During the past couple of years, the only local high school football team to make the NJSIAA playoffs has been Southern Regional. This year, Barnegat will join the fray.

Both the Rams and Bengals scored victories during their final regular season contests this past weekend to secure playoff spots. Southern routed Brick Township, 41-12, to win its sixth game of the season on Oct. 25, a day before Barnegat did the same with a 35-22 triumph over Lakewood.

The Rams (6-3) earned their playoff berth by taking a 13-6 lead in the first quarter, then adding 14 points during the…