Cedar Creek’s Bethea Big-Play Ability Helped Lead Pirates To State Championship
One of the most exciting two-way players in South Jersey was Cedar Creek senior Frenchmon Bethea. The quarterback-safety led Cedar Creek to its first state championship in one of the most stunning results.
The Pirates beat previously unbeaten and defending state champion Old Tappan, 34-7 in the state Group 3 title game.
This was the fourth year that the NJSIAA has held state championships for public schools. Cedar Creek read all the reports of how it was a major underdog and that just provided some extra motivation.
“It felt great to win because nobody had us winning the game,” Bethea said. “After Ocean City, a lot of people in the state didn’t think we were going to be here.”
He was referring to a 20-17 loss to Ocean City on Oct. 24 in the final regular season game. After that, the Pirates won five playoff games capped by the championship victory over Old Tappan.
Bethea played mainly receiver as a junior and that will be his position when he continues his education and football career at Stony Brook.
The offensive and defensive coaches at Stony Brook may be fighting for his services. Bethea was among the top defensive backs in South Jersey with seven interceptions.
He was also a dynamic player at quarterback, rushing for 942 yards (9.4 avg.) and seven touchdowns. Bethea also threw for 1,827 yards and 24 touchdowns.
He began playing quarterback in the eighth grade. That changed during his junior year.
“We had a transfer (Reilly Hoffacker) play quarterback and they moved me to receiver, and I had an outstanding season,” he said. “And from that I got college offers to play receiver.”
As a junior he had 17 receptions for 304 yards and four touchdowns. He also played a bit at quarterback, throwing for 296 yards and two touchdowns.
Yet he was more than ready to return to quarterback full time.
“It’s very cool playing quarterback,” he said. “I get to control the team.”
One of the most exciting games of the season was Cedar Creek’s 34-28 win over Mainland in the South Jersey Group 3 championship.
Bethea rushed for 109 yards and a 50-yard touchdown on 12 carries. He also had a dominant game as a passer, completing 10-of-16 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns.
With the score 28-28, Bethea found Gyan King for a 65-yard scoring pass with just 21.6 seconds remaining.
“I will remember that pass my whole life,” he said. “I am going to be telling my kids about that.”
That game was followed by a wild 48-38 win over Holmdel in the state Group 3 semifinal.
Cedar Creek overcame a 10-point deficit in the third quarter.
Bethea completed 14 of 24 passes for 285 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.
The wins over Mainland and Holmdel were the most dominant two-game stretch of his career.
As the games got bigger, Bethea reveled in performing so well in the most pressurized situations.
“Since our first game we have continued to practice hard and grind every day,” he said. “I am sad the run is over because I loved playing with my brothers, but you’ve got to love the happy ending that we had."
Cedar Creek's Frenchmon Bethea breaking a tackle against Mainland./ Marc Narducci
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Author: Marc Narducci
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