Adewusi, Pero provide Patriots with easy win

EDISON – It was the Tenny Adewusi and Sam Pero show as the two senior captains guided the Colonia High School football team to a 35-14 victory on the road over host Bishop Ahr on Friday night.

The relationship between the Adewusi and Pero is apparent when watching them work on the field.

"As a coach it's unbelievable," Colonia Head Coach Tom Roarty said about the relationship between Adewusi and Pero. "Those two guys, they don't talk much, but they just know what the other guy is doing. Coming into this season they are both captains, and they both act like leaders. If one guy doesn't have it going, the other guy picks it up.

"We are so close," senior running back Sam Pero explained. I know what he is thinking and I know when he is giving it off. We are both great runners."

Adewusi began the scoring during the first drive for the Patriots. He took the snap and quickly jetted into the end zone for a 10-yard score to give Colonia the early 7-0 lead. Colonia did not look back from there.

"To set the tone right away and get the other team playing from behind is big," Roarty said.

During the second drive Adewusi worked his magic yet again, but this time through the air. He connected with Pharoah Napoleon late in the first quarter.

Adewusi would not be denied during the first half. With the help of strong blocking, he darted untouched for a 20-yard Colonia touchdown. They converted on the two –point conversion to give the Patriots a 21-0 lead heading into halftime.

Bishop Ahr were down, but not out. After several miscues from the Patriots, including a punt return that was fumbled, the Trojans received the ball deep in Colonia's side of the field.

Thomas Galante, who replaced an injured David Holder, connected with senior James Robinson for a 35-yard score, which helped Bishop Ahr break-up the shut out and find new born hope.

That was until Pero helped deliver the final blow. Pero received a large number of the carries throughout the night, but his biggest was arguable his 10-yard touchdown run towards the end of the third quarter. That stretched out the lead to 28-7 in favor of the Patriots.

"We have to establish our credibility (run game)," senior running back Sam Pero said. Obviously we have a great passing game, so we have to get it going on the ground. Me and Tenny (Adewusi) rushed well tonight."

Adewusi jumped back into the scoring when he found senior Pharoah Napoleon through the air to extend the lead to 35-7.

Bishop Ahr showed one last glimpse of life when Howard received the hand off and beat the Colonia defense for a 72-yard score. That touchdown was his second of the game, but most importantly, it pulled the Trojans within two scores.

Junior cornerback Tyler Santos delivered the knockout blow late in the fourth quarter when he intercepted Galante's pass. Colonia ran out the clock and held onto the victory.

Even with numerous penalties and turnovers Colonia was able to hold on for the week one victory.

Pero had a monster night on the ground carrying the ball 26 times for 195 yards. Adewusi found success through the air and with his feet. He was 7-14 for 113 yards and two scores. He also rushed the ball 14 times for 90 yards and two touchdowns.

Galante finished the game 4-14 through the air for 68 yards and a touchdown. Robinson did most of the work for the offense with two receptions for 55 yards and a 72-yard touchdown.

Colonia was able to pick up the important road victory and now their eyes on winning the division and moving on through the state playoffs. With the help of two special players on offense, the Patriots are looking at a promising season.

COLONIA (1-0) …14 7 7 17 — 35

BISHOP AHR (0-1) …0 0 7 7 — 14

SCORING SUMMARY

C – Adewusi 10 run (Malaga kick).

C – Napoleon 6 catch (Kick failed).

C – Adewusi 20 run (Santos run).

BA – Robinson 35 catch (Brazicki kick).

C - Pero 10 run (Malaga kick).

C- Napoleon 37 catch (Malaga kick).

BA- Robinson 72 run (Brazicki kick).

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Rushing - C: Pero 26-195, Adewusi 14-90, Lauderdale 5-12, Layton 1--3; BA: Howard 1-72, Brazicki 9-10, Galante 6-2, Holder 5-4, Lupton 1-0.

Passing - C: Adewusi 7-14-2-113; BA: Galante 4-14-1-68, Holder 3-4-0-17.

Receiving - C: Napoleon 4-60, Santos 3-27, Barney 2-10, Pero 1-(-1) ; HP: Robinson 2-55, Lancia 1-18, Lupton 2-9, Abd 1-5, Brazicki 1-(-7).