Moreno (who else?) highlights Week Two
Brilliant Middletown tailback continues assault on record book

Miguel Juarez staff Middletown South’s Knowshon Moreno broke the state record for career touchdowns on Friday, and will continue in his pursuit for the state’s all-time rushing mark when his Eagles visit Colts Neck this weekend.

There was an air of anticipation at The Swamp in Middletown Friday night, as the host Middletown South Eagles took on Red Bank Regional.

But no one was anticipating an upset.

Instead, fans filled the bleachers waiting for the chance to celebrate the first of what could be several record-breaking performances by Eagle tailback Knowshon Moreno this season.

And they didn’t have to wait very long.

When Moreno rumbled his way into the end zone from six yards out with 9:22 left in the second quarter, he became the state’s all-time career leader for touchdowns with 102, breaking the record set by Paulsboro’s Kevin Harvey in 1996.

It was Moreno’s third touchdown of the game (he finished with four), in the latest blowout win for the Eagles — 49-0 over the young, overmatched Bucs.

While Moreno (15 carries, 193 yards) breaking the record was the highlight of the game, it may have been simply the tip of the iceberg, with several other records within his reach.

He also eclipsed the Middletown South record for career rushing yards on Friday, passing the mark of 4,884 set by Stephen Michael Pitts in 1991.

He can now set his sights on two of the most prestigious state records you can have — most career rushing yards and most career points.

While Moreno trails Keyport’s Kenny Cattouse in the rushing category, 6,533 to 4,900, he is quickly closing the gap on Harvey for the points mark. Harvey scored 656 points to Moreno’s 628.

The way Moreno and his Eagle teammates are performing this year, it’s a safe bet to assume both records will fall sooner rather than later.

This week, the Eagles face another young defense in Colts Neck. The Cougars are 1-1, but fell to Wall Township, 21-0, this past weekend.

Game time is 1 p.m. in Colts Neck.

— Doug McKenzie