New faces and rising stars lead Eastern football to decisive win

MANSFIELD — A’Shaad Carter describes his ability as a running back as ‘second nature.’

He simply does what he was taught throughout his childhood.

It’s a concept easier said than done, but the Eastern Regional High School sophomore validates his claim when he hits the second level on a run from scrimmage.

Carter flashed that ability with 233 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in the Vikings’ 38-13 statement win over Northern Burlington in a West Jersey Football League Continental Division showdown on Friday night.

His 49-yard TD run in the second quarter gave the Vikings a commanding 21-7 advantage. A second TD run of 61 yards helped Eastern lead by as much as 24 points in the third quarter.

The Vikings accumulated 329 yards on the ground.

“My linemen paved the way,” Carter said. “They created the holes I was searching for. The cut back lane was what I was searching for the entire game after what I saw on film.”

A’Shaad Carter ran for 233 yards and two touchdowns in Eastern’s 38-13 win over Northern Burlington at Northern Burlington Regional High School in Mansfield, New Jersey on Friday, September 18, 2026. Kevin Emmons/South Jersey Sports Zone

His self reflection on his skill set as a playmaker is simple. Fast, athletic, strong and resilient.

“It’s second nature,” Carter said.

Said Eastern coach Lionel Bolen: “He’s been dynamic ever since he was in midgets. He showed glimpses of it last year and now he’s just completely locked in. He trusts the offense and is turning into that dynamic running back that we knew he could be.”

Brayden Dove also scored on a 3-yard TD run for the Vikings of Voorhees in the second quarter. Dove finished with 45 yards on the ground.

Quarterback Anthony Salamone debuted for Eastern after a three-game hiatus due to New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association transfer rules. He joined the Vikings after three seasons at St. Joseph Academy in Hammonton.

Salamone displayed an instant connection with his teammates in his first outing in a new uniform. The junior finished 13-for-20 passing with 174 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He completed a pass to five different receivers.

“We have a great offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach that mentor me every day,” Salamone said. “We have a great offensive line. Our receivers work really hard. Our running backs work really hard. It was more of just a team effort.”

Salamone never missed a high school football game in his career prior to his transfer. His leadership experience helped him navigate the unusual inactive period.

“I’ve never sat a varsity game in my entire life,” Salamone said. “I’ve started since I was a freshman. I just got through it by being the best leader I could be.”

The Greyhounds suffered their first loss a week after a 43-42 thriller against Trenton. Quarterback Brent Walulak scored two TDs and snared an INT in the loss on Friday. Northern Burlington has allowed 80 points in its last two games.

“We have to learn from it,” Northern Burlington coach Jule Dolci said. “I think that’s the only option we have. We have a great group of guys. I don’t think effort was in question today at all.”

Eastern improved its record to 3-1 after a 47-7 loss against Group 5 state championship contender Atlantic City a week ago. The addition of key transfers and the return of starters from injury on Friday offered a glimpse into the future for the Vikings.

Terry Cook, an All-South Jersey selection with an offer from Maine, was one of those starters to return from an injury. The senior finished with seven receptions for 121 yards and a TD. His performance epitomized the brotherhood of Eastern football.

“The kids believe in the scheme,” Bolen said. “They also love each other. I think they find success in each other and everything that they do. It’s definitely a good group of kids that we have.”