Super Essex - Colonial recap Sept. 26, 2012
The biggest upset of the week belonged to Verona, who took down 83rd ranked Shabazz, 21-20.
The Hillbillies moved up to 87 from 175 in the state rankings this week, the biggest jump in Super Essex - Colonial. Verona climbed the ranks as a result of a 21-20 win over the Bulldogs.
Cedar Grove's dynamic duo of Joe Slattery and David Njuko proved tough for Montclair Kimberley Academy to stop, as they were the top passer and receiver in the league this week. Slattery threw for 132 yards and one touchdown and Njuko had 70 yards receiving. Paul Rufo helped Cedar Grove's passing attack out by catching two balls for 50 yards.
Al Ports was the most productive running back in the league this week. In 17 carries, he ran for 89 yards as East Side bested the Cougars. Teammate Michael Howard added to the ground attack by rushing for 23 yards.
Cedar Grove's Slattery and Rufo have formed a dynamic duo this season, leading the league in both passing and receiving yards. Slattery has thrown for 370 yards this season, while Rufo, a 5-foot-9 receiver, has four catches for 146 yards. The Red Raiders' Ports leads the league in rushing yards with 171.
Two of the top units in Super Essex - Colonial will face off this week when the Panthers take on East Side. Cedar Grove's offense has recorded 98 points this season, making them No. 1 in the league, while Rick Scotton's team has permitted only 103 on the year.
A big matchup in the league this week will be when the Hillbillies take on Central. As it stands, Verona is in second, while the Blue Devils are in third.
There should be lots of points scored when the Panthers and the Red Raiders face off this week. The top two offenses in the league, Cedar Grove comes in having scored 98 this season, while East Side has scored 24. The Panthers scored 38 points last week as they topped Montclair Kimberley Academy.
The Hillbillies were the team that gained the most ground in the standings this week, jumping from sixth to second in the league. Earlier in the week, Verona triumphed over Shabazz 21-20.
Story is based on stats entered in MaxPreps by Tuesday 5am PST each week.
