The Cherry Hill High School East football team has improved to a 5-0 record on the season with a 35-0 win over the ACIT Red Hawks under the lights at East Stadium on Friday, September 27. The Cougars were led by tough defense, shutting out the opposing team. Two touchdowns each from starting running back, Denzel Lee (‘25) and quarterback, Zach Salsbery (‘25) (one passing and one rushing) also contributed to the blowout victory for the Cougars.

Going against a team in the midst of its first year as a varsity program, East knew that they would still have to play well to come out on top, with ACIT winning their two games prior. The Cougars defense started out strong, forcing an ACIT punt to open the game, then marched down the field on their first offensive possession, capped off by Lee’s 5-yard score. 

“Our offense set our defense up for success, and vice versa. We gave them good field position to punch it in the end zone”, said outside linebacker and long snapper Sean Jamison (‘25). 

Jamison also had an interception in the second quarter to set up Niko Garcia (‘25) a 10-yard rushing touchdown. 

Up 35-0 at halftime, Coach Tyler Drob decided to change his lineup quite a bit from his usual, indicating his confidence in the entirety of his roster. He was proud of the offensive line’s performance. 

Dominic Canzano (‘26), an offensive and defensive lineman, said “We didn’t let up any sacks. That was huge for us. We dominated the turnover battle, forcing three turnovers, and stopped the run well too.”

The players were motivated once again by the large crowd in attendance, despite the muggy weather. Many players appreciate the energy of the crowd, especially Jamison, commenting on the fun themes that have been planned each week. 

“The fact that we got so many people to show up to our second game, after all the hype around the first game, makes this an expectation. The fans help us start fast”, said Coach Drob. 

Despite the blowout win and undefeated start, the players and coaches know that the team hasn’t reached its full potential just yet. The program emphasizes that the key to success is maintaining their discipline, no matter the team they play.