RUTHERFORD, NJ – Rutherford defeated Lyndhurst 35-14 on Saturday, propelled by a versatile performance from quarterback Chris Gioia, to remain unbeaten in the NJIC conference.
Gioia had an all-around impressive game, accumulating 150 passing yards and 133 rushing yards. Ryan Ward was the primary receiver for Rutherford, hauling in passes for a total of 117 yards. On the defensive side, Luke Cerulli stood out with 13 tackles and one sack, while Jack Daly contributed with an interception.
For Lyndhurst, quarterback Shawn Bellenger led the passing game with 119 yards and also had 64 rushing yards. The leading receiver was Anthony Pizzuti, who caught passes for 73 yards.
Rutherford set the pace with a 16-yard run by Cole Goumas in the first quarter. The team continued to dominate with a 66-yard pass from Gioia to Ward in the second quarter. Lyndhurst showed signs of life when Jarvis Matthew caught a 17-yard pass from Bellenger, but Rutherford pulled away in the third quarter with two runs by Gioia and a 60-yard pass from Ward to Drew Carney.
Lyndhurst found the end zone again in the fourth quarter with a 24-yard run by Viktor Kanjuk, but it was too late to alter the outcome.