Coming from one of their best starts in the past couple of years, the Cherry Hill East Cougars played against Williamstown, a top team in their division. Although the cougars played against Eastern Regional High School and North Burlington High School prior to this game, however, Williamstown served as a very tough test for a confident East football team. The Cougars lost 40-0 and are 2-1 early in a hopeful season.

Starting off strong with a long kickoff return, the Cougars began their first drive of the game near midfield, ready to battle against a formidable defense. Even though East had great success behind their two lead running-backs, Jay-Jay Vaughters (’17) and Miles McLeod (’17), in the first two games of the season, the Cougars offense struggled to run the ball throughout this entire game. After a few East three-and-outs and an early turnover, East trailed 13-0 at the end of the first quarter.

While the offense struggled to get yardage, the defense fought hard and played a solid game as they contained the Williamstown offense in the first half, with the single exception of a long touchdown run by the opponent’s quarterback. The defense seemed to be on the field more frequently in the second half as the East offense had a difficult time putting up points. East ended the second half at a 20-0 deficit.

The second half for East showed a repeated theme of failed offensive drives against a high ranking defense. East would end the game with a 40-0 loss against Williamstown, making their record 2-1.

Starting quarterback Vinny Guckin (’16) has played great football this season, but didn’t get as much of an opportunity this game as he only attempted three passes in the whole first half.

When asked what he and his team plan to do differently to prepare for their upcoming game, Guckin said, “We’re going to practice harder and be completely focused throughout the whole week.”