It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Burlington County Historical Society in Burlington, NJ gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Burlington, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am a current client of this provider My brother is getting service from Always Best”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis”
“Very easy to work with and set up care plan for my mother.”
“The service is excellent. The staff is really great. I love Working with Always Best”
“Fabulous team to work with. The best care senior service to work with. Especially Kendra,”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care has provided 24 / 7”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis”
“Fabulous team to work with. The Best of the Best...... We know that when we”
“They are phenomenal!! Took great care of my not so easy Mom. They have ur”
“Great team to work with!!”
“I would like to recommend Always Best Care Senior Services of Greater South Jersey.. a”
“I am a current client of this provider My brother is getting service from Always Best Care of Jersey South. So far, they've been good and responsive. The way that we have the care set up, they come two hours in the morning and two hours at night. There aren't many care providers that do the split hours, but it's necessary for our situation and they've done that. The cost is comparable, they all seem to be charging the same amount. In the three weeks, there were two times that the provider came at the last minute. There was a car accident, it happened twice, and in both situations, they found a replacement to come out.”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”
“Very easy to work with and set up care plan for my mother.”
“The service is excellent. The staff is really great. I love Working with Always Best Care because they take care of their employees. They work with you to see what hours you could work. When ever I have a emergency and I can not make it they find coverage. They give cases that are most of the time good with you. They work around my schedule. I love Working with ABC.”
“Fabulous team to work with. The best care senior service to work with. Especially Kendra, she is always available and always willing to help anyway she can and will go out of her way to make the patient and family’s experience 100x better. When our families are looking for additional care I know I can count on Always Best Care, to always give their very best. Big thank you to Kendra, Kerry and staff.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care has provided 24 / 7 Live in care for my mother. They have taken very good care of my mother and I look forward to them continuing my mother’s care.”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”
“Fabulous team to work with. The Best of the Best...... We know that when we refer our families to this "Wonderful" Company that they will take exceptional care of our clients.... Thank you Tammi, Kerri, Kendra and staff..”
“They are phenomenal!! Took great care of my not so easy Mom. They have ur back!!”
“Great team to work with!!”
“I would like to recommend Always Best Care Senior Services of Greater South Jersey.. a Veteran and Woman owned Company.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Green Acres Park in Burlington, NJ with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Hen of the Wood - Burlington or visit Grant House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Burlington, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Burlington, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Burlington, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
A house in Mount Laurel that sold for $1.1 million tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Burlington County in the past week.During the past week, a total of 113 residential real estate sales were registered in the county, with an average price of $467,564. The average price per square foot was $226.The prices in the list below include real estate sales where the title was recorded during the week of Oct. 27 even if the property may have been sold earlier.10. $715K, single-family residence ...
A house in Mount Laurel that sold for $1.1 million tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Burlington County in the past week.
During the past week, a total of 113 residential real estate sales were registered in the county, with an average price of $467,564. The average price per square foot was $226.
The prices in the list below include real estate sales where the title was recorded during the week of Oct. 27 even if the property may have been sold earlier.
A 3,486-square-foot single-family house at 194 Harrison Road in Chesterfield has been sold. The price was $715,000, $205 per square foot. The house was built in 1988. The deal was finalized on Oct. 9.
The single-family home at 66 Bailly Drive in Burlington has new owners. The price was $715,000. The house was built in 1999 and has a living area of 2,989 square feet. The price per square foot was $239. The deal was finalized on Oct. 9.
A single-family house at 209 Union Mill Road in Mount Laurel, has been sold. The price was $730,000. The house was built in 1999 and has a living area of 2,394 square feet. The price per square foot was $305. The deal was finalized on Oct. 9.
The property at 2 Tory Lane in Marlton has new owners. The price was $800,000. The single-family residence was built in 1990 and has a living area of 2,863 square feet. The price per square foot was $279. The deal was finalized on Oct. 14.
A 3,550-square-foot single-family residence at 14 E. Centennial Drive in Medford, has been sold. The total purchase price was $805,000, $227 per square foot. The house was built in 1974. The deal was finalized on Oct. 9.
A sale has been finalized for a single-family house at 431 Liberty Lane in Marlton. The price was $870,000. The house was built in 1994 and the living area totals 3,212 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $271. The deal was finalized on Oct. 6.
The sale of the single-family house at 13 Byron Drive in Mount Laurel has been finalized. The price was $900,000. It was built in 1990 and has a living area of 3,508 square feet. The price per square foot was $257. The deal was finalized on Oct. 10.
