jersey squad:All-South JerseyFirst Team OffenseQB: Jalen Parker, WinslowThe sophomore threw for a program-record 2,916 yards and 43 touchdowns, helping lead the Eagles to their first-ever state Group 4 championship. Parker became just the second sophomore in state history to throw for 40 or more TDs in a season. He recorded 200 or more passing yards in eight games this season and had multi-TD throws in 11 contests. Parker has delivered 64 touchdowns and 4,427 yards in just 21 career games.RB: Bryce Belinfanti, WoodstownThe 5-foot-8, 160-pound senior was one of the key players in the Wolverines’ success over the last two seasons. He ran 213 times for 1,334 yards and 12 touchdowns, playing on an injured ankle down the stretch of the season. He rushed for over 200 yards twice, including a season-high 225 yards in a playoff win over Shore Regional. Belinfanti finished his career with 3,495 yards and 37 touchdowns on the ground.RB: Kenny Smith, GlassboroDespite missing three games due to NJSIAA transfer rules, the 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior put together one of the most productive seasons in just 10 contests he played. Smith finished fifth in the state with 1,809 rushing yards on just 141 carries (12.8 ypc) and ran for 23 touchdowns. In his final scholastic game, he rushed for 402 yards and four touchdowns in the state Group 1 championship. Smith’s 5,383 career rushing yards is the second highest total in South Jersey history.RB: Julian Turney, St. AugustineOne of the toughest workhorses around, the Navy-bound Turney racked up 1,174 yards and 12 touchdowns, playing in one of the Garden State’s most competitive divisions. The 6-foot, 200-pound Turney scored a touchdown in 10 of 11 games this season. Against sectional champion Millville, he rushed 31 times for a season-high 192 yards and two TDs. Turney surpassed the 1,000-yard club in consecutive seasons and finished with 3,342 yards and 43 touchdowns for his career.WR: Jake Blum, MainlandThe 6-foot-1, 180-pound junior became one of the top playmakers in the region, setting a Mustangs’ single-season record with 15 touchdown catches. He finished with 52 receptions for 1,287 yards. He also rushed for a TD. On defense, Blum recorded 55 tackles, five for loss and five interceptions, including one in the state final. He also recorded 10 tackles in the season’s final game.WR: Lotzeir Brooks, MillvilleOne of the most electrifying players in South Jersey history, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Brooks left his legacy in the state record books with the most career receiving yards (4,615) and receiving touchdowns (67). His 506 career points are tops for a receiver in state history and his 223 career receptions ranks second. This season, the Alabama-bound Brooks finished with 54 catches for 1,260 yards and 16 touchdowns.WR: Sah’nye Graffenreidt, Atlantic CityAt 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, “Ice Cup” Degraffenreidt put the heat on opposing defenses with his size, strength and highlight-reel catching skills. The Rutgers commit caught 44 passes for 804 yards and 12 touchdowns to go along with two rushing TDs and three special teams scores. His 37 career touchdown receptions are an Atlantic County record.OL: Philip Hatfield, WinslowThe 6-foot-1, 290-pound junior was at the center of one of the most prolific offenses in the Garden State. The tough, physical center helped pave the way for Eagles running backs, who combined for over 1,600 yards on the ground. He also helped protect the area’s top quarterback, who threw for over 2,900 yards.OL: Marcus Offer, MillvilleThe 6-foot-1, 260-pound senior was a standout two-way lineman for the Thunderbolts, who went 44-8 over the last four seasons combined with three sectional titles and a state title in 2022. Offer provided protection for the passing game that produced over 2,300 yards and strength in the running game, which was just shy of the 2,000-yard markOL: John Prokapus, ShawneeOne of the key reasons Shawnee had so much success in the running game was the blocking ability by the 6-foot-3, 275-pound senior. Shawnee racked up for 2,430 yards on the ground. A team captain who excels in the classroom, Prokapus is headed to Yale.OL: Joe