West Takes on Camden Catholic Football [Photos]

In a game as close to must-win as they come for both sides, a goal-line charge that fell just shy might've been a microcosm of Cherry Hill West's football season.

Down nine points to Camden Catholic in the third quarter, the Lions had four chances from the one-yard line, but a sure touchdown pass went broken up and a fourth-down rumble went backwards—and just like that, whatever momentum the Lions had evaporated, on the way to a 22-6 loss.

Tyrone Williams scored the only touchdown for the Lions, while Camden Catholic got two from Benny Walls on screen passes from Matt Goldner, and a third on a run by Malik Johnson.

It was the third straight defeat for the Lions—and not coincidentally, the third straight game without star quarterback/defensive back Rodney Williams, whose high school football career is over—and puts West in a precarious situation as far as the playoffs are concerned.

Going into Friday night, West, sitting eighth in the power points standings, controlled its own destiny—a win would've meant 17 power points and an almost-assured spot in the South Jersey, Group 4 playoffs.

Now, the Lions will have to wait and watch three games Saturday—pending the outcome of Southern-Toms River East, Mainland-St. Joseph's and Woodrow Wilson-Deptford, West could still get in, thanks to a loss by Clearview Friday night.

Camden Catholic, meanwhile, locked up a top-four seed in the Non-Public, Group 2 tournament with the victory, meaning the Irish will host at least one playoff game.