NJSIAA Group 3 Final Recap: Cedar Creek vs. Old Tappan
The bright lights of MetLife Stadium witnessed an absolute masterclass in championship football this past Friday as Cedar Creek dismantled previously undefeated Old Tappan 34-7 to capture the NJSIAA Group 3 state title. What many expected to be a tightly contested battle between two elite programs turned into a dominant performance that showcased why Cedar Creek has become one of New Jersey’s premier football programs.
Setting the Stage
Walking into MetLife Stadium on November 28th, both teams carried impressive credentials. Cedar Creek entered with a 12-2 record after navigating through a tough Constitution division in the WJFL, while Old Tappan boasted a perfect 12-0 mark and an undefeated run through the SFC Patriot Blue division. The stage was set for an epic showdown between two programs that had dominated their respective paths to the championship game.
The atmosphere was electric as families, coaches, and players from both sides filled the stands of the NFL stadium. For many of these young athletes, this represented the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and dreams of playing under the big lights where the New York Giants and Jets compete every Sunday.
A Slow Start Turns Into Cedar Creek Control
The first quarter remained scoreless as both defenses settled into the rhythm of championship football. Neither team could establish consistent offensive drives, with each defense making key stops to keep the game knotted at zero. The tension was palpable as coaches on both sidelines worked to find the right adjustments to break through.
The second quarter belonged entirely to Cedar Creek’s ground game and sophomore sensation Aamir Dunbar. The talented running back found pay dirt twice in the quarter, first punching it in from nine yards out before adding a six-yard touchdown run that gave Cedar Creek a commanding 14-0 halftime lead. Christopher Sandoval was perfect on both extra point attempts, setting the tone for what would be a dominant afternoon for the Pirates.
Old Tappan’s offense, which had been so effective throughout their undefeated regular season, struggled to find consistency against a Cedar Creek defense that was flying around the field and making tackles. The Golden Knights managed just 102 rushing yards for the entire game, a far cry from the explosive offensive performances that had carried them to the championship game.
The Third Quarter Explosion
If the second quarter belonged to Cedar Creek’s offense, the third quarter was when they truly put the game away with a spectacular display of big-play ability that left Old Tappan reeling.
The fireworks started immediately when Gyan King took the opening kickoff of the second half and raced 84 yards to the house for a touchdown that sent the Cedar Creek sideline into a frenzy. The return touchdown pushed the lead to 20-0 and completely shifted the momentum of the game. While the extra point attempt failed, the damage was done – Old Tappan was now facing a three-score deficit.
Old Tappan finally found the scoreboard when quarterback Zachary Miceli connected with Christakis Nicolaou on a 21-yard touchdown pass. Matteo Morrissey’s extra point cut the deficit to 20-7, giving the Golden Knights a brief glimmer of hope that they could mount a comeback on the sport’s biggest stage.
That hope was quickly extinguished when Cedar Creek answered right back with authority. Jahmir Campfield broke free for a magnificent 52-yard touchdown run that showcased the speed and power that had made Cedar Creek’s rushing attack so dangerous all season long. Sandoval’s extra point made it 27-7, and suddenly the championship game felt all but over.
Cedar Creek wasn’t done yet. Frenchmon Bethea, who had been effective both passing and rushing throughout the game, capped off the third-quarter scoring explosion with a 14-yard touchdown run of his own. Sandoval’s fourth successful extra point of the day made it 34-7, and Cedar Creek had effectively put the game away with one of the most dominant quarters in recent championship memory.
Individual Performances That Made the Difference
While football is the ultimate team sport, several individual performances stood out in Cedar Creek’s championship victory. Aamir Dunbar was absolutely unstoppable on the ground, carrying the ball 22 times for 117 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to find holes in the defense and finish drives in the red zone was crucial to Cedar Creek’s success.
Jahmir Campfield provided the explosive play element that championship teams need, rushing for 96 yards on just eight carries. His 52-yard touchdown run in the third quarter was the type of game-breaking play that separates good teams from great ones.
Gyan King’s 84-yard kickoff return for a touchdown was perhaps the single most important play of the game. The return not only provided six points but completely shifted the momentum at a crucial juncture when Old Tappan was looking to make halftime adjustments.
Defensively, Cedar Creek was dominant across the board. The Pirates recorded three interceptions – one each from Frenchmon Bethea, Jahmir Campfield, and Gyan King – effectively shutting down Old Tappan’s passing attack. The defense also recorded eight tackles for loss and three sacks, consistently putting the Golden Knights in difficult down-and-distance situations.
For Old Tappan, quarterback Zachary Miceli battled throughout the game despite facing constant pressure. He completed 10 of 19 passes for 112 yards and one touchdown while also leading the team in rushing with 72 yards on 14 carries. Christakis Nicolaou caught two passes for 43 yards and the team’s only touchdown.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The statistical comparison tells the story of Cedar Creek’s dominance. The Pirates rushed for 260 yards on 39 carries, an impressive average of 6.7 yards per attempt. This ground game control allowed them to dictate the pace of the game and wear down Old Tappan’s defense as the game progressed.
While Old Tappan outgained Cedar Creek through the air (112 yards to 55), they were unable to establish any consistency in their passing attack due to the three interceptions thrown by Miceli. These turnovers led directly to short fields and scoring opportunities for Cedar Creek.
The turnover battle was crucial, as Cedar Creek’s three interceptions gave them extra possessions while protecting the football themselves. In championship games, limiting mistakes while forcing your opponent into difficult situations often determines the outcome.
Cedar Creek also dominated time of possession by controlling the line of scrimmage with their rushing attack. This kept their defense fresh while wearing down Old Tappan’s unit as the game progressed into the later stages.
What This Means for Both Programs
For Cedar Creek, this championship represents the culmination of years of building a program culture focused on excellence. The Pirates’ ability to perform on the biggest stage shows the level of preparation and mental toughness that coach instilled in his players throughout the season.
The championship also validates Cedar Creek’s approach to developing well-rounded players who can contribute in multiple phases of the game. Players like Frenchmon Bethea, who threw passes and rushed for touchdowns while also recording an interception on defense, embody the versatility that championship teams require.
Old Tappan, despite the disappointing loss, should hold their heads high after an incredible season that saw them go undefeated through the regular season and playoffs until the championship game. The Golden Knights’ program has established itself as a consistent contender, and this experience will serve as motivation for future seasons.
Lessons for Young Athletes
This championship game provides several valuable lessons for youth football players, coaches, and families. First, the importance of building depth throughout a roster was evident as Cedar Creek had multiple players step up and make crucial contributions. Players like Campfield and King showed that explosive plays can come from anywhere when everyone is prepared and ready to contribute.
The game also demonstrated how momentum shifts can determine championship outcomes. Cedar Creek’s ability to seize control in the second quarter and never let go shows the importance of taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.
For defensive players, Cedar Creek’s three interceptions highlight the value of staying alert and being in position to make plays when the ball is in the air. Championship teams create their own luck by putting themselves in position to capitalize on opponent mistakes.
Perhaps most importantly, the game showed how proper preparation and mental toughness allow teams to perform their best when the stakes are highest. Cedar Creek’s players clearly weren’t overwhelmed by the moment at MetLife Stadium – they embraced it and used the energy to fuel their best performance of the season.
Cedar Creek’s 34-7 victory over Old Tappan will be remembered as one of the most dominant championship performances in recent NJSIAA Group 3 history. The Pirates’ combination of explosive offense, opportunistic defense, and clutch special teams play provided a blueprint for championship success that youth programs across New Jersey will study and try to emulate in future seasons.
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