Cherokee grinds out win over Shawnee behind Therien

EVESHAM — The play is called "Wildwood," and for big guys like Cherokee's Chris Therien, it's a dream come true.

"It's kind of like the tush push (that the Eagles run)," said Therien said. "When you get a good push and get three yards on it, that's always great."

Those three yards, coming on quarterback Cooper Burti's third-quarter sneak, made all the difference for Cherokee on Friday night, providing the only touchdown it needed to earn a 7-3 victory over one of its fiercest rivals.

"Us linemen, it feels like we score the touchdown as well," Therien said. "because we're like the main factors behind it."

Cherokee's offensive line was so dominant down the stretch that the Chiefs controlled the ball for almost the entire fourth quarter: Cherokee had 21 plays from scrimmage in the fourth to Shawnee's three.

Up front, the Chiefs pried open holes for workhorse back Murad Campfield, as well as Burti, their mobile QB. Campfield ran 39 times for 216 yards.

"We got it going there," Chiefs coach Brian Glatz said. "It's good to have number 74 to run behind."

That would be Therien, and at 6-foot-6, 275 pounds, the senior tackle can clear a path.

"Against a rival like Shawnee, it's always a great week," Therien said. "You know there's going to be a lot of physicality, with them being only six miles away.

"It was fun. The last three weeks were a little tricky for us, and for us to get a win tonight, it's always great."

Cherokee evened its record to 3-3 while the Renegades, who led 3-0 at the half behind Michael Bartasius' 30-yard field goal, dropped to 3-3.

Therien has enjoyed his football journey.

"I started off at guard, and I was unfamiliar with it at first," Therien said. "I actually loved it, but tackle's really where I feel myself. So, I love it. I love going out there and beating guys up every Friday night, doing my best to help my team win."

Cherokee never let go of the momentum once it grabbed the 7-3 lead.

"With Cooper scoring there, it got our mentality back up and got us feeling more positive," said Therien.

Like father, like son

Therien is the son of former Flyer Chris Therien, who spent 11 seasons in Philly (1995-'04, 2006).

"He's always been there for me with sports," the senior tackle said. "He might not know football as well as hockey, but he played professional sports, so he tries to give me more of the mental things: always be physical, always work hard, and just keep working. Sometimes, you're not always going to have your best game but you have to keep going forward with it.

"I grew up playing hockey, but my freshman year, I really dedicated myself to football. And ever since then, I fell in love with the sport."

Key Play

Cherokee's defense was tough all night. With Shawnee in Chiefs territory midway through the second quarter, Lorenzo Lontok intercepted a deflected pass, giving the ball back to Cherokee. The Renegades took a 3-0 lead into the break, but Lontok's takeaway allowed the Chiefs to surge into the lead in the third quarter.

Game Balls

Cherokee's Murad Campfield carried the ball 39 times for 216 yards, including a weaving 24-yard burst on the Chiefs' scoring drive. He also had 88 yards in the fourth quarter, during which Cherokee muscled down the clock.Chiefs quarterback Cooper Burti made some timely throws and his 50 yards rushing and third-quarter TD kept Cherokee in control.

Michael Bartasius had a versatile performance for Shawnee: his sliding, 15-yard reception with three seconds to go in the second quarter set up his 30-yard field goal as time expired.

He said it:

Cherokee coach Brian Glatz on the win: "I was happy with our defense. They did a nice job. We have a lot of kids out right now, and for the other kids to come in and step in, and play the way they did, I'm very happy about that. It takes everybody. It takes all of us. It's a full team sport."

Next up

Shawnee has a home game Thursday against Pennsauken. Cherokee is also home Thursday, taking on Williamstown.

Kev Hunter is a freelance reporter for the Courier-Post. He can be reached by email at cpvarsity@gmail.com

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Cherokee grinds out win over Shawnee behind Therien