It would be an understatement to describe Elmwood Park’s rushing attack as impressive when it faced Guerin Saturday afternoon.
The Tigers pounded out seven rushing scores, while adding a defensive touchdown as they rolled to a 55-9 road victory in River Grove.
Five rushers found the end zone for Elmwood Park, including Rocco Fanella, who tied the game at 6-6 in the first quarter on a nine-yard scoring run. Fanella led all runners with 168 yards on eight carries, all before the half.
Elmwood Park (1-1) rolled up over 400 yards on the ground, scoring five times in the second half to blow open a contest that was as close as 14-9 with just over two minutes left before halftime.
David Benavidez had back-to-back touchdowns for the Tigers, scoring with just seconds left in the second quarter on a three-yard run, and adding a 15-yard touchdown run on Elmwood Park’s opening drive of the second half. The senior finished with 71 yards on five carries.
James Gonzalez collected 91 yards on four carries, scoring on six- and nine-yard runs.
“One of our best features is having multiple running backs,” Elmwood Park coach Luis Arroyo said. “We have probably four quality running backs that can start at any time. It gets difficult at times, because they can all do it.
“So what we need to do is make sure, as coaches, is to stay with our program so that those kids all get touches.”
James Angelico added a six-yard TD midway through the third quarter for the Tigers, while Geno Cadetto scored the game’s final TD on a six-yard run in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter.
Guerin (1-1) was able to take the lead toward the end of the opening quarter, when Kevin Kross scooped up a fumble and returned it 18 yards for a score to give the Gators a 6-0 margin. Kross grabbed nine passes for 87 yards.
The Tigers scored a defensive touchdown when Mitch Cervante forced a fumble on a Guerin kickoff return and returned it 15 yards to the end zone.
