Broomell and Scialabbo Power Cherokee Over Willingboro

High School Football:
Broomell and Scialabbo Power Cherokee Over Willingboro
Saturday, October 5, 2002

By Charlie Barker
SJSports Staff Writer

After two tough losses on the road against Shawnee and Moorestown, the Willingboro Chimeras were hoping to get back on track at home versus Cherokee. The two Burlington County teams hadn't played each other since 1999. But after a strong showing by Cherokee in the second half for a 38-13 win, the Chimeras are probably hoping an equal amount of time goes by before they see the Chiefs again.

Willingboro started out playing well enough. On their opening possession, the Chimeras drove down the field and scored on a 22 yard pass from QB Alon Desper to Harlan Jenifer. Danny Bihlear's PAT put the Chimeras ahead 7-0. Cherokee then came back and tied it up on a 7 yard pass from QB Kevin Broomell to Leo Klawiter, followed with a PAT by Matt Dalessio.

In the second quarter, Cherokee pulled ahead 13-7 on a 25 yard pass from Broomell to Justin Smith. The Willingboro defense was able to stop two subsequent Cherokee drives, after which the Chiefs punted to the Willingboro 8 yard line. On the next play, Desper again threw to Jenifer, this time for a 92 yard touchdown play. The PAT failed, leaving the score tied at 13.

Cherokee would then score four unanswered touchdowns to round out the game. First was an 11 yard run by Joe Scialabbo, then Scialabbo caught a 10 yard pass from Broomell to put the Chiefs ahead 25-13 at the half.

Cherokee scored twice in the third quarter, both on 1 yard quarterback keepers by Broomell. Dalessio's PAT after the final TD was the exclamation point to end the game's scoring.

Next Saturday afternoon Willingboro (1-3) will try to jump start their season at home versus Cherry Hill West. Cherokee (3-1) goes home to face Shawnee Friday night.

1 2 3 4 T

Cherokee 7 18 13 0 38

Willingboro 7 6 0 0 13

Photos by Art Redd