OCEAN CITY — In ancient times, out-numbered Spartan warriors employed a defensive formation called a phalanx, in which a group of warriors would gather together and allow their shields to form a defensive wall.
In the South Jersey Group 3 quarterfinals, eighth-seeded Hammonton employed a similar strategy after taking a 1-0 lead on No. 1 Ocean City early in the second half. The Blue Devils packed their defense in tight, clearing the ball as far as possible to make the Red Raiders go the length of the field for each of its offensive attacks.