Tenaglia, St. AugustineThe 6-foot-2, 285-pound senior helped create the space for St. Augustine’s potent running game, which accumulated over 1,600 yards on the ground. A three-year starter for the Hermits and a standout student at the Prep.OL: Chris Therien, CherokeeThe 6-foot-6, 265-pound Therien was a rock on Cherokee’s offensive line, which helped pave the way for over 1,600 yards on the ground and provided protection for a passing game that topped 1,000 yards. A physical presence up front, Therien is headed to Villanova.AP: Sayvien Adams, Rancocas ValleyOne of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the Garden State, the 6-foot, 175-pound junior threw for 2,147 yards and rushed for 1,034 yards. He’s the fourth QB in South Jersey history to reach those marks. He was selected as the Gordon Masters Burlington County Club’s Offensive Most Valuable Player.AP: Nyqir Helton, Winslow“Boomer” delivered plenty of big plays for the state Group 4 champion Eagles. The 6-foot, 170-pound junior possesses highlight-reel, pass-catching abilities that resulted in 852 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Those skills shined on the defensive side too. He had four interceptions, including two in the state final with one returned for a pick-6.AP: Khajuan Roseborough, Atlantic CityA dynamic two-way threat at quarterback, “Peaky” Roseborough threw for 2,109 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for 803 yards and seven scores. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Roseborough was regarded as a top-notch defensive back that recorded four interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.AP: Amari Sabb, GlassboroThe junior became the first player in Glassboro history to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in a season. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound Sabb finished with 62 receptions for 1,116 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also rushed for five scores and returned a punt for another score. On defense, he’s a top cornerback who picked off three passes, raising his career interception total to eight.K: Matthew Kilic, Camden CatholicThe lefty-kicking Kilic nailed six of seven field goals this season, including four from beyond 40 yards with two from a career-best 47 yards. He converted 40 of 41 extra points and his strong leg also resulted in consistent touchbacks for the Irish.First Team DefenseDL: Darian Blachewicz, MillvilleThe Thunderbolts senior was a speed bump for most of South Jersey’s top offenses. Blachewicz, a Kent State signee, tallied five sacks, nine tackles for loss and 63 total tackles for 10-3 Millville.DL: Gabe Palaganas, Washington TownshipJust a sophomore, the Minuteman was impossible to ignore. With 9.5 sacks, including 4.5 against Lenape alone, Palaganas destroyed game plans. He added 63 total tackles.DL: Demari Simeon, St. AugustineThis junior run-stopper clogged the way for many opposing offenses. Simeon had 47 solo tackles, including nine in an upset win over Delbarton, 2.5 sacks and an interception, for good measure.DL: Brandon Simmons, GlassboroSouth Jersey’s premier game-wrecker, this junior was a terror in the midst of the state champions defense. With 20 sacks, 34 tackles for loss and 122 total tackles there was no bigger force on D.LB: Julian Giambuzzi, St. AugustineThe Hermits’ senior was the hammer that lurked behind the St. Augustine defensive line. Giambuzzi was at his best playing downhill, compiling 84 total tackles for the Non-Public A semifinalists.LB: Mourin Keshen, Paul VIThis senior patrolled the line of scrimmage like no other. The Monmouth University recruit notched double-digit tackles in all but one game this year, totaling 119 tackles in all, including four sacks.LB: Donovan Linthicum, OakcrestStill a junior, the repeat first-teamer closed out the season with nine games of double-digit tackles and 122 overall. Moonlighting on offense, Linthicum ran for 711 yards and 10 touchdowns.LB: Daniel Russo, DelseaThe Crusaders do-everything senior capped his career in spectacular fashion. The University of Pennsylvania recruit had 81 total tackles, threw for over 300 yards and ran for 988 yards with 13 TDs.DB: Dashawn Long, Washington TownshipThe senior had some of