NJIC Championship Game Preview: Rutherford at Park Ridge

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Friday, October 20 at 7pm the 7-0 Rutherford Bulldogs will be traveling into Park Ridge to take on the 6-1 Owls. The winner of this game will claim the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference's championship title. Below are a few players that will make-or-break this game for their respective teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rutherford Bulldogs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["704406"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"On offense Bulldogs are led by [player_tooltip player_id='1002365' first='Chris' last='Gioia']. A tri-sport athlete, Gioia is an impact player on both sides of the pigskin. Their quarterback, Gioia has thrown 9 touchdowns to u003cemu003ezero u003c/emu003einterceptions this season. As a passer he is 41/65 for 661 yards. A dual-threat, he ahs rushed 40 times for 521 yards and 6 scores. Adding to his versatility, Gioia is also a staunch defender as he has made 31 tackles with 3 tackles for loss and 1 fumble recovery.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653162e0c3a1c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1052534"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Flanking Gioia in the backfield is [player_tooltip player_id='1052534' first='Cole' last='Goumas']. Goumas is the Bulldogs' second leading rusher with 426 yards and 7 touchdowns on 42 attempts. Goumas has scored in all but two games this year, including his last three contests. Also a threat through the air Goumas has slashed 15/186/2 as a target and has returned both a punt and a kickoff for a house call. A contributor defensively, Goumas has made 30 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and a sack on the campaign.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653162e0c3aa9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1022216"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1022216' first='Chris' last='Lora'] is a linebacker who will not be denied. His wrestling skills allow him to wrangle up ball carriers, while his experience playing lacrosse allows him to move quickly and swiftly. Lora has had an extremely active season - especially when making tackles for loss. Lora has made 19 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks thus far. Additionally, he has made 75 tackles to go with 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. Lora is also a key component along the offensive line.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653162e0c3b17"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1052537"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another lineman-linebacker-type for Rutherford is [player_tooltip player_id='1052537' first='Luke' last='Cerulli']. Not far off of Lora's team lead in tackles, Cerulli has made 69 tackles thus far. Further, Cerulli has made 15 tackles for loss and 1 sack on the season. Where he has a leg up on Lora is in the turnover department, where Cerulli has intercepted a pass.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653162e0c3b62"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1052538"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Linebackers are made to look good at times due to the play of outstanding defensive lineman. [player_tooltip player_id='1052538' first='Ryan' last='Ward'] is one of them. Ward is an athletic and versatile prospect who impacts both sides of the ball. On defense - where he happens to shine - Ward has made 49 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and one pick-six. An impressive total across the board for a defensive lineman. On offense is where that versatility comes to light, as Ward has registered a total of 11 touchdowns - 1 passing, 4 rushing, and 6 receiving.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653162e0c3bac"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1052511"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another lineman who plays big for the Bulldogs is [player_tooltip player_id='1052511' first='David' last='Rojas']. The stout offensive lineman, Rojas' impact can be measured on defensive. Rojas has made 38 stops on defense, including 1 sack, 7 tackles for loss, and forced 1 fumble.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653162e0c3bf0"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Park Ridge Owls</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1052513"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The Owls' ground game is set by the play of [player_tooltip player_id='1052513' first='Luke' last='Macfie']. Macfie has scored in 6 of his 7 games this year for a total of 7 touchdowns and 748 yards on 79 carries. More than a viable target, Macfie has hauled in 15 passes for 196 yards and 2 scores. Macfie affects the other two phases of the game as well, as he has scored on one, two-point conversion and made 38 tackles and intercepted 1 on defense.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653162e0c3c37"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["220047"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The senior gunslinger for Park Ridge, [player_tooltip player_id='220047' first='Cole' last='Hughes'], can get it done through the air and on the ground. When asked to drop back and pass, Hughes has gone 27/52 for 578 yards with 5 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Always a threat to run, Hughes has gone for 948 yards and 14 scores on 106 attempts. Impressively, he has scored in every game of the year, rushed for just under 250 yards in his last game, rushed for over 100 yards in his last two games, and scoured 4 times in the last contest. Seemingly a sub on defense, Hughes has 20 tackles, 2 sacks, and one interception returned for a touchdown.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653162e0c3c83"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["309262"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One of the largest players in this matchup, [player_tooltip player_id='309262' first='Deron' last='McLaughlin'] is someone who can manhandle a matchup one-on-one on offense and demands double-team attention when on defense. On defense McLaughlin is credited with 39 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, and one pick-six.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653162e0c3cc8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1052533"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A reliable target in the passing game and an equally disruptive one for opposing teams, [player_tooltip player_id='1052533' first='Jacob' last='Shannon'] headlines the skills for the Park Ridge Owls. Defensively Shannon flocks to the ball as he has made 29 tackles on the season. Big play-wise, Shannon has made 2 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and 2 sacks. When targeted on offense Shannon has slashed 8/146/1 as a wideout.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653162e0c3d0d"} /-->