North Jersey - Colonial recap Oct. 16, 2012
Hawthorne extended the longest winning streak in North Jersey - Colonial this week by beating Manchester Regional, 41-6. The victory was the fifth in a row for the team.
Elmwood Park made the biggest jump in the national rankings this week, rising to 7,597 from 8,326. The improvement was the result of 19-13 victory over Garfield last week.
The Crusaders' offense was tough to stop this week, as it produced the league's top passer, rusher and receiver. Michael Dare threw for 251 and two touchdowns and Randy Santos had 110 yards receiving. On the ground Christian Mendoza chipped in 145 yards. Nick Smith helped Elmwood Park's passing attack out by catching six balls for 87 yards.
Elmwood Park's offense has been unstoppable this season and the Crusaders feature the season leaders in passing, rushing and receiving yards. Dare has thrown for 1627 yards and 16 touchdowns this season, while Smith has 36 catches for 644 yards. Mendoza leads the league in rushing with 557 yards.
The top two teams in the league will face off this week when first place Hawthorne takes on second place Elmwood Park. Last week, Hawthorne defeated the Falcons, while Elmwood Park beat the Boilermakers.
Two of the top units in North Jersey - Colonial will face off this week when the Crusaders take on the Bears. Elmwood Park's offense has recorded 168 points this season, making them No. 1 in the league, while Hawthorne has permitted only 86 on the year.
The Bears led the league in scoring this week after putting up 41 points on Manchester Regional.
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Story is based on stats entered in MaxPreps by Tuesday 5am PST each week.
