The marching band was loud and proud. The cheerleaders were shaking their pom poms and cheering. The fans were yelling and screaming. Mr. DeFuria excitedly announced the Cherry Hill East Cougars as they sprinted onto the field. Everybody was ready for the start of the highly anticipated football game between the Vineland High School Fighting Clan and the Cherry Hill East Cougars. Unfortunately, the game did not go the Cougars way as they lost 61-6, despite their valiant effort.

Before kickoff, a moment of silence was held to honor Kenny Smith, a sailor in the United States Navy who passed away in a collision on the USS John S McCain on August 21. Smith graduated from East in 2013.

The first quarter was full of long rushing gains for touchdowns for Vineland. East started off by going three and out on their first possession, which led to a 52-yard rushing touchdown by one of Vineland’s captains, Isaih Pacheco (‘18). However, on East’s next possession, Dante Gazzola (‘19) was able to take the Cougars past the markers for a first down on a short run. Shortly after, Vineland’s other captain, Nihym Anderson (‘18),  ran 48 yards to make the score 14-0 Vineland.  

The second quarter consisted of a few turnovers for East that turned into points for Vineland. Vineland’s Quarterback Ryan Shelton (‘20) ran up the middle for a 10 yard touchdown in the opening minutes of the second quarter. Shortly after, East threw an interception that was caught for a pick 6 to make the score 28-0. After a few more turnovers that were turned into touchdowns by Vineland, the score was 35-0 at the half.

The Vineland rushing attack struck again in the third quarter with Pacheco running for a 72 yard touchdown. After a few more turnovers and scores for Vineland, Mike Wheeler (‘20) rushed for a 66 yard touchdown to make the score 47-6 Vineland. The crowd went crazy, and what seemed like a dead crowd came back to life again. At the end of the third, it was 53-6 Vineland.

In the fourth, the Cougars threw another interception that led to another score by Vineland. The Cougars may have lost 61-6, but they never gave up.

East looks to bounce back against Eastern on Saturday, September 23 at 11 at East.