It’s a connection that has germinated from their days as grade school-age, young gridders on the rise, and has since blossomed into forming perhaps the best pass-catch tandem in the state this fall.
Cedar Grove quarterback Stephen Paradiso and wide receive Jackson Morrice continue to put up historic-like numbers together to help spark the high-powered Panthers offense which has been a major reason why the Essex County small-school power is 12-0, the North 2, Group 1 state sectional champions, and now in position to shoot for an overall Group 1 state title.
Cedar Grove hosts another undefeated team with a potent offense in North 1 champion Butler (11-0) in a Group 1 state semifinal 7 p.m. Friday in Panther country.
Paradiso, a 3-year starter at QB, has completed 198 of 308 pass attempts for 3,120 yards and 36 touchdowns while throwing 7 interceptions. Morrice, his favorite target, has 80 receptions for 1,600 yards and 19 TDs.
“We have been together for so long that I just know almost exactly where Jackson is going to be on every play,” said the Panthers’ veteran signal caller. “It’s been fun hooking up with all the talented guys we have out there, and we’re hoping to keep this going for another two games.”
There are indeed also other very capable receivers Paradiso can turn to as well in any situation, including underrated senior standout WR Nick Russo (65 receptions for 708 yards and 10 TDs), junior WR Xavier Andujar (19-311-3) and senior running back Anthony Tronio (16-208-3).
It all adds up to creating one of the top aerial attacks in the Garden State, which has help produce a run of 10 straight games where Cedar Grove has scored 35 or more points, including in this past Friday night’s 35-14 victory over New Providence for the N2G1 title.
Paradiso and Morrice each produced another night to remember with the former completing 22 of 32 passes for 341 yards and 3 TDs and the latter establishing a single-game personal best showing of 14 receptions for 261 yards and 2 TDs.
“Stephen and Jackson have been so good this year,” said Cedar Grove coach Rob Gogerty. “They have continued to work hard over the course of their careers to get them to this point, and it has been fun to watch.
“I am impressed with all of our guys and their senior leadership. They have grown and matured over the years and continue to push the standard even higher for our program.
“It has been really fun to be a part of it all!”
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