the stickiest fingers in South Jersey, snatching six interceptions out of the air. A gifted receiver, the Wagner signee had 48 catches for 467 yards and six TDs.DB: Cameron Miller, WinslowThe senior is arguably South Jersey’s best player, bar none. The University of Kentucky recruit had 28 total tackles in the rare occasion teams threw his way. On the other side of the ball, he caught 42 passes for 722 yards and 14 TDs.DB: NaKeem Powell, WinslowJust a junior, Powell had 51 total tackles, with four interceptions, including a pick-6 from the secondary. He added 470 yards and seven touchdowns as a receiver and 479 yards and seven more TDs as a rusher.DB: Xavier Sabb, GlassboroGet used to it. This sophomore is going to dominate South Jersey gridirons for two more years. Sabb posted seven interceptions with a p[ick-6 and 26 tackles, plus 48 catches for 843 yards and 12 TDs.AP: Shermar Collins, MillvilleStill a junior, Collins was the Thunderbolts do-anything weapon. With 98 total tackles which includes 35 tackles for loss, Collins added an interception, three forced fumbles and a pair of recovered fumbles.AP: Brody Deiter, Rancocas ValleyA true every snap player, this senior was a lockdown corner with a pick-6 and 53 tackles on the rare occasions the ball was thrown his direction. Deiter caught 76 passes for 1,337 yards and 16 touchdowns.AP: Amir Reason-Dallas, Timber CreekThe Chargers senior amassed and unbelievable 159 total tackles, which included four sacks and 22 tackles for loss. A force on the other side of the ball, he ran for 599 yards and caught 11 passes.AP: Marquis Taylor, WoodburyThe Thundering Herd’s senior leader turned defense into offense. Taylor snatched eight interceptions and didn’t stop until he had three pick-6s. He also caught 50 passes for 812 yards and a dozen TDs.P: Mason Forte, Holy SpiritA weapon with his foot, the Spartans senior put eight of his 24 punts inside the 20, compiling a 32.0-yard average. Forte added seven field goals with a long of 41 yards and made 34 of 35 extra points.Second Team OffenseQB: John Franchini, Mainland juniorRB: Demetris Williams, Clayton seniorRB: Randall Blount, Pennsauken juniorRB: Denzel Lee, Cherry Hill East seniorWR: Jamar Warthen, Seneca seniorWR: Tyree Roane, Paul VI juniorWR: Paris Pratt, Washington Twp. juniorOL: Blake Birbilis, Kingsway seniorOL: Jaylen Bishop, Paul VI seniorOL: Will Crisdon, Camden juniorOL: Dan DeFeo, Mainland seniorOL: Jayce Grays, Glassboro juniorAP: Aamir Dunbar, Cedar Creek juniorAP: Malik Redd, Camden seniorAP: Christian Braxton, Camden juniorAP: Isaiah Donaldson, Cherry Hill East seniorK: Nate Kashey, Mainland juniorSecond Team DefenseDL: David Ogusola, Rancocas Valley sophomoreDL: Ben Carter, Winslow sophomoreDL: Rob Carstarphen, Winslow juniorDL: Josh Leath, Moorestown seniorLB: Tommy DiPietro, Kingsway seniorLB: Jusuan Solomon, Woodbury seniorLB: Matt Bonczek, St. Augustine seniorLB: Nick Medina, Holy Spirit seniorDB: Talib Shakir, Camden junior DB: Frenchmon Bethea, Cedar Creek juniorDB: Bryce Clark, Camden Catholic sophomoreDB: Marcus Upton, Winslow seniorAP: Jaylen Robinson, Washington Township juniorAP: Emanuel Gerena, Holy Spirit juniorAP: Ausar Heard, Winslow sophomoreAP: Montre Wilson, Rancocas Valley seniorP: Cormac Flanagan, Haddonfield sophomoreTom McGurk is a regional sports editor for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and Burlington County Times, covering South Jersey sports for over 35 years. If you have a sports story that needs to be told, contact him by email tmcgurk@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @McGurkSports. Help support local journalism with a digital subscription.

Meet the best of the best for the 2024 high school football season in the region. It’s our All-South Jersey squad: All-South Jersey First Team Offense QB: Jalen Parker, Winslow The sophomore threw for a program-record 2,916 yards and 43 touchdowns, helping lead the Eagles to their first-ever state Group 4 championship. Parker became just […]

Winslow's Jalen Parker runs the ball during the state Group 4 semifinal football game between Winslow and Millville played at Winslow Township High School on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Winslow defeated Millville, 13-7.

