The Hanover Park football team never stopped scoring points in its season debut against Cedar Grove. So when the Hornets' defense stepped up its game in the second half, it paved the way for an impressive 49-21 triumph.

Donato Casolaro threw two touchdown passes and ran for two scores to lead the way for Hanover Park. Rory DeLuca had 120 yards rushing and scored twice on the ground for the Hornets. DeLuca also had a touchdown reception.

Casolaro notched 204 passing yards and 80 rushing yards on the night. His touchdown with two seconds left in the first half put Hanover Park ahead 28-21.

In the second half, with rain falling, the Hornets focused more on ball control on offense to protect the lead. Meantime, the Hanover Park defense stiffened and shut down the Panthers over the final two quarters.

Jimmy Fortier caught two passes on Hanover Park's opening drive for 57 yards, including the first touchdown of the game. Sean Conley had two key receptions and scored a rushing touchdown.

Fullback Dan DiPrenda scored a pair of touchdowns for Cedar Grove. Sammy Ventola threw a 67-yard scoring strike to Joe Rufo for the Panthers' other touchdown.

Despite the wet conditions for much of the game, neither team turned the ball over in the contest played at Panther Park in Cedar Grove. The game featured two schools located in close proximity, but who rarely played in the past; both are now part of the new North Jersey Super Football Conference (this was a divisional crossover game).

For sports video highlights of this New Jersey and NJSFC high school football game, click play in the box at left.