High School Football:
Eastern Overcomes Upset Minded Cougars

Saturday, October 3, 1998

By Gary Steiner
SJSports Staff Writer

The Cherry Hill East Cougars were thinking upset when the Eastern Vikings came to visit. But the Vikings wore them down over the long haul and were able to put the game away in the 4th quarter. Eastern kept their unbeaten record intact to keep pace with Cherokee atop the Olympic Conference American Division.

The Vikings got on the board in the 1st quarter with a 30-yard touchdown run by Adam Taliaferro. Jason Kaye's kick was good, giving them a 7-0 lead. Cherry Hill East's defense was able to keep the Vikings from scoring again for the rest of the half. East's offense struggled early, but finally managed to get on the board just before the half ended when Brett Womack caught a 25-yard pass from Myles Tamburrino. East's point after attempt was wide left, leaving the score 7-6.

Eastern widened the gap in the 3rd quarter by ending a 65-yard drive with a 2-yard dive by Adam Taliaferro for his second rushing touchdown of the day. Jason Kaye nailed the kick to put the Vikings up 14-6. Cherry Hill East responded on their next possession when Myles Tamburrino broke free for a 51-yard touchdown run. The two point conversion attempt failed, keeping the Vikings ahead 14-12.

The Vikings had the only score in the 4th quarter when, on a 4th and goal at the 1, Andrew Dawson scored on a quarterback keeper. Jason Kaye's third kick of the day was good, to set the score at 21-12.

The Cougars had a chance to score in the 4th quarter when Brett Womack caught a 23-yard pass to give them a 1st and goal on the 1-yard line. But a sack by Eastern's Larry Evans followed by an interception in the end zone by Adam Taliaferro ended their drive. The Cougars managed to get the ball back at the end of the 4th quarter, and drove down to Eastern's 31-yard line. But two successive sacks by Eastern's Greg Wrenn ended the game.

Photos by Art Redd