"I know we certainly belong at the table when discussing great teams," Cherokee coach Anthony Gallo said. "Hopefully, one more game can bolster our claim as one of the best."
Timber Creek will try to make its own history as the Chargers seek the program's first state title.
Timber Creek (19-3-3) will face Ramapo (20-1) for the Group 3 title in the 8 p.m. nightcap of the championship doubleheader.
"Through the season, our main goal was to win South Jersey Group 3," Timber Creek coach Sean Ortzman said. "Now that we're in the finals, I think we have as good a chance as Ramapo."
Cherokee is led by senior forward Mike Ryan, who scored his 32d goal in a 1-0 victory over East Brunswick in Tuesday's state semifinals. The Chiefs also got a strong game from senior goaltender Barry Fitzgerald, who made eight saves.
"We want this championship more than anything," Fitzgerald said. "This championship game is just a measurement of what we've been doing all season."
Ryan believes the Chiefs crossed a major hurdle just in making a return trip to the state finals.
"In some ways it's harder to win the semifinals than the championship game because there's so much pressure to make the finals," Ryan said. "It's so hard to go back-to-back. But we're here, and we're hoping for another championship."
Bridgewater-Raritan has a top scorer in Sal Vitello, who, like Ryan, has 32 goals.
"We seem to mirror each other," Gallo said of his team and Bridgewater-Raritan.
Cherokee's edge could be experience as the Chiefs have several veterans of last year's championship run.
"Last year really allowed us to mature," Gallo said. "Between the senior leaders from last season that instilled a habit of composure, and the experience of making this run once before, this year's team has really shown poise every step of the way."
Timber Creek advanced with a 2-0 victory over previously undefeated Princeton in Tuesday night's state semifinals.
