5 stars of the game: West Morris trounces Cranford en route to North, Group 3 glory

Vinnie Desiderio (5) of West Morris celebrates with Trevor Hillier (8) after Desiderio intercepted a Cranford pass and returned it for a pick-6 touchdown during the third quarter on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

Nick Muha (79) of West Morris celebrates with fans in the stands after the Wolfpack beat Cranford in the NJSIAA North, Group 3 regional on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

The West Morris defense, led by JJ Lawrence (22) Ryan Brady (24) hit Colin Murray (13) of Cranford behind the line for a loss during the third quarter on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

Will Groeling (75) and Bailey Dowson (81) of West Morris lead the celebration with the trophy after winning the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

West Morris head coach Kevin Hennelly holds the trophy as he and his team pose for a photo after beating Cranford in the NJSIAA North, Group 3 regional on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

West Morris head coach Kevin Hennelly hugs Trevor Hillier (8) during a timeout in the final minute of play with the Wolfpack holding a commanding lead during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Ryan Brady (24) of West Morris scores a go-ahead touchdown in the second quarter during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

West Morris head coach Kevin Hennelly hugs wife Maryann Scotti Hennelly as the team sings the alma mater after winning the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Jake Carter (18) of Cranford fumbles the kickoff to open the third quarter, and the ball was recovered by Zack Byank (6) of West Morris on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

Jake Carter (18) of Cranford fumbles the kickoff to open the third quarter, and the ball was recovered by Zack Byank (6) of West Morris on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

West Morris's Ryan Brady (24), Vinnie Desiderio (5), Noah Turner (28) celebrate a touchdown by Brady in the second quarter during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Shane VanDam (4) of Cranford tries to avoid a tackle from Trevor Hillier (8) of West Morris as Hiller causes a fumble that was recovered by the Wolfpack during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Trevor Hillier (8) of West Morris causes a fumble by Shane VanDam (4) of Cranford that was recovered by the Wolfpack during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Shane VanDam (4) of Cranford breaks a tackle from Ryan Brady (24) of West Morris during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Will Gallagher (23) of Cranford makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown on the final play of the third quarter against West Morris on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

Colin Murray (13) of Cranford carries the ball as he's tackled by Trevor Hillier (8) and Stefano Montella (32) of West Morris during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Noah Turner (28) of West Morris returns a punt during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Stefano Montella (32) of West Morris breaks a tackle from Stephen Kisly (84) of Cranford during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Stefano Montella (32) of West Morris carries the ball as he's tackled by Liam Godwin (11) and Aiden Cancio (47) of Cranford during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Trevor Hillier (8) of West Morris braces for a hit from Liam Godwin (11) of Cranford during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

West Morris head coach Kevin Hennelly looks on in the second quarter during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Stefano Montella (32) of West Morris has room to run during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Noah Turner (28) of West Morris turns the corner on his way to a touchdown past Ryan Lynskey (8) of Cranford during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Stefano Montella (32) of West Morris absorbs a hit from Will Gallagher (23) of Cranford and keeps running for a first down during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Noah Turner (28) of West Morris takes a hit from Liam Godwin (11) and Bryce Medard (24) of Cranford at the goal line for a touchdown during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Stefano Montella (32) and Noah Turner (28) of West Morris celebrate a touchdown run by Montella during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Ryan Brady (24) of West Morris tries to get by Liam Godwin (11) of Cranford during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Stefano Montella (32) of West Morris carries as Lucca Limeira (6) of Cranford defends during the North, Group 3 regional championship football game between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 11/26/21.

Ryan Brady (24) of West Morris carries past Lucca Limeira (6) of Cranford during the North, Group 3 regional championship football game between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 11/26/21.

Trevor Hillier (8) of West Morris hands to Stefano Montella (32) as Collin Leonhardt (77) and Ryan Brady (24) position to open a hole during the North, Group 3 regional championship football game between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 11/26/21.

Stefano Montella (32) of West Morris follows the block of pulling guard Collin Leonhardt (77) during the North, Group 3 regional championship football game between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 11/26/21.

