By Tim Falls
Is it the Lawrence High School football team’s turn?
The Cardinals have battled back and forth with West Windsor-Plainsboro South over the past few seasons and open against the Pirates this year with a home game at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
”We’ve had some really great games against them,” said Lawrence head coach Rob Radice. “They win won, we win one, they win one, we win one. We’re hoping that trend continues and it’s our turn to win one.”
WW-P South snapped Lawrence’s undefeated streak last season. In 2007, the Pirates led the Colonial Valley Conference and advanced to the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV championship game before falling to Howell.
With several talented players returning for the Pirates, Lawrence has a challenge in its home opener.
”They have a real good running back and split end and a real good quarterback,” said Radice, “but we think we have some good people too. It’s going to be a battle.”
Back for Lawrence is senior quarterback Anthony Russ, who helped his team take several wins before suffering an injury last season.
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”It’s a real good rivalry between us and South,” said Radice. “We’re looking forward to the battle. It’s a home opener for us so we’re excited by that.”
Lawrence and South have a history battling for the Colonial Division title as well as the CVC championship, so this year’s opening game could set an early tone for the rest of the season.
”It’s hit or miss,” said Radice. “We’ve got to open with them, they’ve got to open with us. It’s one of those things where it’s a good game right off the bat. We’ve both got to play our best football in week one.”
Despite the pressures of Lawrence’s opening game, Radice said the Cardinals are ready to play.
”It’s time to play,” said Radice. “I think we’ve had enough practice. We’ve been out here for a month, so it’s definitely time to play.”
Lawrence has chosen the phrase “Believe in now” as the team motto for the season.
”I’m not worried about tomorrow, I’m worried about now,” said Radice. “I’m not worried about next week, I’m worried about what we’re doing right now and getting better each day.”
Lawrence’s team goal is constant improvement.
”We’re trying to get better each day,” said Radice. “That’s our big emphasis, to get better each day. If we do that, we’ll be a pretty good football team.”

