If Barnegat High School will earn a spot in the South Jersey Group II football playoffs, the Bengals not only have a tough hill to climb but also will need some help from other teams within the section.

Heading into this week – Week 9 of the season – the Bengals, now 3-4 after a 24-17 loss to Lakewood on Oct. 29, sat in the ninth position within the section, according to the NJSIAA power points released Monday.