High School Football: Willingboro Turns Up the "D" to Shutdown Cherry Hill West Thursday, September 23, 2004 By Vincent Lewis SJSports Staff Writer There are those who believe that the most exciting play of a football game is a kickoff return for a touchdown. Others might have a different option and mention any offensive touchdown would rank at the top of their list. Willingboro's Taurean Johnson provided some excitement of his own when the linebacker recovered a fumble and rumbled down the left side for the apparent defensive score. His efforts came up 5 yards short, but the effort by the Chimeras defense highlighted this Burlington/Olympic Liberty Division football game against the Cougars from Cherry Hill West. Willingboro limited West's scoring chances and giving their offense ample time to post a 47-15 victory. Willingboro found different ways to score in this game, and yes there was the most exciting play recorded in this game. Already with a 33-7 lead, Rashad Mateen was the player back to receive the punt. From his own 15-yard line, Mateen used his blockers well to find a lane to run through the initial line of Lions. After that, Mateen made his way past the second line of defense and scored the 85-yard touchdown. Even though Johnson’s defensive run back received more congratulations, Mateen was able to show off his individual skills by using the punt return teams ability to score on the play. The Chimeras got on the scoreboard first on an 18 yard touchdown reception by Fred Tucker. That score would be the only passing touchdown quarterback Khaaliq McQuillar would need. During the second quarter, Cherry Hill West put together a scoring drive that tied this game at seven. West came up with the big plays to put them in scoring position. Claron Johnson finished the drive with a 5 yard touchdown run and the Lions were right in this game. Willingboro would regain the lead on Tim Bihlear’s 36 yard touchdown with just over six minutes remaining until halftime. Mateen would score on a 2 yard run to increase their halftime lead to 19-7. Starting off the second half, the special teams kept the momentum in the Chimeras favorite. With a bone crushing hit by Taurean Johnson that resulted in a fumble, Salim Powell was the player in the right place at the right time to recover the ball and score from 34-yards out. Bihlear made due with every opportunity given to him as he scored his second touchdown of the day from 55 yards away. After Mateen’s punt return finished the scoring in the third quarter, Davis completed the scoring for Willingboro. The Cougars would score a late touchdown to make the final score somewhat respectable. Photos by Mark Fletcher