A 2,523-square-foot single-family home at 32 Sunset Trail in Medford has been sold. The price was $900,000, $357 per square foot. The house was built in 1946. The deal was finalized on Oct. 6.
A 4,886-square-foot single-family house at 54 Jasmine Road in Lumberton, has been sold. The total purchase price was $1,030,000, $211 per square foot. The house was built in 2003. The deal was finalized on Oct. 9.
A detached house at 1 Brookwood Road in Mount Laurel, has been sold. The price was $1,125,000. The house was built in 1998 and has a living area of 3,492 square feet. The price per square foot was $322. The deal was finalized on Oct. 3.
Plans for a 13-acre site at 100 Spectrum Way in Burlington Township call for 141 apartments across four three-story buildings. — Rendering courtesy: TFE PropertiesBy Joshua BurdTFE Properties has unveiled plans to build more than 140 luxury apartments in Burlington Township after acquiring 13 acres roughly a mile from Interstate 295.The firm said the property, Spectrum Way, will include four buildings at the corner of Fountain Avenue and the Burlington Bypass that will offer a mix of one-, two- and three...
By Joshua Burd
TFE Properties has unveiled plans to build more than 140 luxury apartments in Burlington Township after acquiring 13 acres roughly a mile from Interstate 295.
The firm said the property, Spectrum Way, will include four buildings at the corner of Fountain Avenue and the Burlington Bypass that will offer a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes. It expects to begin construction within the next few months, with completion slated for late 2026.
The Kislak Co. Inc. Managing Director Matt Weilheimer brokered the sale at 100 Spectrum Way, which was approved for 141 units, including 29 that will be reserved as affordable housing.
“We’re very excited to bring Spectrum Way to Burlington Township,” said Scott Tajfel, director of residential operations for TFE Properties. “It’s the perfect location for commuters, new families and for anyone who wants to be in the center of it all. Prospective tenants will love the convenient location, spacious floor plans, modern finishes and community setting that we will be offering, as well as the option to have a private garage.”
In a news release, TFE noted that Spectrum Way will be close to three Burlington Township schools and have easy access to I-295, Route 130 and the New Jersey Turnpike. Residents will enjoy upscale appliances and finishes in units ranging from 800 to 1,419 square feet, along with amenities such as a fully equipped fitness center, a kids’ play area, an outdoor community patio and an on-site, fenced-in dog park.
“TFE is excited to expand its multifamily portfolio, with its first apartment complex in Burlington County,” said Carey Tajfel, president of East Windsor-based TFE. “The demographic moving to this area expects an elevated level of comfort and convenience with high-tech features. We’re proud to meet those high standards in this community. We anticipate a busy preleasing period.”
Renters will also have easy access to nearby shopping, dining and entertainment including downtown Burlington’s Historic District, Burlington Riverfront Promenade, Burlington Towne Center, Sylvan Lake Park and the Delaware River Heritage Trail, the news release said.
Prospective homebuyers considering the real estate market had a range of options in various neighborhoods throughout the region between Oct. 27 and Nov. 2. In this article, we outline recent property sales in Burlington County, all of which featured homes under $300,000.Here, we provide a breakdown of the top 10 properties in each area, selected based on their proximity to the desired price range and the most spacious living areas available.Please note that the properties in the list below are for real estate sales where the ti...
Prospective homebuyers considering the real estate market had a range of options in various neighborhoods throughout the region between Oct. 27 and Nov. 2. In this article, we outline recent property sales in Burlington County, all of which featured homes under $300,000.
Here, we provide a breakdown of the top 10 properties in each area, selected based on their proximity to the desired price range and the most spacious living areas available.
Please note that the properties in the list below are for real estate sales where the title was recorded during the week of Oct. 27, even if the property may have been sold earlier.
This single-family home, underwent a change of ownership in October. At 111 Genesee Lane, the home spans 1,267 square feet and was sold for $300,000, or $237 per square foot. The property sits on a lot measuring 6,499 square feet, and it was built in 1965. The deal was finalized on Oct. 10.
For a price tag of $299,000 ($240 per square foot), the single-family house, built in 1955 and at 920 Moorland Ave. changed hands in October. The home spans 1,248 square feet of living area. The property comprises a 4,996-square-foot lot. The deal was finalized on Oct. 4.
At $298,000 ($186 per square foot), the detached house at 233 Rutgers Ave. offered another opportunity below the targeted price range when it changed hands in October. This property, built in 1970, provides 1,606 square feet of living space, and sits on a 9,644-square-foot lot. The deal was finalized on Oct. 14.
