“Butler is a very well coached and talented team,” said Gogerty. “There are no easy games at this point in the year and we have to be playing our very best.

“Our main focus is to put a nice plan together, have our usual preparation during a good week of practice, and then execute to the best of our abilities this Friday night.”

Cedar Grove’s ability to respond to any type of game they encounter is another strongpoint of this group.

The Panthers had trailed Caldwell, 21-0 and 28-14 in a regular season game only to respond by outscoring the Chiefs 45-7 after that early 3-TD deficit to win going away.

“Caldwell came out with something we didn’t expect and were definitely effective in the early going before we adjusted and responded in a big way,” said Paradiso. “That is a credit to our players and our coaches who do such a great job both preparing us each week and adjusting to any in-game situation.”

Against New Providence, after opening up an early 14-0 lead, Cedar Grove saw the Pioneers score two quick TDs, including one after an interception of a Paradiso pass, to tie the contest, 14-14, at the half.

The Panthers came out in the third quarter with a no-huddle offense and took over the contest.

Paradiso to Morrice 9-yard TD toss for a 21-14 lead with five minutes into the second half was followed by an Andujar interception which was followed up by another Cedar Grove score as Morrice took direct snap on fourth down and went 15 yards to pay dirt for a 28-14 lead with 2:17 left in the third quarter.

A 49-yard Paradiso to Morrice completion preceded a 1-yard TD run by Tronio for a 35-14 lead just 3:11 into the fourth quarter and it was game, set, match.

Whether it’s going no-huddle, or lining up Morrice to be a threat out of the backfield, it all seems to come together at the right time for the Cedar Grove offense.

“That was a great call by ‘Gogs’ and he’s never afraid to take a chance and call a play in the moment he feels will work,” said Paradiso. “It’s our job to execute that play and so far that’s been a good formula for us all season long.”

“I think it shows the maturity of our players and how they respond to each situation,” added Gogerty. “They have been in these types of games before and they know how to settle each other down and do not try and do too much to make a big play.

“We need to continue to take care of the ball and play like we have all year long, that has been the mind set so far.”

This Week’s Sideline Chatter Essex County Top 10:
1-Cedar Grove (12-0)
2-East Orange Campus (9-2)
3-Shabazz (9-2)
4-West Orange (9-3)
5-West Essex (8-3)
6-Caldwell (4-5)
7-Montclair (4-6)
8-Seton Hall Prep (2-8)
9-Irvington (4-4)
10-Verona (7-4)

This weekend’s games involving Essex teams. Pick to win in boldface:
NJSIAA group semifinals, Friday, Nov. 19:
Group 1:
Butler at Cedar Grove, 7

Group 2:
Shabazz at Hanover Park, 7

Group 5:
East Orange at Union City, 7

Record on picks last week: 3-2; for the season, 151-36 (81%)

Follow Steve Tober on 'X' @Chattermeister