A lot of talk was made of Bo Melton’s performance for the Cedar Creek football team during the Pirates’ 14-9 win over Haddonfield on Friday night in the South Jersey Group 2 semifinals, and rightfully so. All he did was rush for 109 yards and both Pirates touchdowns as Cedar Creek improved to 9-1 and advanced to play in the sectional championship game against top-seeded an undefeated West Deptford. But just as important to the win over the Bulldawgs on Friday night was the play of the defense — a unit that was spearheaded by an incredible effort from senior linebacker Abdel Vasquez. Vasquez played a huge role in helping to contain Haddonfield daul-threat quarterback Tommy Kadar and had several key sacks. For his efforts, Vasquez is our Bunting Family Pharmacy Athlete of the Week. Kadar, who normally averages nearly 200 yards of total offense per game by himself, was limited to 61 rushing yards on 18 carries and completed only 50 percent of his 18 passing attempts for 86 yards, due in large part to Vasquez, fellow linebacker Mike Gulig and defensive lineman Owen Bowles. 
Senior linebacker Abdel Vasquez had a bunch of tackles and two key sacks in the fourth quarter to help lead Cedar Creek to a 14-9 win over Haddonfield on Friday night in the South Jersey Group 2 semifinals. (Glory Days Magazine photo/Dave O’Sullivan) Near the end of the third quarter, Vasquez came up with a huge sack on a third down play that ended a Haddonfield drive, and in the fourth quarter another sack by Vasquez forced the Bulldawgs into a fourth-and-11 situation. Ahmir Mitchell nearly sacked Kadar on the next play and forced a short completion that led to a turnover on downs. Pirates coach Tim Watson said after that game that it was the best Vasquez has played all season. “It was a tale of two halves, especially defensively. It was great to see (Abdel) step up. He’s gone through some ups and downs, being banged up at different times and at times being up and down with his play. He didn’t have a great game last week, so for him to bounce back it showed he is ready to step up,” coach Watson said. “I’m just so proud of these guys. I’m kind of at a loss for words. We still have some work to do. No one is satisfied with just this. We’ve been here before. But i’m just proud of them. I loved the fact that they were able to battle back. It’s awesome.” Watson had trouble putting his emotions into words after such a big win in the program’s history. The Pirates will be playing for a state title for the second time in the program’s 5-year history. “I’m shocked right now. I really can’t explain it. We shocked everybody. We did it for the CAL. This is the last year of the Cape-Atlantic League, and we did it,” Vasquez said.
— Dave O’Sullivan, publisher
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