Priced at $295,000 (equivalent to $278 per square foot), this single-family residence, constructed in 1975 and situated at 17 Marlborough Drive, was sold in October. The home spans 1,061 square feet of living area. The property comprises a 5,863-square-foot lot. The deal was finalized on Oct. 3.
Situated at 303 Sweetwater Drive, this condominium, was sold in October for a price of $287,500, translating to $224 per square foot. The property was constructed in 1989 and offers a living area of 1,282 square feet. The deal was finalized on Oct. 3.
In October, a single-family home at 416 Flanders Road, changed ownership. The property, covering 1,638 square feet, was built in 1953 and was sold for $286,500, which calculates to $175 per square foot. The lot size encompasses 5,397 square feet. The deal was finalized on Oct. 3.
This single-family residence, underwent a change of ownership in October. On Forest Lake Drive, the home, built in 1989, was sold for $275,100. The property sits on a lot measuring 4.4 acres. The deal was finalized on Oct. 14.
In October, a single-family house at 403 Cardinal Road, changed ownership. The property, covering 1,854 square feet, was built in 1970 and was sold for $262,500, which calculates to $142 per square foot. The lot size encompasses 8,085 square feet. The deal was finalized on Oct. 3.
Situated at 608 Katherine Road, this detached house, was sold in October for a price of $260,000, translating to $142 per square foot. The property, constructed in 1976, offers a living area of 1,826 square feet and sits on an 8,499-square-foot lot. The deal was finalized on Oct. 9.
At $250,000 ($237 per square foot), the single-family residence at 2003 Harbour Drive offered another opportunity below the targeted price range when it changed hands in October. This property, built in 1972, provides 1,056 square feet of living space. The deal was finalized on Oct. 9.
On a team that is known for its big play offense, no player made bigger plays Friday night than Malachi Sadler, as his interception for a touchdown and punt return for a late, fourth quarter TD powered Burlington City to its first sectional championship in 46 years, as City defeated Shore Regional 28-20 in Burlington.After capturing the Central Jersey crown, Burlington City will now move on to the NJSIAA/Xfinity State Tournament semifinals next Friday at Glassboro.Sadler intercepted a Shore pass late in the second quarter and r...
On a team that is known for its big play offense, no player made bigger plays Friday night than Malachi Sadler, as his interception for a touchdown and punt return for a late, fourth quarter TD powered Burlington City to its first sectional championship in 46 years, as City defeated Shore Regional 28-20 in Burlington.
After capturing the Central Jersey crown, Burlington City will now move on to the NJSIAA/Xfinity State Tournament semifinals next Friday at Glassboro.
Sadler intercepted a Shore pass late in the second quarter and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown to give City a 14-0 lead. He followed that effort with a 42 yard punt return for a touchdown and a 28-20 lead with just 2:49 left in the game, after Shore had closed to within 22-20 at the start of the final quarter.
“That’s who he is,” Burlington City coach Kadin Booker said of Sadler. “I’ve known him since he was 11 years old. He’s a big play guy. We’ve been calling him, on our team, ‘Playoff Sad.’ He’s turned it on in the playoffs. I think he’s had a special team touchdown in every playoff game this season.
“I’m so proud of him. He willed us to victory tonight with that punt return.”
But Sadler wasn’t the only Burlington City player who had a big night. As he has all year, Donte Davis was at the center of the City running game. After running for 199 yards in the sectional semifinal win last Friday, Davis ran for 233 yards against Shore and got Burlington City off to a 7-0 lead with several long running plays on its opening drive.
After the defense had stopped Shore’s first possession on the City four yard line, Davis ran for nine, 30, 22 and 11 yards on a 10 play, 80 yard, City touchdown drive.
Another defensive hold, and a 23 yard punt return by Sadler, gave Burlington City a short field, starting at the Shore 34 yard line.
But the Regional defense would hold, and after Rashad Newkirk’s punt pinned Shore on its own 11, the offense sprung to life behind the running of Cole Torres.
Torres would rush for 167 yards in the game, and he began chewing up yards, carrying the ball three times and catching one pass on the next four plays, as Shore fought its way out to its own 39.
But that’s when Sadler became a factor, as he picked off a pass by Regional quarterback Logan Clark at midfield and sprinted 50 yards up the sideline for a touchdown and a 14-0 Burlington City lead.
“I knew he was going to do a hitch,” Sadler said of reading the receiver on the pass play. “But he hit me on a hitch and go, and he didn’t turn his head yet. So I saw (the ball) before he saw it, and I picked the ball up and ran down the sideline.”
