TEAM PREVIEW: Cedar Creek
2015 In Review: The Pirates were 10-2, winning the South Jersey Group 2 title by beating West Deptford, after beating Haddonfield and Collingswood. They scored 341 points for a 28.38 average, while allowing 160 for a 13.33 average, including two shutouts. Wins included Cedar Grove, Buena, and Holy Spirit, while their losses were to Bridgeton and St. Augustine.
Departures: WR/DB Ahmir Mitchell - Michigan, WR/DB Khamir Harvey - Walsh (Ohio), WR Louie Pitale - Susquehanna (Pa.), LB Abdel Vasquez - Monroe JC (NY)
Offense: Cedar Creek runs a multiple spread and returns six starters and another who played a lot. The quarterback is senior, four-year starter Jesse Milza (6-foot-2, 205). Running back is three-year starter Isaiah Watson (6-foot-3, 220). Also seeing time in one and two back formations will be sophomore Kamaal Reed (5-foot-10, 205).
Leading the way at wide receiver is star athlete Bo Melton (6-foot-1, 175) and he will be a three-year starter. Joining him at two wideouts are juniors Naz Chapman (5-foot-10, 165), who saw time, and Shane Jones (5-foot-9, 165). The probable fourth receiver will be sophomore George Remp (6-foot-2, 185). Others may join in the competition.
Three starters are back on the line and another who played. Some positions may be switched, but the returnees are senior Owen Bowles (6-foot-4, 285), senior Robbie Belk (6-foot-2, 235), and senior Jaquan Robinson (5-foot-10, 215). Another who played is junior EJ Ford (6-foot-3, 235). The other two in the mix at guard or center are senior David Dunkley (5-foot-11, 220) and junior Asler Santos (5-foot-10, 190).
Defense: The Pirates run a 3-4 and return six starters and two others with experience. Bowles is back at nose guard and junior Frank Rivera (5-foot-11, 210) is back at end. Opposite him will be junior Xavian Morales (5-foot-10, 220), who saw action. Also in the running is junior John Seguinot (5-foot-11, 230), a top wrestler.
The starters back at linebacker are senior Jesse Nikolaev (6-foot-0, 225) on the inside and Watson on the outside. In addition, senior Avory Cruse (6-foot-0, 215) started some games on the outside. Pushing for time on the outside is junior Trevor Brown (6-foot-1, 185). In the running for the other inside spot are junior Michael Gulig (6-foot-0, 205), sophomore Joe Curry (5-foot-11, 190), and junior Isaiah Campbell (5-foot-10, 185).
In the secondary, Melton and junior Dom Simmons (5-foot-8, 170) return. In the mix at the other two positions are Chapman, Jones, and junior Mike Ricci (5-foot-10, 170).
Special Teams: The Kicker and punter will be senior Pat Moran. Melton and CHapman will be the return men.
Schedule:
Friday, 9/9, at Absegami, 7PM
Saturday, 9/17, Delsea at home, 1PM
Friday, 9/23, at Ocean City, 7PM
Friday, 9/30, at Camden, 7PM
Saturday, 10/8, Mainland at home, 1PM
Saturday, 10/15, Buena at home, 1PM
Saturday, 10/22, at St. Joe’s (Hammonton), 12PM
Friday, 10/28, at Haddonfield, 7PM
Saturday, 11/5, Oakcrest at home, 1PM
Concerns: Depth. They’re also a smaller school with no bye week and increasing competition week-in and week-out.
Recruits: Melton and Bowles are committed to Rutgers. Watson has offers from Army, Old Dominion, Monmouth, Wagner, and Central Connecticut. Milza is getting looks from Patriot and Ivy League schools. Cruse is a D3 prospect, while Moran has received attention.
Nobody in the junior class has the measurables, but there are good football players and this year will be big for them.
In the sophomore class, Ramp and Reed have the most potential.
Coach’s Comments: “We’re excited and it was an exciting year last year, winning the championship. We have enough coming back to continue: eight seniors have experience and there are juniors who had important time. There are some very talented players, three with 1-A offers, but it’s Bo Melton who gets things going.” - Head Coach Tim Watson