Meet the best of the best for the 2024 high school football season in the region.

It’s our All-South Jersey squad:

All-South Jersey

First Team Offense

QB: Jalen Parker, Winslow

The sophomore threw for a program-record 2,916 yards and 43 touchdowns, helping lead the Eagles to their first-ever state Group 4 championship. Parker became just the second sophomore in state history to throw for 40 or more TDs in a season. He recorded 200 or more passing yards in eight games this season and had multi-TD throws in 11 contests. Parker has delivered 64 touchdowns and 4,427 yards in just 21 career games.

RB: Bryce Belinfanti, WoodstownThe 5-foot-8, 160-pound senior was one of the key players in the Wolverines’ success over the last two seasons. He ran 213 times for 1,334 yards and 12 touchdowns, playing on an injured ankle down the stretch of the season. He rushed for over 200 yards twice, including a season-high 225 yards in a playoff win over Shore Regional. Belinfanti finished his career with 3,495 yards and 37 touchdowns on the ground.RB: Kenny Smith, GlassboroDespite missing three games due to NJSIAA transfer rules, the 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior put together one of the most productive seasons in just 10 contests he played. Smith finished fifth in the state with 1,809 rushing yards on just 141 carries (12.8 ypc) and ran for 23 touchdowns. In his final scholastic game, he rushed for 402 yards and four touchdowns in the state Group 1 championship. Smith’s 5,383 career rushing yards is the second highest total in South Jersey history.RB: Julian Turney, St. AugustineOne of the toughest workhorses around, the Navy-bound Turney racked up 1,174 yards and 12 touchdowns, playing in one of the Garden State’s most competitive divisions. The 6-foot, 200-pound Turney scored a touchdown in 10 of 11 games this season. Against sectional champion Millville, he rushed 31 times for a season-high 192 yards and two TDs. Turney surpassed the 1,000-yard club in consecutive seasons and finished with 3,342 yards and 43 touchdowns for his career.WR: Jake Blum, MainlandThe 6-foot-1, 180-pound junior became one of the top playmakers in the region, setting a Mustangs’ single-season record with 15 touchdown catches. He finished with 52 receptions for 1,287 yards. He also rushed for a TD. On defense, Blum recorded 55 tackles, five for loss and five interceptions, including one in the state final. He also recorded 10 tackles in the season’s final game.WR: Lotzeir Brooks, MillvilleOne of the most electrifying players in South Jersey history, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Brooks left his legacy in the state record books with the most career receiving yards (4,615) and receiving touchdowns (67). His 506 career points are tops for a receiver in state history and his 223 career receptions ranks second. This season, the Alabama-bound Brooks finished with 54 catches for 1,260 yards and 16 touchdowns.WR: Sah’nye Graffenreidt, Atlantic CityAt 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, “Ice Cup” Degraffenreidt put the heat on opposing defenses with his size, strength and highlight-reel catching skills. The Rutgers commit caught 44 passes for 804 yards and 12 touchdowns to go along with two rushing TDs and three special teams scores. His 37 career touchdown receptions are an Atlantic County record.OL: Philip Hatfield, WinslowThe 6-foot-1, 290-pound junior was at the center of one of the most prolific offenses in the Garden State. The tough, physical center helped pave the way for Eagles running backs, who combined for over 1,600 yards on the ground. He also helped protect the area’s top quarterback, who threw for over 2,900 yards.OL: Marcus Offer, MillvilleThe 6-foot-1, 260-pound senior was a standout two-way lineman for the Thunderbolts, who went 44-8 over the last four seasons combined with three sectional titles and a state title in 2022. Offer provided protection for the passing game that produced over 2,300 yards and strength in the running game, which was just shy of the 2,000-yard markOL: John Prokapus, ShawneeOne