Sadler’s big play seemed to spark a surge of offense as the teams would combine for three more touchdowns over the final three minutes of the first half.
Shore stormed right back. After Jack Madalone returned the ensuing kickoff 31 yards down to the Burlington City 38 yard line, it was up to Torres to take it in. He needed just two plays, running for eight yards, down to the 30, and then covering the rest of the distance on the next play to pull Shore to within, eight, 14-6.
Three plays later, Burlington City would bump its lead up to 22-6 when Davis weaved through the Shore defense for 42 yards and a touchdown.
It would take less than a minute for Shore to respond. After Enzo Cagliostro’s 48 yard kickoff return, Regional QB Clark connected with Torres for a 27 yard touchdown pass to make it a one touchdown game again, 22-14, at the half.
With the late first half touchdown, Shore seemed to be surging, and after the defense forced the City offense to turn the ball over on downs on the Shore 21 yard line, the offense closed the gap to two, 22-20, with a 15 play, 86 yard drive for a touchdown.
Shore got a little help from a pair off offside calls for first downs that went against Burlington City, but it was Torres pounding into the line eight times for 56 yards, including the eight yard touchdown run, that fueled the drive.
Burlington City came up dry on its next drive, failing to score after a fourth and goal at the eight. But just when it seemed Shore had all the momentum, it would shift again.
The City defense pinned Shore deep in its own territory, forcing a punt from the 11 yard line. It was taken at the Shore 42 yard line by Sadler, who took his time to find a clear path and streak 42 yards to a game clinching touchdown and a 28-20 lead with less than three minutes to play.
“I knew they weren’t running down on the punt return,” Sadler said. “So I took my advantage. I caught it, and I didn’t see a lane this way, so I cut back. And it was green grass.”
Shore would launch one last drive in an attempt to tie the game, but it ended after just two plays, when Burlington City’s Donato Perro intercepted a pass at the Shore 36 to ice the game.
After the game, Burlington City coach Booker reflected on the significance of the win and the long awaited sectional championship that it produced.
“It’s huge,” he said. “I’m an alumnus. I graduated from here in 2014. We obviously didn’t win one. Some other guys on the staff are alums and they didn’t win one. We won this for the kids and for the town.
“You saw (the crowd). they love their sports. Once we had the sectional (final game) at home, I knew they were going to show up tonight. They willed us to victory on those last couple of drives, with the crowd and the noise. They were great. they were awesome. I love this city.”
While Burlington City moves on, Shore’s season came to an end with the loss. Shore coach Don Klein said after the game that he felt his team had played well against the speedy City lineup.
“I was very happy with the way we competed,” he said. “I thought, on both sides of the ball, our scheme was the right scheme. Championship games, big games, sometimes come down to a handful of plays.
“In the third quarter, I felt we really started to dominate the game. But there were a couple of plays late in the game that went against us. That’s football. That’s what happens.
“I’m excited by what we were able to accomplish this year. Our regular season schedule was filled with much larger schools than us. I thought we competed really, really well every week. So I’m proud of our players and I’m proud of our coaches.”
Burlington City 28, Shore Regional 20
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | FINAL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shore Regional (8-3) | 0 | 14 | 0 | 6 | |
| Burlington City (11-1) | 0 | 22 | 0 | 6 |
First quarter
No scoring
Second quarter
BC: Newkirk 1 run (run failed) 11:50
BC: Sadler 50 int. return (Davis run) 3:47
Shore: Torres 30 run (kick blocked) 2:57
BC: Davis 42 run (Davis run) 1:46
Shore: Torres 27 pass from Clark (Torres run) 1:00
Third quarter
No scoring
Fourth quarter
Shore: Torres 8 run (run failed) 11:53
BC: Sadler 42 punt return (run failed) 2:49
TEAM STATISTICS
| SR | BC | |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 12 | 14 |
| Rushes-Yards | 30-166 | 33-258 |
| Passing yards | 78 | 23 |
| Passes Comp.-Att.-Int. | 6-10-1 | 2-9-0 |
| Fumbles-lost | 0 | 0 |
| Punts-Average | 1-29 | 2-38.5 |
| Penalties-Yds | 2-15 | 9-43 |
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING -- Shore: Torres 26-167, Mazzacco 3-3, Clark 1--4; Burlington City: Davis 25-233, Newkirk 4-11, Shansey 2-9, Sadler 1-8, Miller 1--3.
