Piotr Partyla rushed for 316 yards and five touchdowns to lead Lyndhurst to a 34 12 win over Park Ridge to win the NJIC championship on their home field.
First Quarter: Park Ridge began the game with a three-and-out and Lyndhurst had the ball on their own 40. One play later, Lyndhurst had the lead, as Partyla went the distance for a touchdown. Park Ridge moved the ball past midfield, facing fourth-and-9 when Vincent Pinto found Justin Wagner for 23 yards to the 9 for a first-and-goal, leading to a 4-yard touchdown run by Pinto. Lyndhurst went 70 yards on nine plays, all carried by Partyla, who scored from seven yards out on the second quarter’s opening play.
Second Quarter: Pinto found Brendan Hughes for 32 yards to the Lyndhurst 45 and the two connected again for 22 yards to the 3-yard line. Pinto scored on the following play to make it 14-12. Lyndhurst extended their lead on a 7-yard touchdown run by Partyla with his teammates sealing the left side to give him plenty of room around the left side. The score was set up by a flea flicker from receiver Michael Renta to John Rodgriguez for 39 yards to the 1.
Third Quarter: Park Ridge threatened when Lyndhurst had two roughing the punter calls against them, but Daizae Tucker intercepted to end the threat and returned it to the Lyndhurst 44. Nine plays later, Partyla scored from four yards out to make it 27-12. Partyla carried on all but one play.
Fourth Quarter: Partyla intercepted to end a Park Ridge drive early in the quarter and added a 14-yard touchdown late in the game to close out the scoring.
Box Score:
Park Ridge – 6-6-0-0-12
Lyndhurst – 7-14-6-7-34
L – Partyla, 60-yard run (kick good)
PR – Pinto, 4-yard run (kick failed)
L – Partyla, 7-yard run (kick good)
PR – Pinto, 3-yard run (pass failed)
L – Partyla, 7-yard run (kick good)
L – Partyla, 4-yard run (kick failed)
L – Partyla, 14-yard run (kick good)
Summary:
Partyla was too much for Park Ridge and added another chapter to his legacy. When he sees the end zone, there is no denying him and he spent much of the evening running out of the wildcat. He also added an interception and a sack on defense. He is one of the players I have been high on and his career will come to a close in a few weeks. There is no doubt he is an outstanding high school football player.