New Milford
Tyler Picinic’s blocked extra point proved to be a pivotal play in New Milford’s one-point victory over Hoboken in Friday’s opening round of the NJSIAA playoffs.
The Knights rallied for a 15-14 victory in North 2, Group 1 and the second-quarter block by Picinic, a 6-foot-4 senior bound for Princeton, came with them trailing, 14-8.
“That was a huge swing – it was like they never scored,” coach Bill Wilde said of the block. “We always tell them, ‘If you block it, it feels like they never scored.’”
New Milford (7-2) tied the score in the third quarter on a touchdown pass from senior Jais Juarbe to junior Donald Coaxum, and won it on the extra point by senior Joe Goldschmidt.
Cresskill
Cresskill’s 56-27 victory Friday over New Providence in North 1, Group 1 represented its biggest scoring output of the decade.
Senior Aidan Feulner was 14-for-17 for 278 yards and two TD and rushed seven times for 39 yards and three scores for Cresskill (7-2). Senior Tim Coffey carried 12 times for 105 yards and two TD also caught a scoring pass for the Cougars, No. 16 in the North Jersey Public Top 20.
Defense and special teams contributed, with junior Kyle Henderon returning an interception 60 yards for a TD and junior Mike Spina converting all eight of his extra points.
Garfield
Garfield’s defense was outstanding in Friday’s 18-7 win over Rahway in a North 1, Group 3 opener and did not allow a score – the TD came on a fourth-quarter kickoff return.
Garfield (7-2) had three interceptions and three sacks. The pickoffs came from seniors Nakie Graham, Max Drakeford and Kacper Szuberski. Seniors Elias Chery and Charles Davis had solo sacks.
Meanwhile, senior Josue Matias carried 34 times for 100 yards and his two TD provided a 12-0 lead. Senior Jay Hawes was 14-for-23 for 203 yards and his 17-yard score to Chery in the fourth provided that 18-7 lead.
Lyndhurst
Senior RB Piotr Partyla had a career-best performance for top-seeded Lyndhurst (9-0) in Friday’s 47-0 victory over Pascack Hills in North 1, Group 2. Partyla rushed 18 times for 368 yards and six TD.
The Golden Bears registered their second shutout of the season behind 10 tackles and a fumble recovery by senior LB Ishmail Ay.
Hasbrouck Heights
Senior QB Spencer Lee was almost perfect yet again during top-seeded Hasbrouck Heights’ 42-8 win over Bound Brook in North 2, Group 1.
Lee, who last year piloted the Aviators to the North Group 1 Bowl title, completed 12 of 13 passes for 95 yards, including three passes for 77 yards to sophomore Jake Diaz. Lee also rushed six times for 29 yards and a score.
Hasbrouck Heights (8-1) also played stellar defense en route to its eighth consecutive win, with senior Matteo Ochoa making 11 tackles and forcing a fumble.
Story by -Greg Mattura, high school sports reporter for NorthJersey.com. Email: mattura@northjersey.com Twitter: @gregmattura