PASSING -- Shore: Clark 6-10-1 for 78 yards; Burlington City: Player Shansey 2-9-0 for 23 yards.
RECEIVING -- Shore: Spallone 2-17, Torres 1-28, Sasso 1-23, Madalone 1-10; Burlington City: Davis 1-15,Rasberry 1-8.
Central, Group 3 FinalFriday, Nov. 142-Lawrence (14-7) at 1-Northern Burlington (15-4-2), 4Championship HistoryNorthern Burlington has never won a sectional championshipLawrence has never won a sectional championshipPath to the FinalTop-seeded Northern Burlington has bullied its way into the sectional final by outscoring its three opponents by a combined score of 17-1. Star junior Gianna Hanf, a University of North Carolina commit, tallied...
Friday, Nov. 14
2-Lawrence (14-7) at 1-Northern Burlington (15-4-2), 4
Northern Burlington has never won a sectional championship
Lawrence has never won a sectional championship
Top-seeded Northern Burlington has bullied its way into the sectional final by outscoring its three opponents by a combined score of 17-1. Star junior Gianna Hanf, a University of North Carolina commit, tallied two goals and one assist in a 6-0 opening-round win over 16th-seeded Nottingham. The Greyhounds defeated Red Bank 5-1 in the quarterfinals and rolled over Neptune 6-0 in the semifinals. Hanf recorded a hat trick and added two assists in the win over Neptune to become the program’s all-time leading goal scorer with 63 career goals.
Second-seeded Lawerence received one goal and one assist each from Ava Donnelly and Amber Wooding when it defeated Brick Township 3-1 in the first round. In the quarterfinals, Lawrence and Steinert played to a scoreless draw before the Cardinals prevailed with a 3-2 edge in the shootout. Lawrence then defeated Freehold Boro 3-1 in the semifinals. Sophia Uyaguari-Corado, Emma Skinner and Caelyn LaFlamme each scored once and Vlada Kachurak made 11 saves.
Northern Burlington starters and key reserves
GK-Emily Sarno, Sr.; B-Charlotte Collura, Sr.; B-Allison Lyman, So.; B/M-Alexa Hanf, Fr.; M/F-Kirsten Kemptner, Sr.; B/M-Leah Zola, Sr.; M-Gianna Hanf, Jr.; M-Ashley Javick, So.; M-Angelina Marino, Jr.; M-Aubrey Bobal, Fr.; F-Mia Jones, Fr.; M-Bex Kearns, Jr.; M/B-Genevieve Morro, Fr.; M/F-Addison DeSantis, So..
Lawrence starters and key reserves
GK-Vlada Kachurak, Jr.; B-Ayden Anderson, Jr.; B-Caitlin Jones, Sr. B/F-Emma Skinner, Jr.; Scarlet Potter, Fr.; M/F-Ava Donnelly, Jr.l M-Slavi Dusichka, Jr.; M-Sophia Uyaguari-Corado, Jr.; M/F-Caelyn Laflamme, Sr.; M-Elena Rivera, Sr.; F-Amber Wooding, Sr.; Megan Haney, Fr.; F-Sophia Eisele, Fr.
Gianna Hanf continues to play at an all-state level. The star junior midfielder, who is committed to the University of North Carolina and was called up to train with the U.S. Soccer U-17 team in September, will be the best player on the field when Northern Burlington tries to win the first sectional title in program history on Friday afternoon. She has an astounding eight hat tricks and 33 goals this season to set the program single-season record. She also became the program’s all-time leading scorer with 63 career goals and counting with a hat trick in the Greyhounds 6-0 win over Neptune in the semifinals. She has been brilliant all season and will try to lead her team to a historic sectional championship. Freshman Mia Jones (10g, 10a) has provided reliable secondary scoring in her debut season. The focus, as always, will be on Hanf, so it will be important for Northern Burlington’s complementary players to take advantage of the extra time and space afforded to them.
It can slow down Hanf. That’s a big ask for a Cardinals team that is also trying to win its first sectional title, but if Hanf has one of those games where she takes over and can’t be stopped, it’s hard to envision Lawrence walking away with the sectional title. Junior goalkeeper Vlada Kachurak has been strong in goal for Lawrence. She made 12 saves in a penalty kick victory over Steinert in the quarterfinals and made 11 saves in a 3-1 win over Freehold Boro in the semifinals. Lawrence has been able to return to the sectional final despite being without star senior Becca Boggs, who is out with a season-ending injury. Ava Donnelly, Caelyn LaFlamme and Emma Skinner have helped lead the way in her absence.
Northern Burlington, 3-1
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