West Morris celebrates after singing the alma mater after winning the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Will Groeling (75) of West Morris holds up the trophy in celebration after the Wolfpack won the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

West Morris head coach Kevin Hennelly and Collin Leonhardt (77) celebrate after winning the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Stefano Montella (32) and Jacob Morris (1) of West Morris celebrate after winning the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Will Groeling (75) and Bailey Dowson (81) of West Morris lead the celebration with the trophy after winning the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Vinnie Desiderio (5) of West Morris celebrates after he intercepted a Cranford pass and returned it for a pick-6 touchdown during the third quarter on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

Will Groeling (75) of West Morris holds up the trophy as the Wolfpack head over to celebrate with fans after they beat beat Cranford in the NJSIAA North, Group 3 regional on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

NJSIAA Executive Director Colleen Maguire (left) shakes hands with West Morris head coach Kevin Hennelly after Hennelly’s team beat Cranford in the NJSIAA North, Group 3 regional on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

Jake Carter (18) of Cranford has a step on Zack Byank (6) of West Morris, but can’t haul in this long pass as the Wolfpack enjoys a big lead in the fourth quarter on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

Will Groeling (75) of West Morris holds up the trophy as the Wolfpack head over to celebrate with fans after they beat beat Cranford in the NJSIAA North, Group 3 regional on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

West Morris head coach Kevin Hennelly holds the trophy as he and his team pose for a photo after beating Cranford in the NJSIAA North, Group 3 regional on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

West Morris head coach Kevin Hennelly gets a hug as time expires and the Wolfpack defeat Cranford in the NJSIAA North, Group 3 regional on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

The Cranford bench during the fourth quarter against West Morris on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

West Morris head coach Kevin Hennelly holds the trophy as he and his team pose for a photo after beating Cranford in the NJSIAA North, Group 3 regional on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

Jake Carter (18) of Cranford fumbles the kickoff to open the third quarter, and the ball was recovered by Zack Byank (6) of West Morris on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

Ryan Brady (24) of West Morris carries the ball during the third quarter against Cranford on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

Vinnie Desiderio (5) of West Morris intercepts a Cranford pass and returns it for a pick-6 touchdown during the third quarter on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

Vinnie Desiderio (5) of West Morris intercepts a Cranford pass and returns it for a pick-6 touchdown during the third quarter on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 at MetLife Stadium. West Morris won, 53-14.

Colin Murray (13) of Cranford looks for running room against Stefano Montella (32) of West Morris during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Colin Murray (13) of Cranford looks for running room against Stefano Montella (32) of West Morris during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Shane VanDam (4) of Cranford throws a pass against John Rolli (7) of West Morris during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Noah Turner (28) of West Morris tries to score against Liam Godwin (11) of Cranford during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Colin Murray (13) of Cranford looks for running room against Stefano Montella (32) of West Morris during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Collin Leonhardt (77) and Noah Turner (28) of West Morris celebrate a touchdown by Turner during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Shane VanDam (4) of Cranford throws a pass during the NJSIAA North Group 3 Footbal Final between Cranford and West Morris at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherfor, NJ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

By

West Morris did whatever it wanted on the MetLife Stadium turf in taking down previously unbeaten Cranford, No. 11 in the NJ.com Top 20, in a 53-14 win in the NJSIAA/Rothman Orthopaedics North, Group 3 regional championship Friday evening.

Below are the 5 stars of the North, Group 3 contest.

1-Stefano Montella, West Morris: The workhorse tailback put together another masterful performance on the biggest of stages. The junior rushed 17 times to the tune of 145 yards and a 1-yard scoring plunge, helping out in the passing game as well for West Morris’ first score when he took a middle screen to the house for 53 yards in the first quarter.

2-Collin Leonhardt, West Morris: Leonhardt and his ‘hogs’ in the trenches had their way with Cranford as the offensive line helped spur over 400 yards of offense while holding a Cranford team averaging 40 points per game to just 14 points and 182 total yards.

3-Shane VanDam, Cranford: The Cranford QB helped score both of the Cougars’ touchdowns, first on a 3-yard run in the first quarter then finding Will Gallagher for a 37-yard throwing TD in the third quarter.

4-Trevor Hillier, West Morris: The signal caller for West Morris did a bit of everything to lift West Morris to a dominant effort. As the quarterback, Hillier completed 11 of his 15 passing attempts for 165 yards and 3 touchdowns, the 4th time the senior has thrown for a trio of scores in a game this year.

5-Ryan Brady, West Morris: Whether it was flying to the ball on defense or breaking off a big reception, Brady did it all. Offensively Brady hauled in 3 catches for 74 yards and a 38-yard touchdown. He was also a menace defensively with a pair of sacks and a fumble recovery.

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