CEDAR GROVE − Rob Gogerty never had any thoughts of rescheduling the biggest game in his school’s history.
The Cedar Grove coach admits he doesn’t have a history of success the few times he’s moved games due to inclement weather.
So, when the idea was floated to push Friday’s state playoff game to Saturday to work around two days of rain, Gogerty wasn’t having any of it.
“I’m 0-3 when moving and postponing games. I had it in my head yesterday that we’re playing,” Gogerty said. “We have experienced kids and we’ve played in this weather before. Actually, my coaches were mad at me because we practiced inside yesterday. I just knew we’d play a good game. We were prepared.”
The most prolific offense in the state put on its signature air show to secure a spot in the state finals.
Cedar Grove, one of only seven undefeated teams left in New Jersey, took down previously-unbeaten Butler, 52-21, in a Group 1 semifinal in driving rain on Friday in Essex County.
Senior quarterback Stephen Paradiso who is second in the state in passing yards, threw for 381 yards and four touchdowns as the Panthers outscored the Bulldogs, 25-0 in the second half.
“At first, the weather was a concern. Getting out here and touching the first ball I realized it wasn’t going to be as bad as I thought. I knew we were going to be alright,” Paradiso said. “[Coach] Gogerty’s message before the game was that he wanted to keep firing. He’s not changing our offense because of the weather. We’re going to come out and do what we do.”
Paradiso threw three touchdowns in the first half, two to Jackson Morrice on the Panthers first two drives.
Morrice, the state's leader in receptions (89) and receiving yards (1,748), scored on catches of 43 yards and 29 yards and returned an interception 42 yards for a score.
Cedar Grove scored on its first three possessions to take a 21-7 lead with 10:58 left in the first half. The Essex County team then stretched its lead to 27-14 when Morrice picked off Butler quarterback David Smith with 2:28 remaining in the second quarter.
The Panthers defense managed to keep Butler’s fast-paced offense in check. Senior linebacker Connor Kerney, who entered the game with 138 tackles, disrupted the Bulldogs game plan and put pressure on Smith all night.
“We didn’t think anything of the weather. We knew we were the better team,” said Kerney, one of the leading tacklers in New Jersey. “Our game is on the next level and it’s all panning out in our last year.”
Kerney, who occasionally runs the ball, scored twice out of the backfield in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.
Butler (11-1) came out firing to open the game when Smith connected with Peter Calvi on a four-yard touchdown reception on the opening drive with 6:24 left in the first quarter.
Trailing 27-7 in the second quarter, the Bulldogs got a break when Peyton Kiburz returned a Morrice fumble 48 yards with 2:28 left. Ninety seconds later, Smith connected with Calvi from 10 yards to pull within six with under a minute to go.
What it means
Cedar Grove (13-0) advances to the Group 1 final, where it will meet fellow undefeated Glassboro (12-0). The Bulldogs defeated Woodstown, 36-0, in the other Group 1 semifinal on Friday night.
Butler, playing in its first Group semifinal, closes out one of its best campaigns in program history.
By the numbers
? Paradiso was 22-of-35 and connected for touchdowns with four different receivers. He has now thrown for 3,501 yards and 40 touchdowns this season.
? Morrice had nine catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns. The senior has a state-best 89 grabs for 1,748 yards and 21 touchdowns on the season.
? Cedar Grove's Nick Russo had five receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown.
? Kerney led the defense with seven tackles, four solo.
? Smith was 8-of-29 for 109 yards and two touchdowns for Butler.
? Calvi had five receptions for 37 yards and two touchdowns for Butler.
They said it
“This team amazes me. I think this is one of the best wins we’ve ever had here. Straight up. Butler is a very good football team that’s very-well coached. I thought we were dominant throughout the game.” – Gogerty.