The Shawnee Marching Band placed third at the USSBA Group 2 Open New Jersey State Championships this past Sunday, finishing only a few tenths of a point behind North Jersey rivals Morris Knolls and Morris Hills. The band took home the awards for Best Music and Best Overall Effect. Shawnee competed in the open class of the USSBA, which is the highest competitive classification in the circuit. The Renegades also continued their undefeated streak against all USSBA Group 2 South Jersey bands.  The Renegades are currently ranked 3rd overall in Group II  state competition behind both Morris Hills and Morris Knolls, and  hopes to overtake both in the next two weeks. In addition to their successful weekend, the marching band has been selected for the fourth consecutive year to compete at the United States Scholastic Band Associations National Championship held Friday, November 6. 2009 at the US Naval Academy Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland.