Dan DiPrenda and the Cedar Grove running game stole the show in the rivalry showdown between the Panthers and Verona. DiPrenda ran for 198 yards and three touchdowns to lead Cedar Grove to a 28-14 football triumph.

Cedar Grove gained revenge for a pair of losses to its neighboring rival last season, including the sectional final. The Panthers piled up 304 rushing yards in total as they controlled the line of scrimmage, especially in the second half.

Joe Rufo had 42 rushing yards and a touchdown for Cedar Grove, while Ryan Turi ran for 55 yards.

Defensively, the Panthers came up with a trio of crucial fourth-down stops in its own territory. DiPrenda stuffed the ball-carrier on one occasion, while Mike Pronesti had a big sack on another fourth-down play.

Mike Stanisci scored both Verona touchdowns as he had three receptions for 69 yards total. Zack Zaccone threw for 109 yards and one score as he went 10-for-16 through the air.

The other score for the Hillbillies came on a gadget play as C.J. Lavery tossed a pass to Stanisci after taking a handoff.