Paramus scored two touchdowns in the third quarter and held off a late River Dell rally to beat River Dell, 20-13 in a battle of next-door neighbors.
Paramus opened the game with a seven minute drive, but their field goal attempt was wide right, keeping them off the board. River Dell got to work quickly, scoring on a 4-yard run by Dave Fletcher. The score was set up by a 45-yard pass from Mike Sirico to Holden Brodersen to the 5-yard line.
Paramus came right back on the ensuing drive and scored on a 5-yard pass from Trevor Bopp to Kyle Jacob on the second play of the second quarter to make it 7-7.
Paramus took the lead in the third quarter when Bopp scored from five yards out, running through the defender at the goal line. The drive was set up by a Matt Ivanicki interception. On the following drive, Steven Prado intercepted, giving Paramus the ball on their 32. With runs by Jacob and Bopp, plus two penalties, the Spartans added to their lead when Bopp pushed the pile for a 1-yard score.
River Dell scored with just under four minutes remaining when Sirico ran 15 yards for the touchdown. The Hawks had their last chance with 1:24 left on their 39. They converted a fourth-and-10 with 51 seconds left when Sirico went 13 yards to the 25. But Matthew Amato hit Sirico, who was attempting to pass, forcing a fumble recovered by Josh Ferro to seal the win for Paramus.
Paramus made the most of their opportunities, especially in the third quarter. The combination of Jacobs and Bopp enabled the Spartans to move in front and Amato came through with the forced turnover when they needed it most.