Get ready for the 2026 South, Central Group 3 football playoffs

Get ready for the upcoming football playoffs in South and Central sections of Group 3. Vote for your predictions on which teams will win each sectional title. Here's a preview: South Jersey Group 3 Bracket features Ewing vs Seneca on Friday at 7 p.m., Delran vs Timber Creek at 6 p.m., Triton vs Pinelands at 6 p.m., and Red Bank vs Oakcrest at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Defending champion Cedar Creek is the favorite, followed by Seneca. Timber Creek and Triton are to watch, as they are both Black Horse Pike School district rivals with impressive recent performances. Seneca boasts an all-time offensive yardage leader in state history in senior quarterback Anthony Tirico. Oakcrest has started the season with four straight wins but has struggled recently.

Pinelands has held opponents to fewer than seven points in most of their games and has five straight shutouts earlier in the season. Timber Creek has scored 289 points over their seven-game winning streak. Delran has surrendered 69 combined points over their last two games and has strong rushing production from their running backs.

Triton has allowed just 13 points over a three-game winning streak and has returned four touchdowns for touchdowns. Red Bank has a three-game winning streak and a three-game losing streak on the season. Ewing has lost two of its last three games, including a close loss to Delran.

In the Central Jersey Group 3 Bracket, Deptford vs Hopewell Valley is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m., Brick Township vs Burlington Township at 6 p.m., Pleasantville at Ocean City at 6 p.m., and Barnegat vs Camden at 6 p.m. Hopewell Valley is the defending champion, and Camden is predicted to be the favorite, having won the state Group 2 title.

Deptford is also predicted to be an interesting upset choice. Deptford has posted four straight shutouts and outscored opponents 177-19 over the last five weeks. Hopewell Valley’s only loss was to Seneca. Hopewell Valley's senior Ethan Valenza has rushed for 1,529 yards and 18 touchdowns. Camden has rushed for over 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns this season.

Ocean City has lost two of their last three games and has struggled recently. Burlington Township has faced injuries and has lost four of their last five games. Brick Township has held opponents to 14-or-fewer points in five of their nine games. Pleasantville hasn't scored more than 22 points in any of their nine games. Barnegat has a strong rusher in junior Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has rushed for 622 yards and nine touchdowns.

Deptford's defense has posted 32 sacks and 18 takeaways, including 12 interceptions. Prediction for the Central Jersey Group 3 Bracket: Camden over Hopewell Valley.