By DAVE O’SULLIVAN Publisher MAYS LANDING — A week off might have been just what the Cedar Creek football team needed to put a loss to Bridgeton in its rearview mirror and get back to what the Pirates do best — punishing opponents with a relentless offensive attack that features an array of game-breaking talent at the wide receiver and running back positions. Bo Melton, normally one of the Pirates’ top wide receivers, took on a bigger role in the running game on Friday night and produced 172 yards and three touchdowns as Cedar Creek broke open a close game in the second half to cruise to a 40-14 win over Oakcrest. The win was big for Cedar Creek (4-1, 3-1 CAL National) because it gave the Pirates a one-game lead on Oakcrest in the Cape-Atlantic League’s National Conference, and a half-game lead on Holy Spirit and Bridgeton. Technically, Buena Regional remains in first place with a half-game lead over Cedar Creek, but the Pirates have the inside track on the conference title because of their win over the Chiefs in Week 2. “It was huge. This is our biggest rival right here and this was one of our biggest games of the season,” said Cedar Creek quarterback Jesse Milza, a junior. “There wasn’t much to say (before the game) other than that we were fired up and ready to go. (Conference title implications) weren’t really on our minds, but to keep us in the playoff hunt and to keep us with a high ranking we needed to come out of here with a win.” Oakcrest quarterback Kendall Elliott rolls out to pass during Friday night's game against Cedar Creek. Oakcrest quarterback Kendall Elliott rolls out to pass during Friday night’s game against Cedar Creek. Cedar Creek took a 21-14 lead into halftime on an outstanding drive that covered 65 yards in less than four minutes. A couple of big catches by Ahmir Mitchell set up a Milza 14-yard touchdown run around the left side. The second half belonged to Cedar Creek, as the Pirates scored three more touchdowns to take command. Melton scored on a 58-yard run down the right sideline early in the third quarter to make it 27-14, then Milza pushed the lead to 33-14 by scoring on a 2-yard keeper. Cedar Creek dug into its bag of tricks for its final touchdown, as  Milza connected with Nazir Chapman on an out pattern, and Chapman pitched the ball back to Melton on a hook-and-lateral play that went for 52 yards. “He’s an animal. He can’t be stopped. He’s a great teammate, a great leader, and he’s going to be something special,” Pitale said of Melton, who is still just a junior. Pitale said it was important for Cedar Creek to come to play in such an intense rivalry game. “We knew we were the better team two weeks ago against Bridgeton but we didn’t show it, so we wanted to come out here and prove to everybody that we are a good football team,” he said. “It’s a great rivalry. Hopefully they can keep it going with the West Jersey League coming in next year.” Contact Dave O’Sullivan: sully@acglorydays.com; on Twitter @GDsullysays [adsense]