Cedar Creek claimed the New Jersey Group 3 high school football state title with a decisive 34-7 victory over Old Tappan at MetLife Stadium. The No. 13-ranked Pirates denied the No. 6 Golden Knights a repeat championship in their first-ever appearance in the final. Key plays included multiple turnovers forced by Cedar Creek and explosive runs that built their lead.
Game Overview
The matchup pitted Old Tappan, seeking their third Group 3 title in four years, against Cedar Creek, who entered on a streak of three close wins. Cedar Creek won the coin toss and deferred, with Old Tappan receiving the opening kickoff. The Pirates quickly asserted dominance, forcing an interception on Old Tappan's first drive and scoring first on a 9-yard touchdown run by Aamir Dunbar.
Key Plays by Quarter
First Quarter
Cedar Creek's initial possession ended in a three-and-out, punting from their end zone to the Old Tappan 35. Old Tappan reached the Cedar Creek 27 but turned the ball over on downs. The Pirates' second drive also went three-and-out.
Second Quarter
Old Tappan faced third-and-7 at the Cedar Creek 27 to start the quarter but couldn't advance. Cedar Creek forced another turnover on downs at 10:57, leading to Dunbar's second touchdown on a 6-yard run, making it 14-0. Gyan King intercepted a pass at 7:26, and Old Tappan punted late in the half, pinning Cedar Creek at their 13.
Third Quarter
King opened the half with an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, though the extra point missed, for a 20-0 lead. Old Tappan responded with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Zach Miceli to Christakis Nicolaou, narrowing it to 20-7. Campfield's 52-yard run pushed it to 27-7, and Cedar Creek forced another turnover on downs at Old Tappan's 33. Frenchmon Bethea added a 14-yard touchdown run, extending the score to 34-7.
Fourth Quarter
Old Tappan forced a turnover on downs at Cedar Creek's 20 with 7:53 left. The quarter began with Cedar Creek on second-and-10 from the Old Tappan 36. Campfield sealed the win with an interception inside the Cedar Creek 10 at 6:04.
Historical Context
Old Tappan had won the 2024 title 28-16 over Mainland and the 2022 final 24-14 against Delsea. The 2023 championship went to Delsea 28-3 over West Essex. This loss prevented Old Tappan from repeating their recent success.