of the key reasons Shawnee had so much success in the running game was the blocking ability by the 6-foot-3, 275-pound senior. Shawnee racked up for 2,430 yards on the ground. A team captain who excels in the classroom, Prokapus is headed to Yale.OL: Joe Tenaglia, St. AugustineThe 6-foot-2, 285-pound senior helped create the space for St. Augustine’s potent running game, which accumulated over 1,600 yards on the ground. A three-year starter for the Hermits and a standout student at the Prep.OL: Chris Therien, CherokeeThe 6-foot-6, 265-pound Therien was a rock on Cherokee’s offensive line, which helped pave the way for over 1,600 yards on the ground and provided protection for a passing game that topped 1,000 yards. A physical presence up front, Therien is headed to Villanova.AP: Sayvien Adams, Rancocas ValleyOne of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the Garden State, the 6-foot, 175-pound junior threw for 2,147 yards and rushed for 1,034 yards. He’s the fourth QB in South Jersey history to reach those marks. He was selected as the Gordon Masters Burlington County Club’s Offensive Most Valuable Player.AP: Nyqir Helton, Winslow“Boomer” delivered plenty of big plays for the state Group 4 champion Eagles. The 6-foot, 170-pound junior possesses highlight-reel, pass-catching abilities that resulted in 852 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Those skills shined on the defensive side too. He had four interceptions, including two in the state final with one returned for a pick-6.AP: Khajuan Roseborough, Atlantic CityA dynamic two-way threat at quarterback, “Peaky” Roseborough threw for 2,109 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for 803 yards and seven scores. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Roseborough was regarded as a top-notch defensive back that recorded four interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.AP: Amari Sabb, GlassboroThe junior became the first player in Glassboro history to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in a season. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound Sabb finished with 62 receptions for 1,116 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also rushed for five scores and returned a punt for another score. On defense, he’s a top cornerback who picked off three passes, raising his career interception total to eight.K: Matthew Kilic, Camden CatholicThe lefty-kicking Kilic nailed six of seven field goals this season, including four from beyond 40 yards with two from a career-best 47 yards. He converted 40 of 41 extra points and his strong leg also resulted in consistent touchbacks for the Irish.First Team DefenseDL: Darian Blachewicz, MillvilleThe Thunderbolts senior was a speed bump for most of South Jersey’s top offenses. Blachewicz, a Kent State signee, tallied five sacks, nine tackles for loss and 63 total tackles for 10-3 Millville.DL: Gabe Palaganas, Washington TownshipJust a sophomore, the Minuteman was impossible to ignore. With 9.5 sacks, including 4.5 against Lenape alone, Palaganas destroyed game plans. He added 63 total tackles.DL: Demari Simeon, St. AugustineThis junior run-stopper clogged the way for many opposing offenses. Simeon had 47 solo tackles, including nine in an upset win over Delbarton, 2.5 sacks and an interception, for good measure.DL: Brandon Simmons, GlassboroSouth Jersey’s premier game-wrecker, this junior was a terror in the midst of the state champions defense. With 20 sacks, 34 tackles for loss and 122 total tackles there was no bigger force on D.LB: Julian Giambuzzi, St. AugustineThe Hermits’ senior was the hammer that lurked behind the St. Augustine defensive line. Giambuzzi was at his best playing downhill, compiling 84 total tackles for the Non-Public A semifinalists.LB: Mourin Keshen, Paul VIThis senior patrolled the line of scrimmage like no other. The Monmouth University recruit notched double-digit tackles in all but one game this year, totaling 119 tackles in all, including four sacks.LB: Donovan Linthicum, OakcrestStill a junior, the repeat first-teamer