The Cherry Hill High School East football team brought the Al Dibart memorial trophy back to the east side for the first time in 12 years with a 28-7 win over Cherry Hill West on Thursday, October 11th.
Over 2,500 people from around the community gathered at East Stadium to watch the Battle for the Boot game between East and West. East came into the game with a 5-0 record while West entered at 2-3.
The Cougars were able to get ahead early and didn’t look back. East’s rushing attacks dominated, scoring four touchdowns and totaling 290 yards. Running back Denzel Lee (‘25) scored two touchdowns while running for 188 yards. Tight end Jaxson Bowman (‘25) and wide receiver Isaiah Donaldson (‘25) each scored one. Judah Niv (‘27), also helped contribute to the win, scoring all four of the PAT’s. The defense also came up big multiple times, particularly on 4th down.
“To put away a team like that, especially a rival … it just feels awesome,” said Bowman.
The Cougars’ offense was faced with a long third down on their opening possession. Donaldson came through with a long run to pick up the first down, keeping the drive alive. That play kept the drive alive, leading to a 51-yard touchdown run from Denzel Lee. Donaldson also had an interception in the 4th quarter that led to Bowman’s 22-yard touchdown.
“I love to pick my team up and they pick me up right after,” said Donaldson.
When the clock hit zero Coach Tyler Drob got doused by the gatorade bucket and the team went crazy. Cherry Hill Athletic Director, Michael Beirao, awarded the team with the Al DiBart memorial trophy for the first time since 2012.
“We’ve been trying to prepare exactly the same, but obviously there was a little extra motivation. It felt like a lot of hard work paying off for our guys,” said Coach Drob.
Starting lineman, Dominic Canzano (‘26), played for West his freshman and sophomore year. This year he came back, but on the opposing side. This added an extra layer of rivalry, switching from the team that has come out on top in the past, but now on the side of victory with the Cougars.
“To finally beat them, no words can describe how happy I am,” said senior captain, Denzel Lee.
The team came into the game with immense support from all the fans in attendance. And East gave them plenty to cheer about. Coach Drob was also glad to see a lot of the student body motivating the team.
This victory was a bittersweet win for many of the cougars, symbolizing much more than simply numbers on a scoreboard. This win opened up endless possibilities and opportunities for the rest of the season to follow and has left behind a legacy in East football.