closed out the season with nine games of double-digit tackles and 122 overall. Moonlighting on offense, Linthicum ran for 711 yards and 10 touchdowns.LB: Daniel Russo, DelseaThe Crusaders do-everything senior capped his career in spectacular fashion. The University of Pennsylvania recruit had 81 total tackles, threw for over 300 yards and ran for 988 yards with 13 TDs.DB: Dashawn Long, Washington TownshipThe senior had some of the stickiest fingers in South Jersey, snatching six interceptions out of the air. A gifted receiver, the Wagner signee had 48 catches for 467 yards and six TDs.DB: Cameron Miller, WinslowThe senior is arguably South Jersey’s best player, bar none. The University of Kentucky recruit had 28 total tackles in the rare occasion teams threw his way. On the other side of the ball, he caught 42 passes for 722 yards and 14 TDs.DB: NaKeem Powell, WinslowJust a junior, Powell had 51 total tackles, with four interceptions, including a pick-6 from the secondary. He added 470 yards and seven touchdowns as a receiver and 479 yards and seven more TDs as a rusher.DB: Xavier Sabb, GlassboroGet used to it. This sophomore is going to dominate South Jersey gridirons for two more years. Sabb posted seven interceptions with a p[ick-6 and 26 tackles, plus 48 catches for 843 yards and 12 TDs.AP: Shermar Collins, MillvilleStill a junior, Collins was the Thunderbolts do-anything weapon. With 98 total tackles which includes 35 tackles for loss, Collins added an interception, three forced fumbles and a pair of recovered fumbles.AP: Brody Deiter, Rancocas ValleyA true every snap player, this senior was a lockdown corner with a pick-6 and 53 tackles on the rare occasions the ball was thrown his direction. Deiter caught 76 passes for 1,337 yards and 16 touchdowns.AP: Amir Reason-Dallas, Timber CreekThe Chargers senior amassed and unbelievable 159 total tackles, which included four sacks and 22 tackles for loss. A force on the other side of the ball, he ran for 599 yards and caught 11 passes.AP: Marquis Taylor, WoodburyThe Thundering Herd’s senior leader turned defense into offense. Taylor snatched eight interceptions and didn’t stop until he had three pick-6s. He also caught 50 passes for 812 yards and a dozen TDs.P: Mason Forte, Holy SpiritA weapon with his foot, the Spartans senior put eight of his 24 punts inside the 20, compiling a 32.0-yard average. Forte added seven field goals with a long of 41 yards and made 34 of 35 extra points.Second Team OffenseQB: John Franchini, Mainland juniorRB: Demetris Williams, Clayton seniorRB: Randall Blount, Pennsauken juniorRB: Denzel Lee, Cherry Hill East seniorWR: Jamar Warthen, Seneca seniorWR: Tyree Roane, Paul VI juniorWR: Paris Pratt, Washington Twp. juniorOL: Blake Birbilis, Kingsway seniorOL: Jaylen Bishop, Paul VI seniorOL: Will Crisdon, Camden juniorOL: Dan DeFeo, Mainland seniorOL: Jayce Grays, Glassboro juniorAP: Aamir Dunbar, Cedar Creek juniorAP: Malik Redd, Camden seniorAP: Christian Braxton, Camden juniorAP: Isaiah Donaldson, Cherry Hill East seniorK: Nate Kashey, Mainland juniorSecond Team DefenseDL: David Ogusola, Rancocas Valley sophomoreDL: Ben Carter, Winslow sophomoreDL: Rob Carstarphen, Winslow juniorDL: Josh Leath, Moorestown seniorLB: Tommy DiPietro, Kingsway seniorLB: Jusuan Solomon, Woodbury seniorLB: Matt Bonczek, St. Augustine seniorLB: Nick Medina, Holy Spirit seniorDB: Talib Shakir, Camden junior DB: Frenchmon Bethea, Cedar Creek juniorDB: Bryce Clark, Camden Catholic sophomoreDB: Marcus Upton, Winslow seniorAP: Jaylen Robinson, Washington Township juniorAP: Emanuel Gerena, Holy Spirit juniorAP: Ausar Heard, Winslow sophomoreAP: Montre Wilson, Rancocas Valley seniorP: Cormac Flanagan, Haddonfield sophomoreTom McGurk is a regional sports editor for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and Burlington County Times, covering South Jersey sports for over 35 years. If you have a sports story that needs to be told, contact him by email tmcgurk@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @McGurkSports. Help support local journalism with a digital subscription.